World Series of Poker Europe comes to an end

World Series of Poker Europe comes to an end

Friday, 2 October 2009

We’ve had a home winner (take a bow JP Kelly), a European victory in the Caesars Cup, a classic old school new school battle between Howard Lederer and Jani Vilmunen in the PLO event, the biggest ever televised pot in a TV game, Phil Ivey’s helicopter and Phil Hellmuth making a fool of himself (this time as Caesar) - and of course one of the greatest final tables ever.

As finishes go this one was up there with Chris Ferguson’s win over TJ Cloutier in the 2000 Main Event. How cruel it was for Daniel Negreanu who’d already seen one chance at the title evaporate after Barry Shulman hit a flush to crack his aces.


When he needed some luck against aces the Canadian was given a tantalising glimpse of what might have. An incredible Jack appeared, giving him the lead only to see a miracle ace on the river scupper his chances once more. Shulman’s pocket tens sealed the deal a hand later and like a puff of smoke Negreanu’s hopes were gone in an instant.


The Canadian didn’t have anything quite as succinct to offer as Cloutier’s “That’s poker” after seeing the title snatched away but as you’d expect from such a stand up guy he took his lumps with dignity and class.


So well done Barry Shulman (even though he is the opposition - Cardplayer) a deserved winner and a fantastic finish to what has been an amazing week.


We can’t wait until next year.



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