Top players put on poker faces

SOME of the world’s best poker players as well as a host of hopeful amateurs gathered at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin for the start of the Paddy Power Irish Open.

As well as the top professionals including three former world champions, Noel Furlong, Dan Harrington and Jamie Gold, the tournament has attracted a host of well-known faces.

Irish international Tony Cascarino, a regular at top poker events around the world, is joined by fellow former soccer player Teddy Sherringham, Leinster rugby prop Reggie Corrigan and former snooker world champion Ken Doherty.

Also taking part is former Eastenders actor and well respected poker player Michael Greco.

Last year the competition was won by Christer Johansson who defeated television presenter Kara Scott in the final round of the competition.

Both are back this year to compete for a share of the prize fund of €2.5m.

A live stream of the poker matches is available on paddypowerpoker.com until its conclusion on April 5.

Action will also be shown on RTÉ and Sky Sports.

The Irish Open is Europe’s longest-running annual poker tournament and the world’s second longest running after the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. It was established in 1981 by bookmaker Terry Rogers.

The buy-in for the event this year is €3,500.