So, you thought it was safe to come from behind the sofa? Well, think again, because the nefarious Ali Mallu is back, and he’s badder than ever. Yes, after a yearlong ban from all Grosvenor and G Casinos, Ali Mallu has served his time and been released back into the wild, ready to raise and re-raise his way to victory, much like he did at this month’s Luton Christmas Cracker.Now a mere appendix to the highly successful GUKPT, the Christmas Cracker, like many of the other non-GUKPT events, has become almost a side-thought, with the marketing budget and company focus being centred on the main Tour. As a result, it was of no surprise when a mere 49 runners turned up at the brand spanking new G Casino in Luton for the £750 Main Event.
With the DTD empire recently erected in Nottingham, comparisons to the G Casino were to be inevitable, with many criticising Luton’s lack of atmosphere, valet service and cardroom attention. However, although one must confess that the service is undoubtedly questionable, Alistair, Carmel and their team did everything within their powers to make this an enjoyable experience and the atmosphere, on Saturday night at least, was buzzing with the Ricky Hatton fight seeing a long one-in-one-out queue wait patiently at the door whilst a raucous crowd infested the bar and casino areas with their incessant cheering and chanting.
Meanwhile, back at the tables, the 49 starters were quickly being whittled down to a final table of 9 players, just seven of whom would be treated to a payday:
Seat 1: Dev Shearer
Seat 2: Danny D'Borin
Seat 3: Daniel Rudd
Seat 4: Derek Lawless
Seat 5: Dervis Ozkarapinar
Seat 6: Graham Hiew
Seat 7: Arco Zuyderduyn
Seat 8: Ali Mallu
Seat 9: Ryan Fronda
With the atmosphere tense after Dev Shearer’s plea for a saver was turned down by overnight chip leader Arco Zuyderduyn, it wouldn’t take long for fireworks to spark as Danny D’Borin clashed inexplicably with blondeite Daniel Rudd in the small blind. A raise, re-raise, all-in and call later and it was on their backs with Rudd’s Pocket Queens comfortably surviving against D’Borin’s pair of Ducks.However, with D’Borin gone in 9th, his assassin wouldn’t be far behind, Rudd snapping up that unwanted bubble spot when his set of Jacks on a K-x-J-x board was outflushed by Arco’s K-Qo, a cruel fourth heart hitting the River.
With local boys Graham Hiew (Q-Q vs. 7-7) and Dervis Ozkarapinar (K-K vs. 9-7) being followed by Midlander Dev Shearer (9-9 vs. A-Q), we were down to our final four with any one of Arco or Mallu looking favourite to win it.
However, after constant shortstacker Ryan Fronda finally fell at the hands of Arco to fall in 4th, a mammoth pot between Arco and Mallu appeared from out of the blue to eliminate the Dutchman and give Mallu a heads up lead against Derek Lawless.
Quietly working his way through the field, Lawless had barely put a foot wrong, and never seemed to be in any real danger. In the latter stages he was always comfortably stacked, and remained patient throughout. However, with just two remaining, he was up against the legend that is Ali Mallu, and with a 265k to 225k chip disadvantage, he quickly agreed to a more than reasonable deal. Elated at the result, Mallu took home £10,500 leaving £9,750 to Lawless who, after three random, yet inevitable all-ins, became the official Luton Christmas Champion to take home the silverware and the title that he so richly deserved.
However, the final word went to the returning Mr Mallu who reminded us of how dangerous he can be:
“I am me,
Who are you?
This is Mr Mallu,
The boy’s back in the town.”
1st Derek Lawless -- £9,750
2nd Ali Mallu -- £10,500
3rd Arco Zuyderduyn -- £5,510
4th Ryan Fronda -- £4,410
5th Dev Shearer -- £3,310
6th Dervis Ozkarapinar -- £2,200
7th Graham Hiew -- £1,100