blonde poker

 
667 poker players descended upon Citywest Hotel for the start of the tournament which features a guaranteed prizepool of €3 Million. Play will continue until Easter Monday when a new champion will be presented with the first prize cheque of €800,000. The event will be televised on RTE TWO from midnight on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.

“The Irish Open is absolutely buzzing today,” says Paddy Power, Communications Manager for the poker site. “We have hundreds of players, live music and full schedule of side events. Citywest Hotel is the only place to play poker this weekend!”

Many of the world’s top professionals are in action, as well as many amateur players who qualified online on paddypowerpoker.com. Foremost amongst the professionals is legendary Texan, Doyle Brunson, widely considered to be the best player to have ever played the game.

Brunson played on Day 1A yesterday and is amongst the chip leaders, finishing the day in 10th place. Popular Irish professionals Padraig Parkinson and Ciaran O’Leary (right) both finished strongly and are well placed in the middle of the field. Last year’s 3rd place finisher, online superstar Sorel Mizzi from Canada, finished the day in 8th place.

Reigning champion Marty Smyth began the defence of his title today in a field which includes soccer players Tony Cascarino and Teddy Sheringham. All remaining players from Day 1A and Day 1B will return for Day 2 on Saturday and play will continue until one player has amassed all the chips on Monday evening.

Betting is available on the Irish Open on paddypower.com over the course of the weekend including betting in running on the final table on Monday.