This weekend in sunny Blackpool, John Exley overcame a huge heads-up chip disadvantage to become The Blackpool Bonanza Champion for 2006.Although Exley finally took the title after winning an A-K versus J-4 contest, it was his victim, R Mulla (pictured right), who took most of the spoils, eventually leaving with a tasty £34,500.
With six settling on a deal, the players agreed to leave 20k in the pot for the final three, but, with Exley, Mullar, and third place finisher Mick McCloskey remaining, a deal was struck once again, with Exley being offered £4,500 to go with his initial £22,000.
The other three with fingers in the pie were, in order of how they exited, Iwan Jones (left), Paul Johnstone, and Martyn Cavanagh, the former holding the chip lead moving into the final table.With his only other cash finish of note being a 9th place finish in the £150 No Limit Hold ‘Em Event at the Sheffield Autumn Festival, this is clearly a huge win for Exley. And although he didn’t walk away with the biggest cheque, he will be the defending champion come this time next year, and that has to be greatly satisfying.
Overall, this was a tremendous event expertly organised by Cardroom Manager Yogi-Bear (right) and the rest of his team. Starting stacks, clocks, and so on were all up to the usual Grosvenor standard, but what definitely could be viewed as a highlight was the slightly flatter structure. A clear sign that the people of Grosvenor are all ears and fully prepared to experiment until they get it just right. This willingness alone should merit high praise indeed.Watch out for a full tournament report, soon to hit our blonde shores…