This weekend, only 37 players turned up for Southampton's South Of England Championships Main Event.... and even one of them decided to take a refund on their entry fee.
So, with just 36 players seated, this truly was a bizarre and new experience for your updaters. On the one hand, I was smugly relieved that we were looking at an early night, but, simultaneously slightly disappointed that so few had made the trip.
True, with the Western, Sheffield, and Barcelona events running parallel, there is somewhat of an excuse that could be pulled out of the bag if need be, but, from my view, it's a slightly flimsy one. First off, few Barcelona competitors who are battling heads-up would have entered this comp. 
Perhaps reigning champion Joe Grech (left) would have made the journey south, but he would have been one of the few. Secondly, the Sheffield Main Event finished today, so the players who were eliminated on Saturday could easily have shown their face if they so wished. Admittedly though, this would result in a costly affair.
However, the fact remains that only 36 players played a Grosvenor Main Event, which, in itself, is a slight concern. Taking into account the lowly number that turned up for Sheffield, is this something we should expect in future weeks, or was this just a one off?
The comp was marketed as well as usual, there were plenty of live and online satellites, and the $1,000 is much more accessible than the sometimes $1,500 entry fee. The Southampton cardroom manager was therefore as perplexed as anyone.
But, having said that, there was still a job to do, and the Southampton team weren't about to weaken their quality of service due to the smaller number. Friendly faces, efficient supervising, upbeat atmosphere, tasty free buffet, speedy waitresses... they really made an effort with us today, and it was much appreciated.
The comp itself, was, as expected, down to its final 9 in record (well, in my experience anyhow) time.
Although slightly void of a consistent run of action, there was one eye-opening moment when a set of aces and a pair of pocket jacks were outdrawn by 2 snowmen which made quads on the turn and river. To say Anthony Hughes was a bit miffed would be a hell of an understatement.
Anyhow, moving into Day 2, the overnight chip-counts are as follows:
Table 'The One Near The Fire-Exit':
Keith Hawkins -- 41,800
Ian Cox -- 13,800
E Harris -- 36,300
Nick Jenkins -- 66,300
Stuart Nash -- 41,000
Table 'The Other One':
Mukesh Morjario -- 24,100
Paul Traynor -- 29,000
Chris Hall -- 18,900
Adrian Royce -- 89,000
Blinds = 1000,2000
Average Stack = 36,000
As usual, our good luck wishes go out to the remaining known blondeites... The Camel, and, in particular, Chris 'noflopshomer' Hall (above-right), who is currently enjoying a good run in his first main event. Let's hope he cashes...
