With the Guinness and poker in equal flow, 708 players arrived at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin to make this year’s Irish Open the biggest as well as the oldest poker tournament on European soil.Sponsored by the reputable Paddy Power Poker, the 2007 Irish Open was a sight to behold with all 708 players starting Day 1. Among the sea of Irishmen were esteemed figures such as Padraig Parkinson, Donnacha O’Dea and Andy Black, all vying for that highly desired title and 650 Euro first prize.
Joining the homeland heroes were a host of visitors from overseas: Dave Colclough, Surinder Sunar, Devilfish, Mel Judah, not to mention American superstars Dan Harrington, Phil Laak, Jennifer Tilley, Antonio Esfandiari, Mike Sexton and Aussie Millions’ runner up, Jimmy ‘Gobboboy’ Fricke, all making the journey.
The first man to fall was a former WSOP Main Event winner, Carlos Mortensen, who soon became an infamous departure when his Aces were outdrawn by Kings which made a flush on the River, the Spaniard starting a freefall that would see more than half the field bite the dust within the first 10 hours.
But with all the talk of ‘name’ players, the final day would be dominated by unknown Irishmen, all of whom were joined by the increasingly recognisable Roland de Wolfe (eagerly targeting that Dublin double) and online superstar Sorel ‘imper1um’ Mizzi (left), the latter holding a foreboding chip lead and odds on favourite to triumph.Sorel Mizzi -- 2,855,000
Thomas Finneran -- 945,000
Nicky Power -- 864,000
Marty Smyth -- 845,000
Danny McHugh -- 803,000
Brian O'Keeffe -- 393,000
Roland de Wolfe -- 365,000
Although Roland was short, everybody agreed that those 14-1 odds were generous, and he proved that by doubling up early doors before eliminating Paddy Power’s last remaining qualifier, Thomas Finneran, in 7th place and then fan favourite Nick Power (left) in 6th.With Roland on the rampage, the Brit shocked onlookers when his A-5 off-suit rivered a flush against Brian O’Keeffe’s Nines, even though The Fox had made a set on the Flop, the silent but violent Marty Smyth delivering the finishing touches (A-5 vs. Q-9).
And the Roland marching band would play yet another couple of tunes, Pocket Fives holding up against A-9 to rid the table of the heavily supported Mayo Mob member, Danny McHugh, before Turning a flush to remove Candian Sorel Mizzi.
But although Roland considered Mizzi to be his biggest threat, Smyth had other ideas, and, following a surprisingly lengthy heads up battle, saw off the EPT and WPT champion with J-Q vs. J-4 all-in pre-flop.And so it was, the Ladbrokes Million finalist, Marty ‘Macedonia’ Smyth, had gone one step further and taken down Europe’s biggest title to become the 2007 Irish Champion. Basking in the glory that came with the girls, money and TV time, our elated winner threw the chips in the air before collecting the trophy from Mr Paddy Power himself.
Was the Irish Open a success? Well, like everyone else, we’re already looking forward to next year…