In what has been a rather scatty showing from the British contigent this World Series, several familiar faces made their presence known by cashing in Event 22's $2,000 No Limit Hold 'Em Freezout.
Whilst Tony Bloom, Peter Gould, Steve Wilsdon, Dave Colclough (right), John Kalmar, David Brannon, Stephen Wells and Edward Lundon all received their buy-in back with a few extra cents, Solihull's John Shipley and Manchunians Shane Littlefield and Julian Gardner all made it into the last 25, making $20,000 plus in prize winnings.
However, it was the former Main Event runner-up and renowned online whiz, Julian Gardner, who faired best, taking home what is so far Britain's biggest scoop for 2006 - $172,427 for 3rd place.
But the Manchester born pro will be understandably frustrated for not claiming his first WSOP bracelet as heading into the final table, and the last six for that matter, he held the chip-lead and appeared to brimming with confidence.
However, it wasn't to be, as Julian lost that lead to Jeff Madsen (left) when the latter made a speculative all-in call for 385k with just K-Q to Julian's over-the-top A-J reraise. Of course, the inevitable Queen flopped and Julian was not only demoralised by the beat, but simultaneously pulled down to 5th place with just 6 players left.
And then, after Troy Parkins and Robert Cohen had dropped in 4th and 5th respectively, Julian stumbled on what was to prove another slice of bad fortune and a clear signal that this wasn't to be his day.
After calling Jeff Madsen's preflop raise with Q-J, Julian called the young American's all-in on a Q-9-5 (all spades) board. Madsen held the eyebrow raising hand of T-6, but, unfortunately, that rather meagre looking 6 of spades was enough to finish off Gardner when the torrid River brought the rather gutting sight of the Ten of spades.
A bad day indeed for Gardner, but he should be more than proud of his 3rd place, especially when considering the huge 1579 field and rather impressive 2 million plus prize pool. As should Solihullian (and lives-just-around-the-corner-from-this-beagle) John Shipley (right), who's ninth place finish was good enough to win the former Main Event finalist a most welcome $60,349.
Also worthy of a mention is the exceedingly likable John 'Skalie' Kalmar (left), whose online form from the past few years seems to be creeping into his live performances. After a strong performance on the Ladbrokes Cruise, not to mention several other noteworthy live wins, a big Skalie victory appears to be just around the corner, and many of his peers are suggesting the Chorley man will soon be swimming (Scrooge McDuck stylee) in a large tank of dosh.
Overall, a good showing from the Brits, who seem to be making the money more and more regularly as the Series progresses. Still to capture our first bracelet, we're due a big win and our British fingers should remained cross for that long-awaited first place finish.
Perhaps Event 27's $1,500 No Limit Hold 'Em Freezout will be the money-shot, who knows? Either way, your trusted blondepoker update team will be there in full force, intrepidly bringing to you all the running commentary you can handle. So, make sure you join us on July 18th for what should be a cracking WSOP tournament.
[Ed Note: To see the final result of this comp, please click here]