Flood drowns competition at PartyPoker.com European Open

Liam Flood drew on his 25 years of poker experience to knock out 72 of Europe's best players and seize the third PartyPoker.com European Open title.

"The Gentleman," as he is known for his dapper suits and ties, worked for his $125,000 first prize by controlling his tables in the first heat and the semi-final.

The 64-year-old retired bookmaker who hails from County Kildare, Ireland, beat out European superstars such as last year's event winner Ian Frazer, booming pro Roland De Wolfe and 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event 12th-place finisher, John Magill.

Indeed, Magill found a seat at the final table, knocking elbows with Nick Persaud, Pippa Flanders, Scott Fenton, Darren Hickman and Flood.

But it was Hickman who would last until heads-up play, where a $45,000 stack separated him from the Irishman. After dealing a devastating blow and doubling up on his competition, however, Flood finished the job with an A-Q that held up against Hickman's 7-9.

The six-figure prize, said Flood, will likely be spent on some new neckties.

Though the event also featured a celebrity table circled with personalities such as former U.K. Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton and current contestant Danielle Lloyd, and snooker pro Steve Davis, none of the stars advanced significantly beyond the heat.

The PartyPoker.com European Open will be aired exclusively in the U.K. on Five starting Jan. 31, with commentary from Jesse May and an appearance by Maxim model Roxanne Siordia.

courtesy of Erin Warner

News Added: 16 January, 2007

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