Pokers Series Draws World's Best

VALLEY CENTER, Rhode Island ? As reported by the California Press-Enterprise: "In the increasingly popular world of high-stakes poker, John Phan is positioning himself to emerge as his sport's version of Tom Brady.

"With the chips piled high, he's one cool dude, right down to the hip-hop sounds plugged into his ears.

"'Oh, sure, he is one of the best players,' said George 'The Greek' Paravoliaskis, nodding toward the young man with spiked dark hair seated at a neighboring table in Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort Pavilion.

"?Paravoliaskis is not among the favorites to claim the expected seven-figure grand prize Wednesday at the final table in the $10,000 buy-in World Series of Poker Circuit championship event, but the retired Greek businessman from Crete is said to have enough money to stage his own tournament -- which, incidentally, he has plans to do.

"They've come from all over the globe to play in the first World Series of Poker event staged in California, according to Nolan Dalla, media director for the poker circuit.

"?Last year's champion at the World Series of Poker championship in Las Vegas claimed $5 million. The Rincon event is part of an inaugural poker tour that uses the World Series name and culminates with the famous tournament, set to start July 7, that is expected to pay its winner between $7 million and $10 million.

"?The Harrah's Rincon event began Sunday and ends Wednesday with 10 players staring one another down at the final table in the center of the room beneath ESPN's probing lights and cameras?"

News Added: 28 February, 2005

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