Lewis fades two outs for the title

These two young aggressive players didn’t want to hang around and the shortening of the levels proved that. It took around four hands of this level before we had the second all-in of this heads-up battle. Lewis raised to 160,000 from the button and was called by Jacobson to go to the [ac][9h][ts] flop where the action went check-check.

The fireworks were soon let off though on the [5s] turn as the Swede led for 180,000 only to be raised to 525,000. Jacobson put another raise in making it 1,025,000 but he was soon under pressure when Lewis bumped it up to 2,025,000. Jacobson really thought hard now as he had 4,250,000 behind so knew he was playing for his tournament right here if he was to continue in the hand. He decided his holding was that strong and moved all in. CALL!

Jacobson; [9d][5d]

Lewis: [5c][5h]

Jacobson only had two nines in the deck to hit and one chance to hit. The river came [tc] to send the pot Lewis’s way along with the title. His supporters on the rail, all a little bit inebriated by now, swarmed him to give him big hugs. One close friend, Chris Brammer was even reduced to tears.

Congratulations to Toby Lewis for a patient and well timed assault of this most enjoyable final table. Also well played to Martin Jacobson for nearly ruining the British party with a great performance. — MC

8.03pm: Toby Lewis wins EPT Vilamoura

Details to follow. Lewis gets €467,835 for first place while Martin Jacobson receives €297,984. — SY

7.55pm: And here we go again

Cards are back in the air again. Word has come back that the players have agreed to move to 30-minute levels rather than the full one hour. — SY

7.40pm: Break

The heads up combatants are taking a 15-minute break. The table is finely balanced with Lewis holding a slither of a lead but to all extents and purposes the pair are evenly matched. It could go either way. — RD

7.35pm: Nearly even stevens

Jacobson is almost back to even with Lewis after forcing him off a pot. The Swede raised to 125,000 from the button and called Lewis’ 385,000 three-bet from the BB. Lewis led for 435,000 on the [js][7h][3c] flop but check-folded to the heavily breathing Jacobson and his 950,000 bet on the [8s] turn. — MC

7.30pm: Lewis making dents again

After doubling up Martin Jacobson a short while ago, Toby Lewis is setting about extending his lead once more. First he bet 125,000 and Jacobson called to see a [6s][kc][3d] flop. Lewis then bet 150,000 and that was enough to take it.

Next hand Jacobson made it 125,000 then folded when Lewis fired it up to 385,000. — SY

7.22pm: It’s on!

Jacobson raised to 125,00 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000 and Jacobson moved all-in for 2,350,000. Lewis called.

Lewis: [ac][8d]

Jacobson: [7s][7h]

A coin flip for the EPT title and Lewis looked like he was holding a lot of emotion as the rail came streaming in towards the table shouting for an ace. No ace on the [jh][ks][3h] flop. No ace or eight on the [jd] turn either. “King,” screamed the rail and Jacobson allowed himself a smile. The [4d] fell on the river and Jacobson doubled up to 4,700,000. Lewis has the lead with 6,800,000. So close for Lewis who will have to reset and regroup. — RD

7.15pm: Nice one for Lewis

Toby Lewis has extended his lead once more. He made it 125,000 and Martin Jacobson called. The flop was [3c][ah][kc] and Jacobson check-called Lewis’ 125,000 bet. On the [qd] river, Jacobson check-called 425,000 before both checked the [4s] river. Jacobson had [as][2c] but Lewis had him out-pipped with [ad][5h].

Jacobson has slipped back to 2.8million while Lewis has approaching 8 million. — SY

7.10pm: The calm after the storm?

Things have slowed down a little bit here after Lewis’ triple-barrelling. There has been a couple of raise and takes and the odd open fold too. There’s been one flop but that was quickly bet by Lewis who took the pot down. — RD

7.05pm: Lewis speeds up

Lewis three-barreled out of position and it did the trick. He called a Jacobson 125,000 button raise before he led for 150,000 on the [8s][2d][jc] flop. Jacobson called and then called a 375,000 bet on the [4c] turn. The river came [9s] and there was no slowing down Lewis who fired 475,000 into the middle. Jacobson gave it a minute’s thought before sliding his cards into the muck. — MC

6.55pm: Jacobson gets some back

After a couple of raise and takes Jacobson raised from the small blind to 150,000 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000. Jacobson made the call. Lewis led the [th][9h][kc] flop for 400,000 and Jacobson decided to move all-in. Lewis passed. It’s a significant and vital chip swing for Jacobson. Lewis still in the lead. — RD

6.50pm: All quiet

We’ve seen no flops since the post below. Nothing to see here. — SY

6.44pm: Jacobson stops the leak

Martin Jacobson has taken down his first pot in a while. He raised to 100,000 and then tank-called when Lewis three-bet to 385,000. The flop came [4h][kd][ts] and the play went check-check. Lewis also checked the [ks] turn and folded when his opponent fired 425,000 at the pot. — MC

6.40pm: More for Lewis

The Brit Toby Lewis is piling on the aggression. For the third time in a row Martin Jacobson made it 125,000, but instead of folding like the first two times, Lewis re-raised to 385,000 total. Jacobson was not done yet, making it 775,000. Things were tense as Lewis went over his options – he decided to move all-in, and Jacobson insta-mucked.

Right now it’s Lewis on around 8.7 million and Jacobson on 2.8 million. — SY

6.35pm: Big pot alert

Lewis was on the small blind and raised it up to 150,000 and Jacobson called. The Swede checked the [8d][7s][4d] flop and Lewis bet another 150,000. Jacobson raised to 375,000 and Lewis made the call. The turn was the [6d], an action card to say the least as it completed flush and straight draws. Jacobson led into it for 525,000 and Lewis quietly announced that he was all-in. Jacobson didn’t need to think for long before he passed. Lewis has a 3-1 chip lead now. — RD

6.27pm: Two small pots for Sweden

Jacobson has taken down two small pots in a row. In the first hand he raised to 125,000 and Lewis called before check-folding to a 150,000 bet on the [qh][6c][3h] flop. The next hand Lewis raised to 125,000 from the button but folded to a Jacobson 310,000 three-bet. — MC

6.21pm: First one to Lewis

Back from the break and Toby Lewis raised first hand to 125,000, called by Martin Jacobson. Both checked the [3s][jc][ah] flop, and on the [8d] turn Lewis called Jacobson’s 150,000 bet. Both then checked the [5s] river and Lewis’ [7h][8s] was good enough to take it. — SY

6.18pm: Get ready

Toby Lewis and Martin Jacobson are heading back to their seats. Blinds will now be 30,000-60,000

6.07pm: Lewis wins another big one

Lewis min-raised to 100,00 from the small blind and Jacobson made it 250,000 from the big blind. Lewis called. Jacobson led the [5h][2d][kd] flop for 325,000. Lewis called. Jacobson bet another 725,000 on the [js] turn. Lewis called again. The [3h] dropped on the river and neither player wanted to take things any further. Lewis showed [kc][th] to take the pot and lengthen his chip lead. The stacks are around 4,485,000 for Jacobson and 7,050,000 for Lewis.

The players are taking a well-earned 15-minute break. — RD

6.02pm: Little movement

They’re trading small blows at the moment. Twice Toby Lewis has raised to 100,000 and got a call from Martin Jacobson. On the first one Lewis bet 125,000 on the [kh][jc][ad] flop and got a fold. The second went on a little longer – both checked the [qh][qd][4c] flop, but on the [7c] turn Jacobson made it 100,000 and Lewis called. Jacobson then slowed down to a check on the [3d] river, then folded when Lewis reached for 300,000 chips. — SY

5.55pm: Lewis edges into chip lead

Toby Lewis has just moved into the chip lead after winning a sizable pot without a showdown. He raised to 100,000 from the button and Jacobson called for a [6c][ks][4c] flop where he check-called a 135,000 bet. The turn came [5h] and Jacobson check-called a 300,000 bet. Jacobson checked the [9h] river and the Brit really upped the pressure with a 1,175,000 bet. Jacobson thought and studied his opponent who was looking into the distance before folding. — MC

5.50pm: Lewis clawing back chips

Jacobson raised from the small blind to 105,000 and Lewis called in the big. Both players checked the [9h][td][7h] flop before Lewis led the [5c] turn for 120,000. The [6h] river completed the two major draws and Lewis pushed forward another 250,000. Jacobson didn’t think long before opting to pass. Lewis is up to 5,125,000 and Jacobson slides to 6,350,000. — RD

5.45pm: No show

On a flop of [td][jc][ah] Jacobson bet 130,000 which Lewis called for a [4d] turn. Again, Jacobson bet, making it 300,000 this time, which Lewis called for a [3d] river. Both checked, Jacobson mucking before Lewis had shown. — SB

5.40pm: Chip counts at the beginning of heads-up play

Martin Jacobson – 7,075,000

Toby Lewis – 4,405,000

5.38pm: We’re heads-up

Three-handed play didn’t last long with the elimination of Jason Lee in third. He open shoved for just under one million chips and was snap-called by Martin Jacobson in the BB. Showdown:

Jacobson: [ac][td]

Lee: [ah][5h]

The board ran [3c][4s][9d][ts][js]. Lee said he card dead all day and he had a horrible seat draw today with the uber-aggressive Trickett to his left. His final table started after Trickett departed but things didn’t work out for him. €186,240 should soften the blow somewhat. — MC

5.35pm: Lee not leaving

Jason Lee just moved all-in for 965,000. Lewis folded by Jacobson went into the tank, thinking, moving chips around and eventually folding. Lee still alive. — SB

5.20pm: Pre-flop battle

The two chip leaders just battled in a pre-flop raising war. Toby Lewis raised to 135,000 from the SB to face a three-bet to 300,000 from Martin Jacobson. Lewis’ response was to four-bet to 660,000 and after a lot of though the Swedish chip leader folded. — MC

5.15pm: Trickett out of here

In the end it seemed the most humane outcome. Sam Trickett’s final table suffering had gone on for so long that his own elimination can only come as gentle relief. That’s not true of course and Trickett looked devastated as he shook hands a few moments ago, eliminated by Martin Jacobson after an afternoon spent trying to catch a break.

All in after all-in was called by Trickett, who more often than not was ahead on showdown, only to be behind when it mattered. So when Toby Lewis opened for 110,000 under the gun and Martin Jacobson raised to 265,000 from the button, Trickett saw his chance and pushed all in for just short of 1,400,000.

Lewis folded quickly but Jacobson was going nowhere, asking for a count, looking again at his cards, pulling out towards of orange chips from around the back ready to push in. After confirming that it was 1,105,000 to call his did so, turning over [qh][jh] to Trickett’s [2h][2s].

“I got it,” said Trickett to friends on the rail with some good British irony. “I got it, I got the deuces.” Jacobson came to shake hands and they both awaited the board. [jd][5h][8h][3c][4s]. Jacobson had been ahead on the flop and never looked back. Trickett out, Jacobson up to more than 5.5 million. Down to three players. — SB

5.05pm: Sheringham eliminated in 5th place (€93,120)

Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has been eliminated in 5th place by the recent Swedish force known as Martin Jacobson. The former footballer raised to 125,000 from under-the-gun and was called by Jacobson to see a [ks][9d][th] flop. The action went check-check before Sheringham led for 275,000 on the [9h] turn. Jacobson raised to 590,000 and then snap-called when his Sheringham moved all-in.

Sheringham tabled [kc][qc] for two-pair but Jacobson had a straight with [qs][jc]. The river blanked with a [3s] and Sheringham left to an almighty round of applause. Jacobson regains the chip lead he held yesterday with 4.9 million. — MC

4.55pm: Jacobson hits Trickett hard

Martin Jacobson opened from the hi-jack to 110,000 and was called by Sam Trickett on the button. The Swede led for 140,000 on the [2h][9h][3d] flop and Trickett called. Jacobson bet another 270,000 as the flush appeared on the [7h] turn and Trickett called again. The four-flush and paired board materialised on the river with the [3h] and Jacobson bet 510,000. Trickett called and was shown the nut flush with [ah][kh]. — RD

4.50pm: Play re-starts

With an armed, dismounted mounted police officer patrolling the smoking area, the players have returned for level 26.

4.40pm: Chip counts at the break

Teddy Sheringham – 1,490,000

Toby Lewis – 4,350,000

Martin Jacobson – 1,850,000

Jason Lee – 1,215,000

Sam Trickett – 2,615,000

LEVEL UP: BLINDS 25,000-50,000, ANTE 5,000

4.36pm: Break time

Players are on another 15 minute break.

4.35pm: Lewis picking up the pace

Lewis seemed to have picked up the pace a little bit towards the end of the level, winning a few hands with simple 90,000 raises pre-flop. That’s what happened on the last hand before a 15-minute break was announced. When the players return the blinds will be a huge 25,000-50,000, 5,000 ante. — RD

4.30pm: Trickett wins big pot……

….without showdown. Sam Trickett has got a lot of those lost chips back after forcing a fold from Martin Jacobson. Trickett raised to 80,000 from early position and was called by the Swede from the BB. Jacobson check-called a 125,000 bet on the [2h][3s][8d] flop and 325,000 on the [4s] turn. The river came [jc] and Trickett emptied the clip with a 625,000 bet when it was checked to him again. Jacobson tank-folded. — MC

4.25pm: Trickett can’t win a showdown

You can tell Sam Trickett is trying to shrug off the frustration of this final table. He just can’t win a showdown after getting it in pre-flop and this last one was the worst. Jason Lee shoved [as][2c] from the cut-off and Trickett moved all-in behind him from the button with [ah][kd]. The flop instantly put Lee ahead on the [ad][2c][qd] flop but the [4d] turn gave Trickett plenty of outs to get back in front; any four, queen, king or diamond. None of them came and Lee is back up to over one million. — RD

4.20pm: In the blinds

Toby Lewis opened for 105,000 in the small blind. Martin Jacobson was waiting in the big and called for a [5d][8d][4h] flop. Lewis then bet 130,000 and Jacobson made it 140,000 more. Good enough to force Lewis to fold. — SB

4.15pm: Can’t win a show-down

Sam Trickett has been the most active player at this final table and has easily won the most pots without showdown. The poor guy just can’t win an all-in showdown, though, no matter how hard he tries or how far he’s ahead. The latest player to double through the Brit is Swedish representative Martin Jacobson.

Jacobson raised to 80,000 to see Trickett three-bet to 200,000 from the SB which was exactly the same action as one orbit ago. The last time Jacobson folded but this time he moved all-in for 1,132,000. Trickett called quickly to create a showdown:



Trickett: [jd][js]

Jacobson: [qd][jc]

“Ive got to win one of these” said Trickett before the board ran [5d][2d][6d][ad][5h]. Maybe not then! Trickett down to 2.3 million. —MC

4.09pm: Four million

Jason Lee opened for 80,000 from the button which Sam Trickett called in the small blind. Trickett is playing well and has to, as I suspect he’ll need a top three finish to pay his massage bill. On a flop of [kd][2s][5h] both checked for a [4h] turn card. Trickett then bet 125,000 which Lee called for a [4d] river card. Another 500,000 from Trickett this time which Lee went on to call. We never saw his cards though. Trickett showed [ks][qs] to win the hand and move up to nearly 4 million. Lee down to just 700,000. — SB

Jason Lee

4.07pm: Rail to get louder

The British rail is about to get a little noisier. All those cheering on Toby Lewis/Sam Trickett/Teddy Sheringham have now taken delivery of large beers (previously they were content with smaller bottles). — SY

4.05pm: Sheringham playing snug

Teddy Sheringham has been playing a calm and composed tournament and it doesn’t look like he’s going to change that to make any major mistakes in this five-handed action. Jason Lee opened to 84,000 from the button and Sheringham passed in the big blind. — RD

4.03pm: Three-way action

Jason Lee opened the action from the hijack to 85,000 (for the second hand on the bounce) and was called by Sam Trickett and Martin Jacobson. The Swede checked as did Lee and Trickett took down the [tc][8d][8s] flop with a 150,000 bet. — RD

4pm: Football fan

I doubt there’s any kind of metagame attached to it but Martin Jacobson has just said to Sheringham: “You used to play for my favorite football team… two years before I was born.” Sheringham quickly clicked the Swede was talking about DjurgÃ¥rdens IF a team that he went on loan to in 1985 (playing 21 times and scoring 13 goals). “Good club,” replied Sheringham. — RD

3.52pm: Anglo tension

Sam Trickett opened for 90,000 which Sheringham folded to in the small blind but Toby Lewis called in the big. The flop came [3d][8h][9s] and Lewis bet 110,000 which Trickett called without ceremony. They both checked the [9h] turn and did the same for the [jd] river. Trickett showed [as][8s] to take it down, beating Lewis’s [ad][5d]. — SB

3.47pm: Pre-flop dominance

All the action in the last two orbits has been pre-flop and one player has taken 80-90% of the chips on offer. Sam Trickett has raised and taken most pots and when Toby Lewis raised to 90,000 into his BB he responded with a three-bet to take the pot down. This is one player who is not looking to ladder up the payouts. — MC

3.38pm: Deal me in

Sam Trickett opened for 80,000 which Teddy Sheringham called in the small blind. Toby Lewis immediately raised to 245,000 in the big blind. Trickett folded but Sheringham thought about it for a while, asking the dealer to spread the chips a little before eventually folding.

At this point Mario the dealer finished his duties, thanked the players and got up to leave. Only there was no replacement for him, so instead he sat back down again. Thomas Kremser also sat down, at the empty seat left by Rob Hollink. To much amusement Mario dealt him before snatching the card back and passing it back along to Sheringham. — SB

3.30pm: Frederick Jensen eliminated in 6th for €74,496

Frederick Jensen is the most recent casualty, departing EPT Vilamoura in sixth place for €74,496. The Dane had moved all-in from the small blind into Teddy Sheringham’s big blind and the former professional football player made the call.

Sheringham: [5d][5s]

Jensen: [ac][jd]

It was a huge flip for Jensen and one that gave him a huge number of outs on the [qs][3h][qc] flop and [th] turn. Any ten, ace, jack or king would have kept the Dane in it. It wasn’t to be, though, as a [6h] dropped on the river. Sheringham is up to 2.3m and moves into second place behind Toby Lewis (who is on 4,000,000). — RD

3.23pm: Not the hand we were expecting

Toby Lewis and Fredrick Jensen tangled once more in the first hand back from break. Jensen made it 80,000 to go from the button and Lewis called from the BB. Both players checked to the river where the board read [4d][6h][6d][2c][th] before Lewis over-bet the pot to the tune of 195,000. Jensen tank-called and was very surprised to see Lewis table [kc][ks] for the pot. — MC

3.15pm: Here we go again

Players are back at the table. With six left, each is now guaranteed at least €74,496 – that was probably a week’s wages for former soccer star Teddy Sheringham (ok, that’s a slight exaggeration).

As they sit down, here are the current chip counts, with blinds now at 20,000-40,000 and a 4,000 running ante:

Teddy Sheringham – 1,715,000

Toby Lewis – 4,150,000

Martin Jacobson – 940,000

Jason Lee – 1,890,000

Sam Trickett – 1,840,000

Fredrick Jensen – 840,000

PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of smartness today): Stephen Bartley (shirt and tie – really!), Marc Convey (trendy – he claims – shirt), Simon Young (usual PokerStars t-shirt) and Rick Dacey (tramp-like)

All photos © Neil Stoddart

This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.

5.50pm: Lewis clawing back chips

Jacobson raised from the small blind to 105,000 and Lewis called in the big. Both players checked the [9h][td][7h] flop before Lewis led the [5c] turn for 120,000. The [6h] river completed the two major draws and Lewis pushed forward another 250,000. Jacobson didn’t think long before opting to pass. Lewis is up to 5,125,000 and Jacobson slides to 6,350,000. — RD

5.45pm: No show

On a flop of [td][jc][ah] Jacobson bet 130,000 which Lewis called for a [4d] turn. Again, Jacobson bet, making it 300,000 this time, which Lewis called for a [3d] river. Both checked, Jacobson mucking before Lewis had shown. — SB

5.40pm: Chip counts at the beginning of heads-up play

Martin Jacobson – 7,075,000

Toby Lewis – 4,405,000

5.38pm: We’re heads-up

Three-handed play didn’t last long with the elimination of Jason Lee in third. He open shoved for just under one million chips and was snap-called by Martin Jacobson in the BB. Showdown:

Jacobson: [ac][td]

Lee: [ah][5h]

The board ran [3c][4s][9d][ts][js]. Lee said he card dead all day and he had a horrible seat draw today with the uber-aggressive Trickett to his left. His final table started after Trickett departed but things didn’t work out for him. €186,240 should soften the blow somewhat. — MC

5.35pm: Lee not leaving

Jason Lee just moved all-in for 965,000. Lewis folded by Jacobson went into the tank, thinking, moving chips around and eventually folding. Lee still alive. — SB

5.20pm: Pre-flop battle

The two chip leaders just battled in a pre-flop raising war. Toby Lewis raised to 135,000 from the SB to face a three-bet to 300,000 from Martin Jacobson. Lewis’ response was to four-bet to 660,000 and after a lot of though the Swedish chip leader folded. — MC

5.15pm: Trickett out of here

In the end it seemed the most humane outcome. Sam Trickett’s final table suffering had gone on for so long that his own elimination can only come as gentle relief. That’s not true of course and Trickett looked devastated as he shook hands a few moments ago, eliminated by Martin Jacobson after an afternoon spent trying to catch a break.

All in after all-in was called by Trickett, who more often than not was ahead on showdown, only to be behind when it mattered. So when Toby Lewis opened for 110,000 under the gun and Martin Jacobson raised to 265,000 from the button, Trickett saw his chance and pushed all in for just short of 1,400,000.

Lewis folded quickly but Jacobson was going nowhere, asking for a count, looking again at his cards, pulling out towards of orange chips from around the back ready to push in. After confirming that it was 1,105,000 to call his did so, turning over [qh][jh] to Trickett’s [2h][2s].

“I got it,” said Trickett to friends on the rail with some good British irony. “I got it, I got the deuces.” Jacobson came to shake hands and they both awaited the board. [jd][5h][8h][3c][4s]. Jacobson had been ahead on the flop and never looked back. Trickett out, Jacobson up to more than 5.5 million. Down to three players. — SB

5.05pm: Sheringham eliminated in 5th place (€93,120)

Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has been eliminated in 5th place by the recent Swedish force known as Martin Jacobson. The former footballer raised to 125,000 from under-the-gun and was called by Jacobson to see a [ks][9d][th] flop. The action went check-check before Sheringham led for 275,000 on the [9h] turn. Jacobson raised to 590,000 and then snap-called when his Sheringham moved all-in.

Sheringham tabled [kc][qc] for two-pair but Jacobson had a straight with [qs][jc]. The river blanked with a [3s] and Sheringham left to an almighty round of applause. Jacobson regains the chip lead he held yesterday with 4.9 million. — MC

4.55pm: Jacobson hits Trickett hard

Martin Jacobson opened from the hi-jack to 110,000 and was called by Sam Trickett on the button. The Swede led for 140,000 on the [2h][9h][3d] flop and Trickett called. Jacobson bet another 270,000 as the flush appeared on the [7h] turn and Trickett called again. The four-flush and paired board materialised on the river with the [3h] and Jacobson bet 510,000. Trickett called and was shown the nut flush with [ah][kh]. — RD

4.50pm: Play re-starts

With an armed, dismounted mounted police officer patrolling the smoking area, the players have returned for level 26.

4.40pm: Chip counts at the break

Teddy Sheringham – 1,490,000

Toby Lewis – 4,350,000

Martin Jacobson – 1,850,000

Jason Lee – 1,215,000

Sam Trickett – 2,615,000

LEVEL UP: BLINDS 25,000-50,000, ANTE 5,000

4.36pm: Break time

Players are on another 15 minute break.

4.35pm: Lewis picking up the pace

Lewis seemed to have picked up the pace a little bit towards the end of the level, winning a few hands with simple 90,000 raises pre-flop. That’s what happened on the last hand before a 15-minute break was announced. When the players return the blinds will be a huge 25,000-50,000, 5,000 ante. — RD

4.30pm: Trickett wins big pot……

….without showdown. Sam Trickett has got a lot of those lost chips back after forcing a fold from Martin Jacobson. Trickett raised to 80,000 from early position and was called by the Swede from the BB. Jacobson check-called a 125,000 bet on the [2h][3s][8d] flop and 325,000 on the [4s] turn. The river came [jc] and Trickett emptied the clip with a 625,000 bet when it was checked to him again. Jacobson tank-folded. — MC

4.25pm: Trickett can’t win a showdown

You can tell Sam Trickett is trying to shrug off the frustration of this final table. He just can’t win a showdown after getting it in pre-flop and this last one was the worst. Jason Lee shoved [as][2c] from the cut-off and Trickett moved all-in behind him from the button with [ah][kd]. The flop instantly put Lee ahead on the [ad][2c][qd] flop but the [4d] turn gave Trickett plenty of outs to get back in front; any four, queen, king or diamond. None of them came and Lee is back up to over one million. — RD

4.20pm: In the blinds

Toby Lewis opened for 105,000 in the small blind. Martin Jacobson was waiting in the big and called for a [5d][8d][4h] flop. Lewis then bet 130,000 and Jacobson made it 140,000 more. Good enough to force Lewis to fold. — SB

4.15pm: Can’t win a show-down

Sam Trickett has been the most active player at this final table and has easily won the most pots without showdown. The poor guy just can’t win an all-in showdown, though, no matter how hard he tries or how far he’s ahead. The latest player to double through the Brit is Swedish representative Martin Jacobson.

Jacobson raised to 80,000 to see Trickett three-bet to 200,000 from the SB which was exactly the same action as one orbit ago. The last time Jacobson folded but this time he moved all-in for 1,132,000. Trickett called quickly to create a showdown:



Trickett: [jd][js]

Jacobson: [qd][jc]

“Ive got to win one of these” said Trickett before the board ran [5d][2d][6d][ad][5h]. Maybe not then! Trickett down to 2.3 million. —MC

4.09pm: Four million

Jason Lee opened for 80,000 from the button which Sam Trickett called in the small blind. Trickett is playing well and has to, as I suspect he’ll need a top three finish to pay his massage bill. On a flop of [kd][2s][5h] both checked for a [4h] turn card. Trickett then bet 125,000 which Lee called for a [4d] river card. Another 500,000 from Trickett this time which Lee went on to call. We never saw his cards though. Trickett showed [ks][qs] to win the hand and move up to nearly 4 million. Lee down to just 700,000. — SB

Jason Lee

4.07pm: Rail to get louder

The British rail is about to get a little noisier. All those cheering on Toby Lewis/Sam Trickett/Teddy Sheringham have now taken delivery of large beers (previously they were content with smaller bottles). — SY

4.05pm: Sheringham playing snug

Teddy Sheringham has been playing a calm and composed tournament and it doesn’t look like he’s going to change that to make any major mistakes in this five-handed action. Jason Lee opened to 84,000 from the button and Sheringham passed in the big blind. — RD

4.03pm: Three-way action

Jason Lee opened the action from the hijack to 85,000 (for the second hand on the bounce) and was called by Sam Trickett and Martin Jacobson. The Swede checked as did Lee and Trickett took down the [tc][8d][8s] flop with a 150,000 bet. — RD

4pm: Football fan

I doubt there’s any kind of metagame attached to it but Martin Jacobson has just said to Sheringham: “You used to play for my favorite football team… two years before I was born.” Sheringham quickly clicked the Swede was talking about DjurgÃ¥rdens IF a team that he went on loan to in 1985 (playing 21 times and scoring 13 goals). “Good club,” replied Sheringham. — RD

3.52pm: Anglo tension

Sam Trickett opened for 90,000 which Sheringham folded to in the small blind but Toby Lewis called in the big. The flop came [3d][8h][9s] and Lewis bet 110,000 which Trickett called without ceremony. They both checked the [9h] turn and did the same for the [jd] river. Trickett showed [as][8s] to take it down, beating Lewis’s [ad][5d]. — SB

3.47pm: Pre-flop dominance

All the action in the last two orbits has been pre-flop and one player has taken 80-90% of the chips on offer. Sam Trickett has raised and taken most pots and when Toby Lewis raised to 90,000 into his BB he responded with a three-bet to take the pot down. This is one player who is not looking to ladder up the payouts. — MC

3.38pm: Deal me in

Sam Trickett opened for 80,000 which Teddy Sheringham called in the small blind. Toby Lewis immediately raised to 245,000 in the big blind. Trickett folded but Sheringham thought about it for a while, asking the dealer to spread the chips a little before eventually folding.

At this point Mario the dealer finished his duties, thanked the players and got up to leave. Only there was no replacement for him, so instead he sat back down again. Thomas Kremser also sat down, at the empty seat left by Rob Hollink. To much amusement Mario dealt him before snatching the card back and passing it back along to Sheringham. — SB

3.30pm: Frederick Jensen eliminated in 6th for €74,496

Frederick Jensen is the most recent casualty, departing EPT Vilamoura in sixth place for €74,496. The Dane had moved all-in from the small blind into Teddy Sheringham’s big blind and the former professional football player made the call.

Sheringham: [5d][5s]

Jensen: [ac][jd]

It was a huge flip for Jensen and one that gave him a huge number of outs on the [qs][3h][qc] flop and [th] turn. Any ten, ace, jack or king would have kept the Dane in it. It wasn’t to be, though, as a [6h] dropped on the river. Sheringham is up to 2.3m and moves into second place behind Toby Lewis (who is on 4,000,000). — RD

3.23pm: Not the hand we were expecting

Toby Lewis and Fredrick Jensen tangled once more in the first hand back from break. Jensen made it 80,000 to go from the button and Lewis called from the BB. Both players checked to the river where the board read [4d][6h][6d][2c][th] before Lewis over-bet the pot to the tune of 195,000. Jensen tank-called and was very surprised to see Lewis table [kc][ks] for the pot. — MC

3.15pm: Here we go again

Players are back at the table. With six left, each is now guaranteed at least €74,496 – that was probably a week’s wages for former soccer star Teddy Sheringham (ok, that’s a slight exaggeration).

As they sit down, here are the current chip counts, with blinds now at 20,000-40,000 and a 4,000 running ante:

Teddy Sheringham – 1,715,000

Toby Lewis – 4,150,000

Martin Jacobson – 940,000

Jason Lee – 1,890,000

Sam Trickett – 1,840,000

Fredrick Jensen – 840,000

PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of smartness today): Stephen Bartley (shirt and tie – really!), Marc Convey (trendy – he claims – shirt), Simon Young (usual PokerStars t-shirt) and Rick Dacey (tramp-like)

All photos © Neil Stoddart

This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.

This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.

3pm: Break time

Players are taking a 15 minute break after level 24. Here’s how things stand after the best part of two levels:

Teddy Sheringham – 1,715,000

Toby Lewis – 4,150,000

Martin Jacobson – 940,000

Jason Lee – 1,890,000

Sam Trickett – 1,840,000

Fredrick Jensen – 840,000

2.57pm: Trickett wins battle of aggression

Sam Trickett opened with his usual raise to 60,000 from the button. Teddy Sheringham was in the big blind and having seen Trickett do this countless times already made it another 125,000 on top. Trickett was going nowhere, however, and thought for a moment or two before making it another 225,000 on top.

That stopped the action dead in its tracks as Sheringham mucked. — SY

2.52pm: Another set-up

Frederick Jensen was the recipient of a huge double just moments ago, flopping a house into Sam Trickett’s top trips. It was the Dane this time who found himself on the wrong end of a set-up. Jason Lee raised the button to 65,000 and was called by Trickett in the small blind and Jensen in the big. Both blinds checked the [6h][7c][7h] flop to Lee who bet 82,000. Trickett passed and Jensen raised to 215,000. Lee sat still for a shirt while before announcing that he was all-in. for 762,000. Jensen called.

Jensen: [3s][7s] for top trips

Lee: [7d][9d] for top trips with a better kicker

Jensen was in need of a three for the win, or two cards higher than a nine or a six for the chop. None of those combinations came and Lee doubled to 1,720,000. — RD

2.46pm: Don’t push me

Toby Lewis made it 75,000 from the small blind, and Martin Jacobson took one quick look at his cards before moving a tower of orange 25,000 chips worth 500,000 into the middle. Lewis did not like that one bit and mucked instantly. — SY

2.42pm: What a set-up

Trickett limped the small blind and Jensen checked behind. Trickett led the [tc][ts][4h] flop for 50,000. Jensen called. Trickett fired another 105,000 at the [9c] turn. Jensen called again. Trickett slid out a huge 405,000 bet on the [kh] river and Jensen moved all-in for 665,000. It was Trickett’s time to make the call.

Trickett: [td][5d]

Jensen: [4s][4c]

Both players had flopped massively in the limped pot and Jensen is now up to 1,620,000 taking an 800,000 chunk out of Trickett. — RD

2.34pm: Donk lead works

Sam Trickett just took down a pot worth nearly 200,000 after leading for 100,000 on a [kc][qc][2s] flop. Toby Lewis started the action with a 68,000 raise from the hi-jack that both Trickett and Fredrick Jensen called from the blinds. Trickett took the initiative with his bet and that did the trick. — MC

2.30pm: Pulling the trigger

It was folded around to Martin Jacobson in the small blind, a perfect spot to push for his last 551,000. Jason Lee had a long look at his cards, but the more he looked the more he disliked them. He mucked.

Next hand it was folded around to Lee in the small blind. With 600,000 behind he might have fancied open shoving against Sam Trickett in the big blind. Alas, Lee looked down and saw [7s][2c], not quite good enough to go with. Trickett showed [qs][jc]. — SY

2.25pm: pm: Wet board, big hands, small pot

Sam Trickett opened from the cut-off to 60,000 and was three-bet to 150,000 by Teddy Sheringham in the small blind. Trickett made the call. Both players checked the [8h][td][9h] flop. Then they checked the [ac] turn and finally they both quickly checked the [7s] river. Sheringham showed [kd][kh] and Trickett showed pocket queens.

The pot? Just 345,000. — RD

2.20pm: Lewis takes a bigger chunk this time

Fredrick Jensen lost a bigger chunk to Toby Lewis on the very next hand. Jensen raised to 60,000 and once again the 20-year-old Brit three-bet. The amount was 175,000 and the Dane called to see a [kh][3d][2h] flop. Lewis continued with the aggression and led for 195,000. Jensen called before the [8s] turn and [qh] river were checked down.

Lewis tabled [qd][jc] for a rivered pair of queens. Jensen let out a gasp and showed [9c][9h] and said “Nice catch!” — MC

2.15pm: Back to the three-bet

Since Jensen and Jacobson doubled up there has been a little more depth at the table in terms of stacks, and that means less openings are all-in shoves. In turn that means the preflop three-bet is rearing its head more frequently. First Jacobson opened for 60,000 from the hi-jack and was three-bet by Jensen to 170,000 from the small blind. Jensen was then the one being forced to back down after min raising the button and getting attacked by Toby Lewis in the big blind with a three-bet to 175,000. — RD

2.10pm: Passing chips around

It’s been a slow few minutes. Sam Trickett raised and took the blinds and antes. Then Teddy Sheringham did the same. Finally we saw a flop when Jason Lee made it 65,000 and Frederick Jensen called from the big blind. The flop was [5s][9c][kc] and Jensen check-folded to Lee’s 75,000 bet. — SY

2.07pm: Ask Teddy

2.05pm: Thin value bet chance declined

Sam Trickett brushed off doubling-up another opponent by raising the next two pots in a row. His first 60,000 raise took the blinds and antes but the next was called by recent nemesis Martin Jacobson.

The flop came [ad][3d][jc] and Jacobson check-called a 75,000 bet before both checked the [2c] turn. Jacobson checked the [2s] river and so did Trickett after a good deal of thought. Trickett tabled [ah][th] which bested the Swede’s [ac][7s]. — MC

2.01pm: Jacobson and Trickett all-in again

Martin Jacobson and Sam Trickett are all-in again with the Swede moving in for 418,000 from the cut-off and Trickett taking him on from the small blind.

Jacobson: [js][ks]

Trickett: [ad][3d]

The board ran out [2c][4s][tc][4c][jh] with Jacobson getting saved on the river. The Swede strode to the rail to celebrate with one of his supporters with a high-five. Jacobson is up to 860,000. — RD

1.58pm: All-in! Call! Oh

Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the button for 405,000 and Sam Trickett called from the big blind. Great excitement until the cards were turned over… [ad][6h] for Trickett, [ac][6s] for Jacobson. The board ran a rather uneventful [9s][10h][7h][qc][10d]. Nothing to see here. — SY

1.55pm: Treading carefully

Sam Trickett raised under the gun to 60,000 and only Toby Lewis called from the button. Both checked the [8h][ac][qc] flop, and Trickett check-folded when Lewis made it 80,000 on the [6s] turn. — SY

1.50pm: That pesky monkey remains

There will be no double EPT champion crowned here in Vilamoura as Rob Hollink has been eliminated in 7th place for €55,872. The action folded around to him in the cut-off and he moved all-in for 150,000 and was called by Teddy Sheringham in the SB. Showdown:

Hollink: [ts][8s]

Sheringham: [ah][jh]

The board ran [3d][kh][ad][8c][7s]. The Dutchman got the generous round of applause he deserved and exited stage left. — MC

LEVEL UP: BLINDS 15,000-30,000, ANTE 3,000

1.45pm: Back from the break

Play re-starts after the break.

1.38pm: Chips

Here is the current state of play:

Teddy Sheringham – 1,900,000

Toby Lewis – 4,000,000

Martin Jacobson – 445,000

Jason Lee – 908,000

Sam Trickett – 3,300,000

Rob Hollink – 175,000

Fredrick Jensen – 1,360,000

1.36pm: Level up

That elimination also marked the end of level 23. We’re on a 15-minute break for level 24, when blinds will be 15,000-30,000 (3,000 ante). — SY

1.35pm: Sergio Coutinho, eliminated in eighth place for €37,248

After a level spent calling all-ins Sam Trickett just eliminated the first player of the day. Sergio Coutinho open-shoved for around 160,000 on the button and Trickett called in the small blind. [8h][6s] for Coutinho against the [ah][8d] of Trickett.

The two players shook hands and waited for the board. It ran [5d][9d][qs][5s][qd]. Coutinho had needed a six or seven after the flop but that was as close as he came to doubling up. Instead he’s the first to go. — SB

1.30pm: A stack to play back

Two double-ups for Fredrick Jensen means he now has a stack to play back at the big boys – as Toby Lewis just found out. The Dane raised to 50,000 from the hijack to face a button three-bet to 135,000 from Lewis. Fredrick wasn’t having any of it, though, and made it 295,000 to go, total. Lewis pulled a face and mucked his hand. — MC

1.20pm: No reply

A series of hands with no real outcome. Sam Trickett moved all-in from the small blind, much to the irritation of Rob Hollink who had no option but to fold. Then Teddy Sheringham opened for two successive hands with no takers, before Hollink managed to get his chips into the middle, only to find no takers. — SB

1.15pm: Straight back on the horse

Sam Trickett got straight back into the action after losing that big pot just before. He called a 53,000 button raise from Jason Lee while sat in the BB. The flop came [qs][qh][ac] and Trickett led for 65,000. Call. There was no slowing the Brit down on the [kh] turn as he led for 165,000. Lee went into the tank and ended up folding with a look of pain across his face. — MC

1.10pm: Jensen has just the Trickett

Sam Trickett opened for 50,000 in early position and Frederick Jensen made it 90,000 more. With the action back on Trickett he announced all-in which Jensen called in a flash, showing [qc][qd] while Trickett could only muster [jc][jd].

The board ran [6d][ad][9c][5d][qs] for Jensen’s second double up, both of them being through Trickett. Jensen up to 1,100,000. — SB

1.07pm: Video time

Brit Toby Lewis introduces the final table…

1.05pm: Stealing his moves

Rob Hollink has the cut of a frustrated man at the moment. His stack has shrunk to 155,000 and he can’t find a spot to move all-in because Sam Trickett keeps min-raising in front of him. He therefore he has to find a genuine hand if it’s to be three-bet shove as he knows he will be called. Just as we were about to publish this the action folded to Hollink and he moved all-in and managed to take the blinds and antes to increase his stack by around 30%. — MC

1pm: ‘We love you, Toby!’

Toby Lewis has several railers here including Team PokerStars Pro JP Kelly, UKIPT leaderboard challenger Chris Brammer and WSOP bracelet winner James Dempsey. It was the latter that just shouted out: “We love you, Toby.” The Brits, somewhat unsurprisingly, already have beers in their hands and the railing is likely to get louder – and more liquid – as the day goes by. — RD

12.56pm: Coutinho down

Toby Lewis opened for 53,000 in the cut off which Sergio Coutinho called from the big blind. On the flop of [9d][7h][4d] Coutinho checked to Lewis who bet 60,000. Coutinho called that for a [kd] turn, again checking and then calling Lewis’s bet of 135,000. On the [kc] river Coutinho checked again. Lewis bet 280,000 this time which Coutinho called, grimacing as he turned over [8d][qd] for a flush when seeing Lewis’s [9c][9h] full house. Coutinho down to 290,000. — SB

12.53pm: Lee less blind

Jason Lee took small pot off Martin Jacobson in the blinds. The Swede raised to 62,000 from the SB and the American called from the BB. The flop came [7h][9h][tc] and Jacobson check-folded to a 55,000 bet from Lee. — MC

12.50pm: Jacobson squeezes all-in

Sam Trickett started this hand with a min raise to 48,000 from middle position. Frederick Jensen called in the cut-off before the action folded round to Martin Jacobson in the big blind who moved all-in for over 500,000. Both players passed. Jensen has dropped 100,000 in the last couple of hands. — RD

12.48pm: Sheringham strikes from the small blind

Frederick Jensen opened the button for 48,000 and Teddy Sheringham three-bet to 160,000 from the small blind. Lewis looked like he was considering a move but decided against it. Jensen passed and Sheringam adds close to 100,000 to his stack. — RD

12.44pm: Lewis wins utg

It’s as simple as that. Toby Lewis opened the action under the gun and took the blinds with Teddy Sheringham passing his big blind. — RD

12.38pm: First of the all-ins

The first all-in to be called just featured Frederick Jensen doubling through Sam Trickett. Trickett opened from the button for 48,000 and Jensen moved all-in for a little more than 300,000. Trickett called showing [ac][8c] to Jensen’s [kc][7c].

The board ran [5c][7d][6h][5h][7h], the flop putting Jensen into the lead and the river keeping him there. He’s up to nearly 700,000 while Trickett slips to the 3 million mark. — SB

12.32pm: Trickett soars into lead

To be honest Sam Trickett sort of hopped into the lead he’s been craving to claim back after the last hand of yesterday’s play. The first hand of the day he raised to 48,000 from early position and was only called by Toby Lewis on the button to see the [qs][2h][ah] flop. Check-check. The turn came [4s] and Trickett led for 58,000 which was good for the pot as Lewis folded. — MC

12.28pm: Play begins

The EPT Vilamoura final table is under way. We’re just hours away from someone winning €467,835. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is not to be sneezed at. Here are your eight finalists… — SY

12.20pm: Nearly ready

The final eight players are now in their seats. Thomas Kremser is making the introductions, we’ll be off in around five minutes. — SY

12.15pm: What a relief

Followers of PokerStars Blog this week will know we’ve had a spectacular run of fortune, making more than $12million from kindly ladies in Africa wanting help with their deceased fathers’ fortunes, plus a cheeky win on an Australian state lottery (which we never entered, but we’re keeping quiet about that).

Imagine our horror, therefore, to receive an email at [email protected] from FBI Headquarters in Washington. We instantly feared the worst – perhaps the FBI was to tell us we had been conned and our bank accounts were being fleeced.

But no. It turns out this was another piece of good news. Dr Chad L. Fulgham was writing from the FBI to tell us his department had discovered we were owed $6million from China. We’re not sure how, but we’re certainly not questioning it, although his yahoo.cn email address is a worry (shouldn’t it be fbi.com or something?). Nonetheless, we’re sending him the $150 he needs to get the ball rolling.

So, we’re now up to $18million this week. Quite impressive, we think you’ll agree. — SY

12.10pm: Delayed start

The players are here but not yet ready to play. Chips are on the table but the usual preliminaries are taking a few minutes. Play should be under way soonish. When play does start the blinds will be 12,000-24,000 with a 2,000 ante. — SB

Welcome back for the final table of EPT Vilamoura, the culmination of five days of play that began with a field of 384. Those players are just a memory now as the last eight emerge to fight it out for a first prize of €467,835.

The leader coming into the final is Englishman Toby Lewis, who last night snatched the chip lead from countryman Sam Trickett at the bell, ahead by just 4,000. Behind them is soccer legend Teddy Sheringham, making the top three an all English affair that we couldn’t believe either. The table will line up like this:

Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars – 1,783,000

Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player – 3,322,000

Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier – 441,000

Seat 4: Jason “JaspudUF” Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier – 1,167,000

Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal – 872,000

Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK – 3,318,000

Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands – 259,000 chips

Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player – 375,000

Lewis seems confident, or at least he’s looking forward to the final. His Facebook status this morning reads: “BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! 1/8 into the FINAL! Lets f do this 480k euros yes.” I think that says it all.

Casino Vilamoura

And so to it. The players are arriving, well kind of. Martin Jacobson was just seen still eating breakfast back at the hotel and to be honest I can’t see any of the others. But we’re assured they’re on their way, undergoing the rigours of a pre-match photo shoot with Neil Stoddart before taking their seats in Casino Vilamoura’s tournament coliseum.

In honour of this momentous occasion the blog team are each decked out in ceremonial battle dress today, complete with staff blazers and ties, decorative sash, plus fours, tricorne hats and campaign medals. All except Rick Dacey, who follows us all making horse noises with two coconut shells. As leader Simon Young is entitled to carry a side arm.

Live coverage will begin shortly. You can find regularly updated chip counts throughout the day on the chip count page, while all the results will be posted on the prize winners page as we inch nearer to a winner. Fancy starting from the beginning? Then all news from Vilamoura is posted at this convenient link.

PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Octopus eaten this week): Rick Dacey (1), Stephen Bartley (1), Marc Convey (1 tentacle) and Simon Young (not on your life). Photos by Neil Stoddart.

This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.

The English have long been familiar with the Algarve. Travelling here on low-cost budget flights, they ignore the rough landing for a taste of local culture, normally wrapped in a Union Jack, and made crisp by sunshine. A week later, pink on one side, they return to Blighty with nice memories, a bottle of discount Port and a sombrero. For some it’s the perfect foreign trip.

Englishman Toby Lewis may not have the sombrero, or the sunburn for that matter, but he looks likely to be leaving Portugal with the happy memories. He leads the field into the final table tomorrow by just two antes, bagging up 3,322,000 this afternoon, the spoils of a whirlwind day that thinned the field from 24 to eight in a little less than five hours.

Toby Lewis

His wingman on that trip was another Englishman, Sam Trickett. Trickett, who battled for or held the lead for most of the day, amassed his own souvenirs, 3,318,000 of them, after a display which could be summed up using the same words to describe Lewis’s performance – brutal, relentless and effective.

Sam Trickett

The setting was perfect for their photo finish. Surrounded by cautious short stacks the pair spent the afternoon fleecing and flourishing, pulling in chips from opponents ill-equipped to take them on when the cards wouldn’t work in their favour.

But it was not all about youths tearing the place up like holiday teenagers unable to handle the sangria.

Teddy Sheringham

Teddy Sheringham may be better known for his exploits on the football field, the England caps, the Champions League goals and a career that sparkles with awards, but he may soon be adding to that success rate on the baize if today’s performance is any measure.

Straight down the middle – Sheringham with Daniel Negreanu on the course this morning

At times lumbered with the short stack, Sheringham, who managed six holes at this morning’s Fairways and Felts golf-and-poker contest, steered his way past fearsome opposition, taking chips from court jester Fabrizio Ascari in a highlight six-nine vs. ace-king hand (Sheringham made a ten-high straight), and then from European poker veteran Rob Hollink.

Rob Hollink

Hollink, who won the EPT Grand Final in season one (filmed in black and white), survived the day with 259,000, keeping alive the prospect of a first (dare we say it?) double EPT winner. But Ascari, who seemed to lose his smile today, was unable to take that final step.

The flamboyant Italian has been a highlight in Vilamoura. Often out of sight but never out of earshot, Ascari wanted to be friends with just about everyone. In a game played in isolation this irritated some, but it endeared him to others.

Fabrizio Ascari

So what if he took his shirt off for the camera; practised his golf swing on the stage or smoked a cigarette every six hands? This heir apparent was out to enjoy himself from the moment he took his seat, intending to make a run on his luck for as long as he could. It took him into day four and, were it not for a trio of Englishmen, could have carried him further. It would be Sheringham to deliver the coup de grace. The king was dead in tenth place.

Most others had gone before him. Carolyn Gray was the first to depart, soon followed by the likes of Kevin O’Donnell, Grzegorz Cichoki and last lady standing Filipa Lemos. Tom Johansen would follow, as would Nicolo Calia and Guillermo Garcia – the full list being available on the prize winners page.

But it was Erik van den Berg who brought the day to a close, seen off by Lewis shortly after the last nine convened around a single table until just eight remained. Van Den Berg’s queen-six was crushed by Lewis’s king-seven, giving Lewis his narrow overnight lead.

Erik van den Berg

It makes for an early finish to day four ahead of tomorrow’s final table, which will look exactly like this:

Seat 1. Teddy Sheringham – 1,783,000

Seat 2. Toby Lewis – 3,322,000

Seat 3. Martin Jacobson – 441,000

Seat 4. Jason Lee – 1,167,000

Seat 5. Sergio Coutinho – 872,000

Seat 6. Sam Trickett – 3,318,000

Seat 7. Rob Hollink – 259,000

Seat 8. Frederick Jensen – 375,000

In the meantime you can re-live all of the action from today at the following links:

Level 19 & 20 updates

Level 21 & 22 updates

Level 23 & 24 updates

Tomorrow we’ll play down to a winner who’ll walk away from here €467,835 richer and a head full of happy thoughts. Can the English one-two-three be defeated? Will we have our first double winner? Find out tomorrow when play resumes at noon.

From the English team our thanks to our foreign cousins here to cover their own, let’s face it, slightly less successful players.

German blogger Robin has had nothing to do since Wolfgang Wurzer busted in 32nd place yesterday; Steve the Dutch blogger is pinning his hopes on a Dutch-Double; Our Portuguese colleague Sergio is counting on namesake Sergio Coutinho to bring home glory to these parts, while Matteo, our Italian blogger, is preparing to be buried alongside his new king, Fabrizio Ascari.

Our thanks to Neil Stoddart for the pictures. We Englishmen are off to enjoy that thing they call daylight to get some sunburn on our faces. It’ll go nicely with the sunburn on our backs.

This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.