SkyCity crowns poker champion

Poker champion James Honeybone. Photo supplied.

Tauranga man James Honeybone early today became the 2010 SkyCity Auckland Anniversary poker champion.

Honeybone collected $36,000 in prize money for his win. 'Oliver from Wellington' picked up over $23,700 for second place.

The tournament started on Sunday with 121 players, a slight increase on player numbers from last year. Notable locals included Brooke Howard-Smith, comedian Mike King, local player Richard Lancaster (who came fifth in last year's SkyCity Festival of Poker main event) and Dawn Raid Entertainment boss, Brotha D.

The starting field was whittled down to 35 for the start of day two.

The last nine remaining players formed the final table at 7.30 last night, with play continuing until just after 3.00 this morning.

And the all-important final hand? It was suitably dramatic.

Honeybone went 'all-in' with suited Jack-Ace against Oliver's pair of Kings. The final cards gave Honeybone an Ace-high flush over his adversary's triple Kings - and the championship.

RESULTS

The finishing order and prizemoney for the main event were:

James Honeybone - Tauranga - $36,030.00
Oliver - Wellington - $23,720.00
Koray Turker - Auckland - $14,280.00
Srdjan Mitrovic - Auckland - $11,620.00
Martin Cardno - Auckland - $9,200.00
Steve Quanborough - Australia - $5,930.00
Dan Sing - Auckland - $4,840.00
Mitch McClenghan - Auckland - $4,240.00
Timothy Phillip - Auckland - $3,510.00
Haiou Xu - Auckland - $3,150.00
Paul Reid - Auckland - $2,420.00
Thomas McDonald - Auckland - $2,060.00

The next major event on the SkyCity poker calendar is the Lee Nelson Deep Stack tournament in late March.

- NZHERALD STAFF