The UKPT’s popularity knows no bounds and the Bridge Club was packed to the rafters for the Banbridge leg. The event was so popular that 30 alternates queued to take a seat at the hottest tables in town.

Poker journalist Mick McCloskey took a big hit in the 1st hand; Grand Slam legend Henry McGrath arrived late and went home early; and the whole room buzzed with good humour and even better banter. Railbirds swamped the final table and, after relentless and impressive displays of aggression, Lee Lindsay and Sean Donaldson got down to heads up. As the clock struck 5 it was Donegal man Lindsay who took 1st place and £4,900.

Martin ‘The Butcher’ Dunne had an early bath this time but watch out London as he aims to make his 3rd UKPT final table. See you in The Sportsman!