An astonishing turn-out of 97% were all hoping to sneak into this month’s National Final in Nottingham. The Circus Casino in Newcastle was all ready for what was sure to be a fantastic day. Seven players would win a National Final seat on the day with eight winning a cash prize.

As the tournament commenced the players from the Magic Lantern in South Shields had a shocking start with Zain Said and Alexander Maberley becoming the first two players to be eliminated finishing in 153rd and 152nd respectively.

The Isabella’s Thursday league took the team event trophy back to Northumberland. The Thursday trio now officially have bragging rights over their Sunday league players. David Wood, Neil Donohoe and Kyle Walker were the heroes on the day.

Chips were counted and names were taken as a final table of eight was formed. Brian Hewison went in with a healthy chip lead over the others.

Seat 1: Emma Broughton – 71,500
Seat 2: Ian Walker – 107,000
Seat 3: David Jones – 47,000
Seat 4: Brian Hewison – 176,000
Seat 5: Neil Simpson – 72,000
Seat 6: Ian McKay – 131,000
Seat 7: Dennis Slack – 72,500
Seat 8: Wayne Monaghan – 62,500

As we got under way again, Emma Broughton got herself in a good situation as she was dealt KK to Dennis’s JJ with Ian Walker also tabling J9. With Ian and Dennis drawing thin, Emma scooped the lot as she raced into the heads-up contest with Neil Simpson. The final hand of the day saw Emma’s K8 up against Neil’s 89. A favourable board of TA3 T K meant Emma had kept her pre-flop edge to take down our North East Regional Final for season 4! Emma walks away with £500, a crystal glass trophy and a National Final invite. Good luck in Nottingham.

Cash Prize Winners
1st Emma Broughton – Newton Park, Newcastle
2nd Neil Simpson – Peregrine, Newcastle upon Tyne
3rd Ian McKay – New Crown, South Shields
4th Brian Hewison – Met, Whitby
5th Wayne Monaghan – Riley’s, Darlington
6th David Jones – Beckfield, Stockton on Tees
7th Dennis Slack – O’Neils Sports Lounge Ltd, Cumbria
8th Ian Walker – Ridley Park Hotel, Blyth

National Final Qualifiers
Emma Broughton
Neil Simpson
Ian McKay
Brian Hewison
Wayne Monaghan
David Jones
Dennis Slack

Team Winners
Isabella (Thursday), Northumberland