The Gala Casino in Edinburgh saw another great turnout for the final South Scotland regional final before we head off to Nottingham. Eight players would receive a share of a generous £1,000.

At 2pm the cards were in the air as the whole casino was engulfed in silence. The Fountain Bar had a day to forget as three of their representatives were amongst the first four players to be eliminated with Andrew Tiffin claiming the wooden spoon on the day.

Last season’s Team Event winners, IQue Cafe Bar, Glasgow didn’t have things all their own way this time around as only Damian O’Hara could break into the top 20. O’Hara was looking for back to back final tables until he exited in 19th position. The winners of the team event, however, were never in doubt as every representative from the Pentland Inn, Loanhead reached the top 15 on the day, with two reaching the final table. So congratulations go to Lynsay Johnston, Sandy Currie and Kevin Dalgetty.

As soon as we reached our final table of eight, the chips were counted and the names were taken during a short 10 minute break. Robin McDonald from the Sportsman, Glasgow held the chip lead on a final table that went true to form. McDonald soon hit the heads-up match against fellow big stack Sandy Currie from the Pentland Inn, Loanhead. The final hand saw what you could only describe as a ‘car crash hand’ as McDonald’s AK was racing against Currie’s 88. An ace in the window gave McDonald a huge advantage as the rest of the board ran out favourably for him. A final board of AJ9 9 Q meant Sandy must concede defeat on the day but should still be happy of £200 cash and a national final seat. Congratulations Robin and all other winners on the day.

Cash Prize Winners
1st Robin McDonald – Sportsman, Glasgow
2nd Sandy Currie – Pentland Inn, Loanhead
3rd James Lomand – Fountain Bar, Aberfeldy
4th David Rotchford – Barrachnie Inn, Glasgow
5th George Young – Schiehallion, Aberfeldy
6th Kevin Dalgetty – Pentland Inn, Loanhead
7th Hugh Higgins – Wintergills, Glasgow
8th Simon Wade – Barrachnie Inn, Glasgow

National Final Qualifiers
Robin McDonald
Sandy Currie

Team Winners
Pentland Inn, Loanhead