Rich Ferguson Presents – Flourishes
December 31, 2011 By
The Eggman’s Apprentice
December 31, 2011 By
Randy “nanonoko” Lew – Record Breaker?
December 30, 2011 By
The Guinness Book of records is synonymous the world over as being the primary international authority on the verification of world records. In June 2010, Phil Laak wrote his name (and pokers) into the pages of the great book when he played the longest ever-continuous poker session on the felt, beating Paul Zimbler’s record of 78hrs, 25mins and 45 seconds set in 2009. Laak finally playing for an incredible 115hrs of consecutive poker where he finished in profit for the session!
On January 7th, the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) kicks off and promises to be the biggest poker festival outside of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Randy “nanonoko” Lew has told people that during the PCA he will attempt to become the newest member of the Guinness Book of World Records. What record does the online phenom intend to set? Nobody, including Lew, even knows! Check for updates on top poker sites!
On a recent Two Plus Two forum post a person writing under the pseudonym “PokerStarsCaleb” created a post asking members to come up with a World Record attempt. The two criteria being that it must be poker authentic, with a preference towards online free poker, and it must be easy for the watching public to understand.
At present no final decision has been made on what the World Record attempt will be, but forum members are flooding the post with suggestions. Lew achieved Supernova Elite status for four consecutive years between 2007 and 2010 making him an ideal candidate to throw his online hat into the ring.
Will he be a record-breaker?
Mancini targets big January
December 30, 2011 By
Roberto Mancini has identified January as “a key month” which is likely to go a long way to deciding how successful Manchester City will be this season.
The Premier League title-hopefuls made the trip to Wearside to take on Sunderland on New Year’s Day determined to bounce back from a disappointing goalless draw at West Brom on Boxing Day – the first time this season they failed to find the net in the top flight – before hosting Liverpool on January 3.
The then attention turns to the FA Cup and the small matter of a derby against local rivals Manchester United on January 8.
The following Wednesday they play Liverpool again – this time in the Carling Cup semi-finals – before further Premier League games against Wigan and Tottenham and the return leg against the Merseysiders. People looking at the Carling Cup odds need to remember this.
On the prospect of two games in three days, Mancini said: “It is impossible to play in two days with the same players, this is sure.”
He added: “January will be a key month. We will have important games – FA Cup, Carling Cup, four in the Premier League. I think this month will be very important.”
City could find themselves dropped to second spot in the Premier League by the time they kick off at the Stadium of Light as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men return to action on Saturday and Mancini is aware there is little margin for error. Those following the football odds should bear this in mind.
The Italian manager is anticipating many twists and turns before the title is decided and has even suggested it could do down to the derby at the Etihad Stadium on April 28 – if his players can cope with the mental pressure of a taxing run-in.
The former Internazionale boss: “If we are strong enough, I think it will be decided with the game at home, probably.”
Blackjack Blueprint
December 30, 2011 By
Walters throws down gauntlet to Big Buck’s
December 30, 2011 By
Dai Walters, owner of the smart Oscar Whisky, believes that one day something has to beat the outstanding staying hurdler Big Buck’s and reckons it might well be his high-class performer who is expected to stay three miles and possibly prove the biggest danger to the Paul Nicholls-trained superstar in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival in March, writes Elliot Slater.
A good winner at Cheltenham earlier this month when coming home strongly over two-miles-five-furlongs to beat Get Me Out Of Here in the Grade 2 Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle, Oscar Whisky shapes very much as if he will see out the extra yardage, and if he does he certainly has enough class to make Big Buck’s work for what many people anticipate will be an almost certain fourth successive victory in the staying hurdles championship event. The best online Cheltenham betting reflects this.
Third to Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle over two miles in March, Oscar Whisky went on to defeat subsequent French Champion Hurdle winner Thousand stars by a hard fought neck in the Grade 1 John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle over two-and-a-half-miles, and looked set to start this term where he left off last when joining overturn at the last flight of the Ascot Hurdle last month, only to take a tumble under Barry Geraghty just as victory appeared within his grasp.
Multi-millionaire businessman Walters, owner and the driving force behind Britain’s newest turf racetrack at Ffos Las in mid-Wales, says he would “love to give it a go” against Big Buck’s, a horse for whom he has the greatest of admiration, but no final decision on a possible challenge to the great horse will be made until after Oscar Whisky has defended his Welsh Champion hurdle title at Ffos Las in February, a race he won for his owner last year amidst emotional scenes.
Volume 3 – Showstoppers
December 29, 2011 By
Higginson fired up for Rocket battle
December 29, 2011 By
Andrew Higginson is chomping at the bit to grace the Berlin baize and face Ronnie O’Sullivan in the opening round of the German Masters.
The world number 19 was devastated at failing to qualify for the UK Championship after losing to Steve Davis meant missing out on a first-round draw with O’Sullivan, but in February he will have his chance to shine against the three-time world champion. People looking at the best snooker betting odds will be wondering if the player can make a breakthrough.
“To play him in front of a crowd of 2,500 in Berlin will be brilliant,” the 34-year-old from Widnes told World Snooker. “It will be like playing in the Masters. I’m sure I’ll have a few butterflies but I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Playing Ronnie will be weird because I’ve never played him before, and I could have played him in two consecutive ranking events if I’d qualified for the UK. I’ve practised with him before so I know he’s something special, the most gifted player I’ve ever seen.”
Three victories in the qualification stages for the 12th and last event of the Players Tour Championship against Dominic Dale, Mark King and Jamie Jones secured his berth in Germany.
A maiden professional title at the fifth Players Tour Championship event, as well as this latest qualification should prove enough to keep Higginson fully motivated.
“Looking back to the UK Championship qualifiers, I lost 6-2 to Steve Davis and it was one of the worst performances of my pro career,” Higginson added.
“It was just a horrible match, we both played badly and I was worse than him. Steve is a legend and one of the greatest players ever so I really wanted to win.
“But I just felt uncomfortable from the start and couldn’t see the shots. It was one of those days you just have to try to put behind you.”