Poker king leaves table with EUR 800,000

A cheque for EUR 800,000 isn't a bad pay-off for four days' work.

And last night, that was exactly what Neil Channing from Sunderland had in his pocket after winning the Paddy Power open poker tournament, which took place in Dublin's City West hotel.

The English poker professional has been a regular on the European scene for the last number of years but yesterday's victory, after a tense four-hour final, was the largest win ever in his career.

In second place was Donal Norton (above right) from Tipperary who walked away with EUR 420,000 after the face-off with Mr Channing in the final stage.

A total of 667 poker players took to the tables at the start of the tournament on Friday, each paying EUR 4,500 to take part, according to Nicholas Whelan of Paddy Power.

One-time Irish striker Tony Cascarino lasted until the second day of the tournament while ex-Manchester United player Teddy Sheringham was out on the first, along with former rugby international Reggie Corrigan.

Meanwhile the "godfather of poker" Doyle Brunson, after a successful start, hit a bad run and also exited on the second day.