[crapper]

Hi all,

I'd just like to thank everyone for their support (both on the forums and personally) throughout the London EPT. It meant a lot to me and I can assure you it was greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be for me at the final table on this occasion. I didn't wake up with any really big hands....the only genuine ones being an A Q and a pair of 8s (out of position....UTG).

I wasn't going to sit there and just blind away, however, as I was only interested in winning the title; so I played aggressively with what little I had. I'm never afraid to be the first to bust out. Initially, I managed to get my raises through unchallenged, but once the blinds rose to a punishing 8/16K with a 2K running ante, the other players started playing back at me.

Once I was back down to about 200K, I knew that I would only be able to try to get a raise through one more time, before my next move would have to be to push all-in. I chose to go with a raise to 40K with a 10 7 Diamonds out of position ( my thinking being that I would get more respect from there and that they would be able to pass reasonably strong hands ). Unfortunately, I was reraised to 110K ( instead of the call that I had hoped for to see a flop ) and had to pass, knowing that I would now have to push in the next round.

I managed to get an opportunity almost immediately when everyone folded to me on the button and I looked down and saw K 7. A poor call from the small blind, however, who was holding K 3, (one that delighted me though, of course!) ultimately sealed my fate, when a 3 hit the flop.

I'd like to thank you all once again. This poker community is a wonderful one and I wish each and every one of you the best of fortune at the tables,

Ian.