KIWI CHAMPS 2008
KIWI POKER CHAMPIONS
Some of us tend to forget that the Kiwi players were an integral part in the growth of Poker in Australia just as Australians John Beagle and Keith Sloan were an integral part in the development of the Christchurch Poker Room and later the NZ Poker Championships in 2001.
I remember looking through the scrap book in the Canterbury Room at the opening of the Poker Room 2001 and seeing the names Mel Judah and his Kiwi mates amongst some trips to Hobart Casino in the early eighties. Others were quick to get in touch with the Kiwi action and the Poker room developed into the Boutique special it is today.
I see that Mick Ryan has commenced the 2008 Championships for 3 to 11 May. Bit of a pity the clash with the Crown Melbourne Championships commencing 11 May but I gather it was unavoidable. I hope the Aussie regulars go over once more to join our Kiwi mates. Many names come to mind over the years including some who have left us but
Peter Pekoe, Andrew Dimock, Arnold Lindsay, Bev Black, Rebo, Arnold Lindsay, Bill Potts, Con Harach, Graham Freeman, Glen Matheson, Harry Walker, Jamil Dia, John Wylie, Kurt Rosegger, Kirk Morrison?, Lee Nelson, Leon Deon, Luke Chezick, Nev Hart, Nick Yamazaki, Paula Brough, Richard Grace, Simon Bismark, Tony Bainbridge, Tony Grant, Yoshi and Zane Winslade are most prominent. There are many others.
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2001
was a grand opening night. Management had invited PNW and crew to the opening and the first results were posted operating from a clone PC at the back of the Casino with the Security checking every word and post. Bendigo was TD and The Baptist was MC. There were 49 entries and Leo Boxell took home the trophy.
2002
Matthew Hilger UK won the main event of 44 entries. Fred Saliba 4 and David Gorr 5 were the most successful Aussie entries.
2003
Kiwi Jamil Dia won the main event from 47 entries. Jamil was to go on to win the Aussie Millions. The Jolly Poacher became the all night hangout of the Aussies.
2004
Kiwi Andrew Dimock a constant visitor to Aussie, won the main event from 60 entries.
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2005
Another Kiwi Con Harach won the main event from 65 entries of $700. Somewhere along the line the Crown dealers made a spectacular entry in fancy dress.
2006
UK Alan Goodrum won the main event from Aussie Nic Nicolau.
And in 2007
Australia’s own Eric Assadourian took line honours with 108 entries and entry of $3000.
In its own way Christchurch has always been a part of our Aussie Poker history. Hopefully many will turn up for the spectacular programme that Mick has developed for this year. Flights are available direct from Christchurch to meet up with the Crown Melbourne Championship. It should be a great month.
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