Adelaide... Perth... Sydney... Gold Coast... Canberra... Queenstown... Melbourne... Darwin...

The 2011 Australia New Zealand Poker Tour has been an incredible ride as we've ventured to new locations, seen some amazing highlights and unearthed some of the brightest poker talent in the region.

From Octavian Voegele's dominant win in Adelaide to Grant Levy's epic victory in Perth. Lee Nelson's win for the ages in Melbourne and the ultra-consistency of Jesse McKenzie, Leo Boxell and Player of the Year Danny Chevalier. And now 28-year old Queenslander Jack Drake adds his name to the record books as our newest ANZPT champion.

Drake was impressive throughout the ANZPT Darwin Main Event across the four challenging days of poker inside the SKYCITY Darwin Casino. While many of his better-known counterparts threw uppercuts and hooks to attempt to land a knockout blow, Drake was content to throw jabs from the outside and rarely had his tournament life in jeopardy. It was a mature, composed exhibition of poker and perhaps the start of something even bigger in his blossoming career.

At the start of the day, Drake would have been relieved to see the early eliminations of Aaron Benton and Danny Chevalier - the two most experienced players at the table. Benton played four pots and lost them all while Chevalier had his pocket aces unfortunately cracked by Jamie Hill who rivered trips.

Following his elimination, we had a chance to catch up with Chevalier for his thoughts on the ANZ Player of the Year award...

"In the last month when it became a realistic possibility, I was very, very keen to achieve it. In fact, I became very single-minded about it. When I came here to Darwin, I had just one intention and that was to make the points. It was a very exciting finish with Jesse and Leo and it was a relief when Jesse busted as I had second place at least. I just concentrated on my game - surviving. I knew what I had to do so I just kept at it."

"Coming into the final table I was very relaxed. I was just happy to be there. Making the points yesterday was my final table. No matter what happened today I was happy."

Chevalier plans to use his POTY prize to head to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January as well as play the APPT and ANZPT events next season.

As play continued, the short-stacked Glenn Parry fought back well from being crippled on the bubble to collecting a nice payday for his seventh place before Jamie Hill was jacked by Drake when Hill's [ad][4h] was outflopped by Drake's [jd][5h] when a jack hit the flop. It wouldn't be the last time we would see that happen.

New Caledonian PokerStars Qualifier Jonathan Dangio looked dangerous throughout the final table, especially early on when a burst of big cards, including pocket aces three times within the first two hours, saw him climb to the chip lead. However the aces failed him when Fotios Manolakos turned a straight and rivered a sweet king-high straight flush.

From there Dangio was on the short stack and couldn't recover. He three-bet shoved his pocket threes and Drake was again the destroyer as his [kh][9s] paired both cards on the board.

However it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Queenslander as he exchanged chips back and forth in a titanic struggle with local Mark Taylor. Drake doubled up the short stack with his [ac][qh] falling to Taylor's [ks][jh] before Drake got some revenge moments later with his [6d][8c] catching a pair against Taylor's [ac][3h]. It was one of the rare moments that Drake needed some luck and, crucially, he found it.

At the dinner break, Brett Dannevig was the chip leader but with stomachs satisfied the pace of play picked up following the break.

Fotios Manolakos found some luck when he rivered a three-outer when his [kc][9s] caught a nine-ball against Mark Taylor's [ks][qd], before Taylor's defiant run came to an end in fourth place. Taylor had doubled up on numerous occasions throughout the day, and would never say die, but the good run ended when his [6h][6s] fell behind the [qs][js] of Jack Drake when a jack appeared on the flop.

Maybe there's something in a name as Jack Drake's love affair with the knave continued soon after when he called the all-in bet of Fotios Manolakos on a flop of [6h][jh][5s]. Drake had once again paired the jack with his [ks][jc] as Manolakos was drawing with his [8d][7d]. The turn and river bricked to eliminate Manolakos and leave us heads up for the title.

Jack Drake held a massive chip lead over Brett Dannevig, but that all changed around very quickly as two double ups flipped the advantage. The second double was an astonishing three-outer river after the two got their chips in on a [7d][7c][tc] flop with Drake's [js][ts] in front of Dannevig's [td][8d]. The turn was the [5c], leaving nearly half the deck for Drake to win the title. Even a chop would've been ok, but the [8c] river was the only card Drake didn't want to see as his world had just been turned upside down.

However Drake stuck to his task and also stuck a flop when his [kd][tc] got paid off on a [2c][5d][td] flop against Dannevig's [ah][5c]. That put Drake back in front and he finished the job when he moved all in with [ad][4d] and Dannevig called with [kh][9h]. The board ran out [qc][qh][2c][5d][5c] and the title had been decided as Jack Drake was crowned the ANZPT Darwin champion!

Final Table Results
1st Jack Drake (Australia) - $36,480
2nd Brett Dannevig (Australia) - $24,960
3rd Fotios Manolakos (Australia) - $16,640
4th Mark Taylor (Australia) - $12,800
5th Jonathan Dangio (New Caledonia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - $10,880
6th Jamie Hill (Australia) - $8,960
7th Glenn Parry (Australia) - $7,040
8th Danny Chevalier (Australia) - $5,760
9th Aaron Benton (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - $4,480

That wraps up our time here in Darwin and for Season Three of the Australia New Zealand Poker Tour. It's been an incredible journey throughout 2011 and it's been a pleasure being part of it.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tony & Kiri Jackson, Rich Mifsud and all of the SKYCITY Darwin staff for their wonderful hospitality during the week. The dealers did a wonderful job and it's great to see the Poker Zone really starting to prosper with four locals reaching today's final table.

Many thanks to the PokerStars staff, particularly Danny McDonagh, Sam Dawson and Luke Lichtenstein for their tireless efforts throughout the year working behind the scenes to ensure every event is of the highest quality and the players are well looked after. Also thanks to Kirsty Chick for her assistance with the final table photography this afternoon and throughout the ANZPT this season.

We're here to tell you that the ANZPT will be back again next year so keep an eye on PokerStars for further announcements and online satellites to the first event of Season Four. Until then, the next major event on the local calendar is the Macau Poker Cup Championships which kick off Tuesday at the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau. Maybe I'll see you there? If not, make sure you follow PokerStars Blog for all the live updates!

Jack Drake wins ANZPT Darwin Main Event

After four days of intense poker action in the "Top End" it was Queenslander Jack Drake who handled the heat the best in the PokerStars.net ANZPT Darwin Main Event. Drake led the field for the past two days and carried that advantage all the way to a tremendous win this evening.

It wasn't all roses for Drake, especially after entering heads up play with a big chip lead, only to see it washed away within minutes. However Drake steadied the ship and stuck some flops when it mattered to claim victory. He wins $36,480 in prize money, a shiny, brand new trophy and the title of ANZPT Darwin champion!

That wraps up our live coverage of the Main Event, but we'll have a complete wrap of today's action for you shortly.

9:20pm: Brett Dannevig eliminated in 2nd place; Jack Drake wins!

The ANZPT Darwin Main Event has been run and won with Queensland's Jack Drake crowned champion!

The final moments came when Brett Dannevig opened with a raise to 32,000. Drake moved all in over the top and Dannevig committed his final chips to make the call.

Dannevig: [kh][9h]
Drake: [ad][4d]

With the boisterous Drake fan club cheering for "The Dragon" and for his ace to hold, the dealer ran the board out [qc][qh][2c][5d][5c]. Drake is victorious as Dannevig heads home with $24,960 for his 2nd place finish after a tremendous performance in Darwin.

9:15pm: Jack fights back

Jack Drake opened with a raise to 35,000 with Brett Dannevig making the call in the big blind to see a flop of [2c][5d][td].

Dannevig decided to lead out with a bet of 54,000 which was met with a raise to 115,000 from Drake. Dannevig rocked back in his chair for a few moments before declaring himself all in. Drake nodded and made the call.

Drake showed [kd][tc] for top pair as Dannevig gave a clenched smile as he tabled [ah][5c] for middle pair. The turn was the [6d] and river the [9d] as a huge swing of chips heads back to Drake. He's close to the million mark again with Dannevig down to under 200,000.

9:00pm: The trophy slips through Jack's fingers

With the trophy on the line and only one card to come, Jack Drake has just watched as the dealer landed a cruel river blow to give Brett Dannevig a remarkable double up to keep this contest alive.

Drake opened the button to 35,000 and Dannevig made the call to see a flop of [7d][7c][tc]. Dannevig checked to Drake who bet 38,000. Dannevig check-raised to 85,000 before Drake moved all in. Dannevig called off his last 281,000 and the cards were once again on their backs!

Dannevig showed [td][8d] for top pair but Drake had him outkicked with his [js][ts]. The turn was the [5c] and while there were chop possibilities, another baby card and the trophy was going home to the Gold Coast. However the only card Drake didn't want to see was the [8c] that appeared to give Dannevig the three-outer to double up!

Dannevig is now into the chip lead with 750,000 as Drake slips to 450,000.

8:55pm: Three pair no good

Jack Drake opened the button to 35,000 and Brett Dannevig made the call in the big blind. The flop came down [ks][kh][4c] and Dannevig checked to Drake who bet 37,000. Dannevig made the call and the turn brought the [3s].

Dannevig checked and Drake moved all in with Dannevig snap-calling his last 110,000 with [kd][9s] for trips as Drake's [4d][3c] for three pair were no good. The river was the [2h] and Dannevig doubles to 300,000 with Drake back down to around 900,000.

8:50pm: Level up, blinds 8,000-16,000, ante 2,000

8:40pm: We're heads up for the title!

The trophy and the cash is on the line as Jack Drake takes a commanding lead into heads-up play against Brett Dannevig.

Approximate chip counts:

Jack Drake - 1,080,000
Brett Dannevig - 160,000

After a brief pause, the cards are back in the air!

8:35pm: Fotios Manolakos eliminated in 3rd place

Catching the action on a flop of [6h][jh][5s], Fotios Manolakos fired out a bet of 25,000, only for Jack Drake to announce a raise to 100,000. Manolakos thought for a moment before announcing himself all in, but Drake beat him into the pot.

Drake: [ks][jc]
Manolakos: [8d][7d]

It was top pair versus an open-ended straight draw, but Manolakos couldn't connect on the [5d] turn or [6c] river. Manolakos is eliminated in 3rd place and he'll take home a very tidy $16,640 in prize money.

8:30pm: Mark Taylor eliminated in 4th place

It was a remarkable run by Mark Taylor today. He entered as one of our short stacks but managed to double up on numerous occasions to keep his ANZPT Darwin dream alive. However he has ultimately fallen in 4th place after losing a preflop race against Jack Drake.

The action started with Fotios Manolakos opening with a raise to 35,000 on the button. Drake three-bet to 100,000 from the small blind before Taylor moved all in for another 90,000 or so from the big blind. Manolakos got out of the way as Drake made the call.

Drake: [qs][js]
Taylor: [6h][6s]

The board ran out [tc][jc][5d][8d][7h] to pair the jack for Drake to eliminate Taylor in 4th place for $12,800 in prize money.

8:15pm: Dannevig turns up the heat

Brett Dannevig opened with a raise from under the gun and Mark Taylor made the call in the big blind. The flop landed [6d][as][8h] and Taylor led out for 40,000. Dannevig made the call and the turn brought the [td]. Check, check and the river was the [jd].

Taylor checked it over to Dannevig who bet 60,000 which was enough to take it down.

One orbit later and we had the same situation as the two took a flop of [8d][9d][3h]. Taylor again tried to lead out for 40,000 from the big blind but Dannevig announced a raise of another 100,000. Taylor again gave it up. He slips to 160,000 with Dannevig up to 320,000.

7:55pm: Fotios swims on the river

Fotios Manolakos has found a huge double up with a fortunate river card keeping him afloat in this tournament.

Mark Taylor opened with a raise to 40,000 before Manolakos moved all in from the small blind for another 137,000 on top. Taylor thought for a moment before making the call.

Manolakos showed first and opened [kc][9s] but stood from his chair in resignation when Taylor opened [ks][qd].

The flop was a dry [ac][4c][7h] and the [jd] turn changed nothing, but the [9c] river gave
Manolakos the three-outer to stay alive. He doubles up to 360,000 with Taylor dropping to 170,000.

7:50pm: A little dessert for Drake

With the blinds at 6,000-12,000 and a 2,000 ante, Brett Dannevig opened to 52,000 from under the gun and action folded around to Jack Drake in the big blind who moved all in for roughly another 190,000 more.

It was a big opening raise from Dannevig but he laid it down as Drake is off to a great start post-dinner.

7:45pm: Play resumes

The players are back with stomachs satisfied as we are ready to find the ANZPT Darwin champion!

Jack Drake wins ANZPT Darwin Main Event

After four days of intense poker action in the "Top End" it was Queenslander Jack Drake who handled the heat the best in the PokerStars.net ANZPT Darwin Main Event. Drake led the field for the past two days and carried that advantage all the way to a tremendous win this evening.

It wasn't all roses for Drake, especially after entering heads up play with a big chip lead, only to see it washed away within minutes. However Drake steadied the ship and stuck some flops when it mattered to claim victory. He wins $36,480 in prize money, a shiny, brand new trophy and the title of ANZPT Darwin champion!

That wraps up our live coverage of the Main Event, but we'll have a complete wrap of today's action for you shortly.

9:20pm: Brett Dannevig eliminated in 2nd place; Jack Drake wins!

The ANZPT Darwin Main Event has been run and won with Queensland's Jack Drake crowned champion!

The final moments came when Brett Dannevig opened with a raise to 32,000. Drake moved all in over the top and Dannevig committed his final chips to make the call.

Dannevig: [kh][9h]
Drake: [ad][4d]

With the boisterous Drake fan club cheering for "The Dragon" and for his ace to hold, the dealer ran the board out [qc][qh][2c][5d][5c]. Drake is victorious as Dannevig heads home with $24,960 for his 2nd place finish after a tremendous performance in Darwin.

9:15pm: Jack fights back

Jack Drake opened with a raise to 35,000 with Brett Dannevig making the call in the big blind to see a flop of [2c][5d][td].

Dannevig decided to lead out with a bet of 54,000 which was met with a raise to 115,000 from Drake. Dannevig rocked back in his chair for a few moments before declaring himself all in. Drake nodded and made the call.

Drake showed [kd][tc] for top pair as Dannevig gave a clenched smile as he tabled [ah][5c] for middle pair. The turn was the [6d] and river the [9d] as a huge swing of chips heads back to Drake. He's close to the million mark again with Dannevig down to under 200,000.

9:00pm: The trophy slips through Jack's fingers

With the trophy on the line and only one card to come, Jack Drake has just watched as the dealer landed a cruel river blow to give Brett Dannevig a remarkable double up to keep this contest alive.

Drake opened the button to 35,000 and Dannevig made the call to see a flop of [7d][7c][tc]. Dannevig checked to Drake who bet 38,000. Dannevig check-raised to 85,000 before Drake moved all in. Dannevig called off his last 281,000 and the cards were once again on their backs!

Dannevig showed [td][8d] for top pair but Drake had him outkicked with his [js][ts]. The turn was the [5c] and while there were chop possibilities, another baby card and the trophy was going home to the Gold Coast. However the only card Drake didn't want to see was the [8c] that appeared to give Dannevig the three-outer to double up!

Dannevig is now into the chip lead with 750,000 as Drake slips to 450,000.

8:55pm: Three pair no good

Jack Drake opened the button to 35,000 and Brett Dannevig made the call in the big blind. The flop came down [ks][kh][4c] and Dannevig checked to Drake who bet 37,000. Dannevig made the call and the turn brought the [3s].

Dannevig checked and Drake moved all in with Dannevig snap-calling his last 110,000 with [kd][9s] for trips as Drake's [4d][3c] for three pair were no good. The river was the [2h] and Dannevig doubles to 300,000 with Drake back down to around 900,000.

8:50pm: Level up, blinds 8,000-16,000, ante 2,000

8:40pm: We're heads up for the title!

The trophy and the cash is on the line as Jack Drake takes a commanding lead into heads-up play against Brett Dannevig.

Approximate chip counts:

Jack Drake - 1,080,000
Brett Dannevig - 160,000

After a brief pause, the cards are back in the air!

8:35pm: Fotios Manolakos eliminated in 3rd place

Catching the action on a flop of [6h][jh][5s], Fotios Manolakos fired out a bet of 25,000, only for Jack Drake to announce a raise to 100,000. Manolakos thought for a moment before announcing himself all in, but Drake beat him into the pot.

Drake: [ks][jc]
Manolakos: [8d][7d]

It was top pair versus an open-ended straight draw, but Manolakos couldn't connect on the [5d] turn or [6c] river. Manolakos is eliminated in 3rd place and he'll take home a very tidy $16,640 in prize money.

8:30pm: Mark Taylor eliminated in 4th place

It was a remarkable run by Mark Taylor today. He entered as one of our short stacks but managed to double up on numerous occasions to keep his ANZPT Darwin dream alive. However he has ultimately fallen in 4th place after losing a preflop race against Jack Drake.

The action started with Fotios Manolakos opening with a raise to 35,000 on the button. Drake three-bet to 100,000 from the small blind before Taylor moved all in for another 90,000 or so from the big blind. Manolakos got out of the way as Drake made the call.

Drake: [qs][js]
Taylor: [6h][6s]

The board ran out [tc][jc][5d][8d][7h] to pair the jack for Drake to eliminate Taylor in 4th place for $12,800 in prize money.

8:15pm: Dannevig turns up the heat

Brett Dannevig opened with a raise from under the gun and Mark Taylor made the call in the big blind. The flop landed [6d][as][8h] and Taylor led out for 40,000. Dannevig made the call and the turn brought the [td]. Check, check and the river was the [jd].

Taylor checked it over to Dannevig who bet 60,000 which was enough to take it down.

One orbit later and we had the same situation as the two took a flop of [8d][9d][3h]. Taylor again tried to lead out for 40,000 from the big blind but Dannevig announced a raise of another 100,000. Taylor again gave it up. He slips to 160,000 with Dannevig up to 320,000.

7:55pm: Fotios swims on the river

Fotios Manolakos has found a huge double up with a fortunate river card keeping him afloat in this tournament.

Mark Taylor opened with a raise to 40,000 before Manolakos moved all in from the small blind for another 137,000 on top. Taylor thought for a moment before making the call.

Manolakos showed first and opened [kc][9s] but stood from his chair in resignation when Taylor opened [ks][qd].

The flop was a dry [ac][4c][7h] and the [jd] turn changed nothing, but the [9c] river gave
Manolakos the three-outer to stay alive. He doubles up to 360,000 with Taylor dropping to 170,000.

7:50pm: A little dessert for Drake

With the blinds at 6,000-12,000 and a 2,000 ante, Brett Dannevig opened to 52,000 from under the gun and action folded around to Jack Drake in the big blind who moved all in for roughly another 190,000 more.

It was a big opening raise from Dannevig but he laid it down as Drake is off to a great start post-dinner.

7:45pm: Play resumes

The players are back with stomachs satisfied as we are ready to find the ANZPT Darwin champion!

7:00pm: 45-minute dinner break

The players are now taking a 45-minute dinner break. Play will recommence at around 7:45pm local time. Here are the approximate chip counts at the break:

Brett Dannevig - 380,000
Mark Taylor - 350,000
Jack Drake - 260,000
Fotios Manolakos - 180,000

6:55pm: Dannevig takes momentum to dinner

The action has dried up like the Australian outback in a drought, with more walks than flops at the moment. However on the final hand of the level, Brett Dannevig took a small showdown pot from Jack Drake.

Drake opened to 24,000 and Dannevig defended his big blind to see a flop of [2h][3d][8h]. Dannevig check-called for 27,000 before both players checked the [jc] turn. The river was the [kc] and Dannevig led out for 35,000. Drake thought for a moment before verbalizing a call but mucked in disgust when Dannevig showed [kd][tc] for a rivered pair of kings. With that hand Dannevig will carry the chip lead into the dinner break.

6:30pm: Just top set?

Mark Taylor opened with a raise to 40,000 from the cutoff and Jack Drake made the call in the big blind to see a flop of [6c][jd][9c].

Drake was first to act and he announced himself all in but Taylor insta-called with [jh][js] for top set as Drake showed [ks][qh].

"How is that even allowed?" enquired Octavian Voegele from the rail, but his calls for a ten were not answered as the [2s] turn and [kh] river completed the board.

The umpteenth double up today for Taylor as he's back to 340,000. Drake drops to 245,000.

6:15pm: That's an action flop

Catching the action on a flop of [2h][kh][3h], Brett Dannevig checked to Fotios Manolakos who bet 50,000. Dannevig check-raised all in for a total of 151,000 and Manolakos instantly called!

Manolakos tabled [ks][qh] for top pair and a flush draw as Dannevig showed [2d][2c] for bottom set. It all changed around when the [jh] hit the turn to deliver Manolakos his flush as Dannevig would need to pair the board to survive. And that's exactly what happened as the [2s] hit the river to improve Dannvig to quads!

Dannevig doubles to 380,000 with Manolakos losing his chip lead to slip back to 280,000.

6:10pm: Jack is back!

The fortunes have swung once again with Jack Drake recovering the chips just lost with a big double up through Mark Taylor.

Drake shoved all in from the small blind for a total of 176,000. Taylor thought for a moment and made the call with [ac][3h] as Drake had been caught with his [6d][8c].

However it wasn't over just yet, as the board was spread [qs][kc][7h][8h][ts]. Drake paired his eight to double up to 350,000, leaving Taylor with 170,000 behind.

6:00pm: Level up, blinds 5,000-10,000, ante 1,000

5:50pm: Another massive double up for Taylor

The pendulum has swung back in favour of the locals as Mark Taylor has doubled through Jack Drake in a massive preflop war.

Drake opened to 17,000 from the cutoff before Taylor three-bet, for the second hand in a row, to 41,000 from the button. Action folded back to Drake who announced himself all in. Taylor thought for a few minutes before calling it off.

Drake showed [ac][qh] as Taylor held live cards with his [ks][jh].

The flop was [5d][jc][3c] as Taylor took the lead and it stayed that way through the [4h] turn and [7s] river. Taylor doubles to 350,000 with Drake back down to 140,000.

5:35pm: Dannevig back in the game

Brett Dannevig has been flying under the radar this afternoon but he's just found some voice with a double up through Mark Taylor.

The chips were all in preflop with Taylor going with [ac][8h] but Dannevig tabled a powerful [as][qs]. The board ran out [5c][td][2s][ks][7d] to double Dannevig to 180,000 with Taylor down to 150,000.

5:25pm: Jonathan Dangio eliminated in 5th place

Jack Drake opened with a cutoff raise to 17,000 before Jonathan Dangio moved all in from the big blind for around 60,000. Drake didn't wait for a count as he snap-called.

Dangio: [3c][3h]
Drake: [kh][9c]

Drake has called a few all ins with the king-nine but this time he was able to connect as the board ran out [7d][9s][jd][kc][6h]. Drake makes two pair to eliminate PokerStars Qualifier Dangio in 5th place for $10,880 in prize money.

5:15pm: Manolakos collects from Drake

A huge clash between our two chip leaders has seen Fotios Manolakos put a major dent in the stack of Jack Drake for the first time in about three days of play.

It was a battle of the blinds as the two saw a flop of [ad][7d][2h]. Manolakos checked to Drake who bet 23,000. Manolakos made the call before leading out for 45,000 on the [8d] turn. Drake insta-called before the [4h] hit the river.

Manolakos fired again for 65,000 and Drake thought for several moments before making the call. Manolakos showed a creative [8c][2c] as Drake through his head back in disgust.

Drake slips to 230,000 with Manolakos now comfortably in front with 460,000.

5:00pm: Play resumes

The final five are back on the felt and the cards are once again in the air.

Approximate chip counts:

Jack Drake - 400,000
Mark Taylor - 310,000
Fotios Manolakos - 300,000
Brett Dannevig - 100,000
Jonathan Dangio - 60,000

7:00pm: 45-minute dinner break

The players are now taking a 45-minute dinner break. Play will recommence at around 7:45pm local time. Here are the approximate chip counts at the break:

Brett Dannevig - 380,000
Mark Taylor - 350,000
Jack Drake - 260,000
Fotios Manolakos - 180,000

6:55pm: Dannevig takes momentum to dinner

The action has dried up like the Australian outback in a drought, with more walks than flops at the moment. However on the final hand of the level, Brett Dannevig took a small showdown pot from Jack Drake.

Drake opened to 24,000 and Dannevig defended his big blind to see a flop of [2h][3d][8h]. Dannevig check-called for 27,000 before both players checked the [jc] turn. The river was the [kc] and Dannevig led out for 35,000. Drake thought for a moment before verbalizing a call but mucked in disgust when Dannevig showed [kd][tc] for a rivered pair of kings. With that hand Dannevig will carry the chip lead into the dinner break.

6:30pm: Just top set?

Mark Taylor opened with a raise to 40,000 from the cutoff and Jack Drake made the call in the big blind to see a flop of [6c][jd][9c].

Drake was first to act and he announced himself all in but Taylor insta-called with [jh][js] for top set as Drake showed [ks][qh].

"How is that even allowed?" enquired Octavian Voegele from the rail, but his calls for a ten were not answered as the [2s] turn and [kh] river completed the board.

The umpteenth double up today for Taylor as he's back to 340,000. Drake drops to 245,000.

6:15pm: That's an action flop

Catching the action on a flop of [2h][kh][3h], Brett Dannevig checked to Fotios Manolakos who bet 50,000. Dannevig check-raised all in for a total of 151,000 and Manolakos instantly called!

Manolakos tabled [ks][qh] for top pair and a flush draw as Dannevig showed [2d][2c] for bottom set. It all changed around when the [jh] hit the turn to deliver Manolakos his flush as Dannevig would need to pair the board to survive. And that's exactly what happened as the [2s] hit the river to improve Dannvig to quads!

Dannevig doubles to 380,000 with Manolakos losing his chip lead to slip back to 280,000.

6:10pm: Jack is back!

The fortunes have swung once again with Jack Drake recovering the chips just lost with a big double up through Mark Taylor.

Drake shoved all in from the small blind for a total of 176,000. Taylor thought for a moment and made the call with [ac][3h] as Drake had been caught with his [6d][8c].

However it wasn't over just yet, as the board was spread [qs][kc][7h][8h][ts]. Drake paired his eight to double up to 350,000, leaving Taylor with 170,000 behind.

6:00pm: Level up, blinds 5,000-10,000, ante 1,000

5:50pm: Another massive double up for Taylor

The pendulum has swung back in favour of the locals as Mark Taylor has doubled through Jack Drake in a massive preflop war.

Drake opened to 17,000 from the cutoff before Taylor three-bet, for the second hand in a row, to 41,000 from the button. Action folded back to Drake who announced himself all in. Taylor thought for a few minutes before calling it off.

Drake showed [ac][qh] as Taylor held live cards with his [ks][jh].

The flop was [5d][jc][3c] as Taylor took the lead and it stayed that way through the [4h] turn and [7s] river. Taylor doubles to 350,000 with Drake back down to 140,000.

5:35pm: Dannevig back in the game

Brett Dannevig has been flying under the radar this afternoon but he's just found some voice with a double up through Mark Taylor.

The chips were all in preflop with Taylor going with [ac][8h] but Dannevig tabled a powerful [as][qs]. The board ran out [5c][td][2s][ks][7d] to double Dannevig to 180,000 with Taylor down to 150,000.

5:25pm: Jonathan Dangio eliminated in 5th place

Jack Drake opened with a cutoff raise to 17,000 before Jonathan Dangio moved all in from the big blind for around 60,000. Drake didn't wait for a count as he snap-called.

Dangio: [3c][3h]
Drake: [kh][9c]

Drake has called a few all ins with the king-nine but this time he was able to connect as the board ran out [7d][9s][jd][kc][6h]. Drake makes two pair to eliminate PokerStars Qualifier Dangio in 5th place for $10,880 in prize money.

5:15pm: Manolakos collects from Drake

A huge clash between our two chip leaders has seen Fotios Manolakos put a major dent in the stack of Jack Drake for the first time in about three days of play.

It was a battle of the blinds as the two saw a flop of [ad][7d][2h]. Manolakos checked to Drake who bet 23,000. Manolakos made the call before leading out for 45,000 on the [8d] turn. Drake insta-called before the [4h] hit the river.

Manolakos fired again for 65,000 and Drake thought for several moments before making the call. Manolakos showed a creative [8c][2c] as Drake through his head back in disgust.

Drake slips to 230,000 with Manolakos now comfortably in front with 460,000.

5:00pm: Play resumes

The final five are back on the felt and the cards are once again in the air.

Approximate chip counts:

Jack Drake - 400,000
Mark Taylor - 310,000
Fotios Manolakos - 300,000
Brett Dannevig - 100,000
Jonathan Dangio - 60,000

4:50pm: Ten-minute break

4:35pm: Jamie Hill eliminated in 6th place

Jack Drake opened to 14,000 from late position before Jamie Hill moved all in for another 30,000 from the blinds. Drake threw his arms in the air and made a gambling call.

Hill: [ad][4h]
Drake: [jd][5h]

With Octavian Voegele and his beer drinking army joining the rail and cheering for a jack for Jack, the dealer obliged with a [js][3s][7d][kc][9s] board.

Drake pairs to win the pot and eliminate Hill in 6th place for $8,960 in prize money.

4:15pm: Glenn Parry eliminated in 7th place

The courageous run of Glenn Parry has come to an end in 7th place. After Mark Taylor opened the button to 25,000, Parry moved all in for 28,000 in the small blind. Taylor made the easy call.

Parry: [ks][2s]
Taylor: [kc][th]

The board ran out [ah][8h][5h][5d][3s] to leave Taylor in front to eliminate Parry. After looking like he would miss the money completely late last night, he'll be happy to pocket $7,040 for a fine tournament.

4:00pm: No love for Parry

Following a raise, action folded around to the short-stacked Glenn Parry who looked down at his cards and shook his head in dismay before tossing his cards high into the muck, exposing [7][3].

"What are you folding quality cards like that for Glenn?" came the call from the rail.

"That's why I'm here and you're on the rail!" replied Parry.

Next hand Parry moved his last 27,000 in from the small blind but Jamie Hill folded his big blind. Parry was forced to cringe again as he flashed pocket queens!

3:50pm: Level up, blinds 3,000-6,000, ante 500

3:45pm: Two-outer for Taylor

Jack Drake opened with a cutoff-raise to 12,000 before Mark Taylor moved all in for 84,000 on the button. Action folded to Jamie Hill in the big blind who made the call as Drake ducked out of the way.

Taylor: [ts][th]
Hill: [ac][kc]

The race was on and Hill took the early lead on the [ks][5d][8d] flop. The [9d] turn card changed nothing as neither player held a diamond, but the river was a devastating [td] to give Taylor a set for yet another double up! Taylor is up to 180,000 with Hill sliding down to 90,000.

3:35pm: Doubling Dangio

Jonathan Dangio has found a double up with Jack Drake on the losing end of things.

Drake opened to 12,000 from early position and Jamie Hill made the call before Dangio squeezed all in for a total of 50,500. Drake moved all in over the top to isolate as Hill got out of the way.

Drake tabled [as][jh] but Dangio had him in trouble with his [ad][qh].

The board ran out [7d][qc][5c][jd][6c] and both players paired up to leave Dangio to double up to about 120,000 with Drake back to 200,000.

3:25pm: Thirty is the magic number

Fotios Manolakos opened with a raise from the hijack position to 15,000 and Jamie Hill defended his big blind with a call.

The flop landed [ac][7h][8c] and Hill decided to lead out for 30,000. Manolakos called and the turn brought the [9d]. The action was an instant replay as Hill bet another 30,000 and Manolakos called once more.

The river was the [2c] and Hill checked to Manolakos who decided to follow the pattern and bet another 30,000. Hill instantly called and showed [ad][td] but he found himself outkicked by Manolakos' [as][jd].

Manolakos is now up to 420,000 with Hill back to 190,000.

3:10pm: Taylor loves a double

Mark Taylor has doubled up for perhaps the third or fourth time so far on this final table. Fotios Manolakos opened with a raise to 22,500 before Taylor moved all in for a total of 56,500. Manolakos made the call with [ah][jd] but Taylor showed [ac][qh] and was in good shape for a double up.

The board ran out [8c][9c][kd][9d][5d] to get Taylor back to around 120,000. Manolakos is still our chip leader with around 300,000

3:00pm: Danny Chevalier eliminated in 8th place

Jamie Hill opened to 16,000 from the cutoff before Danny Chevalier raised to 40,000 from the big blind. Hill made the call and the flop landed [th][9h][2c].

Chevalier looked down at his remaining 58,000 chips before tapping the table. Hill quickly moved all in and Chevalier snap-called!

Hill: [qc][9c]
Chevalier: [ac][ah]

As we've seen countless times on the ANZPT this season, Chevalier tabled the goods as Hill would need to get lucky to escape. The turn was close as the [ks] gave Hill a straight draw, but the river [9d] was a dagger through the heart of Chevalier as Hill caught trip nines to take the pot.

"I felt like I was freerolling today anyway," said Chevalier after he'd safely locked up the ANZ Player of the Year award yesterday, and he now adds $5,760 to his pocket for his 8th place finish.

2:50pm: Play resumes

The eight remaining players are back in action following the break with Fotios Manolakos our chip leader.

4:50pm: Ten-minute break

4:35pm: Jamie Hill eliminated in 6th place

Jack Drake opened to 14,000 from late position before Jamie Hill moved all in for another 30,000 from the blinds. Drake threw his arms in the air and made a gambling call.

Hill: [ad][4h]
Drake: [jd][5h]

With Octavian Voegele and his beer drinking army joining the rail and cheering for a jack for Jack, the dealer obliged with a [js][3s][7d][kc][9s] board.

Drake pairs to win the pot and eliminate Hill in 6th place for $8,960 in prize money.

4:15pm: Glenn Parry eliminated in 7th place

The courageous run of Glenn Parry has come to an end in 7th place. After Mark Taylor opened the button to 25,000, Parry moved all in for 28,000 in the small blind. Taylor made the easy call.

Parry: [ks][2s]
Taylor: [kc][th]

The board ran out [ah][8h][5h][5d][3s] to leave Taylor in front to eliminate Parry. After looking like he would miss the money completely late last night, he'll be happy to pocket $7,040 for a fine tournament.

4:00pm: No love for Parry

Following a raise, action folded around to the short-stacked Glenn Parry who looked down at his cards and shook his head in dismay before tossing his cards high into the muck, exposing [7][3].

"What are you folding quality cards like that for Glenn?" came the call from the rail.

"That's why I'm here and you're on the rail!" replied Parry.

Next hand Parry moved his last 27,000 in from the small blind but Jamie Hill folded his big blind. Parry was forced to cringe again as he flashed pocket queens!

3:50pm: Level up, blinds 3,000-6,000, ante 500

3:45pm: Two-outer for Taylor

Jack Drake opened with a cutoff-raise to 12,000 before Mark Taylor moved all in for 84,000 on the button. Action folded to Jamie Hill in the big blind who made the call as Drake ducked out of the way.

Taylor: [ts][th]
Hill: [ac][kc]

The race was on and Hill took the early lead on the [ks][5d][8d] flop. The [9d] turn card changed nothing as neither player held a diamond, but the river was a devastating [td] to give Taylor a set for yet another double up! Taylor is up to 180,000 with Hill sliding down to 90,000.

3:35pm: Doubling Dangio

Jonathan Dangio has found a double up with Jack Drake on the losing end of things.

Drake opened to 12,000 from early position and Jamie Hill made the call before Dangio squeezed all in for a total of 50,500. Drake moved all in over the top to isolate as Hill got out of the way.

Drake tabled [as][jh] but Dangio had him in trouble with his [ad][qh].

The board ran out [7d][qc][5c][jd][6c] and both players paired up to leave Dangio to double up to about 120,000 with Drake back to 200,000.

3:25pm: Thirty is the magic number

Fotios Manolakos opened with a raise from the hijack position to 15,000 and Jamie Hill defended his big blind with a call.

The flop landed [ac][7h][8c] and Hill decided to lead out for 30,000. Manolakos called and the turn brought the [9d]. The action was an instant replay as Hill bet another 30,000 and Manolakos called once more.

The river was the [2c] and Hill checked to Manolakos who decided to follow the pattern and bet another 30,000. Hill instantly called and showed [ad][td] but he found himself outkicked by Manolakos' [as][jd].

Manolakos is now up to 420,000 with Hill back to 190,000.

3:10pm: Taylor loves a double

Mark Taylor has doubled up for perhaps the third or fourth time so far on this final table. Fotios Manolakos opened with a raise to 22,500 before Taylor moved all in for a total of 56,500. Manolakos made the call with [ah][jd] but Taylor showed [ac][qh] and was in good shape for a double up.

The board ran out [8c][9c][kd][9d][5d] to get Taylor back to around 120,000. Manolakos is still our chip leader with around 300,000

3:00pm: Danny Chevalier eliminated in 8th place

Jamie Hill opened to 16,000 from the cutoff before Danny Chevalier raised to 40,000 from the big blind. Hill made the call and the flop landed [th][9h][2c].

Chevalier looked down at his remaining 58,000 chips before tapping the table. Hill quickly moved all in and Chevalier snap-called!

Hill: [qc][9c]
Chevalier: [ac][ah]

As we've seen countless times on the ANZPT this season, Chevalier tabled the goods as Hill would need to get lucky to escape. The turn was close as the [ks] gave Hill a straight draw, but the river [9d] was a dagger through the heart of Chevalier as Hill caught trip nines to take the pot.

"I felt like I was freerolling today anyway," said Chevalier after he'd safely locked up the ANZ Player of the Year award yesterday, and he now adds $5,760 to his pocket for his 8th place finish.

2:50pm: Play resumes

The eight remaining players are back in action following the break with Fotios Manolakos our chip leader.

2:40pm: Ten-minute break

2:30pm: Climbing the Hill

It's Jamie Hill's turn to double up after he moved all in for 65,400 from early position with [ks][kc]. Action folded around to Mark Taylor who made the call with [ad][js].

Hill would need to fade an ace and he did so on the [5c][2s][3h][6h][5s] board. Hill doubles to 140,000 with Taylor slipping back to about 100,000.

2:20pm: Slow going

The play has slowed up considerably over the last half an hour with very few flops seen.

We somewhat expected this with several of these players playing on their first major live final table. The money is starting to get bigger, and now with the short stacks out of the danger zone, they can tighten up a bit to try and outlast a couple more opponents and jump the pay brackets.

1:55pm: Dangio gets some back

Jonathan Dangio raised to 11,000 and Jack Drake made the call to see a flop of [js][ts][kh]. Dangio checked and Drake bet 16,500. Dangio made the call and the [6s] hit the turn.

With that card, Dangio decided to move all in for 55,000 which forced a fold from Drake. Dangio flashed the [as] as he recovered some chips to move up to 120,000.

1:45pm: Straight-flush for Manolakos

Fotios Manolakos is our new chip leader after a massive clash with Jonathan Dangio.
It was all going so right for Dangio as he looked down at another monster hand - [ah][ad] - the third time he's picked up pocket aces on this final table. He raised to 11,200 and Manolakos made the call to see a flop of [4c][qs][js].

Dangio fired out 22,000 and Manolakos made the call as the [kd] appeared on the turn. Dangio checked and Manolakos bet 40,000. Dangio responded with a check-raise all in and Manolakos snap-called with [ts][9s] for the straight.

Dangio would need a ten on the river but incredibly the [ks] appeared to give Manolakos a king-high straight-flush! With that pot, Manolakos is now up to around 300,000 with Dangio back down to 100,000.

1:40pm: Level up, blinds 2,000-4,000, ante 400

1:35pm: Another double up for Taylor

The double ups for our short stacks continue as the locals fight to stay alive in their home town championship.

Mark Taylor was the man to double up once again, this time through Jonathan Dangio. Taylor opened to 7,000 before Dangio three-bet to 28,000. Taylor came back over the top and moved all in for 77,200 and Dangio made the call.

Dangio held [jc][jh] but Taylor had him pipped with his [qs][qd]. The board ran out [kc][5s][3c][qh][3d] to give Taylor a full house and a full chip stack! He's now up to 165,000 and in good shape.

1:25pm: Parry is back in business

Glenn Parry has fought back incredibly well after being decimated late last evening as he's just found another big double up today to be right back in contention on this final table.

Parry moved all in for 36,200 from middle position with [jd][js] with Jamie Hill making the call and tabling [4d][4s]. There was no two-outer as the board of [kc][9h][3s][3d][th] game Parry the double up to around 80,000 chips.

1:10pm: Double for Taylor

Mark Taylor has found a handy double up through Jack Drake.

Drake opened the button to 6,600 before Taylor moved all in from the small blind for another 26,600. Drake made the call with [kh][9d] but was trailing the [ac][3c] of Taylor.
Taylor's lead extended on the [ad][7s][7h] and he was never headed on the [5d] turn and [4d] river. Taylor is up to around 75,000.

1:05pm: Aaron Benton eliminated in 9th place

It just wasn't Aaron Benton's day. Nothing seemed to go right for the 2009 APPT Sydney champion as the most experienced player on this final table is now also our first casualty.

Jonathan Dangio was again his nemesis. After Dangio had opened to 8,200, Benton moved all in from the small blind for around 50,000. Dangio instantly called and Benton was in a world of hurt.

Benton: [ad][9d]
Dangio: [as][ac]

The board ran out [8c][td][ks][8s][2s] to leave Benton to head to the rail in 9th place for $4,480 in prize money.

12:55pm: Benton spiralling

The rough start continues for Aaron Benton. After opening to 6,100 from middle position and getting a call from Jonathan Dangio in the small blind, Benton fired bets of 8,200 on the flop and 13,100 on the turn before checking behind the river on the [ts][qh][2h][2d][6h] board.

Dangio threw his head back as he opened [7h][4h] for the rivered flush as Benton flashed the [qd].

The two exchanged a few friendly words before Benton opened next hand to 6,100 and again Dangio was the lone caller, but this time in position on the button.

The flop landed [6d][9h][4d] and Benton checked to Dangio who bet 9,200. Benton made the call but when Dangio upped the price to 12,200 on the [6s] turn, Benton got out of the way.

12:45pm: Early double for Parry

Well it didn't take long for our first all-in clash of the day as the short-stacked Glenn Parry was forced to make an early move.

Aaron Benton raised the button before Parry moved all in for another 16,800 on top. Benton was priced in to call with the [jd][5d] as Parry showed [ad][6c].
The board ran out [ah][3s][4h][kc][tc] to double up Parry to 55,000. Benton slips back to around 100,000.

12:40pm: ANZPT Darwin final table is underway!

Welcome back to the SKYCITY Darwin Casino as we bring you live coverage of the PokerStars.net ANZPT Darwin Main Event final table.

We've moved home for today, from the International Room upstairs, down into the heart of the casino gaming floor as the "Poker Zone" will host the final table action this afternoon. The Poker Zone is at the far end of the SKYCITY gaming floor, with four poker tables tucked away behind an internal wall.

Let's be honest, there's not a lot of room here, as the interior designers have thrown up a number of mirrors to create an illusion of space, which take a bit of getting used to. Onlookers will be forced to crowd around virtually one side of the table, with the back wall and two large support structures blocking access to the other three sides.

It's a unique final table atmosphere that's for sure, but hopefully being down here on the gaming floor gathers the attention of everyday casino punters and that's what it's all about.

The players have been introduced and the final instructions given to shuffle up and deal!

Play will recommence at the start of Level 14 with the blinds at 1,500-3,000 with a 300 ante.

2:40pm: Ten-minute break

2:30pm: Climbing the Hill

It's Jamie Hill's turn to double up after he moved all in for 65,400 from early position with [ks][kc]. Action folded around to Mark Taylor who made the call with [ad][js].

Hill would need to fade an ace and he did so on the [5c][2s][3h][6h][5s] board. Hill doubles to 140,000 with Taylor slipping back to about 100,000.

2:20pm: Slow going

The play has slowed up considerably over the last half an hour with very few flops seen.

We somewhat expected this with several of these players playing on their first major live final table. The money is starting to get bigger, and now with the short stacks out of the danger zone, they can tighten up a bit to try and outlast a couple more opponents and jump the pay brackets.

1:55pm: Dangio gets some back

Jonathan Dangio raised to 11,000 and Jack Drake made the call to see a flop of [js][ts][kh]. Dangio checked and Drake bet 16,500. Dangio made the call and the [6s] hit the turn.

With that card, Dangio decided to move all in for 55,000 which forced a fold from Drake. Dangio flashed the [as] as he recovered some chips to move up to 120,000.

1:45pm: Straight-flush for Manolakos

Fotios Manolakos is our new chip leader after a massive clash with Jonathan Dangio.
It was all going so right for Dangio as he looked down at another monster hand - [ah][ad] - the third time he's picked up pocket aces on this final table. He raised to 11,200 and Manolakos made the call to see a flop of [4c][qs][js].

Dangio fired out 22,000 and Manolakos made the call as the [kd] appeared on the turn. Dangio checked and Manolakos bet 40,000. Dangio responded with a check-raise all in and Manolakos snap-called with [ts][9s] for the straight.

Dangio would need a ten on the river but incredibly the [ks] appeared to give Manolakos a king-high straight-flush! With that pot, Manolakos is now up to around 300,000 with Dangio back down to 100,000.

1:40pm: Level up, blinds 2,000-4,000, ante 400

1:35pm: Another double up for Taylor

The double ups for our short stacks continue as the locals fight to stay alive in their home town championship.

Mark Taylor was the man to double up once again, this time through Jonathan Dangio. Taylor opened to 7,000 before Dangio three-bet to 28,000. Taylor came back over the top and moved all in for 77,200 and Dangio made the call.

Dangio held [jc][jh] but Taylor had him pipped with his [qs][qd]. The board ran out [kc][5s][3c][qh][3d] to give Taylor a full house and a full chip stack! He's now up to 165,000 and in good shape.

1:25pm: Parry is back in business

Glenn Parry has fought back incredibly well after being decimated late last evening as he's just found another big double up today to be right back in contention on this final table.

Parry moved all in for 36,200 from middle position with [jd][js] with Jamie Hill making the call and tabling [4d][4s]. There was no two-outer as the board of [kc][9h][3s][3d][th] game Parry the double up to around 80,000 chips.

1:10pm: Double for Taylor

Mark Taylor has found a handy double up through Jack Drake.

Drake opened the button to 6,600 before Taylor moved all in from the small blind for another 26,600. Drake made the call with [kh][9d] but was trailing the [ac][3c] of Taylor.
Taylor's lead extended on the [ad][7s][7h] and he was never headed on the [5d] turn and [4d] river. Taylor is up to around 75,000.

1:05pm: Aaron Benton eliminated in 9th place

It just wasn't Aaron Benton's day. Nothing seemed to go right for the 2009 APPT Sydney champion as the most experienced player on this final table is now also our first casualty.

Jonathan Dangio was again his nemesis. After Dangio had opened to 8,200, Benton moved all in from the small blind for around 50,000. Dangio instantly called and Benton was in a world of hurt.

Benton: [ad][9d]
Dangio: [as][ac]

The board ran out [8c][td][ks][8s][2s] to leave Benton to head to the rail in 9th place for $4,480 in prize money.

12:55pm: Benton spiralling

The rough start continues for Aaron Benton. After opening to 6,100 from middle position and getting a call from Jonathan Dangio in the small blind, Benton fired bets of 8,200 on the flop and 13,100 on the turn before checking behind the river on the [ts][qh][2h][2d][6h] board.

Dangio threw his head back as he opened [7h][4h] for the rivered flush as Benton flashed the [qd].

The two exchanged a few friendly words before Benton opened next hand to 6,100 and again Dangio was the lone caller, but this time in position on the button.

The flop landed [6d][9h][4d] and Benton checked to Dangio who bet 9,200. Benton made the call but when Dangio upped the price to 12,200 on the [6s] turn, Benton got out of the way.

12:45pm: Early double for Parry

Well it didn't take long for our first all-in clash of the day as the short-stacked Glenn Parry was forced to make an early move.

Aaron Benton raised the button before Parry moved all in for another 16,800 on top. Benton was priced in to call with the [jd][5d] as Parry showed [ad][6c].
The board ran out [ah][3s][4h][kc][tc] to double up Parry to 55,000. Benton slips back to around 100,000.

12:40pm: ANZPT Darwin final table is underway!

Welcome back to the SKYCITY Darwin Casino as we bring you live coverage of the PokerStars.net ANZPT Darwin Main Event final table.

We've moved home for today, from the International Room upstairs, down into the heart of the casino gaming floor as the "Poker Zone" will host the final table action this afternoon. The Poker Zone is at the far end of the SKYCITY gaming floor, with four poker tables tucked away behind an internal wall.

Let's be honest, there's not a lot of room here, as the interior designers have thrown up a number of mirrors to create an illusion of space, which take a bit of getting used to. Onlookers will be forced to crowd around virtually one side of the table, with the back wall and two large support structures blocking access to the other three sides.

It's a unique final table atmosphere that's for sure, but hopefully being down here on the gaming floor gathers the attention of everyday casino punters and that's what it's all about.

The players have been introduced and the final instructions given to shuffle up and deal!

Play will recommence at the start of Level 14 with the blinds at 1,500-3,000 with a 300 ante.

After three fast and furious days of action on the felt of the SKYCITY Darwin Casino, the field of 64 players has been reduced to the final nine. One of these players will take home $36,480 in prize money and a shiny new trophy.

Let's take a closer look at our ANZPT Darwin final table lineup:

Seat 1: Jonathan Dangio, New Caledonia (PokerStars Qualifier) - 232,200 chips

Our international flavour of the final table, Jonathan Dangio is a 31-year old Technician hailing from New Caledonia after winning a satellite to this event online on PokerStars.

Jonathan has been playing poker for two years after learning the game himself online, and this will be his first major tournament result. Away from poker, Jonathan enjoys all sports, especially cycling.

After a strong performance on day three, Jonathan enters this final table as one of the big stacks.

Seat 2: Danny Chevalier, Melbourne, Victoria - 83,800 chips

The newly crowned ANZ Player of the Year, Danny Chevalier is an experienced tournament and cash game player from Melbourne who is a regular on the ANZPT circuit. Danny's season has been nothing short of spectacular with four ANZPT cashes and three final tables including an 8th place in Adelaide and 3rd place in the most recent event in Melbourne.

It's been an extraordinary tournament for Danny, who survived an epic battle with Leo Boxell, and then limped into the points, before picking up pocket aces late in the day to return the final table in sound shape. The 2009 ANZPT Queenstown champion will be looking to become the first two-time ANZPT champion to go along with his Player of the Year trophy.

Seat 3: Fotios Manolakos, Darwin, Northern Territory - 121,600 chips

Fotios Manolakos is a 31-year old business owner and one of four Darwin locals on this final table. Fotios has been playing poker for seven years but this will be his first major tournament result.

When asked for his hobbies outside of poker, Fotios answered "poker", so we're guessing with poker on the brain he's going to be right in the mix at the end of the day.

Seat 4: Jack Drake, Gold Coast, Queensland - 273,400

This 28-year old from the sunny Gold Coast has been playing poker for about five years and with a number of previous tournament cashes to his credit, he has quite a bit of experience relative to many on this final table. Jack has always enjoyed cards from a young age and now regularly plays $2/$5 NLHE or PLO cash games with his best tournament result coming from a 5th place in a Joe Hachem Deep Stack Series Main Event. Away from the tables, Jack enjoys basketball, computer games and golf.

After entering day three with the chip lead, Jack was able to maintain that position and will be the player to catch today.

Seat 5: Mark Taylor, Darwin, Northern Territory - 55,900

Mark Taylor is another of the local brigade making his first big impression on the Australian tournament poker scene. A gardener by day, Mark has been enjoying poker for about three years, mostly playing sit and gos and enjoying the tournaments at SKYCITY Darwin.

Mark will have some work to do as he enters the final table as one of our short stacks.

Seat 6: Aaron Benton, Wollongong, New South Wales (PokerStars Qualifier) - 129,900

Aaron Benton is no stranger to final tables. One of the most successful players in the country, both live and online, with over $1 million in tournament earnings, the 2009 APPT Sydney champion is hell bent on adding an ANZPT trophy to the cabinet.

Aaron made a remarkable comeback in this tournament after being crippled to around eight big blinds approaching the money, only to get himself back to an average stack and make the final table. A man on a mission, Aaron will be a genuine threat on this final table.

Seat 7: Glenn Parry, Darwin, Northern Territory - 26,500

Glenn Parry is a 45-year old Motor Mechanic from Darwin and has one of the more remarkable stories on this final table. After being crippled on the bubble, it looked like Glenn's tournament was over, but he found a double up and stole a few more blinds to survive to reach the money and the final table. But he has a lot of work ahead of him as he enters the final as a severe short stack.

Seat 8: Jamie Hill, Darwin, Northern Territory - 142,600

Jamie Hill is an Insurance Broker and another of our local players on this final table. Jamie has been playing poker for two years and this is his first ever major tournament result.

Largely flying under the radar, Jamie was responsible for the elimination of Leo Boxell on day three, which made Danny Chevalier a very happy man. Outside of poker, Jamie enjoys football, so he'll be hoping to kick a few more goals today as he enters with a top three chip stack.

Seat 9: Brett Dannevig, Campbelltown, New South Wales - 119,300

Hailing from Campbelltown in New South Wales, Brett Dannevig is a 50-year old Sales Manager with five years experience in poker after learning through the APL in his local club. Brett qualified for this event through satellites and it's the first major tournament he's ever played in.

It's already been a memorable experience for Brett after making a Royal Flush on day one, so he'll be looking to complete the dream with a win this afternoon.