Irishman Triumphs At London Poker Event

Martin Silke clinches national poker prize at London casino.

Martin Silke outlasted a field of 398 players to win the third leg of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) event in London.

Defeating Luke Trotman in a tense heads-up battle at the Grosvenor Victoria casino, the 30-year-old from County Mayo captured the GUKPT trophy and the £172,850 first prize.

Trotman's disappointment was enhanced by a premature celebration of victory several hands before Silke finally sealed the encounter.

The Londoner misread the board and thought he had won with a flush on the river, only to realise that Silke had a full house.

A publican by trade, the Irishman will now head to the Irish Open in Dublin next month.

"My next target is to do well in the Irish Open and I would love to win the Irish Poker Championship next January in Galway," he said.

Silke has also earned himself a seat at the GUKPT Champion of Champions tournament, which takes place at Luton's G Casino in December.

The Irish Open gets underway on April 9th with a buy-in of €3,500 (£3,259).