Mapley Wins WPT National, Cousins Triumphs in Newcastle

Mapley Makes Paper in Newcastle

Whilst the EPT was capturing the poker headlines late last week, the WPT’s latest National event in Newcastle was providing some bank holiday entertainment for grinders across the UK.

In total more than 350 competitors gathered inside Aspers Casino in Newcastle and by the time some of the city’s reality TV stars had disappeared, it was Darren Mapley who stood victorious.

The British grinder who managed to finish in 18th place at the last WPT National event in London cut his way through the finale in impressive fashion before coming through a tense heads-up battle with Mark Gray.

The two players exchanged jabs before Gray eventually gave into his foe’s advances. In the final hand both players exchanged bets and watched the dealer spread a 6h 6s Tc board. Another flurry of bets led to the Qs and Qd falling on the turn and river to give Mapley’s As Qh the edge over Gray’s pocket nines.

With Gray all-in and out of luck, the final pot was pushed towards Mapley as was his £17,500 top prize.

WPT National Newcastle Final Result:

1. Darren Mapley – £17,500

2. Mark Gray – £12,245

3. Hazel Birchnall – £7,875

4. Gary Copeland – £5,825

5. Andrew Hetherington – £4,375

6. Alex Walton – £3,500

7. Mark Harding – £2,905

8. James Brady – £2,325

9. Robert Patrick – £1,740

Cousins Claims GUKPT Brighton Title

Whilst the latest WPT National was coming to a close in Newcastle, the £500 GUKPT main event in Brighton was keeping another section of the poker community entertained last weekend.

The seaside town is always a favourite destination for many of the UK’s circuit regulars and when the betting began late last week the likes of Barny Boatman and Joe Beevers were among the pros vying for the bumper prizepool.

Overall when the registration desks were finally closed and the re-entry period has passed, 180 players had taken to the felt.

Among those running hot was Chris Cousins and after making his way to the final table he was able to clinch the £20,300 top prize after defeating Hui Jin heads-up.

The final hand saw Cousins flop the nut flush with Ah Kh to leave Jin’s Qh 9h with no way back. When the final pot was over, Cousins his £20,300 cut of the prizepool and his first GUKPT title was pushed his way.

GUKPT Brighton Final Result:

1. Chris Cousins – £20,300*

2. Hui Jin – £19,800*

3. Chris Barnes – £19,800*

4. Ben Winsor – £7,800

5. Martin Bader – £5,400

6. Joe Greenfield – £3,900

7. Francois Goulet – £3,200

8. Lee Taylor – £2,700

9. Ellie Biessek – £2,300

*Denotes a three-way deal