Mark Thornton is enjoying the poker run of his life. He has cashed in 9 out of the last 10 tournaments he has played and, as always, when a player is running well they tend to play very well too.
Mark, who is a cousin of Galway Legend Derek Murray, dominated the final table of last night's €3k freezeout. He declared early on that if he put a chip into a pot he would not fold and so intimidated his opponents that no-one really tested his word.
Welcome visitor from China, Adrian Mills finished fifth after talking a disciplined game but going all-in with A4 against Mark's KQ. No chance the way Mark is running.
Next, Christy Morkan tried A6 against another luckbox, Donal MacAonghusa's KQ. Hard luck, Christy.
Then came a huge pot,blinds 3000,6000 Mark minraised from the small blind, Donal called from the big. Flop was 9h,7h, 2s.
Mark bet 20000, Donal raised all-in to 130000, Mark called and tabled KhKs. Donal showed Ah4h. 3c on the turn left Donal with 15 outs but not against Mark, not this week.
Mark now had 300000 to Frank Dunleavy's 60000. Frank got up to 120000 but called Mark's all-in with QhJh and failed to beat Kd8d.
Mark collected €1200 while Frank took down €800. €3000 Guaranteed for €90+€10 again 8pm next Wednesday.