A fantastic turn out in Leeds packed the Alea Casino for what was sure to be a great day. 175 players would compete for the final eight National Final seats from the West Yorkshire region with, as always, a share of £1,000 up for grabs.

Simon Baxter from the Londsborough Arms, Market Weighton exited the tournament first and as he was their only representative on the day, it was game over this time around for that particular venue. The day would also confirm that in three weeks time we will definitely have a new National Final champion as last year’s winner Daniel Blackburn exited the tournament in 28th place and, therefore, will not be playing in the upcoming National Final.

The Rose & Crown, York had a day to remember as they raced to a Team Event win. Trevor Kirby, Nige Sellers and Jim Hyde represented the Rose & Crown on the day with all three players finishing in the top 35 which is a fantastic achievement in a 175 player tournament.

As the final table was formed it would come to light that one of them had already made the National Final. Aaron Richmond, this time representing the Old Unicorn, Leeds qualified from season 3 while representing the Carpe Diem. Nick Langhorn was the 9th placed finisher to take this seat.

Heads-up was the battle of the Dan’s as Dan Laidler was against Dan Hullock. The final hand saw Hullock in a really unlucky situation as his 66 went up against Laider’s 77. The following board of 9A2 K 3 brought no help for Hullock as Dan Laidler won the final Regional Final of year 4. Congratulations Dan!

Cash Prize Winners
1st Dan Laidler – Swan with Two Necks, Wakefield
2nd Dan Hullock – Carpe Diem, Leeds
3rd Luke Ruiz – Grange Hotel, Leeds
4th Matt Taylor – Podger, Leeds
5th Nigel Sellars – Rose & Crown, York
6th Andrew Tomlinson – Owl Hotel, Selby
7th Terry Finnegan – South Leeds Golf Club, Leeds
8th Aaron Richmond – Old Unicorn, Leeds

National Final Qualifiers
Dan Laidler
Dan Hullock
Luke Ruiz
Matt Taylor
Nigel Sellars
Andrew Tomlinson
Terry Finnegan
Nick Langhorn

Team Winners
Rose & Crown, York