Circus Casino, Newcastle gave all players a warm welcome as usual at the North East regional final.

Last seasons winner Zain Said came along to support his wife Kara, in the hope that she would also qualify for the National Final. Unfortunately Zain dealt the hand that knocked her out of the tournament!
With 150 runners in attendance the tournament began and the atmosphere was a little tense until Gary Bell of the Duke of Wellington, Kenton was the first player eliminated.
The final hand saw Kevin Skinner of the Cobblers Hall, Newton Aycliffe become the champion beating Craig McKenna of the Red Lion, Whitley Bay with a pair of 3’s.

National Final Qualifiers & Cash Winners
Kevin Skinner – Cobblers Hall, Newton Aycliffe – 1st
Craig McKenna – Red Lion, Whitley Bay – 2nd
Daniel Davison – Isabella, Blyth – 3rd
Tommy Alderson – New Seaham Conservative Club, Seaham – 4th
David Le Gallez – Highlander, Blyth – 5th
Dale Roland – Red Dragon, Kirby Lonsdale – 6th
John Wardle – Coronation, Middlesborough – 7th
Claire Saddler – Barracuda Bar, Chester Le Street – 8th