PokerStars qualifier and Australian online phenomenon Tony 'Bond21' Dunst has been playing at the top of his game today on a table that includes sponsored player Tony Hachem and well known Sydney player Joel Dodds. Hachem stopped by to share a few thoughts...

"I sit in the corner of the SkyCity poker room attempting to focus. The room looks more like an old-fashioned pool hall than a poker den with the tables illuminated by the single beam fluorescent lights that hang precariously above each table. The room is full of the best and worst of Australian poker, depending on who you ask.

"I sit quietly for some time, mostly keeping out of the way. It is not until over an hour into the day that I become entangled in a confrontation. My stake is 18,000 with the blinds 75-100 I have As-8s on the button.

"Before the flop I raise to 750 and get two callers. One of them makes a brief speech about how he never calls - but then calls. Curious.

"The flop comes 4s-Kc-6s and the action is checked around to me. I consider my bet and drop 1,300 into the pot. There is a fold and then the person who found it difficult to call starts to talk, telling me he really thinks he has me - and so he calls the bet.

"The turn comes 5s and the action is checked around to me again. I count out 2,800 in chips and bet. He quickly calls me. Now he leads out with a bet of 3,075. I find it very unlikely he has a set since he wouldn't bother with the banter earlier in the hand. I think he has a king and believe he will pay me off with it. So I raise to 8,075 and he winces as he whips the 5,000 chip into the pot.

"I table the flush and he quickly mucks and I return to my stupor."