The 2011 Australia New Zealand Poker Tour has been an incredible ride as we've ventured to new locations, seen some amazing highlights and unearthed some of the brightest poker talent in the region.

From Octavian Voegele's dominant win in Adelaide to Grant Levy's epic victory in Perth. Lee Nelson's win for the ages in Melbourne and the ultra-consistency of Jesse McKenzie, Leo Boxell and Player of the Year Danny Chevalier. And now 28-year old Queenslander Jack Drake adds his name to the record books as our newest ANZPT champion.

Drake was impressive throughout the ANZPT Darwin Main Event across the four challenging days of poker inside the SKYCITY Darwin Casino. While many of his better-known counterparts threw uppercuts and hooks to attempt to land a knockout blow, Drake was content to throw jabs from the outside and rarely had his tournament life in jeopardy. It was a mature, composed exhibition of poker and perhaps the start of something even bigger in his blossoming career.

At the start of the day, Drake would have been relieved to see the early eliminations of Aaron Benton and Danny Chevalier - the two most experienced players at the table. Benton played four pots and lost them all while Chevalier had his pocket aces unfortunately cracked by Jamie Hill who rivered trips.

Following his elimination, we had a chance to catch up with Chevalier for his thoughts on the ANZ Player of the Year award...

"In the last month when it became a realistic possibility, I was very, very keen to achieve it. In fact, I became very single-minded about it. When I came here to Darwin, I had just one intention and that was to make the points. It was a very exciting finish with Jesse and Leo and it was a relief when Jesse busted as I had second place at least. I just concentrated on my game - surviving. I knew what I had to do so I just kept at it."

"Coming into the final table I was very relaxed. I was just happy to be there. Making the points yesterday was my final table. No matter what happened today I was happy."

Chevalier plans to use his POTY prize to head to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January as well as play the APPT and ANZPT events next season.

As play continued, the short-stacked Glenn Parry fought back well from being crippled on the bubble to collecting a nice payday for his seventh place before Jamie Hill was jacked by Drake when Hill's [ad][4h] was outflopped by Drake's [jd][5h] when a jack hit the flop. It wouldn't be the last time we would see that happen.

New Caledonian PokerStars Qualifier Jonathan Dangio looked dangerous throughout the final table, especially early on when a burst of big cards, including pocket aces three times within the first two hours, saw him climb to the chip lead. However the aces failed him when Fotios Manolakos turned a straight and rivered a sweet king-high straight flush.

From there Dangio was on the short stack and couldn't recover. He three-bet shoved his pocket threes and Drake was again the destroyer as his [kh][9s] paired both cards on the board.

However it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Queenslander as he exchanged chips back and forth in a titanic struggle with local Mark Taylor. Drake doubled up the short stack with his [ac][qh] falling to Taylor's [ks][jh] before Drake got some revenge moments later with his [6d][8c] catching a pair against Taylor's [ac][3h]. It was one of the rare moments that Drake needed some luck and, crucially, he found it.

At the dinner break, Brett Dannevig was the chip leader but with stomachs satisfied the pace of play picked up following the break.

Fotios Manolakos found some luck when he rivered a three-outer when his [kc][9s] caught a nine-ball against Mark Taylor's [ks][qd], before Taylor's defiant run came to an end in fourth place. Taylor had doubled up on numerous occasions throughout the day, and would never say die, but the good run ended when his [6h][6s] fell behind the [qs][js] of Jack Drake when a jack appeared on the flop.

Maybe there's something in a name as Jack Drake's love affair with the knave continued soon after when he called the all-in bet of Fotios Manolakos on a flop of [6h][jh][5s]. Drake had once again paired the jack with his [ks][jc] as Manolakos was drawing with his [8d][7d]. The turn and river bricked to eliminate Manolakos and leave us heads up for the title.

Jack Drake held a massive chip lead over Brett Dannevig, but that all changed around very quickly as two double ups flipped the advantage. The second double was an astonishing three-outer river after the two got their chips in on a [7d][7c][tc] flop with Drake's [js][ts] in front of Dannevig's [td][8d]. The turn was the [5c], leaving nearly half the deck for Drake to win the title. Even a chop would've been ok, but the [8c] river was the only card Drake didn't want to see as his world had just been turned upside down.

However Drake stuck to his task and also stuck a flop when his [kd][tc] got paid off on a [2c][5d][td] flop against Dannevig's [ah][5c]. That put Drake back in front and he finished the job when he moved all in with [ad][4d] and Dannevig called with [kh][9h]. The board ran out [qc][qh][2c][5d][5c] and the title had been decided as Jack Drake was crowned the ANZPT Darwin champion!

Final Table Results
1st Jack Drake (Australia) - $36,480
2nd Brett Dannevig (Australia) - $24,960
3rd Fotios Manolakos (Australia) - $16,640
4th Mark Taylor (Australia) - $12,800
5th Jonathan Dangio (New Caledonia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - $10,880
6th Jamie Hill (Australia) - $8,960
7th Glenn Parry (Australia) - $7,040
8th Danny Chevalier (Australia) - $5,760
9th Aaron Benton (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - $4,480

That wraps up our time here in Darwin and for Season Three of the Australia New Zealand Poker Tour. It's been an incredible journey throughout 2011 and it's been a pleasure being part of it.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tony & Kiri Jackson, Rich Mifsud and all of the SKYCITY Darwin staff for their wonderful hospitality during the week. The dealers did a wonderful job and it's great to see the Poker Zone really starting to prosper with four locals reaching today's final table.

Many thanks to the PokerStars staff, particularly Danny McDonagh, Sam Dawson and Luke Lichtenstein for their tireless efforts throughout the year working behind the scenes to ensure every event is of the highest quality and the players are well looked after. Also thanks to Kirsty Chick for her assistance with the final table photography this afternoon and throughout the ANZPT this season.

We're here to tell you that the ANZPT will be back again next year so keep an eye on PokerStars for further announcements and online satellites to the first event of Season Four. Until then, the next major event on the local calendar is the Macau Poker Cup Championships which kick off Tuesday at the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau. Maybe I'll see you there? If not, make sure you follow PokerStars Blog for all the live updates!

After four days of intense poker action in the "Top End" it was Queenslander Jack Drake who handled the heat the best in the PokerStars.net ANZPT Darwin Main Event. Drake led the field for the past two days and carried that advantage all the way to a tremendous win this evening.

It wasn't all roses for Drake, especially after entering heads up play with a big chip lead, only to see it washed away within minutes. However Drake steadied the ship and stuck some flops when it mattered to claim victory. He wins $36,480 in prize money, a shiny, brand new trophy and the title of ANZPT Darwin champion!

That wraps up our live coverage of the Main Event, but we'll have a complete wrap of today's action for you shortly.

9:20pm: Brett Dannevig eliminated in 2nd place; Jack Drake wins!

The ANZPT Darwin Main Event has been run and won with Queensland's Jack Drake crowned champion!

The final moments came when Brett Dannevig opened with a raise to 32,000. Drake moved all in over the top and Dannevig committed his final chips to make the call.

Dannevig: [kh][9h]
Drake: [ad][4d]

With the boisterous Drake fan club cheering for "The Dragon" and for his ace to hold, the dealer ran the board out [qc][qh][2c][5d][5c]. Drake is victorious as Dannevig heads home with $24,960 for his 2nd place finish after a tremendous performance in Darwin.

9:15pm: Jack fights back

Jack Drake opened with a raise to 35,000 with Brett Dannevig making the call in the big blind to see a flop of [2c][5d][td].

Dannevig decided to lead out with a bet of 54,000 which was met with a raise to 115,000 from Drake. Dannevig rocked back in his chair for a few moments before declaring himself all in. Drake nodded and made the call.

Drake showed [kd][tc] for top pair as Dannevig gave a clenched smile as he tabled [ah][5c] for middle pair. The turn was the [6d] and river the [9d] as a huge swing of chips heads back to Drake. He's close to the million mark again with Dannevig down to under 200,000.

9:00pm: The trophy slips through Jack's fingers

With the trophy on the line and only one card to come, Jack Drake has just watched as the dealer landed a cruel river blow to give Brett Dannevig a remarkable double up to keep this contest alive.

Drake opened the button to 35,000 and Dannevig made the call to see a flop of [7d][7c][tc]. Dannevig checked to Drake who bet 38,000. Dannevig check-raised to 85,000 before Drake moved all in. Dannevig called off his last 281,000 and the cards were once again on their backs!

Dannevig showed [td][8d] for top pair but Drake had him outkicked with his [js][ts]. The turn was the [5c] and while there were chop possibilities, another baby card and the trophy was going home to the Gold Coast. However the only card Drake didn't want to see was the [8c] that appeared to give Dannevig the three-outer to double up!

Dannevig is now into the chip lead with 750,000 as Drake slips to 450,000.

8:55pm: Three pair no good

Jack Drake opened the button to 35,000 and Brett Dannevig made the call in the big blind. The flop came down [ks][kh][4c] and Dannevig checked to Drake who bet 37,000. Dannevig made the call and the turn brought the [3s].

Dannevig checked and Drake moved all in with Dannevig snap-calling his last 110,000 with [kd][9s] for trips as Drake's [4d][3c] for three pair were no good. The river was the [2h] and Dannevig doubles to 300,000 with Drake back down to around 900,000.

8:50pm: Level up, blinds 8,000-16,000, ante 2,000

8:40pm: We're heads up for the title!

The trophy and the cash is on the line as Jack Drake takes a commanding lead into heads-up play against Brett Dannevig.

Approximate chip counts:

Jack Drake - 1,080,000
Brett Dannevig - 160,000

After a brief pause, the cards are back in the air!

8:35pm: Fotios Manolakos eliminated in 3rd place

Catching the action on a flop of [6h][jh][5s], Fotios Manolakos fired out a bet of 25,000, only for Jack Drake to announce a raise to 100,000. Manolakos thought for a moment before announcing himself all in, but Drake beat him into the pot.

Drake: [ks][jc]
Manolakos: [8d][7d]

It was top pair versus an open-ended straight draw, but Manolakos couldn't connect on the [5d] turn or [6c] river. Manolakos is eliminated in 3rd place and he'll take home a very tidy $16,640 in prize money.

8:30pm: Mark Taylor eliminated in 4th place

It was a remarkable run by Mark Taylor today. He entered as one of our short stacks but managed to double up on numerous occasions to keep his ANZPT Darwin dream alive. However he has ultimately fallen in 4th place after losing a preflop race against Jack Drake.

The action started with Fotios Manolakos opening with a raise to 35,000 on the button. Drake three-bet to 100,000 from the small blind before Taylor moved all in for another 90,000 or so from the big blind. Manolakos got out of the way as Drake made the call.

Drake: [qs][js]
Taylor: [6h][6s]

The board ran out [tc][jc][5d][8d][7h] to pair the jack for Drake to eliminate Taylor in 4th place for $12,800 in prize money.

8:15pm: Dannevig turns up the heat

Brett Dannevig opened with a raise from under the gun and Mark Taylor made the call in the big blind. The flop landed [6d][as][8h] and Taylor led out for 40,000. Dannevig made the call and the turn brought the [td]. Check, check and the river was the [jd].

Taylor checked it over to Dannevig who bet 60,000 which was enough to take it down.

One orbit later and we had the same situation as the two took a flop of [8d][9d][3h]. Taylor again tried to lead out for 40,000 from the big blind but Dannevig announced a raise of another 100,000. Taylor again gave it up. He slips to 160,000 with Dannevig up to 320,000.

7:55pm: Fotios swims on the river

Fotios Manolakos has found a huge double up with a fortunate river card keeping him afloat in this tournament.

Mark Taylor opened with a raise to 40,000 before Manolakos moved all in from the small blind for another 137,000 on top. Taylor thought for a moment before making the call.

Manolakos showed first and opened [kc][9s] but stood from his chair in resignation when Taylor opened [ks][qd].

The flop was a dry [ac][4c][7h] and the [jd] turn changed nothing, but the [9c] river gave
Manolakos the three-outer to stay alive. He doubles up to 360,000 with Taylor dropping to 170,000.

7:50pm: A little dessert for Drake

With the blinds at 6,000-12,000 and a 2,000 ante, Brett Dannevig opened to 52,000 from under the gun and action folded around to Jack Drake in the big blind who moved all in for roughly another 190,000 more.

It was a big opening raise from Dannevig but he laid it down as Drake is off to a great start post-dinner.

7:45pm: Play resumes

The players are back with stomachs satisfied as we are ready to find the ANZPT Darwin champion!

The players are now taking a 45-minute dinner break. Play will recommence at around 7:45pm local time. Here are the approximate chip counts at the break:

Brett Dannevig - 380,000
Mark Taylor - 350,000
Jack Drake - 260,000
Fotios Manolakos - 180,000

6:55pm: Dannevig takes momentum to dinner

The action has dried up like the Australian outback in a drought, with more walks than flops at the moment. However on the final hand of the level, Brett Dannevig took a small showdown pot from Jack Drake.

Drake opened to 24,000 and Dannevig defended his big blind to see a flop of [2h][3d][8h]. Dannevig check-called for 27,000 before both players checked the [jc] turn. The river was the [kc] and Dannevig led out for 35,000. Drake thought for a moment before verbalizing a call but mucked in disgust when Dannevig showed [kd][tc] for a rivered pair of kings. With that hand Dannevig will carry the chip lead into the dinner break.

6:30pm: Just top set?

Mark Taylor opened with a raise to 40,000 from the cutoff and Jack Drake made the call in the big blind to see a flop of [6c][jd][9c].

Drake was first to act and he announced himself all in but Taylor insta-called with [jh][js] for top set as Drake showed [ks][qh].

"How is that even allowed?" enquired Octavian Voegele from the rail, but his calls for a ten were not answered as the [2s] turn and [kh] river completed the board.

The umpteenth double up today for Taylor as he's back to 340,000. Drake drops to 245,000.

6:15pm: That's an action flop

Catching the action on a flop of [2h][kh][3h], Brett Dannevig checked to Fotios Manolakos who bet 50,000. Dannevig check-raised all in for a total of 151,000 and Manolakos instantly called!

Manolakos tabled [ks][qh] for top pair and a flush draw as Dannevig showed [2d][2c] for bottom set. It all changed around when the [jh] hit the turn to deliver Manolakos his flush as Dannevig would need to pair the board to survive. And that's exactly what happened as the [2s] hit the river to improve Dannvig to quads!

Dannevig doubles to 380,000 with Manolakos losing his chip lead to slip back to 280,000.

6:10pm: Jack is back!

The fortunes have swung once again with Jack Drake recovering the chips just lost with a big double up through Mark Taylor.

Drake shoved all in from the small blind for a total of 176,000. Taylor thought for a moment and made the call with [ac][3h] as Drake had been caught with his [6d][8c].

However it wasn't over just yet, as the board was spread [qs][kc][7h][8h][ts]. Drake paired his eight to double up to 350,000, leaving Taylor with 170,000 behind.

6:00pm: Level up, blinds 5,000-10,000, ante 1,000

5:50pm: Another massive double up for Taylor

The pendulum has swung back in favour of the locals as Mark Taylor has doubled through Jack Drake in a massive preflop war.

Drake opened to 17,000 from the cutoff before Taylor three-bet, for the second hand in a row, to 41,000 from the button. Action folded back to Drake who announced himself all in. Taylor thought for a few minutes before calling it off.

Drake showed [ac][qh] as Taylor held live cards with his [ks][jh].

The flop was [5d][jc][3c] as Taylor took the lead and it stayed that way through the [4h] turn and [7s] river. Taylor doubles to 350,000 with Drake back down to 140,000.

5:35pm: Dannevig back in the game

Brett Dannevig has been flying under the radar this afternoon but he's just found some voice with a double up through Mark Taylor.

The chips were all in preflop with Taylor going with [ac][8h] but Dannevig tabled a powerful [as][qs]. The board ran out [5c][td][2s][ks][7d] to double Dannevig to 180,000 with Taylor down to 150,000.

5:25pm: Jonathan Dangio eliminated in 5th place

Jack Drake opened with a cutoff raise to 17,000 before Jonathan Dangio moved all in from the big blind for around 60,000. Drake didn't wait for a count as he snap-called.

Dangio: [3c][3h]
Drake: [kh][9c]

Drake has called a few all ins with the king-nine but this time he was able to connect as the board ran out [7d][9s][jd][kc][6h]. Drake makes two pair to eliminate PokerStars Qualifier Dangio in 5th place for $10,880 in prize money.

5:15pm: Manolakos collects from Drake

A huge clash between our two chip leaders has seen Fotios Manolakos put a major dent in the stack of Jack Drake for the first time in about three days of play.

It was a battle of the blinds as the two saw a flop of [ad][7d][2h]. Manolakos checked to Drake who bet 23,000. Manolakos made the call before leading out for 45,000 on the [8d] turn. Drake insta-called before the [4h] hit the river.

Manolakos fired again for 65,000 and Drake thought for several moments before making the call. Manolakos showed a creative [8c][2c] as Drake through his head back in disgust.

Drake slips to 230,000 with Manolakos now comfortably in front with 460,000.

5:00pm: Play resumes

The final five are back on the felt and the cards are once again in the air.

Approximate chip counts:

Jack Drake - 400,000
Mark Taylor - 310,000
Fotios Manolakos - 300,000
Brett Dannevig - 100,000
Jonathan Dangio - 60,000

4:35pm: Jamie Hill eliminated in 6th place

Jack Drake opened to 14,000 from late position before Jamie Hill moved all in for another 30,000 from the blinds. Drake threw his arms in the air and made a gambling call.

Hill: [ad][4h]
Drake: [jd][5h]

With Octavian Voegele and his beer drinking army joining the rail and cheering for a jack for Jack, the dealer obliged with a [js][3s][7d][kc][9s] board.

Drake pairs to win the pot and eliminate Hill in 6th place for $8,960 in prize money.

4:15pm: Glenn Parry eliminated in 7th place

The courageous run of Glenn Parry has come to an end in 7th place. After Mark Taylor opened the button to 25,000, Parry moved all in for 28,000 in the small blind. Taylor made the easy call.

Parry: [ks][2s]
Taylor: [kc][th]

The board ran out [ah][8h][5h][5d][3s] to leave Taylor in front to eliminate Parry. After looking like he would miss the money completely late last night, he'll be happy to pocket $7,040 for a fine tournament.

4:00pm: No love for Parry

Following a raise, action folded around to the short-stacked Glenn Parry who looked down at his cards and shook his head in dismay before tossing his cards high into the muck, exposing [7][3].

"What are you folding quality cards like that for Glenn?" came the call from the rail.

"That's why I'm here and you're on the rail!" replied Parry.

Next hand Parry moved his last 27,000 in from the small blind but Jamie Hill folded his big blind. Parry was forced to cringe again as he flashed pocket queens!

3:50pm: Level up, blinds 3,000-6,000, ante 500

3:45pm: Two-outer for Taylor

Jack Drake opened with a cutoff-raise to 12,000 before Mark Taylor moved all in for 84,000 on the button. Action folded to Jamie Hill in the big blind who made the call as Drake ducked out of the way.

Taylor: [ts][th]
Hill: [ac][kc]

The race was on and Hill took the early lead on the [ks][5d][8d] flop. The [9d] turn card changed nothing as neither player held a diamond, but the river was a devastating [td] to give Taylor a set for yet another double up! Taylor is up to 180,000 with Hill sliding down to 90,000.

3:35pm: Doubling Dangio

Jonathan Dangio has found a double up with Jack Drake on the losing end of things.

Drake opened to 12,000 from early position and Jamie Hill made the call before Dangio squeezed all in for a total of 50,500. Drake moved all in over the top to isolate as Hill got out of the way.

Drake tabled [as][jh] but Dangio had him in trouble with his [ad][qh].

The board ran out [7d][qc][5c][jd][6c] and both players paired up to leave Dangio to double up to about 120,000 with Drake back to 200,000.

3:25pm: Thirty is the magic number

Fotios Manolakos opened with a raise from the hijack position to 15,000 and Jamie Hill defended his big blind with a call.

The flop landed [ac][7h][8c] and Hill decided to lead out for 30,000. Manolakos called and the turn brought the [9d]. The action was an instant replay as Hill bet another 30,000 and Manolakos called once more.

The river was the [2c] and Hill checked to Manolakos who decided to follow the pattern and bet another 30,000. Hill instantly called and showed [ad][td] but he found himself outkicked by Manolakos' [as][jd].

Manolakos is now up to 420,000 with Hill back to 190,000.

3:10pm: Taylor loves a double

Mark Taylor has doubled up for perhaps the third or fourth time so far on this final table. Fotios Manolakos opened with a raise to 22,500 before Taylor moved all in for a total of 56,500. Manolakos made the call with [ah][jd] but Taylor showed [ac][qh] and was in good shape for a double up.

The board ran out [8c][9c][kd][9d][5d] to get Taylor back to around 120,000. Manolakos is still our chip leader with around 300,000

3:00pm: Danny Chevalier eliminated in 8th place

Jamie Hill opened to 16,000 from the cutoff before Danny Chevalier raised to 40,000 from the big blind. Hill made the call and the flop landed [th][9h][2c].

Chevalier looked down at his remaining 58,000 chips before tapping the table. Hill quickly moved all in and Chevalier snap-called!

Hill: [qc][9c]
Chevalier: [ac][ah]

As we've seen countless times on the ANZPT this season, Chevalier tabled the goods as Hill would need to get lucky to escape. The turn was close as the [ks] gave Hill a straight draw, but the river [9d] was a dagger through the heart of Chevalier as Hill caught trip nines to take the pot.

"I felt like I was freerolling today anyway," said Chevalier after he'd safely locked up the ANZ Player of the Year award yesterday, and he now adds $5,760 to his pocket for his 8th place finish.

2:50pm: Play resumes

The eight remaining players are back in action following the break with Fotios Manolakos our chip leader.

2:30pm: Climbing the Hill

It's Jamie Hill's turn to double up after he moved all in for 65,400 from early position with [ks][kc]. Action folded around to Mark Taylor who made the call with [ad][js].

Hill would need to fade an ace and he did so on the [5c][2s][3h][6h][5s] board. Hill doubles to 140,000 with Taylor slipping back to about 100,000.

2:20pm: Slow going

The play has slowed up considerably over the last half an hour with very few flops seen.

We somewhat expected this with several of these players playing on their first major live final table. The money is starting to get bigger, and now with the short stacks out of the danger zone, they can tighten up a bit to try and outlast a couple more opponents and jump the pay brackets.

1:55pm: Dangio gets some back

Jonathan Dangio raised to 11,000 and Jack Drake made the call to see a flop of [js][ts][kh]. Dangio checked and Drake bet 16,500. Dangio made the call and the [6s] hit the turn.

With that card, Dangio decided to move all in for 55,000 which forced a fold from Drake. Dangio flashed the [as] as he recovered some chips to move up to 120,000.

1:45pm: Straight-flush for Manolakos

Fotios Manolakos is our new chip leader after a massive clash with Jonathan Dangio.
It was all going so right for Dangio as he looked down at another monster hand - [ah][ad] - the third time he's picked up pocket aces on this final table. He raised to 11,200 and Manolakos made the call to see a flop of [4c][qs][js].

Dangio fired out 22,000 and Manolakos made the call as the [kd] appeared on the turn. Dangio checked and Manolakos bet 40,000. Dangio responded with a check-raise all in and Manolakos snap-called with [ts][9s] for the straight.

Dangio would need a ten on the river but incredibly the [ks] appeared to give Manolakos a king-high straight-flush! With that pot, Manolakos is now up to around 300,000 with Dangio back down to 100,000.

1:40pm: Level up, blinds 2,000-4,000, ante 400

1:35pm: Another double up for Taylor

The double ups for our short stacks continue as the locals fight to stay alive in their home town championship.

Mark Taylor was the man to double up once again, this time through Jonathan Dangio. Taylor opened to 7,000 before Dangio three-bet to 28,000. Taylor came back over the top and moved all in for 77,200 and Dangio made the call.

Dangio held [jc][jh] but Taylor had him pipped with his [qs][qd]. The board ran out [kc][5s][3c][qh][3d] to give Taylor a full house and a full chip stack! He's now up to 165,000 and in good shape.

1:25pm: Parry is back in business

Glenn Parry has fought back incredibly well after being decimated late last evening as he's just found another big double up today to be right back in contention on this final table.

Parry moved all in for 36,200 from middle position with [jd][js] with Jamie Hill making the call and tabling [4d][4s]. There was no two-outer as the board of [kc][9h][3s][3d][th] game Parry the double up to around 80,000 chips.

1:10pm: Double for Taylor

Mark Taylor has found a handy double up through Jack Drake.

Drake opened the button to 6,600 before Taylor moved all in from the small blind for another 26,600. Drake made the call with [kh][9d] but was trailing the [ac][3c] of Taylor.
Taylor's lead extended on the [ad][7s][7h] and he was never headed on the [5d] turn and [4d] river. Taylor is up to around 75,000.

1:05pm: Aaron Benton eliminated in 9th place

It just wasn't Aaron Benton's day. Nothing seemed to go right for the 2009 APPT Sydney champion as the most experienced player on this final table is now also our first casualty.

Jonathan Dangio was again his nemesis. After Dangio had opened to 8,200, Benton moved all in from the small blind for around 50,000. Dangio instantly called and Benton was in a world of hurt.

Benton: [ad][9d]
Dangio: [as][ac]

The board ran out [8c][td][ks][8s][2s] to leave Benton to head to the rail in 9th place for $4,480 in prize money.

12:55pm: Benton spiralling

The rough start continues for Aaron Benton. After opening to 6,100 from middle position and getting a call from Jonathan Dangio in the small blind, Benton fired bets of 8,200 on the flop and 13,100 on the turn before checking behind the river on the [ts][qh][2h][2d][6h] board.

Dangio threw his head back as he opened [7h][4h] for the rivered flush as Benton flashed the [qd].

The two exchanged a few friendly words before Benton opened next hand to 6,100 and again Dangio was the lone caller, but this time in position on the button.

The flop landed [6d][9h][4d] and Benton checked to Dangio who bet 9,200. Benton made the call but when Dangio upped the price to 12,200 on the [6s] turn, Benton got out of the way.

12:45pm: Early double for Parry

Well it didn't take long for our first all-in clash of the day as the short-stacked Glenn Parry was forced to make an early move.

Aaron Benton raised the button before Parry moved all in for another 16,800 on top. Benton was priced in to call with the [jd][5d] as Parry showed [ad][6c].
The board ran out [ah][3s][4h][kc][tc] to double up Parry to 55,000. Benton slips back to around 100,000.

12:40pm: ANZPT Darwin final table is underway!

Welcome back to the SKYCITY Darwin Casino as we bring you live coverage of the PokerStars.net ANZPT Darwin Main Event final table.

We've moved home for today, from the International Room upstairs, down into the heart of the casino gaming floor as the "Poker Zone" will host the final table action this afternoon. The Poker Zone is at the far end of the SKYCITY gaming floor, with four poker tables tucked away behind an internal wall.

Let's be honest, there's not a lot of room here, as the interior designers have thrown up a number of mirrors to create an illusion of space, which take a bit of getting used to. Onlookers will be forced to crowd around virtually one side of the table, with the back wall and two large support structures blocking access to the other three sides.

It's a unique final table atmosphere that's for sure, but hopefully being down here on the gaming floor gathers the attention of everyday casino punters and that's what it's all about.

The players have been introduced and the final instructions given to shuffle up and deal!

Play will recommence at the start of Level 14 with the blinds at 1,500-3,000 with a 300 ante.

Let's take a closer look at our ANZPT Darwin final table lineup:

Seat 1: Jonathan Dangio, New Caledonia (PokerStars Qualifier) - 232,200 chips

Our international flavour of the final table, Jonathan Dangio is a 31-year old Technician hailing from New Caledonia after winning a satellite to this event online on PokerStars.

Jonathan has been playing poker for two years after learning the game himself online, and this will be his first major tournament result. Away from poker, Jonathan enjoys all sports, especially cycling.

After a strong performance on day three, Jonathan enters this final table as one of the big stacks.

Seat 2: Danny Chevalier, Melbourne, Victoria - 83,800 chips

The newly crowned ANZ Player of the Year, Danny Chevalier is an experienced tournament and cash game player from Melbourne who is a regular on the ANZPT circuit. Danny's season has been nothing short of spectacular with four ANZPT cashes and three final tables including an 8th place in Adelaide and 3rd place in the most recent event in Melbourne.

It's been an extraordinary tournament for Danny, who survived an epic battle with Leo Boxell, and then limped into the points, before picking up pocket aces late in the day to return the final table in sound shape. The 2009 ANZPT Queenstown champion will be looking to become the first two-time ANZPT champion to go along with his Player of the Year trophy.

Seat 3: Fotios Manolakos, Darwin, Northern Territory - 121,600 chips

Fotios Manolakos is a 31-year old business owner and one of four Darwin locals on this final table. Fotios has been playing poker for seven years but this will be his first major tournament result.

When asked for his hobbies outside of poker, Fotios answered "poker", so we're guessing with poker on the brain he's going to be right in the mix at the end of the day.

Seat 4: Jack Drake, Gold Coast, Queensland - 273,400

This 28-year old from the sunny Gold Coast has been playing poker for about five years and with a number of previous tournament cashes to his credit, he has quite a bit of experience relative to many on this final table. Jack has always enjoyed cards from a young age and now regularly plays $2/$5 NLHE or PLO cash games with his best tournament result coming from a 5th place in a Joe Hachem Deep Stack Series Main Event. Away from the tables, Jack enjoys basketball, computer games and golf.

After entering day three with the chip lead, Jack was able to maintain that position and will be the player to catch today.

Seat 5: Mark Taylor, Darwin, Northern Territory - 55,900

Mark Taylor is another of the local brigade making his first big impression on the Australian tournament poker scene. A gardener by day, Mark has been enjoying poker for about three years, mostly playing sit and gos and enjoying the tournaments at SKYCITY Darwin.

Mark will have some work to do as he enters the final table as one of our short stacks.

Seat 6: Aaron Benton, Wollongong, New South Wales (PokerStars Qualifier) - 129,900

Aaron Benton is no stranger to final tables. One of the most successful players in the country, both live and online, with over $1 million in tournament earnings, the 2009 APPT Sydney champion is hell bent on adding an ANZPT trophy to the cabinet.

Aaron made a remarkable comeback in this tournament after being crippled to around eight big blinds approaching the money, only to get himself back to an average stack and make the final table. A man on a mission, Aaron will be a genuine threat on this final table.

Seat 7: Glenn Parry, Darwin, Northern Territory - 26,500

Glenn Parry is a 45-year old Motor Mechanic from Darwin and has one of the more remarkable stories on this final table. After being crippled on the bubble, it looked like Glenn's tournament was over, but he found a double up and stole a few more blinds to survive to reach the money and the final table. But he has a lot of work ahead of him as he enters the final as a severe short stack.

Seat 8: Jamie Hill, Darwin, Northern Territory - 142,600

Jamie Hill is an Insurance Broker and another of our local players on this final table. Jamie has been playing poker for two years and this is his first ever major tournament result.

Largely flying under the radar, Jamie was responsible for the elimination of Leo Boxell on day three, which made Danny Chevalier a very happy man. Outside of poker, Jamie enjoys football, so he'll be hoping to kick a few more goals today as he enters with a top three chip stack.

Seat 9: Brett Dannevig, Campbelltown, New South Wales - 119,300

Hailing from Campbelltown in New South Wales, Brett Dannevig is a 50-year old Sales Manager with five years experience in poker after learning through the APL in his local club. Brett qualified for this event through satellites and it's the first major tournament he's ever played in.

It's already been a memorable experience for Brett after making a Royal Flush on day one, so he'll be looking to complete the dream with a win this afternoon.

The focus of the day was undoubtedly the heads-up duel between Leo Boxell and Danny Chevalier for the ANZ Player of the Year title. A heavyweight battle of the titans that had gone a full eleven rounds, with Boxell a narrow points leader and Chevalier looking for the knockout last round blow.

After Scott van Loon, Tim Wade-McDonald and Liam O'Rourke were early casualties, eyes were fixed on Leo Boxell when he moved his short stack into the middle with both Danny Chevalier and Jamie Hill coming along.

Chevalier was quick to check the board down and Hill obliged as it arrived [ks][ks][7c][2d][qd]. Boxell had to beat two opponents and he was first to show as he tabled [ah][tc] which notched Chevalier's [ac][9d]. Could Boxell really survive with just ace-high? Alas, it wasn't to be as Hill's [5h][5d] were enough to eliminate the Australian legend.

Boxell was forced to sweat the action from the rail as Chevalier shut up shop, knowing that a top ten finish would be enough to claim points and POTY honours.

The gallant run of PokerStars qualifier James Park came to an end when he ran top pair into the pocket aces of New Caledonia's Jonathan Dangio while Ryan McKay ran into trouble against Jack Drake with a one-two blow eliminating McKay in unlucky 13th place.

It was a day for the comeback kids, with Aaron Benton turning things around from just seven big blinds while Michael Guzzardi was down to around four big blinds but somehow picked the right spots to steal blinds and antes to recover.

The short-stacked survival left Danny Chevalier nervously awaiting the points bubble as he frequently left his chair to carefully watch the progress of the short stacks.

Eventually something had to give and it was local Tony Kanochkin who was next to fall. He moved in with [ks][qh] but ran into a dominant [as][kh] held by Brett Dennevig. The board bricked out and Danny Chevalier gave himself a celebratory fist pump and received a nice round of applause as the ANZ Player of the Year award was now officially his.

However we still had one more elimination to go before our day would come to an end.

With the points situation out of the way, there was $128,000 in prize money to fight for, with one player set to receive a whole lotta nothing for three days of toil.

It looked like that man was going to be Glenn Parry who was crippled after running into Danny Chevalier's pocket aces, only to find a double up to survive with his [ah][2h] outflopping Jonathan Dangio's [ac][qh].

Parry was still the short stack of the field when a big hand unfolded on the other table. Jack Drake had opened to 6,600 on the button before Michael Guzzardi moved all in for around 50,000 from the small blind. Drake called with [8h][8d] with Guzzardi showing [ad][tc].

The flop of [qh][kh][td] paired Guzzardi to take the lead, but Drake caught running hearts with the [6h] turn and [th] river to make a flush to end the day in dramatic fashion.

Final Table Lineup
Seat 1: Jonathan Dangio (New Caledonia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 232,300
Seat 2: Danny Chevalier (Australia) - 83,800
Seat 3: Fotios Manolakos (Australia) - 121,600
Seat 4: Jack Drake (Australia) - 273,400
Seat 5: Mark Taylor (Australia) - 55,900
Seat 6: Aaron Benton (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 129,900
Seat 7: Glenn Parry (Australia) - 26,500
Seat 8: Jamie Hill (Australia) - 142,600
Seat 9: Brett Dannevig (Australia) - 119,300

Another solid day by Jack Drake sees him carry his chip lead over to the final day of play while Jonathan Dangio will be looking to take the trophy back to New Caledonia. Throw in 2009 APPT Sydney champion Aaron Benton, newly-crowned ANZ Player of the Year Danny Chevalier and a handful of locals, and we've got ourselves an exciting final table!

We'll recommence at 12:30pm (GMT+9:30) tomorrow so behave yourselves on Mitchell Street this evening and bright and early as we look to crown the final champion of Season 3 of the PokerStars.net Australia New Zealand Poker Tour!

That brings an end to today's play with Jack Drake ending with a bang to maintain his overnight chip lead. Players will return at 12:30pm (GMT+9:30) tomorrow to play it out until a champion is crowned!

Seat 1: Jonathan Dangio (PokerStars Qualifier) - 232,300
Seat 2: Danny Chevalier - 83,800
Seat 3: Fotios Manolakos - 121,600
Seat 4: Jack Drake - 273,400
Seat 5: Mark Taylor - 55,900
Seat 6: Aaron Benton (PokerStars Qualifier) - 129,900
Seat 7: Glenn Parry - 26,500
Seat 8: Jamie Hill - 142,600
Seat 9: Brett Dannevig - 119,300

We'll be back with a complete wrap of today's action for you shortly.

4:40pm: Guzzardi bubbles!

Michael Guzzardi's remarkable comeback has come to an abrupt halt as the bubble has burst here in Darwin.

Jack Drake opened to 6,600 on the button before the fearless Guzzardi moved all in from the small blind. Drake asked for a rough count and made the call for roughly 50,000 chips with [8h][8d] to be racing with Guzzardi's [ad][ts].

Guzzardi took the lead on the [qh][kh][td] flop but Drake picked up outs to a flush with the [6h] turn, although it seemed that Aaron Benton was the only one who realised. The river was the [th] and most players sat in stunned silence, believing that Guzzardi's hand had held. However five hearts make a flush as a disappointed Guzzardi exits on the bubble.

4:30pm: Parry hangs on

After being down to his last 7,400 in chips, Glenn Parry has found a double up and then stolen a few more blinds and antes to stay alive in the Main Event.

His last chips were all in preflop with [ah][2h] and in a world of hurt against Jonathan Dangio's [ac][qh] however the [kh][jh][2d][6d][3c] board paired up Parry's deuce to keep him afloat. He's back up to 30,000.

4:25pm: Parry in trouble

Glenn Parry announced himself all in from under the gun but Danny Chevalier instantly moved all in next to speak. The tabled folded back around and Parry found his [3h][3d] had run into the [ad][as] of the newly crowned ANZ POTY.

The board brought no surprises as it ran out [ts][js][6c][jh][6d] to give Chevalier the double up to 85,000 to leave Parry desperately short with just 13,000.

4:15pm: Bubble time

With that elimination we're now on the money bubble and playing hand-for-hand across the two tables. The next player eliminated will head back home empty-handed while the remaining nine will reach the final frontier tomorrow with a minimum $4,480 locked up.

4:10pm: Kanochkin eliminated; Chevalier wins POTY!

Tony Kanochkin was down to his last 25,000 or so chips which he committed with [ks][qh] but Brett Dannevig held a dominant [as][kh].

The board bricked out [7h][2d][9h][3d][4d] to eliminate Kanochkin, as Chevalier gave a fist pump of delight and received a warm round of applause from the room as he has secured the ANZ Player of the Year title. Well done also to Leo Boxell and Jesse McKenzie who finished second and third respectively.

4:00pm: Guzzardi survives

Michael Guzzardi has relieved some of the pressure that has been on him for most of the past hour as Jack Drake, in his own words, "has created a monster".

After being down to 7,700, Guzzardi is now back up over 65,000 after doubling up. Drake raised the button to 6,600 before Guzzardi moved all in for another 24,800 from the small blind. Drake made a reluctant call with [kd][9c] as Guzzardi showed [ad][2c] for the best hand.

The board fell [ah][2s][7d][5d][td] to smack Guzzardi with two pair for the double up.

3:55pm: Level up, blinds 1,500-3,000, ante 300

3:50pm: Short-stacked survival

With Danny Chevalier folding his way to glory and Michael Guzzardi working his short stack a surgeon's precision, there has been little action to report recently as we seem stuck on the ANZ POTY points bubble.

Tony Kanochkin did find a double up with his short stack when his [kh][qc] survived the [ac][4c] of Jack Drake when the board ran out [kc][9d][2s][4h][qh]. Kanochkin is back up to 30,000, Guzzardi has around 25,000, while Chevalier hasn't played a hand in an hour (but somehow received two walks) and has blinded down to 35,000.

3:35pm: Guzzardi gutted

A devastating blow to Michael Guzzardi has left him on the verge of elimination with 11 players remaining in the ANZPT Darwin Main Event.

Guzzardi opened to 4,800 before Aaron Benton moved all in for 48,200. Benton had done this successfully on three or four occasions prior which may have weighted Guzzardi towards making the call.

Guzzardi opened [8s][8h] with Benton tabling the overcards with [ad][qc]. One man who know how to win races is Aaron Benton, and this was no exception as the board was spread [qd][qc][5h][js][6s]. Benton doubles up to 100,000 with Guzzardi left with just 7,700 in pocket change.

3:20pm: Double for Taylor

Mark Taylor has doubled up through Michael Guzzardi after moving all in on a flop of [ks][js][9h]. Guzzardi made the call with [ac][jd] but found himself trailing the [kd][qs] of Taylor.

The [td] turn improved Taylor to a straight which held on the [9c] river. Taylor doubles to 80,000 with Guzzardi back to 60,000.

3:10pm: Cawthorne cut

Glenn Parry opened to 6,000 from the small blind before Jeffrey Cawthorne moved all in from the big blind for a total of around 30,000. It represented most of Parry's stack and after a few minutes of painful consideration he made the call and slammed [9c][9d] down onto the table. Cawthorne held [ks][jc] and the race was on.

Parry took the lead with a set on the [9h][8c][js] flop but it wasn't meant to be easy as the [kd] turn brought some hope for Cawthorne.

Parry couldn't watch as the [2h] safely appeared on the river to eliminate Cawthorne from the tournament.

2:55pm: Play resumes

The dynamic dozen are back in their seats following the break. We're two eliminations away from the points, and possibly crowning Danny Chevalier as ANZ Player of the Year, and three more eliminations from the cash.

Jack Drake has improved on his overnight lead with Jonathan Dangio the next best.

2:40pm: McKay derailed

"And that's not how you play a tournament," sighed Ryan McKay as he wandered from the International Room following his elimination from the ANZPT Darwin Main Event.

McKay moved his last 40,000-or-so chips in preflop with [ks][qc] but found himself dominated as Jack Drake made the call with [ah][qd].

McKay stood and watched as the board of [9s][3d][9c][tc][7c] gave him no help and his tournament was over. Meanwhile Drake is now up to a massive 235,000 chips.

2:35pm: Parry riding the waves

It's been a rollercoaster few minutes for Glenn Parry. After running into the flopped flush of Fotios Manolakos moments earlier, Parry moved his last chips in preflop with [jc][jd] and found he was racing for his tournament life against the [ah][kd] of Jeffrey Cawthorne.

The flop was a dry [2h][7d][3d] but Cawthorne picked up a flush draw with the [2d] turn. However the river fell the [6s] to double Parry up to 80,000 and drop Cawthorne back to 35,000.

2:30pm: Benton crippled

Aaron Benton has been severely dented in a clash with Ryan McKay. After an open from Tony Kanochkin, Benton moved all in from the button only to find McKay make the call in the big blind as Kanochkin got out of the way.

Benton showed [5c][5d] and was in trouble against McKay's [js][jc].

The board ran out [ah][6s][3c][ac][7h] to leave McKay in front while Kanochkin was running around like a mad dog saying he folded ace-ten.

McKay doubled back to 80,000 with Benton left with just 16,000.

2:25pm: Set for Brett

Brett Dannevig has doubled up through Michael Guzzardi in a battle of the blinds that exploded into a war on the flop of [6s][5c][9d].

The chips went into the middle with Guzzardi holding [as][ah] but he'd been outflopped by Dannevig's [5d][5s].

The turn was the [th] and Guzzardi couldn't repeat the river magic from yesterday as the [9s] completed the board. Dannevig's stack of 47,000 was doubled as Guzzardi slips back to 85,000.

2:20pm: Park perishes

The run of PokerStars qualifier James Park has come to an end just short of the cash here in Darwin. Park moved his last chips in with [ks][qd] on a flop of [kc][9d][4d] but ran into the [ad][ah] of Jonathan Dangio.

The turn was the [3d] and river the [4c] to see Park head to the rail as Dangio is now up to 180,000.

2:10pm: McKay folds to Drake

Jack Drake is back on top after a big clash with PokerStars qualifier Ryan McKay. Drake opened with a late-position raise to 4,500 and McKay defended his big blind with a call to see a flop of [js][7h][9c].

McKay decided to lead out for 5,000 but Drake raised it up to 14,300. McKay didn't slow down as he made it 25,000. Drake thought for a moment and announced a call as a massive pot had suddenly developed.

The turn brought the [5s] and McKay checked it to Drake who bet 30,000. McKay went into the tank before making a frustrated fold.

"Did you flop a straight?" asked McKay.

"No straight," replied Drake.

"Well played then," said McKay. "I should've jammed like anyone else would've," he added before alluding to the fact that he folded two pair.

McKay slips back to 40,000 and one of our short stacks as Drake climbs up to a commanding 190,000 chips.

1:45pm: Level up, blinds 1,000-2,000, ante 200

1:40pm: Boxell busts; Chevalier on track for POTY

Danny Chevalier is now in the box seat to win the ANZ Player of the Year following the elimination of Leo Boxell from the ANZPT Darwin Main Event.

Boxell moved his short stack all in preflop and both Chevalier and Jamie Hill made the call. Chevalier was more than happy to check down the board of [kc][ks][7c][2d][qd] and Hill obliged as Boxell needed to beat two players at showdown to survive.

Boxell opened [ah][tc] for just ace-high which was ahead of Chevalier's [ac][9d] but Hill opened [5h][5d] for the only pair which was enough to scoop the pot much to the relief of Chevalier.

That now means that Chevalier only needs to finish at least 10th to claim points to take the ANZ Player of the Year title and bump Boxell back to second place. Chevalier is one of the shorter stacks in the room but he only needs to survive four more eliminations to make it.

1:30pm: Rawkz removed

Liam O'Rourke moved his last 30,000 chips into the middle holding [ah][4h] following an open-raise from Ryan McKay who made the call with [kc][jh].

O'Rourke was in front but the board of [3s][th][ks][8c][tc] paired up McKay's king to eliminate the young gun in 16th place.

1:25pm: Wade-McDonald implodes

Moments after the previous crippling blow, Tim Wade-McDonald pushed his last chips into the middle from the small blind but Fotios Manolakos woke up with [as][qh] in the big blind and made the call.

Wade-McDonald showed [kh][8s] for live cards but couldn't connect on the [tc][7c][4d][ah][4h] board. He's out as Manolakos is up to 105,000 in chips.

1:20pm: New Caledonia takes the lead

We have a new chip leader and he's not a local. In fact, he's not even Australian. Our new leader is New Caledonia's Jonathan Dangio after winning a massive pot against Tim Wade-McDonald.

Catching the action on a [3h][qs][tc] flop, Wade-McDonald checked to Dangio who bet 5,000. Wade-McDonald made the call as the [9d] hit the turn. Wade-McDonald decided to lead out for 9,000 and Dangio made the call as the [ad] hit the river.

Wade-McDonald fired again for 15,500 but Dangio responded with a raise to 38,500. Wade-McDonald thought for a few moments before making the call as Dangio showed [kh][jd] for the nut straight. Wade-McDonald mucked as he slips to 25,000 with Dangio up to 137,000.

1:10pm: Chevalier on the charge

Danny Chevalier is pushing towards the ANZ POTY points after winning a rather strange hand without even seeing a flop.

It started with Tony Kanochkin raising to 3,200 from under the gun with Danny Chevalier making the call before play folded to Ryan McKay in the big blind who popped it to 10,500. Kanochkin called but Chevalier then announced himself all in for an additional 33,400. McKay and Kanochkin both gave it up to see Chevalier climb to 77,000.

12:55pm: The Rattler falls

Scott "The Rattler" van Loon is the first casualty of the day. He limped in from early position before Fotios Manolakos popped it to 4,800 in the small blind. Van Loon moved all in over the top for around 25,000 and Manolakos made the call.

Manolakos tabled [ad][jd] for the best hand but van Loon held live cards with his [kh][9h] and in fact took the lead on the [jh][ks][8s] flop. The [th] turn gave van Loon a flush draw while both picked up straight draws.

Van Loon was already out of his chair and standing over the table as the dealer burned and tabled the [qc] on the river to give Manolakos the Broadway straight for the best hand to eliminate local van Loon in 18th place.

12:45pm: Level up, blinds 800-1,600, ante 200

12:42pm: Taylor isn't budging

It's been a rather subdued start so far today, but we've just seen one of our first significant showdowns of the day.

Four limpers saw a [qc][td][8s] and action checked around to bring the [ad] on the turn. The blinds checked to Mark Taylor who bet 3,600. Ryan McKay made the call as the two others got out of the way to see the [2d] brick the river.

Taylor led out for another 3,600 but McKay decided to raise as he made it 11,000 to go. Taylor instantly called and McKay showed [as][6s] for top pair, but he wasn't getting Taylor to fold his [ks][jh] nut straight.

Taylor moves up to 70,000 with McKay back to 80,000.

12:33pm: Divide and conquer

The goal today is simple.

We start with 18. Nine will survive and nine will fall.

In theory, it could be a quick day, but with the added complexity of the ANZ Player of the Year race with both Leo Boxell and Danny Chevalier still in contention, there could be a little bit of cat and mouse with a share of approximately $80,000 in added prizes up for grabs.

Our chip leader is Jack Drake as he is gunning for his first ANZPT final table appearance.

The players have unbagged their chips and the cards are now in the air. Play will resume with the last twelve minutes of Level 10.

With another five levels scheduled we were expecting to get deep into this tournament, but few thought we'd reach the final two tables as the rapid pace of eliminations took its toll.

PokerStars qualifier Ryan McKay was fast out of the blocks with nut straight versus second second-nut straight against overnight chip leader Roy Hills. McKay shot to the top of the chip counts and never relented while Hills will rue another missed opportunity on the ANZPT.

Another to start strong was ANZPT Perth champion Grant Levy who doubled up on the first hand of the day. But his momentum came to an abrupt halt, despite flopping the nuts with [kd][jd] on a [ah][tc][qc] flop. His opponent was Jeffrey Cawthorne who had craftily played his [as][ad] and improved to a full house when another queen hit the turn to send Levy to an early exit.

Others to fall along the way included APPT Queenstown champion Marcel Schreiner, Brendon Rubie, Ben Savage, Tamara Volkoff and Ricky Kroesen, despite hitting his first ever Royal Flush earlier in the day.

However one of the more significant eliminations came towards the end of the fourth level of play when ANZ Player of the Year contender Jesse McKenzie bowed out in unfortunate circumstances. With Danny Chevalier recovering from his overnight short stack, and Leo Boxell up and down like a yoyo, Jesse McKenzie had a huge opportunity to build a big stack when his [kc][qh] was up against the [ks][8c] of Michael Guzzardi on a king-high flop. The turn was a brick but the river was a cruel [8h] to leave McKenzie to be content with 3rd place in the ANZ POTY.

It was part of a mighty surge from Guzzardi, who has had plenty of colourful moments in Darwin, both on and off the felt. He bagged up one of the room's biggest stacks and will be a genuine threat over the next two days.

While Boxell, Chevalier, O'Rourke, Benton and McKay were some of the 18 players who made it safely through the day, the end of day lead goes to Jack Drake who accumulated quietly to end up with 118,500 in chips.

Day 3 Seating Draw

Table 1
Seat 1: Aaron Benton (Australia) (Pokerstars Qualifier) - 36600
Seat 2: Mark Taylor (Australia) - 48600
Seat 3: Ryan McKay (Australia) (Pokerstars Qualifier) - 94100
Seat 4: Tony Kanochkin (Australia) - 85100
Seat 5: Danny Chevalier (Australia) - 52100
Seat 6: Liam O'Rourke (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 35400
Seat 7: Jack Drake (Australia) - 118500
Seat 8: Michael Guzzardi (Australia) - 103700
Seat 9: Brett Dannevig (Australia) - 72100

Table 2
Seat 1: Jeffrey Cawthorne (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 76000
Seat 2: Tim Wade-McDonald (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 94100
Seat 3: Fotios Manolakos (Australia) - 50600
Seat 4: James Park (Australia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 41600
Seat 5: Jamie Hill (Australia) - 53100
Seat 6: Scott Van Loon (Australia) - 23800
Seat 7: Jonathan Dangio (New Caledonia) (PokerStars Qualifier) - 94800
Seat 8: Glenn Parry (Australia) - 68500
Seat 9: Leo Boxell (Australia) - 36600

It's a great lineup with a nice mix of local players, seasoned professionals and young guns. Of course most of the attention will be focused on the heads-up duel between Leo Boxell and Danny Chevalier for the ANZ Player of the Year award. It's fitting that the number one and two ranked players are still alive in this tournament and the battle is going to go down to the wire!

We'll return to the SKYCITY Darwin Casino again tomorrow at 12:30pm (GMT+9:30) where our goal will be to halve our field and determine the final nine. In theory, this should be a relatively straight forward, but with the added complexity of the ANZ Player of the Year race, there could be some tense moments.

Until then, the Mindil Beach markets are the order this evening. Held in the parklands just alongside the casino, the markets offer a plethora of great food options, arts and crafts and live entertainment until well after the sun goes down. Whatever you're up to, we hope you have a great evening and we look forward to you joining us tomorrow!

With ten minutes remaining on the clock, tournament staff have wisely called a halt to proceedings rather than worry about redrawing for the final two tables. So that's it, we're done for today!

It appears that Jack Drake will be our chip leader with around 120,000 while ANZ Player of the Year contenders in Leo Boxell and Danny Chevalier are both safely through the day which should provide some interesting moments tomorrow.

We'll be back with complete counts, seating draw and a wrap of the day's action for you shortly.

5:40pm: Calder falls

Jeremy Calder made his final stand, pushing his last 13,500 from the cutoff with [kh][9d] with Michael Guzzardi making the call holding [ah][2s].

The board ran out [jd][qs][4h][jc][7s] to leave Guzzardi's ace-high in front and eliminate Calder in 19th place.

5:35pm: Taylor cracks Chevalier's kings

It's been slow going this level as the 19 remaining players now appear content to shut up shop to try and reach day 3 tomorrow.

One player who moved some chips was Mark Taylor and he was rewarded with a big double up through Danny Chevalier.

Chevalier opened to 2,800 from under the gun with [ks][kc] before Taylor moved all in next to speak for 24,100 with [ah][qs]. Chevalier made the call and the cards were on their backs. Taylor would need help to stay alive and he got it when the board appeared [8s][as][jh][qc][6c]. Taylor doubles to 50,000 with Chevalier down to 65,000.

5:10pm: Boxell hangs on

Leo Boxell is using all of his nine lives today as he's survived another all-in clash to double up. Boxell got his chips in good with [ad][8s] on a [8h][9d][ah][kd] board as Michael Guzzardi made the call with [ac][tc].

Guzzardi would need to spike another river, but it wasn't to be, as the [8d] improved Boxell to a full house for the double up. Boxell is up to 25,000.

4:55pm: Brown out

Adam Brown is the latest to be eliminated from the ANZPT Darwin Main Event at the hands of Tim Wade-McDonald.

Brown moved his last 15,000 or so chips in preflop from the small blind with [kd][3s] with Wade-McDonald making the call in the big blind with a dominant [kh][qc].

The board ran out [5h][ad][7s][js][9c] to jump Wade-McDonald to 90,000 in chips. After winning his way into this event through an online league on PokerStars, Brown departs just short of the cash.

4:50pm: Play resumes

There are just 20 players remaining as we're steamrolling our way through today. They're back in their seats and ready to play one more level until we wrap things up for the day.

4:30pm: They're dropping like flies as Rubie, Pampliega and McKenzie join the rail

Online star Brendon Rubie has hit the rail after he pushed his last chips in preflop with pocket sixes, but Aaron Benton made the call with pocket jacks. Rubie couldn't find a lucky six and was sent to the rail.

Shortly after, Michael Guzzardi was responsible for a couple of brutal rivers to eliminate both Luis Pampliega and then Jesse McKensie.

First it was Pampliega who moved all in on a board of [kc][8s][4h][6s] holding [6c][8h] for two pair against Guzzardi's [kd][qc] top pair. However the [qh] river gave Guzzardi a better two pair to take it down and eliminate Pampliega.

Moments later and Guzzardi was in the thick of it again as he went to war with McKenzie. As recalled to us, McKenzie raised from under the gun, but with a dead blind, Guzzardi didn't notice so when he dropped chips into the middle with the intention to raise, it was only ruled as a call. The flop came down [kd][2c][jc] and McKenzie led out. Guzzardi raised and McKenzie moved all in. Guzzardi deliberated before making the call holding [ks][8c] for top pair, only to find McKenzie had him outkicked with [kc][qh]. The turn was the [5s] but the river was the [8h] to give Guzzardi a devastating three-outer.

After a count down of chips, Guzzardi narrowly covered his opponent to leave McKenzie exiting with 3rd place on the ANZ Player of the Year race safely locked up. Meanwhile Guzzardi, after finishing third in the Pot Limit Omaha event last night, is playing the rush to now be up to around 85,000 chips.

4:10pm: The rise of Chevalier

After coming into today as the short stack of the entire field with just 7,650 in change, Danny Chevalier is now our tournament chip leader after a massive hand against Ryan McKay.

It started with McKay opening to 2,500 before Chevalier popped it to 6,000. McKay asked for a count before making the call to see a [7c][3d][3s] flop.

McKay checked it over to Chevalier who bet 11,600. McKay grabbed a stack of yellow 5,000-denomination chips and moved them into the middle with Chevalier quick to make the call. McKay showed [ah][qc] but only had one overcard to Chevalier's [kc][kh].

The turn was the [tc] and river the [qd] to give Chevalier a double up to around 85,000 with McKay still travelling well on about 80,000.

3:50pm: Leo chips up

Leo Boxell is back up to 32,000 after taking a healthy pot without even seeing a flop.

Micheal Guzzardi opened to 2,000 from early position and Jeremy Calder called in the cutoff before Luis Pampliega popped it to 8,000 on the button. Action was then with Boxell in the big blind and he pondered before announcing himself all in.

Guzzardi and Calder quickly folded before Pampliega made a crying a fold with [7h][7c], saving his last 12,000 for another spot.

3:45pm: Finding the balance

With 28 players remaining we have two tables of eight and two tables of six currently in action. Jesse McKenzie just raised the issue of why the tables weren't balanced, while eyeing off the perceived advantage that Ryan McKay currently has on his table with his well-honed six-handed skills.

McKenzie definitely has a tougher table draw right now and will be looking to break to get some relief from Brendon Rubie, Aaron Benton, Liam O'Rourke and Danny Chevalier.

3:40pm: Level up, blinds 500-1,000, ante 100

3:35pm: Boxell bounces back

Leo Boxell has doubled up, much to the displeasure of Jesse McKenzie and Danny Chevalier who are keeping an eagle-eyed watch on his progress this afternoon.

Boxell's life was on the line with [kh][kc] against the [ad][jc] of Michael Guzzardi. The board ran out [6s][qc][6c][js][4s] to give Boxell the double up to 13,000.

3:30pm: Straight for Parry

Aaron Benton has lost half of his stack in a hand against Glenn Parry. We believe the chips were in on the turn on the [5s][6s][7c][3h] board with Benton's [3s][3s] set topped by Parry's [4h][4d] straight. The river was the [jc] and Parry doubles to 70,000 with Benton down to 28,000.

3:25pm: Outwaa

Ricky Kroesen's last chips have gone into the middle, never to return as Kroesen will have to be content with a potential high of 4th place in the ANZ Player of the Year race.
Kroesen moved his last few thousand in preflop with [jc][8c] with Brett Dannevig making the call with [ad][kd].

The board ran out [ah][9c][6d][5h][qh] to leave Dannevig with the only pair to eliminate Kroesen from the tournament.

3:20pm: Boxell blues

"You should be embarrassed," was all Leo Boxell had to say after losing a massive pot against Jamie Hill. It was a battle of the blinds with Boxell tabling [5c][5d] from the big blind as Hill had got a little adventurous for his last chips with [ks][3h].

Boxell couldn't believe it when the flop came down [3d][3s][8d] to give Hill trips and leaving the Aussie poker legend with just two outs. The turn was the [2s] and river the [kc] to see Hill double up to 38,000 and leave Boxell with just 6,000 behind.

3:15pm: Spratt goes splat

Matthew Spratt's recovery was short-lived after he ran his pocket jacks into the pocket kings of James Park. Both players flopped a set but Spratt couldn't find his one-outer as the board ran out [qs][jc][ks][9d][4s].

Park is now up to 50,000.

3:05pm: Kroesen loses two flips

After losing two major coinflips in a row, Ricky Kroesen is now crippled and on the verge of elimination.

In the first hand, Kroesen held [ad][kc] against the [qh][qc] of Mark Taylor but the board ran out [td][7d][3c][tc][th] to give Taylor the big double up to 60,000.

Moments later and Kroesen's chips were in the middle again, this time against the short-stacked Matthew Spratt. Kroesen had called with [ad][qh] to again be racing against the pair of [9h][9s] for Spratt. The board was all babies once more as the [3s][6h][3h][8h][7d] missed Kroesen's overcards.

Spratt doubles to 20,000 with Kroesen now down to just 6,700.

3:00pm: Last woman bows out

Our last woman standing, Tamara Volkoff, has been eliminated. She was nursing a short stack for a lot of today and made a move from the big blind when she saw a flop of [8h][5h][6s]. Jack Drake made the call with [qs][qd] as Volkoff would need to improve on her [8d][9s].

The turn was the [4c] and river the [3s] to leave Volkoff on the rail and Drake sitting with a stack of 60,000.

2:50pm: Savage blow

ANZPT regular Ben Savage has been unable to find a double up for his short stack as his tournament is now over.

It was a battle of the blinds with Tim Wade-Mcdonald opening with a raise from the small blind before Savage moved all in from the big blind with [ah][4d]. Wade-Mcdonald made the call with [kd][9d].

The flop was [7c][kc][jh] to hit Wade-McDonald and leave Savage need an ace to survive. However the turn was the [jc] and river the [4h] to eliminate Savage and jump Wade-McDonald up to 75,000.

2:40pm: Play resumes

The players have returned to their seats following their first break of the day with 34 still alive in the quest for ANZPT glory.

Ryan McKay leads the way with Tony Kanochkin also making good progress on Day 2. Leo Boxell, Jesse McKenzie, Danny Chevalier and Ricky Kroesen are also still in good shape as the race for ANZ Player of the Year honours heats up!

2:20pm: Hills continues to slide

The slide of overnight chip leader Roy Hills continues after he made a gambling call that ultimately resulted in a double up for Scott van Loon.

Hills opened to 1,500 before van Loom moved all in for 11,300 in total. After a little thought, Hills sighed, "What the hell, let's go for it," before moving his chips into the middle.

Hills showed [ac][7c] and was racing against van Loon's [5h][5s]. However the board was with van Loon as it ran out [5d][2s][9h][3c][5c] to give him quads. He doubles to 24,000 with Hills now left with just 4,500 in change.

2:00pm: Royal Rickwaa

Ricky Kroesen excited ran to our blogging desk and dragged us to his table for a photo opportunity.

"It's my first Royal Flush in six years! I want a photo!" exclaimed Kroesen.

Apparently Kroesen raised preflop with [ks][ts] against Matthew Spratt, check-called the flop, checked the turn and then bet the river on the [as][js][7s][qs][6d] board. Spratt folded before Kroesen flashed the goods. He's up to 45,000.

1:45pm: Schreiner eliminated

We've just lost APPT Queenstown champion Marcel Schreiner.

Battling with a short stack for most of the last two days, Schreiner go his last chips in racing with pocket threes against the ace-queen of the giant-killing Ryan McKay.

A pair of ladies on the flop was enough for McKay to win the pot and send the German to the rail. McKay is now up to 100,000 chips.

1:40pm: Getting into spirit of Oktoberfest

With the Oktoberfest festivities in full swing here at the SKYCITY in Darwin, players are certainly getting into the spirit of it and enjoying the authentic Bavarian food, bier and entertainment.

Rumours are that a few of the guys have been enjoying things a little too much, and while you'll have to scour YouTube for incriminating videos, we couldn't help but notice the attire of both Brendon Rubie and Michael Guzzardi today.

"Did you lose a bet or something?" we asked Guzzardi as he nodded sheepishly.

According to Octavian Voegele, it was late the other night when it was Rubie's turn to buy a round of drinks, but instead of a thirst-quenching beverage, Rubie returned with these hats that they all agreed to wear on Day 2. Lucky they can pull it off!

1:30pm: Level up, blinds 300-600, ante 50

1:20pm: Seccafien surrenders

David Seccafien and Jamie Hill got their last chips in on a flop of [ah][6h][th]. Seccafien was in front with his [ac][td] as Hill was the one chasing with [ks][jh] for flush and straight draws.

The turn was the [js] to give Hill a few more outs and he spiked one on the river as the [9h] completed his flush. After a quick count down of chips, Hill just had him covered as Seccafien was sent to the rail. Hill is now up to 29,000.

1:10pm: Mario misses

Mario Ljubicic has been unable to find a double up with his short stack to become the latest casualty of today's play.

Ljubicic's last 6,925 were all in preflop with [ah][jh] as Glenn Parry made the call with [js][jd]. The board ran out [8s][7s][6d][8h][3d] to leave Parry's jacks in front to send Ljubicic to the rail.

1:00pm: Nuts not enough for Levy

After getting the perfect start to the day, Grant Levy dream has turned into a nightmare after crashing out of the tournament in dramatic fashion.

As recalled to us by the table, Levy opened to 900 from under the gun and the table folded around to Jeffrey Cawthorne who made the call in the big blind.

The flop landed [ah][tc][qc] and Cawthorne checked to Levy who bet 1,325. Cawthorne check-raised to 5,000 but Levy came back with a re-raise to 12,500. Cawthorne moved all in and Levy snapped it off with [kd][jd] for the flopped straight as Cawthorne showed [as][ad] for top set!

Cawthorne needed to pair the board and he got it twice as the [qs] turn and [tc] river improved him to a full house to collect the pot.

"Sick," sighed Levy as he wandered out of the room as Cawthorne moves up to 70,000.

12:50pm: Schreiner chops down Caris

Charles Caris is an early casualty on Day 2 with Marcel Schreiner doing the damage. With the chips in preflop, Schreiner's [7s][7c] were in control against Caris' [6d][6s] and it remained that way as the board ran out [as][2s][4d][8s][ad].

Caris is out as Schreiner moves up to around 20,000.

12:45pm: A couple of doubles

Grant Levy just let us know that he found a double up on the first hand of the day so get himself up to 30,000, while ANZ Player of the Year contender Danny Chevalier has done the same.

After a limp from David Seccafien from under the gun and a call from Ryan McKay, Chevalier moved all in for 8,100 on the button. Seccafien made the call with [ks][js] as McKay folded his pocket sixes. Chevalier tabled [ac][kd] and was in dominant position to double up as the board ran out [3h][tc][th][kc][5d]. Chevalier is up to 17,000.

12:40pm: McKay flattens Hills

It didn't take long for the chips to fly here in Darwin as the overnight lead of Roy Hills has been decimated by PokerStars qualifier Ryan McKay.

We arrived only to see the aftermath where Hills moved all in and McKay made the call with the board reading [8c][7h][6s][2d][ts]. It was magical river for McKay as Hills tabled [ac][9c] for the straight, only to discover McKay open [jh][9h] for a higher straight.

Hills had to pay off 38,575 on the river to leave himself with just 18,000 in chips as McKay becomes our new chip leader with 85,000 in chips.

12:30pm: Last chance in Darwin

The room is bubbling with excitement today as the final 47 players have found their new seats and settled in for the grind ahead. The International Room of the SKYCITY Darwin Casino is looking a picture as we're expecting to play another five levels this afternoon.

Our chip leaders entering today's play are Roy Hills (61,850), Aaron Benton (58,075), Tony Kanochkin (56,650), Brendan Rubie (51,175) and Liam O'Rourke (45,825).

The players have unbagged their chips and the cards are now in the air!

Liam O'Rourke, John Apostolidis, Mario Ljubicic, Ryan McKay and Tim English were among the starters as well as ANZ Player of the Year contenders Jesse McKenzie, Ricky Kroesen and Leo Boxell who delayed his trip to the WSOPE just to play in this event. We also had several previous champions in the field with ANZPT Perth winner Grant Levy, 2009 APPT Sydney champion Aaron Benton and the APPT Queenstown champion in Germany's Marcel Schreiner.

With the Oktoberfest in full swing in the gardens of the SKYCITY Darwin Casino, you'd expect the German to be right at home, but Schreiner struggled to match the lofty heights he set for himself in Queenstown. He tangled with Ryan McKay and Liam O'Rourke with the two Aussie young guns eventually getting the better of the battle. Schreiner will be back on Day 2 but will have a lot of work ahead of him as one of the short stacks.

At the other end of the scale ANZ Player of the Year contenders Jesse McKenzie and Ricky Kroesen both got off to remarkable starts today.

McKenzie was the first to double up with a set over set cooler of a hand send Song Yu to the rail as the first casualty within minutes of the start of play. With a double stack, McKenzie was on cruise control for the rest of the day and ended up bagging roughly the same amount five levels later.

Kroesen also got chips with a set over set, but it was in slightly more unconventional fashion. After accidentally announcing his cards, and even flashing one of them, with another player still in the hand, Kroesen turned a set of kings to trump his opponent's set of deuces, and still got paid off to climb up the leaderboard.

Ryan McKay, Grant Levy and Liam O'Rourke were also prominent, while ANZ Player of the Year leader Leo Boxell struggled early before finding a big double up through Levy with kings against tens. Boxell bagged up an above-average stack to be well on track to claim the POTY honour.

However rising above them all was a man familiar with the spotlight in 2009 APPT Sydney champion Aaron Benton.

Benton soared to the top when his flopped set of sevens cracked an opponent's pocket aces and he never looked back, bagging up 58,075 chips for today's chip lead and second place overall.

Click here for the End of Day 1b Chip Counts

Click here for the Day 2 Seating Draw

While Danny McDonagh has devoured his body weight in oysters at the all-you-can-eat buffet, and the dust is settling from tonight's ANZPT Player's Party at the Sand Bar, 47 players are hopefully tucking themselves into bed in readiness for another big day ahead tomorrow.

They'll have to be back at 12:30pm (GMT+9:30) as we start to determine the contenders from the pretenders. We look forward to your company then!

Table 2
Seat 1: Peter Zaroufis - 8025
Seat 2: Tim Wade-mcdonald - 38700
Seat 3: Ben Savage - 16550
Seat 4: George Manolas - 15625
Seat 5: Tim English - 12925
Seat 6: Tamara Volkoff - 16675
Seat 7: Byron Henderson - 19925
Seat 8: Jack Drake - 30800

Table 3
Seat 1: Amir Heydapour - 33625
Seat 2: Jeffrey Cawthorne - 41325
Seat 3: Grant Levy - 15250
Seat 4: Tony Kanochkin - 56650
Seat 5: Aaron Benton - 58075
Seat 6: Scott van Loon - 10300
Seat 7: Bryan Cantle - 24625
Seat 8: Julian Lange - 33025

Table 4
Seat 1: Ivan Zalac - 18800
Seat 2: Mark Taylor - 28650
Seat 3: Ricky Kroesen - 25300
Seat 4: Marcel Schreiner - 8450
Seat 5: Frances Ricketts - 16800
Seat 6: James Park - 14100
Seat 7: Matthew Spratt - 15025
Seat 8: Charles Caris - 17600

Table 5
Seat 1: Roy Hills - 61850
Seat 2: David Seccafien - 33975
Seat 3: Ryan Mckay - 42975
Seat 4: Jamie Hill - 20200
Seat 5: Brett Dannevig - 21750
Seat 6: Andreas Papageorgious - 15925
Seat 7: Danny Chevalier - 7650
Seat 8: Adam Brown - 17450

Table 6
Seat 1: Jesse Mckenzie - 39575
Seat 2: Mathew Cabot - 14375
Seat 3: Brendon Rubie - 51175
Seat 4: Mario Ljubicic - 9425
Seat 5: Glenn Parry - 19675
Seat 6: Jonathan Dangio - 28775
Seat 7: Liam O'Rourke - 45825
Seat 8: Fotios Manolakos - 32325