O´Leary wins WSOP event 3

Ciarin O'Leary blended the luck of the Irish with the skill of a patient and skilled player to prevail in event 3 at the World Series of Poker at the Rio in Las Vegas - the $1 500 No Limit Hold 'Em.

Hot favourite Alex Jacob, a young 2006 U.S. Poker Championship winner, was eliminated in 3rd place at hand 57, disappointed but taking home $282 367 and setting the scene for a hard fought but brief heads up between O'Leary and Paul Evans.

O'Leary, who received $727 012, respect for beating almost 3 000 entrants and a WSOP bracelet for his victory, advocated patience in his post-match interview saying he folded repeatedly, waiting for good hands and then exploiting them to the full to beat the opposition. Second placed Evans collected a handy $450 150 paycheck.

Other big winners in the event were Jeff Yoak who went out at hand 50 in 4th place with a payment of $184 152, and Craig Crivello out in 5th place with $128 907.