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Canadian wins 888.com World Poker Crown

CANADA -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Canadian plumber Jack Hinchey this morning won the $3 million guaranteed 888.com World Poker Crown in Peralada Castle, Spain defeating his fellow countryman Michael Lawson to take down the $1 million first prize.

Heads-up, Hinchey started with a more than 3:1 chip lead over Lawson, who won his seat for $20 on Pacific Poker. The 21-year-old internet pro clawed his way back to a 1.5:1 underdog in chips but a grimly determined Hinchey dug in. The final hand saw Hinchey limp on the button with Ks-Qc and the flop fell a favourable Kh-Jh-6h. Lawson pushed all-in with pair of 10s and Hinchey called. The turn was a jack and the river a third king and the Canadian grandfather was awarded the World Poker Crown.

Hinchey, who has been playing poker and hustling pool for over 30 years, started the final table as chip leader and while it was not all plain sailing en route to the title, his victory left him ecstatic.

"This is a lot better than being in a sewage pit!," he grinned after his victory. "My strategy was to keep the pressure on everybody, I flubbed a few times in the middle but it worked out in the end. They call Michael an internet pro but I think he's proved to everybody here that he's a poker professional, so thank you. Victoria, my granddaughter is off to uni, she might not like the idea yet but this money is going towards that!"

Eight players competed at the final table after battling through a field of over 2,214 players online on April 26 in the $1,050 buy-in event which was streamed live on the internet yesterday at Worldpokercrown.com.

The innovative event was the first in the world be streamed live on the web with graphics and holecards.