EPT Scandinavian Open Day 1A & 1B  -  By Poker Boss

A sell out crowd made the short trip from Sweden, the slightly longer flight from the UK, or even the long haul from the States to compete in this year's Scandinavian Open; the EPT event in Denmark. 460 players in all filled the spacious tournament area in Casino Copenhagen over two start days, and just over 170 will return for day Two after both flights played just eight one hour levels. The buy-in was 47,750 DKK or around EUR 6,700 and the usual mix of online qualifiers, travelling pros and that sort of in the-middle bracket of online trained young players took their chances for a shot at a first prize that would make them a Kroner multi-millionaire.

The UK sent fewer players to this event than usual (there has rarely been an EPT final table without someone British on it, incidentally) but they were strong ones, like Julian Thew (whose form left him, somewhat, and he busted after a long day's grinding), Marc Goodwin, Michael Greco, and Barny Boatman; the sole British survivor from Day 1A, unless you count Andreas Hoivold who was apparently born in Sunderland.

Coming out on top in chips going into the second day, which sees a redraw, were Peter Eastgate and Ola Brandborn nearing the 80k mark on Day 1A, while Nedin Musa and Stig Farholt did better still on Day 1B; although a huge end of day pot put Theo Jorgensen at the top of the pile. The play was, as one might expect, fast and furious, with American Charles Furey getting a head start with almost 30k after two levels. But whereas he remained on about that number, elsewhere British players like Stuart Rutter and Jeff Kimber were yo yoing like crazy. The former finished the day on 22k while the latter busted around the dinner break.

Other players with stacks to be reckoned with include Alex Kravchenko, Ramzi Jelassi, Markus Golser and Christian Gruntvig, who's one of several previous big buy in tournament winners still in with a shot at this EPT title. Also still in the running is Trond Eidsvig, who won the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the Scandinavian Poker Awards held on the 18th. Annette Obrestad scooped Best Female and Best Performance, Jonas 'Nebuchad' Danielsson took Best Online Player, Thor Hansen got a Lifetime Achievement Award while Best Live Player went to Gus Hansen, the Great Dane himself.

Follow the action by the blonde live Update Team as they play towards the money tomorrow from 2pm (1pm UK time).