Ever since Chris Moneymaker lit the fuse of the poker boom eight years ago, the poker industry has always embraced an underdog story, and tonight Philip Mildon looks to complete his obliteration of the Black Belts when he takes on Sam Razavi heads-up for a seat in the World Series of Poker Main Event.
Philip's journey commenced on May 4 when he entered the Vegas Freeroll, a 57-man tournament exclusive to London Live entrants who had maintained their Belt through April. After overcoming a tough final table that included UKIPT Brighton Champion Jamie Burland, Philip emerged as the winner and gratefully received his prize of a trip to Vegas to stay in the Black Belt Poker luxury mansion.
But the fun didn't end there, as victory also came with the chance to supplement that package with tournament buy-ins into the WSOP through a gauntlet of heads-up matches against our three Black Belts. If Philip could win two consecutive heads-up battles against each opponent, then he would collect a $1,500 buy-in, a $5,000 buy-in and, Bully's special prize, the $10,000 Main Event!
But before Philip could dream of becoming a member of the November Nine, he had to face 2008 Irish Open Champion Neil Channing. Despite a back-and-forth contest, lady luck was singing Philip's song. After doubling through with K-Q versus A-J, Philip took down the first bout when his 7-7 held up against A-9. In the second leg, he sealed his bracelet-shot with J-J versus A-K.
"Philip played very well and was a strong opponent," complimented Channing in defeat. "He played a small ball style with lots of min-raises and few three-bets, but then adjusted well as the blinds increased."
With entry into a $1,500 WSOP tournament under his belt, Philip last night encountered his next foe when he locked horns with bracelet-winner and online high stakes pro Richard Ashby for Round 2.
Again, Philip more than held his own in the early stages, and after pulling back a 2:1 deficit, won a key pot when he turned a straight with Jd-8d on a Td-2d-9s-Qc-6h board versus Ashby's As-9c. Ashby struggled from thereon in, and despite doubling up with Qs-Js versus As-7h on an ensuing 5d-8h-Jc-9h-4s board, eventually hit the felt when his Kh-5h ran headfirst into Philip's As-Ks.
Whilst the opener was a dogged, lengthy affair, the second encounter passed by like a whisper in the wind. The key hand saw Ashby semi-bluff all in for 1,330 with Kh-4d on the turn of an 8h-Jh-7h-9d board but having his arm bitten off by Philip and his 6h-5h. No heart and Ashby was down to just a few hundred. A brisk Ah-7s versus Kc-4s showdown later (board: 7d-7c-Jc-8d-3s) and Philip had struck again; another poker legend brushed aside and another amazing victory, this time with a booty of $5,000!
Incredibly, Philip has won four consecutive heads-up matches against two of the UK most successful poker pros and now has $6,500 in tournament buy-ins to take to Vegas. Tonight, on Black Belt Poker, that figure could reach a mouth-watering $16,500 as Philip meets his final opponent: heads-up cash specialist and recent Aussie Millions finalist Sam 'KODDZILLA' Razavi.
"I'm actually started to feel the pressure," confessed Razavi, "as although it would be great for Philip to play the Main Event, at the same time, I don't want to cost Black Belt Poker any money."
"I've been on a strict training regime all week and have watched all six Rocky films," he continued. "I've also been checking out Muhammed Ali tapes to build my confidence. I'm going to float flops like a butterfly, and bluff like Phil Ivey, so watch out. My prediction is that Mildon falls in the first."
"The very best of luck to Philip tonight" added Channing. "We didn't make up this promotion so nobody could win it and he's proving just how good an offer this really is. Sam's a good player, but if Philip manages to pull out another win, I'll be really happy for him because he seems like a nice guy and it will be fun to cheer him on in the Main Event."
Philip is a 48-year old Nurse who plays stakes of 10c/20c online, so this has already proved a true fairytale. Tonight, he heads into battle with nothing to lose, whilst Sam Razavi has his pride, his reputation, and Channing's money on the line (gulp). Can David beat Goliath for a third consecutive time? Tune in to find out and watch the action as it happens.
To locate the tournament, simply start up the Black Belt Poker client and select: Scheduled > Black Belt Tournaments > Phil's Vegas Adventure.
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