Poker final table, By Sav D’Souza - Molokai Times - 3rd June 2008

The stakes are really hotting up at Paddlers’ Inn. The popular evening poker tournament will culminate in a final tournament Saturday night.

The event started at the end of March and attracted a host of regulars. Some come to sharpen their poker skills, others to beat it out to the final table. Jovial stories of bad beats (unlucky high losing hands) and kindly rivers (landing a great last turned over card) are all part of the laid-back but competitive atmosphere at poker night.

Poker night has become such an institution in the community that now-free Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings will seem something of a void for many.

It’s down to the serious stuff as Molokai’s answer to famous poker players Doyle Brunson and Annie Duke mix it up. From the more than 50 players that have played in the last two months, the final table will host only the top eight Sat. June 7.

Up for grabs at the final table will be a round trip to Las Vegas with two nights stay at the Rio Hotel and a $1,000 buy-in at one of the world poker satellite events, provided courtesy of sponsor Steinlager.

As of May 27, Waika Naki leads the way with 1030 points. He’s followed by Bernice Kalilikane (950); Reyford Stone (930); and Lee Derouin (810). The bottom four are Pete Kamakana, Elizabeth P. Lawrence, Tranq Pascual and Kahealani Maliu. With two nights left before the final standings, those just outside the top eight were hoping to still make it to the final table. Those on top were simply praying to hold on.

The much-anticipated final table will start at 9 p.m. June 7.

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