Irishman Liam Flood has won the PartyPoker.com European Open III after battling his way through 72 of Europe's finest players to take the European Title and a prize of $125,000.
 
Following 12 explosive heats, the semi-final line ups were strong and included 12th place WSOP finisher John Magill, Partypoker World Open Champion Pippa Flanders, WSOP final tableist Don Fagan, Gutshot qualifier Nick Persaud, "Take Away" Dave Gregory, Scott Fenton, Ian "Crapper" Cox, Darren "Chopper" Hickman and of course Gentleman Liam Flood.
 
With the top three players from each heat carrying their chips forward to the final, the line up was as follows :
 
Nick Persaud 326,000
Pippa Flanders 232,000
Scott Fenton 215,000
Liam Flood 210,000
Darren Hickman 158,000
John Magill 59,000
 
Even with the blinds set back to 1,000-2,000 the final was off to a frantic pace when John Magill doubled up through Nick Persaud in the first level leaving the in-form Irishman looking dangerous. Darren Hickman began to look dangerous and soon pushed through 200,000 chips. The first major pot was huge when Pippa Flanders raised in early position with pocket 9's, Darren Hickman flat called with AQ an the flop came A K 3 with two hearts on board. Hickman checked and Flanders moved all in. Hickman slumped back in his chair but fought back the demons to make the call sending Flanders to the rail in 6th.
 
Liam Flood soon dented Nick Persaud's chip stack in a stunning hand. Flood raised with AA and was called by Persaud with 99. The flop came 2 2 5 and Nick checks and Liam makes it 38k and Nick calls. The turn comes 3 Nick checks and Liam moves all in. Persaud went into the tank and the clock was put on him by the Tournament Director and after 30 seconds the hand was dead. Persaud then made a move with A6 and was unlucky to come up against Fenton's pocket rockets - he left the tournament in 5th place.
 
Irishman John Magill left in 4th after a brave battle and the final was three handed with Flood sitting pretty as chip leader. Fenton continued to push and moved all in Q10 and was called by Hickman with A8. Scott was out in 3rd place after an impressive performance and now Flood and Hickman were left to battle it out with just 45,000 chips separating them. With the blinds at 15/30 both players forced the issue with Hickman seeming to take control and moved into a strong chip lead. Just as the Gentleman looked to finish the bridesmaid for the second time in a TV tournament, Hickman made a big raise with J8 and flood moved all in with AK and when the flop came A Q J Irish eyes were smiling and the turn and river bought no joy for Hickman. In the final hand Flood moved all in with AQ and a low stacked Hickman called with 7 9. Floods hand held up and the Champion was crowned.
 
Flood raised his arms in victory after an epic battle and was delighted with his victory. "This means everything to me." Commented the emotional Irishman. "To become European Champion is an amazing feeling and I felt I played this best poker of my life this week - so be warned there's plenty of life in the old boy yet!"
 
The PartyPoker European Open III will begin on Channel 5 weekly from January 31st and will be syndicated throughout the World.