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Weinman wins record-breaking $12.1M prize in World Series of Poker

Daniel Weinman was crowned winner of the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event on Monday, taking home a record breaking $12.1 million in winnings.

Weinman had to outlast the other 10,043 entrants to take home the prize and get his hands on his share of live poker’s largest ever prize pool – a staggering $93,399,900.

As well as taking home the prize money, 35-year-old Weinman also got his hands on the WSOP Main Event bracelet. The huge bracelet contains 500 grams of 10-karat yellow gold, as well as 2,352 various precious gemstones.

“I was honestly on the fence about even coming back and playing this tournament,” Weinman told reporters after his victory.

“I’ve always kind of felt that poker was kind of going in a dying direction, but to see the numbers at the World Series this year has been incredible,” the Atlanta native added. “And to win this main event, it doesn’t feel real. I mean, [there’s] so much luck in a poker tournament. I thought I played very well.”

When asked what he would do with his winnings, Weinman opted to keep his cards close to his chest.

“I have no clue. Probably invest it. Probably not the best answer everybody wants to hear, but I’m fairly cautious with it away from the table. Even though I like to gamble pretty hard,” he told reporters.

“Today will hold a special place in the history of live tournament poker,” World Series of Poker Senior Vice President and Executive Director Ty Stewart said in a press release after Weinman’s victory.

“After 17 years, we have named the winner of the largest Main Event in the history of the WSOP. To watch Daniel’s emphatic victory over the 10,043 entrants was nothing short of spectacular. It will be an honor to raise his banner next year and display his picture in the new Gallery of Champions Exhibit at the Horseshoe.” (CNN)

T20 World Cup Qualifier: Ireland defeat Italy by seven runs in exciting Edinburgh opener

Ireland started the T20 World Cup Qualifier with a seven-wicket victory over Italy in Edinburgh on Thursday.

Curtis Campher (61) and Harry Tector (41) put on 76 for the fourthwicket to help the Irish to 158-8.

Gian-Piero Meade and Gareth Berg joint top-scored for the Italians with 26 as they fell short of the victory target.

Mark Adair took 3-22 for Ireland, who need a top-two finish in the seven-team tournament to qualify for next year’s World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

It was Paul Stirling’s first game as Irish interim white-ball captain after replacing Andrew Balbirnie, but the opener was dismissed for just two runs while Lorcan Tucker also fell cheaply.

Balbirnie’s (26) departure left the Irish on 46-3 before Tector and Campher combined to dominate the Italian attack. Campher hit three maximums and five boundaries as he made his 61 from 39 balls. Harry Manenti (3-39) was the best of the Italian bowlers while Gareth Berg claimed 2-34.

Al-Ettifaq agree deal worth £12m plus add-ons for Liverpool captain Henderson

Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle worth £12m plus add-ons to sell captain Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

Henderson travelled to Germany with Liverpool for their training camp but was not involved in their 4-2 friendly win over Karlsruher.

The England midfielder, 33, has two years left on his contract at Anfield.

Former Liverpool captain Steven

Gerrard was recently appointed as manager of Al-Ettifaq.

The agreement for Henderson follows Liverpool receiving a £40m offer from Al-Ittihad for fellow midfielder Fabinho last Friday.

Unlike Henderson, the 29-yearold Brazil international did not travel to Germany while his future is resolved.

A number of high-profile players have moved to Saudi Arabia this summer, including former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.

Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino joined Al-Ahli after his Anfield contract expired, and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has also been linked with the club.

Henderson joined Liverpool from Sunderland in a deal worth £20m in June 2011. (BBC)