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Sunday, 19 November, 2000, 16:50 GMT

Who is going to be a millionaire?

Six players from all around the world sit down to play poker on Sunday night with a Ł1m first prize up for grabs.

The history of poker
It is believed to have been invented by the Chinese around 900AD, possibly derived from Chinese dominoes.
The French, who settled New Orleans around 1480, played a game called poque which was the first to use decks of spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts.
Poker travelled from New Orleans by steamboat up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The joker was introduced in 1875.
Stud poker was made illegal in the US but in 1931 Nevada legalised casino gambling.

The week-long Poker Million tournament on the Isle of Man is billed as the largest in the world.

Some of the biggest names in the gambling world flocked to the Hilton Hotel casino in Douglas this week but most of the big names - including US legend Amarillo Slim - have already been knocked out.

On Sunday six finalists are left out of a total of 156 players from 17 countries.

One of the four Englishmen left in with a shout, Ian Dobson, from Lapworth, Warwickshire said: "I'm so laid back I'm almost horizontal."

The final night's play will be televised to 300 million viewers worldwide on Sunday.

Barry Hearn, chairman of promoters Matchroom Sport, said: "Poker is an extremely popular game not only in this country, but throughout the world."

He said: "This is not a case of who wants to be a millionaire? but rather who is going to be a millionaire."

Gaming laws ruled out London venue

The Ł1m first prize has been put up by Ladbrokes Casinos. There is a Ł100,00 prize for the runner up and even the 20th placed player will walk away with Ł2,000.

The venue was chosen because of the UK's gaming laws, which prevent the organiser of a poker game publicising where it is to be held. Such rules do not apply on the Isle of Man.

The finalists are:

Barney Boatman, a 34-year-old writer, from Hendon, north London. Describes himself as "unpredictable and brave".

Gary Lent, 36, from Chino Hills, California, is vice president of an engineering firm. A fan of blues music, he says the only thing he dislikes about poker is "rude players".

John Duthie, a 42-year-old TV director, from London. Has been playing for nine years but says friends would describe him as "meek".

Teddy Tuil, 41, a retailer and internet entrepreneur from Tel Aviv, Israel. Nicknamed Sugar Teddy, he plans to take a three-month holiday if he wins.

Ian "Reindeer" Dobson, a 33-year-old full-time poker professional, from Lapworth, Warwickshire. A fan of the internet, he also enjoys backgammon.

Tony "The Lizard" Bloom, a 30-year-old trading director with bookmakers Victor Chandler, from London. A solid player, whose game plan is "to be focused and patient".

Mr Tuil starts the final game in the lead with 464,000 chips, while Mr Boatman has the least with just 89,000.

But Mr Bloom remains the favourite at 5-2.

The final night of Poker Million will be screened on Sky Sports 2, starting at 1830GMT.

A winner is not expected until nearly midnight.

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