888 announce 2009 Poker Ashes with Shane Warne and Darren Gough There are few sporting occasions around the World that can match the cricket
Ashes for pure anticipation, passion and theatre – two nations divided by half the globe united by a burning desire to be proclaimed as the superior cricketing nation. But this Summer a new event which could ultimately become as anticipated and competitive as its more celebrated cousin will be contested by England and Australian cricketing legends in England. The 2009 888 Poker Ashes is the brainchild of Australian cricketing legend and Ashes demigod, Shane Warne. The event will pit the best poker playing cricketers from England against their counterparts from Australia in a contest to find out which country holds the aces both on and off the cricket pitch this Summer. Once all the qualifiers (until 31st May) have taken place, those making the final table will then play in a Grand Final &ndash one for Australian 888poker players and one for English 888poker players. The winner of each final will then join either Shane Warne’s or Darren Gough’s team and play in the offline Poker Ashes Final in England on 22nd June/23rd June 2009. 888 will be donating $50,000 to the chosen charity of the winner of the inaugural Poker Ashes. Matt Robinson, Vice President of Marketing at 888 explains: “This is a unique opportunity for both poker and cricket enthusiasts to participate in the bi-annual jamboree that is the Ashes. 888 poker players can play alongside their sporting heroes, representing their country &ndash and ultimately one 888 poker player will win the initial 888 Poker Ashes for their country”
Shane Warne commented: “Aussies don’t like to be beaten by the Poms &ndash whatever the sport. And I can tell you that Darren Gough and his English Poker Ashes team will face a stern test from our boys! We are taking this very seriously &ndash I’m getting the very best poker players from the Aussie changing rooms, and you Poms are set for an absolute flogging!”