WSOP Europe / Editor / 30 September 2008 / Leave a comment

Well the Americans are setting the pace again in event 3, the £5,000 Pot Limit Omaha, at the World Series of Poker Europe with the action reaching a climax, writes Rob Eddy.

It may not be a good thing though as they, as a nation, have yet to land their first gold bracelet on this side of the Atlantic, despite at least one of their own being in a strong position when the field has been whittled down to but a few.

Having said that, it could be third time lucky as Jason Mercier came out of the traps flying and has shown no signs of letting up.

The 21-year-old Floridian enjoyed a fast start to the action and claimed a notable scalp of Gus Hansen early on, when his two pair held up against the Great Dane's straight draw.

Hansen was in good company with his early elimination as there a number of big name casualties, including Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, 2007 WSOPE PLO champion Dario Alioto, Eli Elezra and Betfair poker pro Annette Obrestad.

Mercier made three cash finishes at this WSOP in Las Vegas, which would have been his first due to his age, all in Texas Hold'em events, even though Pot Limit Omaha is his favourite brand of poker.

He of course has now added a fourth at the Casino at the Empire and could go even further given the number of chips he has.

And the totally recognisable figure of Chris 'Jesus' Ferguson is also lurking in a good position and will be a danger to all at the table. He has five gold bracelets to his name, including a Main Event win in Las Vegas - although it is worth noting that his last came in 2003.

The Europeans are not without their challengers though as Denmark's Theo Jorgensen has manoeuvred his way into the chip lead as he looks to emulate compatriot and history-maker Jesper Hougaard with a gold bracelet of his own.

Finland's Tomi Nyback and Sweden's Erik Friberg are also in the mix, while Italian Max Pescatori is chasing his third gold bracelet and second this year. The UK has a couple of representatives through Eric Dalby and David Penly, while Team Betfair's very own Sorel Mizzi makes up the final table and lies in a good position, being fourth in the chip count.