EPT Barcelona: The champion speaks

Trap for the unwary
After his triumph, our champion Bjorn-Erik Glenne told how he set a cunning trap for Ivey to walk right into.

He said: "The heads-up was not very exciting as I had a 15-1 chip lead and I knew it would only be a matter of time. I played tight at first and when I called with the 10-10 I did so knowing he would push all-in.

"A few hands earlier I had called, waited for him to move in and then deliberately folded. It was a set plan to get him the next time."

Glenne acknowledged his love of chess - he was apparently ranked in the top 50 players in Norway - has helped his poker game.

"I have learnt a lot from chess. Both games are analytical and strategic. They need the ability to acquire knowledge about theory from reading books and putting it into practice."

He is the first Norwegian to win an EPT - they have finished second in London, Baden and Copenhagen - and recognises what it mean for the country's players: "Yes, it feels good - and it was wonderful to have the Norwegian drunks cheering for me!"

Glenne played in five EPTs last season - his highest position being 19th in Copenhagen - and he admits that up to now, playing day two badly has been his downfall.

"This time I played it well, and I knew at the end of day two, when I was one of the chip leaders, that I had a very good chance of winning.

"These European Poker Tour events are excellent. The atmosphere is simply great."