There’s been something like a low in this level after the dinner break. Normally after dinner you might watch TV for a while, take a nap, and at the very least let your digestive system restore your energy levels to standard. That process is taking its toll in level five.

Englishman Julian Thew is in the midst of a chip turnaround. He was down to just 600 earlier today but has proudly regained a total of over 16k. He sits next to Swedish pro Patric Martensson who last year scorched his way to a 7th place finish. Team PokerStars Pro Dario Minieri on the other hand has faced the opposite; earlier having established a stack of 30k before falling down to just 8k.

James Honeybone caught up with us during the dinner break, in the queue for dessert. He’s up to 30k now after a successful hand with a king. He made a pair on the river which irked his opponent into one of those out loud tirades. Not that this bothered the New Zealander who is beginning to look favourably on a day two appearance on Thursday.

A short walk away is PokerStars Sponsored player Danny Ryan. The American, who now lives in Alicante, Spain, is in the midst of a category six massage to try to force some life into his game. His table is one of dour faces, each struggling to come to terms with no break for at least another hour. Most of these guys rest their chins on a hand; one parts his breast pocket reassuringly to confirm his smokes are still there whilst play continues at a bet-fold pace.

It can take a level to get back up to full speed, a level that is fast approaching. Level six, with blinds at 150/300 with a 25 ante.