Australian Cricketing Legend Shane Warne Gets Day 1c Under Way
Aussie Millions tournament director Joel Williams welcomed players and then called up on Australia's greatest ever sportsman - Shane Warne.
No stranger to the poker tables, Warne played yesterday but sadly bust out before bagging for day 2.
"Yesterday was one of those days where things didn't go my way. I didn't play some great hands and also got a bit unlucky at times. But that's the way it goes!
"Fist, I wanna say congratulations to the whole team here at Crown with what they've done here, and good luck to everyone participating today. It's a fantastic event that you run here and you do an excellent job year on year."
With the cricket season in full swing here, and the Australians having already clinched the Ashes, Williams asked Warne for his take on things.
"The Ashes always brings out the best in both sides and both sets of players, but it also unearths some players who do magnificent things. [Australian captain] Steve Smith had some pretty remarkable, some might say Bradman-esque, statistics over the series.
"To win 4-0 was a wonderful achievement. Having said that, the ODis came alogn and England played exceptionally well. Their brand of cricket is exciting, and Australia can definitely learn from England with the way they played. But look, England in Australia always captures the imagination of the general public and the crowds. The cricket was oustanding; record attendances and record TV figures. Australia played well and, well, it's always nice to beat the Poms!"
Williams also let slip that after a year away from the limelight, Warne is intending to travel to Las Vegas for this year's World Series of Poker.
"My calendar is clear!" said Warne. "I had a couple of business commitments last year, but before that I'd been going to Vegas for ten years. I cashed a couple of times, including in the Main Event. It's unbelievable. It's a great time to go over there and test your skills against some of the best in the world - and some pretty ordinary ones! I'm looking forward to going back; I'll be there for over a month and hopefully I do ok at the poker felt!"
All that was left for Warne was to do the honours and start proceedings here in the poker room:
"Good luck to everyone, may the best hand hold up - shuffle up and deal!"