^

The final round robin heads up matches are over and it is the Netherlands out ahead with only one set of high pressure seeded heads up matches to play. Bar a miraculous turn of events, that's always possible on the earth Cup, will probably be considered one of three countries lifting the trophy; the Netherlands (241), Peru (237) or Japan (222).

Germany (219) and Tajikistan (215) stand outside possibilities of winning but would have to dominate all five in their heads up matches to do so, and hope their rivals fail. Tajikistan have already had one sweep scored and one conceded so it's distinctly possible that takes place.

Win 0 HU: 0 points
Win 1 HU: 5 points
Win 2 HU: 10 points
Win 3 HU: 25 points
Win 4 HU: 30 points
Win 5 HU: 50 points

Team Netherlands captain Noah Boeken

The leader board because it stands
1. Netherlands, 241 points
2. Peru, 237 points
3. Japan, 222 points
4. Germany, 219 points
5. Tajikistan, 215 points
6. Costa Rica, 189 points
7. France, 187 points
8. Rest of the World, 174 points

It's been a wild ride for Team Tajikistan as it has been the primary time all five have played live beyond home games and they've acquitted themselves well. We caught up with their captain Angel Davidov during round six.

"The event means lots for we all and Tajikistan. Like in some other post-Soviet country card games are considered gambling but we're seeking to prove that it is a sport. For a rustic with only 50 poker players it was a large victory simply to get here prior to countries like Ukraine and Russia," said Davidov, a hulking tower of a man.

"When we walked in here yesterday we said, 'We don't seem to be going to complete in ninth place, we're should not be the primary to go away if we wish to achieve our goal of marketing poker. Our goal today was to complete within the top four... but first or second can be great for us and Tajikistan. Ten people have asked me where it's. It was in Europe consistent with some, others thought Latin America!" said Davidov.

One round left to play.

Angel Davidov (the tall one)

The payouts
1st. $90,000 ($22,500 per person)
2nd. $65,000 ($16,250 per person)
3rd. $45,000 ($11,250 per person)
4th. $30,000 ($7,500 per person)
5th. $20,000 ($5,000 per person)
6th. $15,000 ($3,750 per person)
7th. $10,000 ($2,500 per person)
8th. $7,500 ($1,875 per person)
9th: Italy, $5,000 ($1,250 per person)

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: World Cup of Poker]