So near... yet so far!

I WAS heading for my biggest ever poker win after playing close to the perfect game.
More than 1,800 people had started the $16 MTT but now, after a three-hour rollercoaster ride full of more twists than a 1950s dance hall, I found myself in the final 17.

My chipstack stood at a huge 120,000, putting me in 8th place.

The adrenaline was rising as I looked greedily towards the riches of the final table and a $4,500 first place.

This was definitely no time to be gung-ho.

I was already guaranteed $135 but in this final phase of the tournament each higher place would rocket by hundreds of dollars, so playing position or premium hands was now my game plan.

Then I got dealt a stunning, beautiful, pair of pocket aces in late position - and I let out a triumphant whoop! Double up here and I'd be captain of the table.

But with the blinds at a huge 12,000 and 6,000 the existing chip leader, in early position, put in a min raise to 36,000.

As my competitors folded round to me I considered just flat calling and reeling him in. But something made me think again, so I decided to push this big bully off the pot by going all in.

I fully expected him to fold. And I would have been more than happy to sidestep this dangerous opponent and boost my chips by 54,000, taking me further up the rankings.

He thought. And thought. And thought some more. He knew he would have to gamble close to another 100,000 chips on what was an inferior hand.

With just seconds left on his clock, he called... and turned over a pair of fives.

I was whooping again!

Until the flop came - 6s, 9h, 5c.

A strange, strangled noise came out of my throat as the turn delivered the 5s.

Christ on a bike! Unbelievable!! Quad, bleedin' fives!!!

I didn't even see the river, as I had stormed from my chair and straight to the fridge to get a can of lager.

I was dead. Gone. In 17th place.

Yes, I was $135 richer, but I had been tantalisingly close to a BIG payday. My best ever tournament performance had ended in one of my most painful beats.

Thank God for beer.