The Irish Poker Open has continued its longstanding tradition of mind-boggling decisions by abolishing the ante for the remaining levels.

The break turned into an hour-long affair but we've returned to the ballroom at the Burlington Hotel for the gory conclusion. Here are the chip counts as we get started:

Marty Smyth	$2,765,000
Sorel Mizzi	$2,530,000
Roland De Wolfe	$1,775,000

We've reached the end of the level and are taking a (head-scratching) thirty minute break. It's not a level break and it's not a dinner break, but it's something in between. Action returns in a half-hour.

Roland "Ronald" (the announcer is still blissfully unaware) De Wolfe limps-in on the button and Marty Smyth raises all-in from the big blind. De Wolfe makes the call, creating a nearly $3 million pot, and shows 6 6 to Smyth's A T. The flop is huge for Smitty, coming A A 4, as the pro-Irish crowd lets out a mighty roar, and after the board finishes out 5 5, Marty Smyth has doubled through Roland De Wolfe, who is left with about $1 million behind.

Roland De Wolfe raises to $250,000 and Daniel McHugh moves all-in on the button. The blinds fold out and De Wolfe gives the matter some thought before finally calling with pocket fives. McHugh shows A 9 and the race is on. The board comes Q 7 3 3 Q and Daniel McHugh has been eliminated in fourth place. He'll take home EC 175,000, provided a deal wasn't worked out in the previous break.

Roland De Wolfe is unquestionably the most famous player at this final table, but that hasn't stopped the announcer from repeatedly and remorselessly referring to the man as "Ronald", despite the Sheep's efforts to correct him. Where, PokerListings.com asks, did they find this guy?

BTW cards are back in the air. Apparently no deal has been reached.

Here are the chip counts now that we're four-handed. We've gone on another long break, but this time it's because the final four are discussing a deal, replete with calculators and scrap paper. Remember to show your work, fellas!

Sorel Mizzi	$2,970,000
Marty Smyth	$1,614,000
Roland De Wolfe	$1,340,000
Danny McHugh	$1,145,000

Crippled by Roland De Wolfe, Brian "The Fox" O'Keefe wastes little time getting the last of his stack in the middle, re-raising all-in on Marty Smyth with Q 9 to his opponent's A 5. The board comes 7 5 2 6 A and Brian O'Keefe has been eliminated in 5th place. The Fox will take home €130,000 for his time.

Roland De Wolfe moves all-in for just under $600,000 and gets called by Brian O'Keefe makes the call, showing pocket nines to the Sheep's A 5. The crowd gathers and shouts encouragement as the board comes 9 5 3, giving O'Keefe the set and a clear advantage. The turn, however, is the 6, and the rivered 2 for the heart-flush sends the audience into a huge roar as De Wolfe gets the check mark to double through The Fox, crippling him in the process.

Sorel Mizzi raises to $160,000 from under the gun and Roland De Wolfe makes the call on the button. The flop comes T 9 2 and Mizzi bets out $500,000. De Wolfe moves all-in and Mizzi makes the call for his last $1,090,000 with A T to Mizzi's K J. The board finishes out 9 7 and Sorel Mizzi has doubled through Roland De Wolfe to take control of the chip lead.