World Holds Breath as Player of the Year Race Tightens

In what has to be the most gripping story in the world right now, the Card Player POY race continues to tighten, as more players inch closer to dethroning Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi for the metaphorical crown.

Nam Le made yet another final table at the Five Diamond World Poker Classic, this time in Event #8 ($2,500 NLH). Le is now only 774 points away from overtaking the Grinder. Joining him at the final table was Jeff "Maddog" Madsen, youngest winner of two WSOP bracelets and mortal enemy of E-Fro, who finished third, possibly putting himself back in contention as well.

Also making a late charge is JC Tran. Winner of a World Poker Finals event last month (as well as recently taking down the 2006 WCOOP, which is not included in the POY standings), Tran won Five Diamond Event #7 ($2,000 NLH), giving him over $575k in live tournament earnings over the last 30 days.

Tran and Madsen have now moved into third and fourth place in the POY standings respectively, bumping Shannon Shorr, who just missed the final table in Event #8.

We will continue to possibly keep you posted.