Rafael Nadal “RAFA” playing LIVE Poker Event

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 24th November 2013

FARWELL EXHIBITION GAME OF NALBADIAN VS. NADAL IN ARGENTINA

Rafael Nadal "RAFA" playing LIVE Poker Event

epa03960524 Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal serves a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian (not pictured) during an exhibition game as part of the beggining of Nalbandian's farewell from tennis at the Orfeo stadium in Cordoba, Argentina, 21 November 2013. EPA/Nicolas Aguilera |

Rafael Nadal will interrupt his brief period of off-season training next month to participate in his first live poker tournament, with the world No. 1 traveling to Prague to play as part of his contract with sponsor PokerStars. The experience will be his first of the kind after once participating in an online tourney.

While the actual event runs for 10 days in the Czech capital, Nadal will jet in for a publicity appearance on December 12, leaving him around a fortnight until he has to quit Spain and fly to Abu Dhabi for a post-Christmas exhibition event which shoulder reap him a million or two in appearance fees.

“Rafa will play against some of the biggest names on the international professional poker circuit, along with other sporting legends, who will be announced over the coming weeks,” PokerStars said. Added Nadal: “I’ve been playing poker online for almost 18 months and now I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing my first live tournament. It’s no secret that I love the competition and that’s what I like about poker.

“It’s a game of skill that requires mental strength and the ability to out-think your opponents and in that way there are similarities to tennis.”

Nadal has been praised by his “poker coach”, Alfonso Cardalda, who said that the tennis ace began with only a limited knowledge of the game but has improved thanks to a competitive spirit. “The Prague charity tournament is a big milestone for Rafa as a poker player and I’m hoping that his success on the tennis court this year will translate into success at the poker table in December.”

Others playing the Prague tournament include poker professionals. “Poker is a game of skill that requires mental strength and the ability to out-think your opponents and in that way there are similarities to tennis. I have been playing poker online for almost 18 months and now I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing my first live tournament,” said Nadal

Topics: Novak Djokovic, Poker tournament, Rafa, Rafael Nadal, Spanish tennis news, Sports, Tennis News