Poker-playing record

Poker star Phil Laak has eclipsed the world record for the longest consecutive stint of playing the game, putting in more than 79 hours at the table and passing both the official Guinness record of 72 hours, 2 minutes, set in 2004, as well as the unofficial one of 78 hours, 45 minutes set last September which is recognised in the poker world.

Laak, 37, said he planned to continue playing at least until he hit 90 hours. He has won more than US$2.5 million ($3.66 million) at poker.