passage: By Steve Robson PUBLISHED: 07:26 EST, 8 May 2013 | UPDATED: 08:09 EST, 8 May 2013 Poker player Phil Ivery say he has been left with 'no alternative' but to take legal action against Mayfair gambling club Crockfords An American professional gambler known as 'the Tiger Woods of Poker' is suing one of Britain's oldest gambling clubs claiming it is withholding almost £8million in 'winnings'. Phil Ivey, 36, has filed in a writ in London's High Court claiming he is owed £7.8million by Crockfords casino in Mayfair. In a statement issued through his lawyers, he said he had 'no alternative' but to pursue legal action after winning the money playing Punto Banco, a card game similar to baccarat, in August last year.
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  Phil Ivey, known as 'the Tiger Woods of poker' suing Crockfords of Mayfair
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  Claims he won money playing Punto Banco - card game similar to baccarat
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  Star 'deeply saddened' but claims he had 'no alternative' but legal action
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  Crockfords says it will defend the claim in court 'vigorously'
query: forced to issue court proceedings against @placeholder to secure payment
entities: American Britain Crockfords High Court London Mayfair Phil Ivery Phil Ivey Punto Punto Banco Star Steve Robson Tiger Woods Tiger Woods of Poker