Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:52 AM Local Time
Five days ago 405 players took to the felt of the Crown Poker Room in Melbourne, Australia for the inaugural WSOP APAC Main Event. Each and every one of those players all hoped to become the first-ever champion, but only one could go down in the history books this evening, and tonight that is none other than poker super star Daniel Negreanu.
Beginning just over twelve hours ago, the WSOP APAC Main Event final table kicked off with eight starry-eyed players at the table. From the very first hand and through the first few levels it was clear we were in for a long day of tough poker. It took almost three hours before the first elimination, with last year’s ‘Octo-Niner’ Russell Thomas finding the rail in 8th place. From there, the action marched on as local player Mikel Habb (7th), start-of-the-day chip leader Benny Spindler (6th) and Kahle Burns (5th) all found the rail a few places shy of glory.
During the night and especially during four-handed play, one of the talking points was Winfred Yu’s ability to stay alive as he had been all in a total of seven times without finding the rail. Yu continued to hang onto life as George Tsatsis hit the rail in 4th place when a miracle river gave Negreanu the goods and enough to take a massive chip lead into three-handed action.
Having survived an eighth all in, it was the ninth time unlucky for Yu as he would be eliminated in a very gallant 3rd place. Being that Negreanu dealt the fatal blow to Yu, he would take a 10-1 chip lead into the heads-up battle against Aussie Daniel Marton.
The champagne was on ice, a ridiculous sum of cash was on the table and the bracelet was Negreanu’s for the taking. However, it wouldn’t be that easy as Marton scored some lucky cards to double up and become a threat. Negreanu was visibly frustrated, but destiny would be on his side as the final hand would fall his way and he would be crowned the champion.
WSOP APAC Main Event – Final Table Results
1st: Daniel Negreanu - $1,038,825
2nd: Daniel Marton - $637,911
3rd: Winfred Yu - $423,225
4th: George Tsatsis - $284,715
5th: Kahle Burns - $201,994
6th: Benny Spindler - $146,205
7th: Mikel Habb - $107,730
8th: Russell Thomas - $82,721
Not only does Daniel Negreanu go home with a cool seven-figure score for his victory, the WSOP APAC Main Event marks his fifth gold bracelet. It’s also a bit of retribution for his runner-up finish back in the WSOP Europe Main Event in 2009. A big congratulations to Daniel Negreanu as he continues to solidify his place in the history books as one of poker’s all-time greats.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:24 AM Local Time
Hand #220
Daniel Marton raised to 125,000 before Daniel Negreanu moved all in. Marton instantly called!
Marton:
Negreanu:
The flop was a bare but Marton picked up a straight draw on the turn. The room was silent as they waited for the river to fall. A collective sigh of relief was followed by a round of applause as the bricked on the river, leaving Negreanu’s ducks to win the pot and the championship!
Well done to Aussie Daniel Marton who fought valiantly on this final table, only to fall just short, but $637,911 for 2nd place is a tremendous accomplishment.
For Daniel Negreanu it’s his 5th WSOP bracelet which will mean just as much to him as the $1,038,825 in prize money.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:20 AM Local Time
Hand #218
A raise to 125,000 from Daniel Marton on the button was good to win the pot.
Hand #219
Daniel Negreanu limped the button and Daniel Marton checked his option. The flop fell and Marton checked before Negreanu bet for 75,000. Marton made the call and the hit the turn.
Marton checked and Negreanu made it 125,000 to go. It was too much for Marton who let it go.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:14 AM Local Time
Hand #213
Daniel Negreanu had the button and made the flat call. Daniel Marton opted to raise to 175,000. Back on Negreanu and he would make the call.
The flop would see Marton lead for 140,000 and Negreanu quickly fold.
Hand #214
Daniel Marton opened the button to 125,000. On Daniel Negreanu and he would three-bet to 310,000. Marton moved all in and Negreanu instantly folded.
Hand #215
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 125,000 and Daniel Marton folded.
Hand #216
Daniel Marton quickly folded the button.
Hand #217
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 125,000 and Daniel Marton three-bet shipped his stack in the middle. Negreanu instantly folded.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:09 AM Local Time
Hand #210
A raise to 125,000 from Daniel Marton was met with a re-raise from Daniel Negreanu. He moved all in to put Marton to the test. The two exchanged some friendly banter before Marton gave it up.
Hand #211
Daniel Negreanu limped the button before Daniel Marton checked his option in the big blind to see a flop of Marton checked it over to Negreanu who bet 75,000. Marton released and the chips went the way of Negreanu.
Hand #212
Daniel Marton raised to 125,000 from the button and Daniel Negreanu defended to take a flop. Negreanu checked to Marton who bet 135,000. Negreanu check-raised all in and Marton insta-called.
Marton:
Negreanu:
Both players had flopped the straight so again we’d see a chop when the turn and completed the board. Chop it up!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:07 AM Local Time
Hand #209
Daniel Negreanu had the button when he raised it up to 125,000. Daniel Marton didn’t take too long before moving all in.
“Count it,” said Negreanu with a sigh.
It was 1,700,000 to call and call, Negreanu did.
Negreanu:
Marton:
Negreanu was a huge favourite to win the hand, but the flop certainly had him sweating. When the hit the turn, Negreanu slammed the table in frustration as Marton had made his straight.
Marton was destined to double up, but the hit the river and gave the players a chop. Negreanu didn’t realize this as he was still frustrated, but eventually saw the board.
“Oh we chop!” Negreanu exclaimed. The room erupted in laughter.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 2:01 AM Local Time
Hand #204
Daniel Marton raised to 125,000 from the button and Daniel Negreanu quickly gave it up.
Hand #205
Daniel Negreanu came in with a raise to 125,000. Daniel Marton folded and Negreanu collected the pot.
Hand #206
A raise from Daniel Marton to 125,000 was met with a re-raise to 310,000 from Daniel Negreanu in the big blind. Marton made the call and the two saw a flop of
Negreanu was first to act and he led out for 310,000. Marton considered his options but decided to give it up.
Hand #207
Daniel Negreanu limped the button with Daniel Marton checking his option in the big blind. They saw a flop and Marton checked it across to Negreanu. He bet 75,000 but Marton responded with a check-raise to 225,000. Negreanu released and Marton raked in the pot.
Most of the poker world may be cheering for Negreanu, but Marton isn’t going to go down without a fight!
Hand #208
A raise to 125,000 from Daniel Marton was enough to take it down uncontested.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:54 AM Local Time
Hand #201
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 125,000 and Daniel Marton folded.
Hand #202
Holding the button and plenty more chips than just two hands ago, Daniel Marton opened it up to 125,000. Daniel Negreanu three-bet to 310,000 and it was back on Marton, who moved all in. Negreanu couldn’t find a call and it was more chips to Marton.
Hand #203
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 125,000. Daniel Marton quickly responded with a three-bet to 325,000. Negreanu made the call and a flop was spread on the felt.
Marton led for 325,000 and Negreanu made the call. The turn was a and Marton wouldn’t slow down here, betting another 450,000. Negreanu stared his opponent down and made the call.
The river brought about a and Marton remained stoic as he opted to this time check. Negreanu also checked and Marton’s hit the muck. Negreanu had a pair of tens and scooped up the pot.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:49 AM Local Time
Hand #199
Daniel Negreanu limped the button and Daniel Marton checked his option. They took a flop of and Marton checked it to Negreanu who bet 75,000 which was enough to take it down.
Hand #200
Hand number two hundred saw Daniel Marton enter the pot with a raise to 125,000. Daniel Negreanu re-raised all in and Marton instantly called!
Negreanu:
Marton:
Negreanu wasn’t looking for a sweat this time.
“I’ve had enough fun tonight. Let’s finish it!” said Negreanu but there were groans around the room as the flop landed to give Marton plenty of outs. The turn was the but the river fell the to spike the straight for Marton for the double up!
Marton’s stack of 1,325,000 was doubled and suddenly its game on!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:43 AM Local Time
Hand #195
The first hand of the heads-up battle saw Daniel Negreanu limp the button. Daniel Marton then moved all in and Negreanu said, “You win,” as he folded.
Hand #196
Daniel Marton folded the button. Negreanu took the walk.
Hand #197
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 120,000 and Daniel Marton folded.
Hand #198
Daniel Marton opened the button to 125,000 and Daniel Negreanu called. The dealer flipped over a flop and both players checked. The turn was also checked and a completed the board on the river. Negreanu led for 180,000 on the river and Marton called.
“King high,” said Negreanu.
It wasn’t strong enough as Marton tabled for a pair and enough for the pot.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:19 AM Local Time
The final table is nearly set for heads-up play. The chips are ready, we’re just waiting for a cool one million Aussie dollars to be wheeled up on to the stage. Daniel Negreanu is holding a massive chip lead after a dominant performance so far.
Daniel Negreanu – 11,010,000
Daniel Marton – 1,150,000
Can Negreanu go all the way and capture his 5th WSOP bracelet or will the little-known Daniel Marton shock the world with a comeback for the ages? We’ll be under way in a few minutes. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:10 AM Local Time
Hand #194
Winfred Yu had the button and he raised to 150,000. Daniel Negreanu called in the big blind and the flop landed Negreanu checked it over to Yu and he declared himself all in for around one million. Negreanu insta-called and the cards were on their backs.
Yu:
Negreanu:
Yu had top pair but Negreanu’s run of cards continued as he had already flopped the flush. It was going to be a miracle for Yu to get out of this one, and he couldn’t survive as the turn and river saw Yu’s epic run come to an end. He survived eight previous all-in clashes before finally running out of lives in 3rd place for $423,225 in prize money.
There will now be a short break as they setup the final table for heads-up play.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:07 AM Local Time
Hand #191
Winfred Yu put his new-found chips to work with a raise from the button to 125,000, but Daniel Negreanu declared himself all in from the big blind to put the pressure back on Yu.
Negreanu was talking up a storm about the pay jumps, people folding and not wanting to screw up, making sure he was right in the heads of both opponents. Don’t think it bothered Yu in the slightest, but he folded anyway.
Hand #192
Daniel Marton open-shoved from the button and took down the blinds and antes.
Hand #193
The button was with Daniel Negreanu and he raised to 120,000. Both opponents again folded.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 1:01 AM Local Time
Hand #190
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 130,000 and the action was on Winfred Yu in the small blind. Yu took a few moments before moving all in for around 600,000. Daniel Marton was next to act, from the big blind, and also took his time before calling. Negreanu quickly folded and Yu was at risk.
Marton:
Yu:
When the flop hit the felt, Yu had yet again taken the lead when at risk and behind.
“That’s your eighth life,” said Negreanu. "You've only got one more!"
“You’re putting on a clinic today,” Negreanu added.
And a clinic it was as a turn and a river completed the board to give Yu the double up.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:56 AM Local Time
Hand #185
Winfred Yu had the button and first action. He folded, as did Daniel Marton as Daniel Negreanu collected another walk.
Hand #186
Daniel Negreanu bet enough from the small blind to put Winfred Yu all in, but he wasn’t interested. Chalk another one up for Negreanu.
Hand #187
Daniel Negreanu opened to 130,000 from the button and again received no resistance. Perhaps a good thing, as he flashed pocket tens.
Hand #188
Winfred Yu moved all in from the button for 595,000 and both Daniels folded.
Hand #189
Daniel Negreanu raised to 130,000 from the small blind and Winfred Yu folded.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:49 AM Local Time
Hand #180
Daniel Marton opened the button to 150,000. That was enough to pick up the blinds and antes.
Hand #181
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 130,000 and scooped up the blinds and antes.
Hand #182
Daniel Negreanu received a walk.
Hand #183
Daniel Marton opened the button to 130,000. Daniel Negreanu folded the small blind, while Winfred Yu called out of the big blind.
The dealer slid out a flop. Yu check-folded to a bet here as Marton picked up the small pot.
Hand #184
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 130,000. Daniel Marton then three-bet shoved out of the big blind and Negreanu folded.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:40 AM Local Time
Hand #178
Daniel Negreanu opened the button to 130,000 and picked up the blinds and antes.
Hand #179
Winfred Yu had the button and moved all in 905,000. Daniel Marton contemplated his decision for a long time before letting it go. Daniel Negreanu quickly folded the big blind and Yu picked up the chips.
Quick Break
A few technical issues has seen the players head on a quick break.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:36 AM Local Time
Hand #173
Unknown action. After the shock of the previous hand, there was still commotion on the set while the next hand went down. We believe it was a walk for Daniel Negreanu.
Hand #174
Daniel Negreanu raised to 130,000 before Winfred Yu declared himself all in. Negreanu gave it up.
Hand #175
Daniel Negreanu took down another pot with a preflop raise from the button.
Hand #176
Daniel Marton raised from the small blind and Daniel Negreanu called. The flop landed and Marton checked to Negreanu who bet 155,000 to take it down.
Hand #177
Daniel Negreanu moved all in from the small blind to put Winfred Yu to a decision for all of his chips. He thought for a bit before letting it go.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:34 AM Local Time
Hand #171
Daniel Negreanu opened it up to 130,000 from the button. The action was Winfred Yu in the big blind and he went into the tank. Eventually he folded and Negreanu picked up the pot.
Hand #172
Daniel Negreanu opened it up again, making it 130,000 from under the gun. George Tsatsis three-bet to 290,000 from the button. Back on Negreanu and he made the call.
The flop would see Negreanu check and Tsatsis bet 275,000. Negreanu made the call and the dealer flipped over a turn. Negreanu checked again and Tsatsis slid out a big stack of chips. It was 510,000 to Negreanu.
After a few moments, Negreanu leaned back in his chair and moved all in. Tsatsis made a quick call and the two players turned their hands over.
Negreanu:
Tsatsis:
Negreanu had ran into the trips of Tsatsis and it was looking like the Aussie would be doubling up. That is, until the was slapped on the river, giving Negreanu the better full house.
Just like that, we had lost Tsatsis in 4th place, for which he picked up $284,715.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 12:24 AM Local Time
Hand #167
Daniel Negreanu opened to 130,000 from the button, before the three-betting machine that is George Tsatsis popped it up to 300,000. Negreanu opted to get out of the way as Tsatsis took the first pot after the break.
Hand #168
Action folded to Winfred Yu in the small blind. He announced himself all in and successfully took down the blinds and antes.
Hand #169
Daniel Negreanu received a walk in the big blind.
Hand #170
Daniel Marton raised to 125,000 on the button. Daniel Negreanu made the call in the small blind before George Tsatsis three-bet again to 375,000 from the big blind. Marton folded but Negreanu spouted some friendly banter, calling Tsatsis “relentless”, before making the call.
The flop landed and both checked to see the on the turn. Check, check to the river and again no action. Negreanu showed queen-jack which was good as Tsatsis tabled pocket sevens.