Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:42 PM Local Time
Nadar Kakhmazov Wins Event #35: No-Limit Hold'em 6-Handed for $580,338
Nadar Kakhmazov took down Event #35: No-Limit Hold'em 6-Handed for $580,338 to win his first bracelet and Russia's third of the 2017 World Series of Poker after Vladimir Shchemelev's victory earlier this week and Igor Kurganov's win as part of the tag-team event.
After coming into the day third in chips, he took advantage of other players faltering and stamped his trademark aggression and unreadability on proceedings, taking a huge chip lead into heads-up play, and besting a final table including bracelet winner Sam Soverel, November Niner Kenny Hallaert, and Faraz Jaka.
Six-handed play started with Faraz Jaka chip leading, but it didn't take long for Hunichen to get his chips in the middle in search of a double-up. Eventually, he was called by Jaka, and Hunichen's pocket jacks held against the overnight chip leader, leaving Jaka in search of a double.
Although Jaka was the table short stack, it was Christian Rudolph who was eliminated next when his king-queen failed to overcome the ace-queen of then chip leader Hunichen. Rudolph would take home $79,611 for his sixth-place finish.
It was then the turn of Jaka to look for a spot to double up. He got ace-nine in against Kenny Hallaert's ace-king and, although there was a nine on the flop, there was a king as well, and Jaka failed to find another nine, exiting in fifth place ($112,585).
With this elimination, Hallaert closed the gap on Hunichen's chip lead, and, when Sam Soverel doubled through Hunichen, it was Nadar Kakhmazov who took over the chip lead. The Russian would grow his chip lead until the elimination of Sam Soverel in fourth place ($162,257).
Soverel held pocket sevens against the pocket tens of Hallaert and, with no help on the flop, play was down to three-handed with Hallaert and Hunichen holding fairly equal stacks and Kakhmazov out in front.
Kakhmazov had already pushed his lead out further before the elimination of Hallaert. On a deuce-five-four-six board, Kakhmazov moved all in, putting the Belgian at risk. Hallaert eventually called with pocket sevens, but Kakhmazov had a set of fours. There was no help for Hallaert on the river and he exited in third place ($238,855).
Heads-up play started with Chris Hunichen doubling through his Russian opponent, but, after some aggressive play, the Russian forged another big lead in chips and finally closed it out for the title, WSOP bracelet, and nearly $600K in prize money.
Finish | Player | Country | Prize |
1 | Nadar Kakhmazov | Russia | $580,338 |
2 | Chris Hunichen | United States | $358,677 |
3 | Kenny Hallaert | Belgium | $238,855 |
4 | Sam Soverel | United States | $162,257 |
5 | Faraz Jaka | United States | $112,585 |
6 | Christian Rudolph | Germany | $79,611 |
"I am very happy," said Kakhmazov after his victory. "I have wanted to do this for three years but every time I lose two big pots deep in the tournament. I like it. I'm happy."
This has been a great summer for Kakhmazov, having taken down an event at the Venetian earlier this month for $440,029 and now his success here at the World Series.
"I try all the time to play better and better," he said. "It's great for Russian poker.
"I'm going to play the 10K 6-Max now, and then the 25K PLO, the Main Event. I'm feeling too good!"
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:38 PM Local Time
Chris Hunichen Eliminated in 2nd Place ($358,677)
Hand #114: Chris Hunichen raised to 225,000 and Nadar Kakhmazov called.
The flop was and Kakhmazov check-raised a bet of 225,000 from Hunichen to 650,000. Hunichen called.
The turn was the . Kakhmazov checked and Hunichen bet 975,000. Kakhmazov moved all in for 8,990,000 and Hunichen asked for a count.
"Why you want count?" said Kakhmazov. "I have more than you."
"Want to know what I have?" continued Kakhmazov. "You will know in 30 minutes."
"Or right now," replied Hunichen, who had 2,690,000 behind.
"Right now is better," said Kakhmazov. "If you fold and show, I will show you."
Eventually, Hunichen called.
Hunichen:
Kakhmazov:
The river was the and, after the floor briefly announced that it was a chop pot, they soon realised that Kakhmazov's played, which meant Hunichen was eliminated in second place for $358,677.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 14,350,000 | 4,550,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 0 | -4,555,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:38 PM Local Time
Hand #113: One for Hunichen
Hand #113: Nadar Kakhmazov limped and Chris Hunichen raised to 350,000. Kakhmazov called. The flop was and Hunichen bet 320,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 9,800,000 | -365,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 4,555,000 | 365,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:26 PM Local Time
Hands #108-112: Kakhmazov Finds a Call with One Pair
Hand #108: Chris Hunichen raised to 225,000. Nadar Kakhmazov three-bet to 800,000. Hunichen folded.
Hand #109: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000. Hunichen three-bet to 675,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #110: Hunichen raised to 225,000. Kakhmazov called. The flop was . Kakhmazov checked and Hunichen bet 250,000. Kakhmazov called.
Kakhmazov checked the on the turn and the river came the . Kakhmazov bet 760,000. Hunichen folded.
Hand #111: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000. Hunichen called. The flop was . Hunichen checked and Kakhmazov bet 200,000. Hunichen folded.
Hand #112: Chris Hunichen limped and Nadar Kakhmazov checked. The flop was . Kakhmazov check-called a bet of 100,000 from Hunichen. The turn was the . Both players checked. The river was the . Kakhmazov bet 200,000. Hunichen raised to 625,000.
"Too fast," said Kakhmazov, "Your raise."
The Russian called and Hunichen showed him . Kakhmazov showed and took down the pot.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 10,165,000 | 1,570,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 4,190,000 | -1,570,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:19 PM Local Time
Updated Chip Counts
Nadar Kakhmazov | 8,595,000 | 930,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 5,760,000 | -930,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:17 PM Local Time
Hands #104-107: More of the Same
Hand #104: Chris Hunichen raised to 200,000 and Nadar Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #105: Kakhmazov raised the button and Hunichen folded.
Hand #106: Hunichen raised to 225,000 and Kakhmazov called as the flop landed and both players checked.
The turn landed the and Kakhmazov bet 250,000 with Hunichen calling.
The river landed the and both players checked. Kakhmazov tabled his and won the pot.
Hand #107: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000 and Chris Hunichen called.
The flop landed the and Hunichen check-called 200,000 as the turn lande the .
Hunichen checked, Kakhmazov bet 400,000, and Hunichen folded.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:06 PM Local Time
Hands #102-103: Chris Hunichen Doubles Through Nadar Kakhmazov
Hand #102: Chris Hunichen raised to 250,000. Nadar Kakhmazov called. Kakhmazov checked the flop and Hunichen bet 175,000. Kakhmazov called. The turn was the and both players checked. The river was the and both players checked. Kakhmazov showed and took down the pot.
Hand #103: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000. Hunichen three-bet to 700,000. Kakhmazov called. The flop was . Both players checked. The turn was the . Hunichen bet 800,000 and Kakhmazov called.
The river was the . Hunichen moved all in for 1,830,000. Kakhmazov called.
Hunichen showed for a set of nines and Kakhmazov showed . Hunichen doubled up.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 7,665,000 | -2,700,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 6,690,000 | 2,700,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:58 PM Local Time
Updated Chip Counts
Nadar Kakhmazov | 10,365,000 | 330,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 3,990,000 | -330,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:57 PM Local Time
Hands #96-101: Even Play after Frantic Start
Hand #96: Chris Hunichen raised to 225,000. Nadar Kakhmazov called. The flop came and Kakhmazov checked to Hunichen who bet 250,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #97: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000 and Hunichen three-bet to 800,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #98: Hunichen raised to 250,000. Kakhmazov called. The flop was . Both players checked. The turn was the . Both players checked. The river was the . Kakhmazov bet 300,000. Hunichen folded.
Hand #99: Kakhmazov raised to 250,000 and Hunichen folded.
Hand #100: Hunichen limped and Kakhmazov raised to 300,000. Hunichen called. The flop was and Kakhmazov bet 400,000. Hunichen folded.
Hand #101: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000. Hunichen folded.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:51 PM Local Time
Hands #90-95: Hunichen Shoves on Kakhmazov
Hand #90: Chris Hunichen raised from the button to 350,000 and Nadar Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #91: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000 and Hunichen folded.
Hand #92: Kakhmazov got a walk.
Hand #93: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000 and Hunichen called. On a flop, Kakhmazov bet 150,000 and Hunichen called. The turn was the . Both players checked and the river was the . Both players checked again and Kakhmazov won with .
Hand #94: Hunichen raised to 250,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #95: Kakhmazov raised to 225,000 and Hunichen called. The flop was and both players checked. The turn was the and Hunichen bet 325,000. Kakhmazov raised to 760,000. Hunichen moved all in and Kakhmazov folded.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 10,035,000 | -660,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 4,320,000 | 660,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:43 PM Local Time
Heads-Up Play Begins
Following the elimination of Kenny Hallaert in third place on the last hand of the level, both Nadar Kakhmazov and Chis Hunichen will begin heads-up play at the beginning of Level 30.
Here is how the two will line up as they battle for the $580,338 first prize and WSOP gold bracelet:
Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
Nadar Kakhmazov | Russia | 10,695,000 | 107 |
Chris Hunichen | United States | 3,660,000 | 37 |
Nadar Kakhmazov | 10,695,000 | 0 |
Chris Hunichen | 3,660,000 | 0 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:43 PM Local Time
Level 30 started
Level: 30
Blinds: 50000/100000
Ante: 15000
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:33 PM Local Time
Break
Players are going on a schedule 20-minute break and will return to start heads-up play at around 16:45 local time.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:32 PM Local Time
Kenny Hallaert Eliminated in 3rd Place ($238,855)
Hand #89: Nadar Kakhmazov raised to 160,000 and Kenny Hallaert three-bet to 500,000. Kakhmazov called. The flop came and Hallaert bet 700,000. Kakhmazov called.
The turn was the . Hallaert checked and Kakhmazov moved all in for around 5.3M. Hallaert had 2,950,000 behind. Hallaert called.
Hallaert:
Kakhmazov:
The river was the and Hallaert was eliminated in third place for $238,855.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 10,695,000 | 4,165,000 |
Kenny Hallaert | 0 | -3,810,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:28 PM Local Time
Who Should be Nominated for Hall of Fame This Year?
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:27 PM Local Time
Hands #86-88: Two Pots for Hallaert.
Hand #86: Chris Hunichen called in the small blind and Kenny Hallaert raised to 255,000. Hunichen called and the flop came . Hunichen checked and Hallaert bet 275,000. Hunichen folded.
Hand #87: Kenny Hallaert raised from the small blind to 260,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #88: Nadar Kakhmazov limped from the small blind and Chris Hunichen checked his big blind. The flop came . Kakhmazov bet and Hunichen folded.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:13 PM Local Time
Hands #83-85: Big Turn Bets from Kakhmazov
Hand #83: Nadar Kakhmazov raised to 160,000. Kenny Hallaert called. The flop was . Hallaert check-raised Kakhmazov's bet of 180,000 to 450,000. Kakhmazov called.
The turn was the and Hallaert check-folded to a bet of 580,000 from Kakhmazov.
Hand #84: Chris Hunichen raised to 180,000. Nadar Kakhmazov called. The flop was . Kakhmazov check-folded to a bet of 165,000.
Hand #85: Kenny Hallaert raised to 165,000 from the button and Nadar Kakhmazov three-bet to 530,000. Hallaert called. The flop was . Both players checked. The turn was the . Kakhmazov bet 640,000 and Hallaert folded.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 6,530,000 | 1,110,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 4,060,000 | 100,000 |
Kenny Hallaert | 3,810,000 | -1,210,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:02 PM Local Time
Hands #81-82: Two in a Row for Kakhmazov; Becomes New Chipleader
Hand #81: Chris Hunichen raised to 180,000. Nadar Kakhmazov called. The flop was . Kakhmazov check-called a bet of 185,000 from Hunichen.
The turn was the and Kakhmazov checked again. Hunichen bet 385,000 Kakhmazov called. The river was the and Kakhmazov checked for a third time. Kakhmazov turned over and won the hand.
Hand #82: Kenny Hallaert raised to 170,000 and both Nadar Kakhmazov and Chris Hunichen called. The was dealt on the flop and it checked to Hallaert who bet 230,000. Kakhmazov called and Hunichen folded.
The turn was the and both players checked. The river was the and Kakhmazov bet 560,000. Hallaert folded.
Nadar Kakhmazov | 5,420,000 | 1,400,000 |
Kenny Hallaert | 5,020,000 | -460,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 3,960,000 | -940,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 3:51 PM Local Time
Hands #77-80
Hand #77: Nadar Kakhmazov opened to 180,000. Chris Hunichen three-bet to 575,000 and Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #78: Nadar Kakhmazov received a walk in the big blind.
Hand #79: Nadar Kakhmazov called in the small blind and Chris Hunichen raised to 280,000. Kakhmazov folded.
Hand #80: Nadar Kakhmazov raised to 160,000. Kenny Hallaert called in the big blind.
The flop was . Hallaert check-called a bet from Kakhmazov of 160,000. The turn was the and both players checked. The river was the . Both players checked again. Hallaert showed and took down the pot.
Kenny Hallaert | 5,480,000 | 230,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 4,900,000 | 320,000 |
Nadar Kakhmazov | 4,020,000 | -550,000 |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 3:43 PM Local Time
Sam Soverel Eliminated in 4th Place ($162,257)
Hand #66: Kenny Hallaert raised to 170,000. Sam Soverel three-bet all in for 2,475,000 and Hallaert called.
Hallaert:
Soverel:
The flop was . The turn was the . The river was the and Soverel was eliminated in fourth place for $162,257.
Kenny Hallaert | 5,250,000 | 2,435,000 |
Chris Hunichen | 4,580,000 | 100,000 |
Nadar Kakhmazov | 4,570,000 | -450,000 |
Sam Soverel | 0 | -2,085,000 |