WSOP Event 40: Graham in PLO triumph

American Matt Graham defied the odds to clinch his second career bracelet and secure the coveted $10,000 PLO title. He outlasted a stellar field including skilled final tablists Barry Greenstein, Richard Austin and Vitaly Lunkin to romp to victory. He overcame a 9:1 chip deficit to the latter in heads-up play for a juicy $679,042 payday.

Despite the Full Tilt high stakes contingent failing to make an impact, the final table line-up was still ominous. Barry Greenstein was hunting for his first bracelet of 2009, and no doubt a small fortune in prop-bet winnings. Greenstein is part of a proposition bet syndicate with close friend Phil Ivey, who has already received millions for his bracelet winning efforts, amongst others. Despite an early double up after turning a set, the ‘Robin Hood of Poker’ who donates all of his tournament profits to charity, was eliminated by Lunkin as his flush and wrap draws failed to oust the Ukrainian’s aces. Experienced, American Omaha specialist Richard Austin, who prowls the card rooms of the Mid-West hit in the rail in eighth, with two time gold bracelet winner Josh Arieh following him.

Heads up play ensued with Graham needing a barnstorming run to capture the bracelet, as he found himself a 9:1 chip underdog. His last bracelet stemmed from a 8:1 deficit, so he was no stranger to adversity. After grinding Lunkin down, the decisive hand saw a 6d-4h-10d trademark Omaha action flop. Graham held 10c-10h-6c-5s for top set and the nuts, where as Lunkin held Kd-Js-9d-2d for a strong second-nut flush draw. The river brought two bricks for the Ukrainian and Graham was crowned champion. Lunkin must be heavily congratulated for his performances in the 2009 WSOP, which have already seen him triumph in the $40,000 NL-Hold’em event. He is proving himself to be a real force in the highroller events and will be one to watch in the showpiece $50K horse and $10k main event.

Final Top 3 Standings:

1. Matt Graham - $679,379
2. Vitaly Lunkin - $419,832
3. Van Marcus - $278,409

Meanwhile day 2 of the $2500 Mixed event saw the 153 strong field whittled down to 41. Aussie Millions 2008 runner up Jimmy Fricke had a very swingy day, and will resume tomorrow on a perilously low chip stack. The likes of Jennifer Harman and Daniel Negreanu all hit the rail, however Todd Brunson and charismatic Dutchman Marcel Luske still remain.

Credit: Sam M