Online Poker News Blog

2007 World Poker Open Winner!

Bryan Sumner won the 2007 World Poker Open in Tunica Mississippi. Daniel Negreanu came in 2nd after only about 5 hands of heads-up play. Finishing 5th was Kido Pham, while J.C. Tran captured 6th.
First place for Mr. Sumner was over $930,000 along with a $25,000 WPT seat. Negreanu’s 2nd place finished netted him slightly over $500,000.

The final hand was Negreanu moving in Ace of spades / 3 of Diamonds and getting called by pocket 8’s. The flop came 8 5 4 with 2 hearts, leaving Negreanu drawing to only a few outs for the gutshot straight with a deuce or runner runner 6-7 to split. The turn gave him the 3 of clubs, basically sealing the deal. The Queen of spades (that bitch!) peeled off on the river, leaving Daniel in second place, but with a handsome payday.

I myself have never liked open pushing with a weak Ace, even heads-up, just because its not that strong of a hand.  Perhaps he was tired, over confident, or simply impatient (there was a nice blog post by him at fullcontact regarding his poor performance in Australia).  I’m sure with so many tournaments back to back to back (there’s 5 basically in 3 weeks) that it has to wear him down mentally and physically.  Anyone want to offer opinions on what to do in this situation typically - heads-up with a weak ace?