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Greg Merson Wins World Series of Poker $10,000 Six-Max No-Limit Hold'Em

Captures $1.1 Million and First Bracelet After Playing One Hand On Day 4

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Gregory MersonAfter stopping play heads-up late on day 3, Gregory Merson returned with a night’s rest ready to battle it out with bracelet-winner Keith Lehr for the title in one of the largest events of the summer at the 2012 World Series of Poker in Event No. 57, the $10,000 six-max no-limit hold’em.

It took only one hand after play resumed before it was all over.

With blinds of 60,000-120,000 with a 15,000 ante, Merson opened the button for 280,000 and Lehr reraised to 915,000. Merson shoved and Lehr called all in. Lehr was well covered, but was ahead before the flop with ASpade SuitQDiamond Suit against Merson’s KSpade Suit9Spade Suit.

There board run out had many twists and turns, bringing the 10Heart Suit10Club Suit9Heart SuitQSpade SuitJHeart Suit, first giving Merson a pair of nines on the flop for the lead. Then Lehr turned top pair to regain control, but Merson rivered a straight to win the pot and send Lehr to the rail in second place, earning $701,757.

Merson topped a field of 474 to earn his first gold bracelet, the $1,136,197 top prize and 1,800 Card Player Player of the Year points. As a result, Merson jumped to 27th place in the overall POY standings.

Other notables who made deep runs in this event include Shannon Shorr (3rd – $455,362), Edward Sabbat (4th – $300,753), Andrew Lichtenberger (6th – $140,531).

Merson specializes in short-handed play, and made the unofficial final table of the brand new WSOP $2,500 four-max no-limit hold’em event earlier this summer, bubbling the final table for $70,280.

Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at this final table:

Place Player Earnings POY Points
1 Gregory Merson $1,136,197 1800
2 Keith Lehr $701,757 1500
3 Shannon Shorr $455,362 1200
4 Edward Sabat $300,753 900
5 Christopher Brammer $200,502 750
6 Andrew Lichtenberger $140,531 600