WSOP: Bracelet Winner Q and A -- Kenny Tran

Over the course of the last year, Kenny Tran has come dangerously close to a major title. By finishing third in the 2007 $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, making a deep finish in the 2007 WSOP main event, and having a final table appearance at the WPT Championship, Tran has proven he has the skills not only to play with the big guys in the side games, but also with the tournament sharks on the circuit.

That being said, Tran still looks to get his money in with the best of it, even if he has to pass up a big tournament for a juicy cash game. The $10,000 WSOP Heads-Up Championship, however, was too good to overlook, and the end result was Tran's first career bracelet.

Tran spoke to Card Player shortly after his Father's Day win.
 

Question: After nine grueling matches, how do you feel about coming through with the bracelet?

Kenny Tran: It really means a lot to me. The first time anybody wins it always feels great. I’ve never had a feeling like this before.

Q: You faced some world-class talent en route to the title. Who was your toughest opponent?

KT: I would definitely have to say Erick Lindgren. He gave me hell during our heads-up match, and I got really luck to win.

Q: Brandon Adams was on the rail to cheer you on to victory, but you also had to get through him to get a shot in the semifinals. How do feel about playing a good friend?

KT: Well, Brandon wasn’t my toughest opponent, but it’s never an easy feeling to beat one of your closest friends in the poker industry. He has taught me a lot, both in and out of poker. He’s a really nice guy. Someone had to go, and I’m lucky that I came out ahead.

Q: On the last hand of the tournament, you made a tough call with the nut-flush draw. Would you have made the call if you weren’t already up one game on Alec Torelli?

KT: Probably not. It all depends on the situation, but if it was our first match or I was down, then I would look for a better spot. Since I was up already, I decided to gamble to end it right there. If I had lost, I could still go after him in the third match.

Q: Did you have a strategy for Torelli?

KT: My strategy for playing online players is always the same. Take a really long time, grind them down, play small, basically just bore them into making a mistake.

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