Heads-up play was a short fought battle between Graves and Tran. Theo was able to mount a small comeback attempt picking up four consecutive pots leading up to the final hand.
Graves and Tran both saw a flop of 5 4 7 with Graves holding 6 5 and Tran holding 9 8. Graves bet out and Tran quickly shoved. Just as quickly Graves made the call and you could see the disgust in Tran's face. Tran would need a six or a nine to double up and keep his bracelet hopes alive. The turn was a K and the river a T giving Graves the pot and the bracelet.
Theo Tran finishes the event in 2nd place winning $387,193.
Michal Graves wins $742,121 and the coveted gold bracelet to go with it in Event #52, the $1,000 No Limit Hold 'Em with Rebuys.
The remaining two players have just entered Level 22 where the blinds have increased to $40,000-$80,000 with a $10,000 ante.
Heads-Up Play Begins
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 12:25 PM
Theo Tran and Michael Graves have just returned from break and will now begin heads-up play.
Here are the updated chip counts...
Michael Graves --$4,200,000
Theo Tran --$2,500,000
Shawn Luman Eliminated in 3rd Place ($224,249)
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 12:10 PM
Shawn Luman moves all-in for $660,000 with A 9, and after a few minutes of deliberation Michael Graves makes the call with A 8. The board comes 7 5 4 K 6, giving Graves a straight on the river and eliminating Shawn Luman in third place ($224,249).
Theo Tran and Michael Graves will take a short break as they prepare for heads-up play.
Updated Chip Counts
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 11:50 AM
The remaining three players have just returned from break and here are their updated chip counts...
Theo Tran --$3,000,000
Michael Graves --$2,640,000
Shawn Luman --$960,000
Luman Ships a Huge Pot to Graves
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 11:38 AM
Michael Graves gets into a pot with A Q followed by Shawn Luman with A 6. The flop comes A 9 7, and both Graves and Luman check around. The turn brings the Q giving Graves top two pair and Luman top pair with the nut flush draw. Graves bets $125,000 and Luman smooth calls. The river brings the 3 and this time Graves bets $500,000. Luman makes the call ships a large percentage of his to stack over to Graves’ side of the table.
The remaining three players take a short break.
Level 21
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 11:15 AM
The remaining 3 players have just entered Level 21 where the blinds have increased to $30,000-$60,000 with a $5,000 ante.
Theo Tran Makes a Great Bluff
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 11:03 AM
Shawn Luman raises to $160,000 before the flop with A Q and Theo Tran just smooth calls with Q J. The flop comes K 7 2 and Luman checks to Tran who bets $300,000. Luman calls and the turn brings the 8. Luman takes the betting lead this time and fires $400,000 at the pot. Tran goes into the tank for a minute and then moves all-in. Luman folds his hand and Theo Tran shows the bluff. Tran takes back the chip lead after this hand.
Shawn Hattem Eliminated in 4th Place ($161,330)
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 10:21 AM
Shawn Hattem shoves with the short-stack and Shawn Luman re-raises all-in to entice everyone to fold behind him. Hattem shows A 9 while Luman shows Q Q. The board comes 10 10 2 9 8, no help to Shawn Hattem who is eliminated in fourth place ($161,330). Shawn Luman takes a slight chip lead over Theo tran as we begin three-handed play.
Chad Batista Eliminated in 5th Place ($129,064)
Posted: Wed, Jul 04, 07, 10:08 AM
Michael Graves min-raises to $85,000 with A A and Chad Batista re-raises to $325,000 with Q Q. Graves come over the top and moves all-in and Bastista calls (Graves has Batista covered). The board comes A 6 4 K 7, no help to Chad Batista as he is eliminated in fifth place ($129,064).