2009 World Series of Poker

Day 3 completed

Posted 06-23-2009 15:18 GMT-12

Congratulations to Peter Traply - Event No.41 Champion ($348,728)

In less than five hours of play we've reduced our final shootout table of five down to one Hungarian winner in the shape of Peter Traply.

This final was very aggressive from the get-go with most flops only being seen after a three-bet was called. Nasr El Nasr was responsible for setting this tone and looked odds on to dominate the table but he had pockets aces cracked by the eventual runner-up. Peter Traply played a great game throughout and took so many chips without having to showdown much at all.

His biggest challenge was to keep his mind focused after thinking he had won but after a recount it emerged Andrew Lichtenberger still had 250,000 chips. Soon those chips has doubled a few times to the chip lead but Traply held strong and saw off his formidable young opponent to claim his and Hungary's first WSOP bracelet.

Andrew Lichtenberger Eliminated in 2nd Place ($215,403)

These two players aren't afraid to play their big hands fast preflop and they both happily committed with their holdings in this hand.

Peter Traply --
Andrew Lichtenberger --

The final board ran .

With that Andrew is eliminated and Peter is mobbed by his friends. Andrew got lucky early to crack El Nasr's aces but he showed his class throughout this final table table experience and so very nearly make a remarkable comeback after being crippled during heads-up play.

Chips Ahoy

Peter -- 5,784,000
Andrew -- 1,716,000

Just Preflop Right Now

Andrew made it 100,000 to go and Peter made it 325,000 total. Pot to Peter as Andrew quickly folded.

River Bet Good

Peter raised to 115,000 and Andrew called to take us to a that both players checked. The turn saw Peter bet 155,000 and Andrew call. The river saw both players check and Peter take the pot with .

Three Betting

Andrew makes it 100,000 to go before Peter makes it 325,000 total. It's good as Andrew folds.

Traply Back in the Lead

Peter raised to 100,000 and Andrew called to see a flop. Andrew checks to face a 155,000 bet from Peter which he called. The turn came and Andrew checked again to face a 355,000 bet. Another call to take us to the river where Andrew checked for a third time. Peter's bet was 880,000 and a quick call by Andrew before he mucked upon seeing Peter's for the nut flush.

Advantage Peter Traply again.

Peter Turns One

Andrew raised to 100,000 and Peter called before the flop came down. They checked through to the turn where Peter bet 140,000 to take the pot.

Cards are Back in the Air

This see-saw battle continues.