2009 World Series of Poker

Day 3 completed

Posted 07-01-2009 19:07 GMT-12

Congratulations Tony Veckey, Winner of Event 54

It took nearly 11 hours for Tony Veckey to claim the title, but he'll tell you it was worth the effort and the missed flight home to Chicago. Our newest WSOP bracelet winner bested a field of 2,818 to walk away with the hardware and more than $673,000 in first-place money.

Today was no piece of cake either, as 28 players returned to battle for the prize. Eliminations moved quickly though, and we were down to 10 players just after the dinner break. Veckey played an aggressive and smart game throughout, raising his opponents and applying pressure whenever possible. His most impressive play, however, may be the hand he didn't play when he laid down pocket kings preflop to an all in raise.

In the end, his tactics worked as he bested Jason Wheeler in a hard fought heads-up battle to claim the bracelet.

Jason Wheeler Eliminated in 2nd Place ($418,122)

Jason Wheeler bet 450,000 on a flop of and Tony Veckey made the call.

Wheeler bet another 1,200,000 on the turn and Veckey moved all in, having connected with his gutshot straight draw. Wheeler called and we saw the hands:

Veckey:
Wheeler:

The on the river gave Wheeler trips, but they weren't enough to best Veckey's straight. Wheeler left in second place with $418,122.

Veckey Pulls Ahead

Jason Wheeler made it 240,000 to play from the small blind and Tony Veckey joined in.

On a flop of , Veckey bet 300,000 and Wheeler came along. The turn brought the , another 300,000 bet from Veckey, and another call. The river brought the and yet another 300,000 bet. When Wheeler raised to 1,500,000, Veckey called and tabled for the straight. Wheeler mucked.

Back and Forth

Jason Wheeler popped it up to 240,000 from the small blind and Tony Veckey reraised an additional 360,000.

After a flop of , Veckey's 700,000 bet was enough to make Wheeler fold.

Wheeler Takes Another Pot

Tony Veckey raised to 250,000 from the small blind and Jason Wheeler reraised to 750,000 from the big.

After a flop of , Wheeler bet another 900,000 and Veckey mucked.

Veckey Fights Back

Tony Veckey limped from the small blind and Jason Wheeler raised 250,000 from the big. Veckey went along and we saw a flop of .

Wheeler bet 325,000 and Veckey raised 500,000 more. Wheeler called and checked the on the turn. Veckey bet 850,000 and Wheeler released his hand.

Wheeler Applies Pressure

Jason Wheeler raised to 200,000 from the small blind and Tony Veckey came along.

Veckey then bet 300,000 on a flop of , only to have Wheeler raise for an additional 850,000. Veckey laid his down and we moved on.

Heads-Up Play Begins

We're back from our break as Tony Veckey and Jason Wheeler battle for the bracelet.

Wheeler is starting with an almost 2-1 chip lead with 8 million chips vs. Veckey's 4.7 million.

Tags: Jason Wheeler, Tony Veckey.

Break

Players are on a short break before the start of heads-up play.