Event 5 - $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha | 2009 World Series of Poker

06-03-2009 13:13 UTC-12

Burkholder Can't Call

[user25067]

Steven Burkholder opened for 60,000 from the button and Jason Mercier called from the big blind. The flop was {J-Diamonds}

and Mercier check-called a 75,000 bet from Burkholder. Both players checked the {3-Clubs}

on the turn. When the river fell the {A-Spades}

, Mercier made his move, betting a hefty 215,000. Burkholder couldn't pull the trigger and he folded, conceding the pot to Mercier.

The two are still very close in chips, with Burkholder up about 150,000 on Mercier.

Level: 22

Blinds: 12,000/24,000

Ante: 0

06-03-2009 13:26 UTC-12

Mercier's Boat Floats

[user25067]

Jason Mercier raised to 60,000 on the button and Steven Burkholder called from the big blind. Both players checked the {A-Hearts}

flop. The turn fell the {10-Clubs}

and Burkholder checked to Mercier, who bet 85,000. Burkholder came in with a raise to 215,000 and Mercier called. The river was the {9-Clubs}

and Burkholder bet 400,000. Mercier made the call.

Mercier turned up {A-Diamonds}

for tens full of aces and Burkholder mucked. He's down to 1.35 million while Mercier is up to nearly 2.3 million.

06-03-2009 13:46 UTC-12

Mercier Maintains Lead

[user25067]

Jason Mercier limped in on the button and Steven Burkholder checked his option. The flop was {6-Hearts}

and Burkholder check-called Mercier's 32,000 bet. Both players checked the {2-Clubs}

on the turn. The river was the {9-Clubs}

and Burkholder check-called another 90,000 from Mercier.

Mercier turned up {A-Diamonds}

for the wheel and Burkholder mucked. Mercier now has a nearly 2-1 chip lead with 2,372,000 to Burkholder's 1,270,000.

06-03-2009 13:54 UTC-12

Jason Mercier Wins Event #5 ($1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha), Steven Burkholder Eliminated in 2nd Place ($146,748)

[user25067]

Jason Mercier limped in on the button and Steven Burkholder made it an additional 48,000 to go from the big blind. Mercier called and they saw a flop of {J-Hearts}

.

Burkholder led out for 110,000, Mercier raised to 285,000, Burkholder re-potted, Mercier moved all in and Burkholder called.

Burkholder {A-Clubs}

Mercier

Both players held a jack for trips, but Burkholder had Mercier out-kicked. The {Q-Diamonds}

however, hit the turn, making Mercier a full house, which he celebrated with the smallest of fist-pumps. The river was the {K-Diamonds}

and it was all over.

Jason Mercier is our champion, taking down his first WSOP bracelet and $237,415. Burkholder earned $146,748 for his runner-up finish.

06-03-2009 14:03 UTC-12

Congratulations to Jason Mercier, Event #5 Champion! ($237,415)

[user25067]

Jason Mercier jumped out to a massive chip lead on Day 1 of this tournament and never had to look back. Buoyed by a rail full of friends, the 22-year old Floridian took down his first WSOP bracelet this afternoon, a shiny addition to a mantle that is already home to two EPT trophies.

Mercier was calm and in control for the duration of the final table. While some of his opponents ended up spewing off chips when they grew short-stacked, Mercier remained patient and battled back. When heads-up play commenced, Mercier took control about 30 minutes into the match, his experience and skill truly shining through.

Kudos are also due to Steven "PiKappRaider" Burkholder, who turned in a runner-up performance despite his own self-admitted status as a PLO novice.

Congratulations to Jason Mercier, one of the good guys of poker, on his bracelet-winning performance. Drinks are on him tonight!

Event 5 - $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha

Day 3 Completed