Defending Champion Sits Down; Boatman Fares Better on Bullet Two

Defending champion Simon Wilson was heads up in a pot against Michael McAleer.

Under the gun, McAleer placed a small bet of 2,200 into a pot of around 20,000 on the completed board of A♠5♦J♥4♣3♥, which Wilson raised to 22,000 in the hijack.

McAleer quickly folded, granting the sizable pot to Wilson.

One hand later, Barny Boatman opened to 1,000 at the same table under the gun. Gerard Fenech called on the button, and McAleer defended his big blind. McAleer led out for 1,600 on the 9♥2♥6♠ flop, seeing both opponents call.

He sized up to 5,000 on the 8♦ turn. This time, only Boatman called. Boatman called again when McAleer pushed in 8,500 on the 5♦ river.

McAleer showed K♥8♥ for a pair of eights, but Boatman had called down with 10♥9♠, winning the pot with top pair.