sherman
07-16-2005, 04:53 PM
July 16, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
LAS VEGAS -- Australian Joseph Hachem prevailed in a colossal duel Saturday at the World Series of Poker's main event, winning $7.5 million and snatching the game's greatest crown.
Hachem eliminated Steven Dannenmann six hands into the final showdown, when he flopped a seven-high straight.
When it was clear Hachem had won, his fans in the room erupted into "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!" Hachem immediately embraced Dannenmann, wrapped himself in an Australian flag and shouted: "Thank you, America."
Hachem's victory was astonishing because he had been nursing a short stack of chips for 11½ hours through the night, waiting for the right moment and avoiding confrontations that could cost him a chance at the 36th annual no-limit Texas Hold 'em title.
"I never gave up," he said.
The 39-year-old gambler from Melbourne moved with his family from his native Lebanon in 1972 and gave up a 13-year chiropractic career three years ago to play poker for a living. This was his first appearance in the World Series of Poker.
Nearly 14 hours into the final round of seemingly interminable poker, Hachem pounced, bringing the tournament to a decisive end about an hour after sunrise.
Joseph Hachem, draped in the Australian flag, celebrates with a mountain of cash totaling $7.5 million. (AP)
The final play unfolded slowly as Dannenmann raised before the flop -- three community cards -- was turned over. Hachem called and the dealer revealed a six-five-four flop. Hachem checked, Dannenmann bet another $700,000 and then Hachem raised to $1.7 million.
The turn, or fourth card, was an ace and Hachem threw another $2 million into the pot. Dannenmann raised to $5 million and Hachem went "all-in" with more than $30 million, moving into a high-stakes gear that can either save or break a gambler.
Dannenmann called instantly and then Hachem produced a seven and three, giving him a seven-high straight. Dannenmann showed an ace-three, and needed a seven on the river -- the last card -- to match Hachem's straight. It didn't happen.
Dannenmann said his top priority was to have a good time. He even carried around a small sheet of paper with a list of things he should remember. Two of them were "have fun" and "nothing to lose."
Toward the end of the round, Dannenmann, a 38-year-old accountant and mortgage banker from Severn, Md., said he just wanted to finish the match.
"I got tired," he said. "I was bored of it. I was trying to make moves."
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
LAS VEGAS -- Australian Joseph Hachem prevailed in a colossal duel Saturday at the World Series of Poker's main event, winning $7.5 million and snatching the game's greatest crown.
Hachem eliminated Steven Dannenmann six hands into the final showdown, when he flopped a seven-high straight.
When it was clear Hachem had won, his fans in the room erupted into "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!" Hachem immediately embraced Dannenmann, wrapped himself in an Australian flag and shouted: "Thank you, America."
Hachem's victory was astonishing because he had been nursing a short stack of chips for 11½ hours through the night, waiting for the right moment and avoiding confrontations that could cost him a chance at the 36th annual no-limit Texas Hold 'em title.
"I never gave up," he said.
The 39-year-old gambler from Melbourne moved with his family from his native Lebanon in 1972 and gave up a 13-year chiropractic career three years ago to play poker for a living. This was his first appearance in the World Series of Poker.
Nearly 14 hours into the final round of seemingly interminable poker, Hachem pounced, bringing the tournament to a decisive end about an hour after sunrise.
Joseph Hachem, draped in the Australian flag, celebrates with a mountain of cash totaling $7.5 million. (AP)
The final play unfolded slowly as Dannenmann raised before the flop -- three community cards -- was turned over. Hachem called and the dealer revealed a six-five-four flop. Hachem checked, Dannenmann bet another $700,000 and then Hachem raised to $1.7 million.
The turn, or fourth card, was an ace and Hachem threw another $2 million into the pot. Dannenmann raised to $5 million and Hachem went "all-in" with more than $30 million, moving into a high-stakes gear that can either save or break a gambler.
Dannenmann called instantly and then Hachem produced a seven and three, giving him a seven-high straight. Dannenmann showed an ace-three, and needed a seven on the river -- the last card -- to match Hachem's straight. It didn't happen.
Dannenmann said his top priority was to have a good time. He even carried around a small sheet of paper with a list of things he should remember. Two of them were "have fun" and "nothing to lose."
Toward the end of the round, Dannenmann, a 38-year-old accountant and mortgage banker from Severn, Md., said he just wanted to finish the match.
"I got tired," he said. "I was bored of it. I was trying to make moves."