Ben Hock(credit: World Series of Poker - Official Web Site)
Michael Martin had the lead as the final table got underway. He took that lead all the way to heads-up play against Ben Hock. Hock, a chef, began the day third in chips. Nine hours later, he had the title, a seat to the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event and snazzy WSOPC ring.
Howard Wolper had the short-stacked at the beginning on the day. He tried to make some moves and lasted ‘til level 13. At that point, Samuel Shamburg and Ron Koenemann clashed. Shamburg was nearly down to the felt.
However, Wolper responded to Martin’s raise from the cut-off by going all-in with his A,2. Martin’s pocket threes held up and Wolper hit the rail. Koenemann was the next out when his A,6 failed to improve against poker writer/player Bernard Lee’s pocket queens.
Following the trend of pre-flop aggression, Dan Jensen went all-in with his K,J. Keith Murrell took the hand with an A,Q. Jensen earned nearly $24,000 for his seventh place finish.
With six players left, Hock and Lee battled it out with Samuel Shamburg. Hock got the best of it, Lee tossed his cards in the muck and Shamburg bid his competitors farewell. Murrell sang his swan song against chip leader Michael Martin. Murrell had big slick but his lack of chips enticed Martin to call with a mere J,8. The board gave Martin bottom pair and the win. Murrell collected $33,273 for fifth place.
Lee then busted in fourth position, followed by local favorite Nicholas Manganaro. With two players left, Martin retained the chip lead, but not by much. Hock, who prefers live action to online play, picked up some small pots early and overtook the lead. 90 minutes into the heads-up match-up Hock emerged victorious.
Here are the final results:
1) Benjamin Hock - $169,327
2) Michael Martin - $94,263
3) Nicholas Manganaro - $52,039
4) Bernard Lee - $37,965
5) Keith Murrell - $33,273
6) Sam Shamburg - $28,582
7) Don Jensen - $23,981
8) Ron Koenemann - $19,199
9) Howard Wolper - $14,508
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