The Australian media were jubilantly reporting the latest World Series
of Poker triumphs of last year's multi-million dollar champion Joe
Hachem (40) this week, as the 2006 action on the world's biggest poker
event ran the opening competitions in its 45 event schedule.
The Melbourne-based poker king is in the money again after winning
$345 000, albeit as a runner up this time in a No Limit Hold Em WSOP
event.
The former chiropractor, who won $10 million playing poker almost
a year ago, outlasted 822 poker players to finish runner-up in this
week's event, and expressed disappointment at not clinching the top
spot and the $649 000 prize purse that went with it.
Hachem looked set to beat Californian Russ Boyd but the turn of the
final card, a five of diamonds, gave the American two pairs and the
tournament. Hachem said when he saw that card "my heart
sank to my ankles".
"I had him right where I wanted him," he said.
"I'm disappointed I didn't win. I pushed him as hard as
I could."
Asked what he was going to do with the $345 000 he'd earned for three
days' play, Hachem laughed and said: "I have no idea. Maybe
I'll buy a property for one of the kids."
Hachem said he hoped the big payday would send a message to the world's
best poker players that he was "the real deal". "Anyone
in their own field wants the recognition they deserve,"
Hachem said.
This month Hachem will defend his World Series of Poker world title
in Las Vegas, competing for a first prize estimated to be worth $13.4
million.