Winning a WSOP Circuit Main Event is not an easy task. However, winning such a tournament against and accomplished opponent in possession of three WSOP gold bracelet is indeed a noteworthy feat. Sean Yu completed this difficult task only a few days ago. Playing heads-up against Eli Elezra and emerging victorious over a field of more than 500 entries, Yu collected $170,286 and his career second gold ring after winning the 2016/17 WSOP Circuit Planet Hollywood $1,675 Main Event.
To be precise, the tournament attracted an overall field of 528 entries. As a result, a prize pool of $792,000 was distributed to the top 54 performers.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, California, Yu had formerly played poker professionally. He then decided that he would go back to his job full-time and would play occasionally, thus bringing much-needed balance not only in his life but also in his playing style. Yu told interviewers shortly after his latest victory that when playing, he does not really think about the money and that he prefers to look at poker as just a game. The player said that this strategy helps him make the right decisions.
The WSOP Circuit Planet Hollywood Main Event was not much different in structure than any other Circuit Main Event. It was played over four days, kicking off with two starting flights in two separate days. The tournament’s official nine-handed final table was reached on Day 2. The nine finalists returned for Day 3 to play down to a champion.
Yu was short-stacked at the beginning of nine-handed play. However, at the time there were only six players left, the player opened up and started accumulating chips. As mentioned above, Yu and Elezra were the last men standing. Elezra has not won a Circuit event previously, but his collection of poker trophies is comprised of three WSOP gold bracelets and one WPT title, among others.
Two-handed match kicked off with the two opponents being almost even in chips. Elezra quickly got to early lead and extended it to 2-to-1 advantage over Yu. The latter, however, took back his chips and emerged as the chip leader. On the very last hand in play, the player had a 4-to-1 advantage over his opponent. Here is how the actual hand was played.
Elezra moved all in pre-flop with [Kh][6s] and Yu called with [Ad][4d]. The [As][Qs][5s][3d][5c] ran out on the board to secure Yu with a top pair and the title. Elezra collected $105,281 for his deep run in the tournament. As for the champion, apart from the top prize and the gold ring, he also secured a seat into next year’s Global Casino Championship.
Daniel Needleman finished 3rd in the Planet Hollywood Main Event for $76,911. Arianna Son took 4th place for a total of $57,016. Two-time gold ring winner Kevin Calenzo collected $42,879 for his fifth-place finish.
One-time gold ring winner and tournament regular Jake Schindler finished 6th for $32,710. Brandon West, who has previously won one gold ring, took 7th place in the event for a payout of $25,304. Keith Doering scooped $19,855 for his 8th place. Colin York took home $15,800 for rounding out the official final table.
