News / Dave Allan / 24 June 2009 / Leave a comment

It has been a heartbreaking week for Betfair Poker's Sorel Mizzi. The Canadian professional played some outstanding poker to go deep in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at The Rio in Las Vegas and, as the final started, appeared in good shape to win his first bracelet of 2009. Sadly for Mizzi it wasn't to be and Richard Austin ran out the eventual winner for $409,484. Mizzi will be consoled by his runner-up prize of $253,048 but the pain of going so close to the illustrious bracelet was clear for all to see.

In a somewhat bizarre twist of events Austin reportedly refused any media interviews following his win and refused to show at the bracelet awarding ceremony. His actions sparked many poker forums and blogs into life. The shy Austin has yet to give any reasons for his behaviour.

The last week has seen three $10,000 buy-in World Championship events conclude at the WSOP. First up was the Limit Hold'em event which attracted a small field of 185 players. Limit Hold'em is clearly a popular variation of poker in Canada, judging by the three Canadian players cashing in the top 10 of the tournament. Mark Klecan claimed 10th place for $41,040.

The other two Canadians reached the heads up stages where Greg 'FBT' Mueller overcame Patrick Pezzin to claim the bracelet. Mueller walked away with $460,841 for his victory while Pezzin had to settle for $285,195.

The $10,000 World Championship Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo event may turn out to be one of the smaller WSOP events. A mere 164 players dug deep for the $10k buy-in and it was WSOP regular Jeff Lisandro that came out with the bracelet and $431,656. Doyle Brunson took his chances in this event and the poker legend took a creditable 7th place. 'Texas Dolly' seemed satisfied with his $62,234 pay day.

The $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha event was a more popular tournament. 295 players were in attendance including some of the most well known names in poker. Barry Greenstein, Josh Arieh, Padraig Parkinson and Nenad Medic all reached the money in this event. Britain's Robin Keston finished a creditable 4th for $196,993 and Russia's Vitaly Lunkin was the unlucky runner-up for $419,832. Lunkin already has the $40k Anniversary Event bracelet back in his hotel safe.

The Moscovite appears to be in the form of his life right now and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him cashing again before the Series concludes. Heading the field, though, was Matthew Graham. The Las Vegas pro' only has two notable tournament cashes to his name and both are from the WSOP this year. Graham took away $679,402 along with the bracelet and a huge smile.

The $5,000 No Limit Hold'em Shootout concluded with Peter Traply from Hungary taking the honours for $348,755. Back in 5th place was Hendon Mobster Barny Boatman, winning $16,739.

The $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E event is looming on the horizon. The big boys are sure to be out in force on Friday for the start of that tournament. We'll have news of the action as it happens here at Betfair Poker.