Kranich Takes WPT Title; Ivey Third

All eyes may be on the World Series of Poker, but that’s not the only action in Las Vegas this week. While the biggest poker tournament in the world was going on at the Rio, the World Poker Tour’s Bellagio Cup VI was also being contested, with none other than Phil Ivey at the final table. But it was Moritz Kranich who outlasted the field and took home $875,150 and a WPT title.

The final table was a closely fought affair. After two early eliminations 9eric Afriat and Rob Akery), the final four players fought for over four hours before forcing another elimination. John Caridad came into the final table as the chip leader, but had become short stacked over the course of the day’s play. Pushing from the button, Caridad was simply looking to steal the blinds, but was instead called by Justin Smith who held pocket queens. Caridad mearly had J6, and could not improve, finishing 4^th.

With only three players remaining, it was Ivey who became the short stack. After being crippled in a hand where Kranich and he both had two pair, but Kranich held a higher kicker, Ivey was then eliminated minutes later by Smith. For third place, Ivey won $363,650. This also marked Ivey’s 9^th WPT final table, a record achievement.

Kranich held a nearly 2-1 chip advantage going into heads up play, but Smith battled for over two hours in an attempt to wrest away the lead. As the tension mounted, the players forced a dramatic confrontation, as Kranich moved in with KT only to be called by Smith’s JJ. When Kranich hit his king on the turn, it did give Smith the nut flush draw, but it was not to be; a blank hit the river, and Kranich won the title.

While there are few achievements like winning a WPT title, Kranich has won a major event before, taking home a title on the European Poker Tour last year in Deauville, France, which was worth over $1.1 million. The WPT title will bring his career winnings over the $2 million mark.