The Final day of the 2007-08 WSOP circuit championship at Atlantic City in Harrah was very eventful. It also marked the first major tournament title for the young John Racener. Beating the others, Racener walked away with the gold and diamond championship ring for the circuit. This victory also saw Racener getting a neat sum of $10,000 for buy-in to the main event at the WSOP. It was a nice culmination for an entire year of improvements.
The Poker circuit championship event (number 9) took place from December 16th to 18th. Walking in to the finals, Racener was at seat 5 with a chip stack of 780,000. The chip disadvantage was obvious and it was time for the final fight. Eric Buchman at seat 2 was already in the lead with 870,000. It was the ideal chance for 22 year-old Racener to prove his mettle, and he did just that.
The final day saw a marathon session of five tense hours. The day’s second hand saw callers Dave Fox and Eric Buchman in action, when Sam Skolnik, beginning at seat 9 with chip stack 80,000 went preflop. After Buchman folded, Fox went on to get a straight with a 5c. Skolnik was the first to head home, earning the ninth position with winnings of $ 23,712. Next, a flop of Ah 9d 3c was a well-needed advantage to Brooks. With the failure of his river and turn moves, Nelson was sent packing home with an 8th spot, winning $35,568. The next few minutes saw Fox and Buchman again in action against each other. This time, it was Fox’s turn to get useless turn and river and he had to leave, content with a 6th spot finish, winning $59,280. The action was now heating up with the few contenders for top spots.
Racener was returning to a second final after his 2006 finish, and he now found a chance to move 2 spots up the scales, eliminating Thomas Fee (5th position, $71,136). Racener held out while Brooks found himself with a feeble turn and river against Racener’s overpair. Now the score update read: Brooks out, 4th spot, $82,992. The young Racener found himself almost even with the other 2 contenders for the top spot. If he could just manage to turn things to his advantage, Racener had a very good chance and he probably sensed it. Buchman had a slight edge over the others, but there was still plenty in the game. Racener was in it.
Chan was quickly packed off into 3rd spot with $106,704. Next, Racener quickly went double through with five hands. Buchman’s lead was narrowing down and Racener’s flops were coming good. At the conclusion of his river 9h, Buchman had to concede defeat. At the end of the day, it was Racener’s turn to have the last laugh. And $379,392.
