Eric Buchman, a highly experienced New Yorker who placed fourth in the 2009 World Series of Poker main event, won his second WSOP bracelet this week after a tense heads up against famous Russian poker pro Alexander Kravchenko in event 34, a $1,500 buy-in Seven Card Stud contest.
345 entrants ponied up the moderate buy-in for the event, generating a prize pool of $465 750, with $118,785 reserved for the winner.
The final table was reached on day 2, but play continued into Day 3 as six players were still active, including Buchman and Kravchenko, who faced Alexander Denisov, William Thompson, Bryn Kenney and Nabih Helmi.
By the time the heads up stage was reached Buchman held a 2 to 1 advantage over his opponent and, despite a fighting response from Krachenko, was able to build on his advantage until he dispatched the Russian with a full house against a pair and a busted straight.
Kravchenko more than covered his initial investment with a take-home of $73,360, whilst Buchman collected $118,785 and his second winner’s bracelet.
Mallory Smith and David Prager, the initial final table eliminations on Day 2, enjoyed paydays of $14,228 and $10,921 respectively.