The Star Poker Room in Sydney hosted the first of 13 events in the World Series of Poker Circuit, with a record 1,357 entrants taking their seats; six days later it was local player Johan Lees who claimed the main prize of $105,416.
However, during final table action it appeared that Matthew Velcic would be the victor – he eliminated six of the nine final table contestants and entered the heads up stage with 7.1 million chips against Lees’ 6.2 million.
Lees showed discipline and skill in maintaining a successful strategy that enabled him to grind down Velcic’s advantage and then open up a significant lead to ultimately claim victory, sending Velcic to the exit and a $65,539 runner-up prize.