26 Nov 09
US Poker Championship: Men Nguyen Comes up Short
Men "The Master" Nguyen could only muster up a second place finish after outlasting a field of 154 players. He was defeated by William Brindise in heads-up play and earned $138,600, while the winner cashed in $261,800.
The U.S. Poker Championship Main Event has just been concluded at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. This year's $5,000 event attracted a field of 154 players and generated a total prize pool of $770,000.
Men "The Master" Nguyen (pictured right) managed to survive right until the end, but just couldn't find the cards to seal the title. Nguyen was eventually defeated by William Brindise in heads-up play. Brindise and Nguyen earned $261,800 and $138,600 respectively for their top two finishes.
Other notable finishers were 2009 World Series of Poker bracelet winner Brian Lemke, who finished fifth, and Nick Binger who was in sixth. Meanwhile, Nick's brother, Michael Binger, made an appearance at the $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha side event final table.
The final tables from selected events in this year's championship will be broadcast on Spike TV in early 2010. Here are the results from the Main Event final table:
| U.S. Poker Championship Main Event Results |
||
| Place | Name |
Prize |
| 1st |
William Brindise | $261,800 |
| 2nd |
Men Nguyen |
$138,600 |
| 3rd |
Eric Ladny |
$77,000 |
| 4th |
Gordon Eng |
$53,900 |
| 5th |
Brian Lemke |
$46,200 |
| 6th |
Nick Binger |
$30,800 |
| 7th |
Anton Smolyanskiy | $23,100 |
