Face The Ace: Topel Finally Defeated
Gavin Smith managed to do what Erick Lindgren and Howard Lederer couldn't - he stopped Don Topel in his attempt to reach for $1 million.
"I like Gavin. I like the way he plays. We're one in the same. I'm expecting a tough match," commented Topel before the match.
Cold decked Topel
Both players started with stacks of 500,000 and the blinds began at 2,000/4,000. Topel held his ground well, making some great reads along the way but Poker Gods just didn't favour him that day.
Topel got himself in trouble when he picked up Q-9 pre-flop and called while Smith looked down at Q-T and checked to see the flop reveal 5-Q-T. Smith checked to Topel who bet 15,000 and Smith check-raised to 43,000 which Topel called. The turn brought a 3 and Smith led out this time for 86,000. Topel quickly folded and Smith kindly asked him if he wanted to see one or both cards, turning over the winning hands.
The last hand between the two saw Smith putting Topel all-in who was not too glad to see his K-5 was up against A-6. The flop came A-3-4 to give Smith a pair of aces and with the board revealing blanks, Smith managed to stop a man who nearly crushed three top pros in a row. Smith commented:
"I think he played great. I got hit on the head with the deck. I wouldn't miss. If you always have the best hand, it's hard to lose."
The Great Dane dispatches a lady
With Topel out, it was time for the third contestant to step up. Marcia Owens from Troy, Illinois chose the ace of diamonds and found out she was going to play against Gus Hansen.
Owens found herself in trouble when she picked up A-T and min-raised against Hansen's pocket tens. The flop came 3-3-T and both players checked. The turn brought a 6, Owens bet 4,000 and Hansen called. The river was an ace which spelled trouble for Owens who bet 4,000. Hansen made it 10,000 and Owens called which left her with just three big blinds.
It was not long before Owens had to pack her bags, as her Q-8 ran into Hansen's A-4 to wrap up the match. Face the Ace will not see any action for month, as it will return with new contestants on September 12.
