World Series of Poker final table an international draw

The final table at the 2007 World Series of Poker has a distinctly international feel.

The nine players vying for the $8 million-plus top prize come from five countries -- and less than half are Americans. Among them are a former punk rocker from the U.K.; a South African who used to run a bed-and-breakfast; a businessman from Archangel, Russia; a one-time laborer from Mississauga, Canada; and an online poker prodigy from Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
The nine squared off here at high noon Tuesday with the winner expected to be crowned late in the evening.

Among the more compelling and colorful personal stories is that of Jerry Yang. A 39-year-old Laotian immigrant who escaped from Communist rule as a child, he spoke no English until he was 13 and only started playing poker two years ago. Now a psychologist and social worker, he won his place in the poker tournament courtesy of a $225 buy-in to a satellite event in California.

"I am a very, very part-time player," he said. "As a father of six, I don't have a lot of time to play [and use] just a little change here and there." Women poker.

Yang plans to donate some of his winnings to four different charities and enters the final round in eighth place with $8.45 million in chips, less than half of that of leader John Kalmar of Chorly, a small town in Lancashire, England.

The 34-year-old Kalmar had a rough go in the early rounds, failing to cash in a single time. Indeed, the night before the main event began, he tried to change his flight from Las Vegas back to England and quit the tournament, only to balk at the $600 fee. He hung around instead, tried again and won a $10,000 seat.

He is now guaranteed at least $500,000, although 45% of his take is already pledged to friends and backers. And, win or lose, Kalmar is headed straight back hone to play in a 20-pound tournament at his local pub. Play route 66 poker.

"I don't want to disappoint them," he said.

Near the back of the field is Hevad "Rain" Khan, in seventh place with $9.02 million in chips. Now a professional poker player, the 22-year-old is famed for his ability to play as many as 47 games of poker at once on his computer. He lost on the first day of the main event last year.

When it comes to face-to-face play at the final table, Khan said he has no particular game plan.

"I always say I don't have a strategy," he said. "Because if I come in with a plan of action, [the other players] may be able to anticipate it." Stay tuned to our poker blog for updates.

Poker News Source: Market Watch