NY trader, ex-pro bowler play for $1.28M, mixed-game HORSE title at World Series of Poker

NY trader, ex-pro bowler vie for HORSE poker title

LAS VEGAS — A 37-year-old former professional bowler from Georgia and a 44-year-old New Yorker have outlasted 93 other players at the World Series of Poker and are playing heads-up for $1.28 million and the mixed-game H.O.R.S.E. title.

David Bach of Athens, Ga., and John Hanson began head-to-head play early Wednesday about 13 hours after the final table started Tuesday afternoon.

Bach and Hanson beat five former World Series of Poker tournament winners at the final table, including eight-time gold bracelet winner Erik Seidel.

Hanson took third in the H.O.R.S.E. tournament in 2007 for $852,000. Bach has cashed 10 times at the series.

The $50,000 buy-in tournament rotates five games and tests the all-around player more than no-limit Hold ‘em.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Three of five prior tournament winners at the World Series of Poker have been eliminated from the final table of the mixed-game H.O.R.S.E event.

Two gold bracelet winners remained in the tournament Tuesday night among five players at the final table seeking the $1.28 million top prize.

They include chip leader Vitaly Lunkin, a Russian professional who won $1.9 million earlier this month in a $40,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold ‘em tournament.

Gone are past champions Erik Seidel, Chau Giang and Ville Wahlbeck.

Many consider the H.O.R.S.E. tournament the series’ most prestigious behind its no-limit Texas Hold ‘em main event.

The $50,000 buy-in tournament rotates five games and tests the all-around player more than no-limit Hold ‘em.