Anton Makiievskyi has been eliminated in 8th place at the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event final table, earning $1.01m. The youngest player at the table, Makiievskyi met his demise at the hands of chip leader Pius Heinz, who showed that it’s better to be lucky than good. On the hand in question, Makiievskyi appeared to have Heinz in trouble, with the flop giving Makiievskyi two pair (kings and jacks) to Heinz’ two pair (nines and jacks). But the turn produced another nine, giving Heinz a full house, and that was that.
Following his ouster, Makiievskyi delivered a mild rebuke of the increasingly rowdy crowd (which has noticeably increased in volume since blood hit the water following Sam Holden’s exit), suggesting they should be “more polite,” but he declined to blame his exit on any off-the-table distraction. Makiievskyi’s good run caps a remarkable performance by Ukrainian players at this year’s WSOP, who earned four bracelets in addition to Makiievskyi’s final table appearance.
Heinz is still in the chip lead with 52.3m, followed by Matt Giannetti at 47.1m, Martin Staszko at 39.8m, Ben Lamb at 32.9m, Eoghan O’Dea at 14.9m, Phil Collins at 12.5m and Bob Bou-Nahra at 6.1m.
Last year, the WSOP whittled the nine down to two then took a single day break before the heads-up showdown between Jonathan Duhamel and John Racener. This year, they’re stopping once they hit three players, then taking a two-day break. Why the switch? WSOP Communications Director Seth Palansky said the “TV folks like to ensure that there will be some suspense or drama … with three people, it changes things enough.” Did Palansky just say heads-up poker is boring?
