The Defending Champion Falls

Back in March, Kane Lai won this very event, and just last week he captured a Heartland Poker Tour title. Lai was looking to defend his title, and he had a shot at it coming into Day 2 on a big stack. Unfortunately for him, the day did not treat him kind.

In what would be his final hand of the tournament, Michael Ermie opened for 23,000 from early position and Lai opted to shove all in for 159,000 from the button. The blinds both folded and Ermie announced a call.

Ermie:
Lai:

Lai picked a bad spot to make a move, and it got even worse when the flop delivered Ermie a set. The turn officially left Lai drawing dead, and he made his way to the exit after the was run out on the river. With that, the MSPT Golden Gates Casino is assured a new champion.