2011 PokerStars.net APPT Melbourne Day 4: Leo Boxell Crowned Champion
The 2011 PokerStars.net APPT Melbourne Main Event has come to a close and crowned its champion. Leo Boxell fought hard for over nine hours of tough play at the final table on Monday night, but it all paid off. Boxell went home with the trophy and a hefty AUD$330,000 first-place prize.
It is somewhat poetic that the first time the Asia Pacific Poker Tour made its way to Melbourne it was won by a local boy. It's hard to think of a player more deserving of the victory than Leo Boxell who has been a staple in Australian poker for four decades and counting. This title sends Boxell’s all-time tournament earnings to over $1 million and solidifies him as one of the best players that Australia has ever produced.
The final table was a hectic ride with many players putting themselves in good position to take down a victory; however, when heads-up play was finally reached it was only Boxell and New Zealander Phillip Willcocks who were still in the running for the title.
An early hand in the heads-up battle left Willcocks with a big lead. Boxell got his stack in preflop holding 2♦2♥ and was unable to catch up against the Q♠Q♦ of Willcocks.
Boxell had some work to do with a 3-1 chip deficit, and that’s exactly what he did. He managed to claw his way back to the chip lead and eventually sealed the deal when he held 4♣2♠ against the J♠10♥ of Willcocks, on a 2♥Q♠6♠4♠J♥ board. When all the chips went in on the turn and Boxell tabled his hand, the rail watched and erupted in applause as a champion was crowned.
2011 APPT Melbourne Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize (AUD) |
| 1 | Leo Boxell | $330,000 |
| 2 | Phillip Willcocks | $207,600 |
| 3 | Steve Bouya | $116,000 |
| 4 | William Jones | $88,600 |
| 5 | Van Marcus | $73,300 |
| 6 | Michael Frydman | $58,000 |
| 7 | Eddie Mascardi | $45,800 |
| 8 | Jackson Zheng | $36,700 |
| 9 | Julius Colman | $27,500 |
It was a hugely successful inaugural APPT event at Crown Casino, kicking off the fifth season with a bang in Melbourne, a stop that is sure to become a staple on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour.
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