Seat 9: Matthew Lawrence (140,000)
Matthew Lawrence qualified for the World Series of Poker National Championship through an “At-large bid” after his impressive and consistent performance throughout the 2010/2011 season. He managed to notch 10 cashes worth $52,781, with his largest single cash ($29,092) coming from a fourth-place finish in the Horseshoe Council Bluffs $1,600 Main Event back in August of last year.
Lawrence narrowly missed his second Main Event final table when he finished in 11th place. Interestingly, fellow National Championship final table member La Sengphet bubbled that final table in 10th place while Sam Barnhart, who is also here today, ended up winning that event.
Lawrence starts today’s final table with 140,000, which accounts for 7% of the chips in play. With only two short-stacked players behind him, Lawrence will have to fight if he hopes to claim the National Championship.