For some poker players, this maxim is absolute: “you need to know how to ask for the cards”. Lucas Jumalon led the entire final table of the WSOP Main Event, but saw Lauri Saaskilahti grow in the heads-up and reduce the chip difference. Right at the start of the confrontation, the two put all their chips in the center of the table and, by a very narrow margin, the tournament did not end at that moment.
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Thus, the action happened when Lucas Jumalon had 422 million in chips, while the opponent had 131 million. The blinds were at 2 million/4 million, with big blind ante. The Finn received A♥T♦ on the button and made a raise to 10 million. With A♠9♣ and a large chip advantage, the American responded aggressively.
In this way, the future champion made a 3-bet to 131 million, putting the opponent all-in. “I think it’s time to double up”, said Lauri Saaskilahti before reflecting for a few moments, jokingly trying to interview Jumalon and, finally, putting the chip in the center of the table to call the bet.
Additionally, with the cards revealed, the European found an excellent opportunity to double his chips and catch up to the American. Then, the two watched the outcome of the hand alongside their respective supporters. The flop brought 4♠Q♦A♦ and kept Saaskilahti in the lead.
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The incredible turn request
However, the broadcast cameras focused on Lucas Jumalon right after the flop. At that moment, the American clearly asked for a nine of diamonds, while his best friend massaged his shoulders. Then, the card appeared exactly as he wished. The 9♦ came on the turn and completely changed the scenario of the hand.
However, the turnaround left Lucas Jumalon with 66% chance to end the tournament before even half an hour of heads-up. Even so, Lauri Saaskilahti still had 15 outs to survive, secure the double, and continue fighting for the title.
Finally, one of those outs appeared on the river. The 6♦ completed Lauri Saaskilahti‘s flush, who finally managed to reduce the gap to Lucas Jumalon and gave the impression that the duel would be long. Despite the recovery, the Finn made a questionable call a few hands later and ended up finishing as the runner-up of the WSOP Main Event.
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