One of the big names in recent poker history is Canadian Daniel Negreanu. An ambassador for GGPoker, he is fighting for his 8th career bracelet. However, it will not be in Event #7 (US$ 25,000 Heads-up Championship) that another gem will be added to the star’s resume. Negreanu was eliminated in 11th place and received US$ 60,000 for his run.
Read more Michael Casella defeats poker legends and wins bracelet; Yuri comes close to the final table
Thus, Negreanu advanced to Day 2 of the tournament and, after the draw, faced the Chinese Biao Ding. The opponent is a regular in Triton events and has more than US$ 21 million in live earnings. However, despite his impressive resume, Ding is still seeking his first WSOP title. Initially, the Canadian built a big lead and almost ended the confrontation.
However, the night truly belonged to the Asian player. With only a fraction of his opponent’s chips, he managed the first double by winning K9s against Negreanu’s 75s in a pre-flop all-in. Then, Ding’s ATo beat the Canadian’s KQs in another important pot, completely changing the dynamics of the duel.
However, the hand that practically decided the result was cruel to Negreanu. “I can’t take it anymore”, said the Canadian right after losing a 30 big blind all-in while holding a dominating hand. Then, the star left the table and went to talk to his friend Josh Arieh to report what had happened.
Read more Iago Botelho wins 144-High and stands out on Anniversary Series Sunday
Cruelty in the form of the river
Thus, the play began when the Canadian had a slight advantage over Biao Ding’s stack. Negreanu limped in with AQo and the Asian raised holding A9s. In response, the seven-time WSOP bracelet winner announced an all-in. With about 30 big blinds, Ding decided to call and put the tournament at risk.
In addition, the situation heavily favored the Canadian. The flop brought 5 2 6, with two hearts, and only Negreanu had that suit. The turn presented a T, leaving the Asian with only three outs. However, a 9 appeared on the river and completed one of the most painful comebacks in Negreanu’s recent WSOP journey.
Finally, Negreanu fell in the next hand and said goodbye to the tournament. Biao Ding also failed to maintain momentum and lost the subsequent confrontation to Bulgarian Dimitar Danchev. The Chinese finished in 7th place and received US$ 150,000, while the tournament advanced to the semifinals. Besides Danchev, Ryuta Nakai, Nikita Kuznetsov, and Alex Foxen remain in the fight for the bracelet and the US$ 800,000 prize awarded to the champion.
Read more Yang Wang wins bracelet for China by defeating Jesse Lonis at WSOP 2026
