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Poker Stories |
The time honored method that most parents have employed when their kids fit squarely into the "brat" category is to deliver a spanking to the misbehaving progeny. Of course there are those who frown on this practice. In fact, in the state of California there is a bill being considered that would outlaw spankings in any domicile not owned by Heidi Fleiss. Though the nature of physical spankings may be the subject of intense debate, not many people can argue with the spanking that was inflicted upon poker's biggest brat during the PartyPoker.com Premier League Poker.
Phil Hellmuth came to the final table with a chip lead and a fair amount of trash talk. Joining him at the table that would decide the champioinship was the "Flying Finn", Juha Helppi. On this day, Helppi was also celebrating his 30th birthday, and didn't intend to mark the day by crying in his beer with a consolation prize while watching somebody else take the title.
Juha, still stinging from his runner up finish to Hellmuth during the 2006 WSOP, went right at the Brat. He immediately began chopping down the chip lead that was temporarily enjoyed by poker's most polarizing figure. As the Brat's chips were quickly disappearing, it was obvious to all observers that Phil was holding back a tantrum.
Helppi completed a birthday route by knocking Phil out of the tournament. Juha challenged his loud mouthed opponent's pair of Kings with an off-suit 7-8. By the time the last card was dealt to the center of the table, Phil could not upgrade his Kings, and Helppi had two-pair. Phil's ego could take no more abuse. "You are such a donkey", Hellmuth shouted, "How could you call a $50,000 re-raise with eight seven off suit. You tried to give me the chip lead!"
After dispatching Phil, Juha quickly defeated the only remaining competitor: the German WSOP bracelet holder Eddy Scharf.
Once Helppi was crowned champion, Hellmuth immediately started calling for a rematch with the Finland native. While the prospects of a rematch are still up in the air, Juha was elated with the outcome. "This was not about the money," said Helppi. "If I hadn't beaten Phil, it would have hurt really bad. This is a big title with a top quality field and it happened as I hit a big landmark in my life. I will remember this forever. It is a perfect birthday present."
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