By Arthur Crowson
Thang Luu did what few others have done before him late Sunday night, winning back-to-back titles at the World Series of Poker.
Luu overcame a record 917 players to win the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo, defending his 2008 title.
"It feels better than my first bracelet," said a cheerful Luu. "I just tried to play good. Even when I was short on chips I thought I had it."
What makes Luu's victory so impressive is not just the two wins, but the fact he also finished runner-up to Frankie O'Dell in a $2,000 Omaha 8 event at the the 2007 WSOP.
Sunday's final table was no walk in the park either, as the always dangerous Jordan Rich, Freddy Deeb and the surprisingly crafty Ed Smith presented serious obstacles.
Luu came into the final table third in chips, but managed to get heads-up with Smith holding a slight chip lead before running away with the bracelet.
Considering the outcome, Luu has become a huge proponent of lower buy-in events at the WSOP.
"I think the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo is perfect," he said. "You get a lot of players who are just learning the game."
Luu said he'll definitely be back to defend again next year.
"I'll play next year, the year after that, the year after that and the year after that," he said.
