Bonillo captures first SPT victory.

USC-Oklahoma rematch at final two.

Barry Bonillo won the first event of the 2005 SPT season on Friday night, his first on the SPT. Bonillo won $131 and a much desired victory, beating a tournament field of 13 players.

Play started shortly after 7, and it became apparent that Sean didn't need to be drinking to be playing loosely, as he played almost every hand. On the first hand, he called with 2-4 (probably suited), and saw a flop of A-rag-rag vs. Waiz with A-7. Waiz checked, and Sean bet on all 3 streets. Of course, the turn was a 4 and the river a 2 to give him a runner-runner 2 pair. Waiz's bad luck continued as he was all-in with A-5 of diamonds vs. Dave's queens. 3 clubs came on the flop (Dave had a club). The turn was nothing, but the river was an Ace... of clubs.

Sean was out shortly thereafter as he made 2 pair on the river with A-4, but the Ace gave Dave a straight, and he moved all-in, being quickly called by Sean. Kevin was out quickly after that as he raised with 6-6, Stamp moved in with A-Q, Kevin called, saying "Only because it's Stamp and he always loses coinflips". This time, however, Stamp won the coinflip, hitting a straight on the turn, and we were down to 9 and the final table.

Jim quickly bemoaned his position at the final table, in between Mark and Dave, who were both hyper aggressive. One hand had a nothing flop, with Mark moving all-in with A-Q, only to be called by Dave with K-Q, with Mark doubling up. Jim was out in 9th when he limped in on the button with Q-10 of diamonds. Stamp checked in the big blind, and saw the flop of A-10-6. Both checked, and a 7 came on the turn. Stamp bet $500. Jim pondered and looked at his last $1500, finally deciding to move all-in. Stamp called with A-5, and Jim got no help.

Chad was out next on a bad beat from Holmes, followed by Bill and Rick. This reporter missed those hands due to a disastrous bluff with pocket 3's in a side game.

The final 5 of Dave, Holmes, Stamp, Spicey and Barry was set, with all earning points towards player of the year and the year end TOC. However, only the top 4 would be paid. A huge hand developed with 3 players as Holmes moved all-in from the button with 6-6, Dave called with K-10, and Stamp called with Q-Q. The flop of Q-4-4 gave Stamp the pot, as he knocked out Dave, and the final 4 was set. Holmes was short stacked at this point, and forced to move in, being called by Spicey, who knocked him out with ace high.

The final 3 of Spicey, Barry and Stamp went back and forth for quite a while. A number of split pots occurred, and the all-in bets were mostly folded to by others. A few notable hands occurred. Barry doubled up through Stamp with Q-Q vs. Stamp's A-9. Barry and Spicey got into a hand that it looked like would be the end of Spicey. The board was Q-Q-6, with Spicey betting, and Barry calling. The turn was a 6, with Spicey checking, Barry moving all-in, and Spicey calling. Spicey showed AK, and Barry showed 6-7 for the full house. Spicey was even declared drawing dead... until the Q came on the river to get a split pot.

Play went back and forth with the chip lead varying from each player many times. Finally, Barry limped in on the button with AQ, Stamp moved all-in with pocket fives, and Barry called. A Q on the flop, and another on the river ended it for Stamp.

Heads up play was a rematch, of sorts, of the recent championship game. Spicey was outfitted in a USC shirt, while Barry had his usual Oklahoma outfit on. Heads-up play had Barry pick up pocket 8's and pocket Kings on the first two plays, but Spicey had folded both to his raises. Barry had about a 3-1 chip lead here, and raised to try to end the match. On the final hand, Spicey had A-Q and called a raise from Barry, who had K-4 of hearts. The flop of 3-3-4 was met with an all-in from Spicey. Barry thought for a long time, before finally saying "Let's go" and showing his two pair. The 2 of clubs on the turn gave Spicey a straight draw and a flush draw, but the 3 on the river gave Barry a full house and the victory.

Barry's victory is his first on the SPT and his 5th money finish. Stamp and Spicey continued a strong run, as both have finished in the top 4 in the last 3 tournaments. However, both are still looking for their first SPT win. The money finishes, however, tied both with Kevin for most in SPT history.

Even though Stamp finished 3rd, he actually lost ground in the career points total as both Barry and Spicey over-took him.