Monday, March 3, 2008 | 2:54 p.m.
Chris Ferguson defeated Andy Bloch 2 matches to 1 in the championship round to win the fourth National Heads-Up Poker Championship title Sunday night at Caesars Palace.
Ferguson, runner-up in the 2005 and 2006 National Heads-Up tournaments, collected the top prize of $500,000 for his victory, bringing his lifetime earnings in the National Heads-Up event to $1 million.
On the final hand, with a board showing 10-7-3-7 with two spades, Ferguson went all-in and had Bloch covered. After a lengthy delay as he thought it over, Bloch called with 10-4 of spades -- top pair and a flush draw. Ferguson had pocket jacks. The river was another 7, which did not help Bloch and gave Ferguson the title.
"I'm ecstatic to finish first after the two second-place finishes," said Ferguson, nicknamed "Jesus" for his long hair, beard and gentle demeanor. "This is a very meaningful victory for me. I feel blessed to have had so much success in this tournament."
The National Heads-Up Poker Championship will be shown on NBC (Cox cable channel 3) on seven consecutive Sundays beginning April 13.
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