2008 World Series: Daniel Negreanu wins fourth bracelet

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Has Daniel Negreanu been called “Kid” a little too long? Ten years ago it seemed fitting for a young brash pro, with bags of confidence and ego. So the name stuck. But tonight the Team PokerStars Pro took his place among the greats of the game by winning his fourth World Series bracelet.

Daniel had bullied he field into shape on Days 1 and 2 so some may have thought the win in the $2,000 Limit Hold’em was a foregone conclusion. At the start of the final he was third in chips and as if often the case in limit poker Daniel’s hopes went up and down, sometimes looking like they were in jeopardy. But he stuck to the game he knows...

"The last time I won [a bracelet] was this event in 2004," he said after his victory. "I love the game."

Having played more hands of limit hold’em than any other game Daniel knew that even when the chips are literally down your chances don’t have to be the same.

"The key is stay composed and stay focused," he said.

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Daniel Negreanu hamming it up during a break in the $2,000 Limit Hold'em Event

He did just that. When his aces were cracked he fought back. When his kings were cracked, he fought back and down to three players many believed the bracelet was as good as his. They were right. With the lead secured he never looked likely to give it up.

The result was worth $204,874, life changing money for some, but for Daniel (who often bets more than that on the golf course) the money was not the important factor. What’s important is the bracelet and that however old he gets he’ll always be “Kid Poker” – a winner of World Series bracelets.

Nolan Dalla presented him with the bracelet which Daniel slipped over his hand...

"I might have to take a few links out. I have pretty skinny wrists."