Edward Forlani and Jeff Littlefield endured a grueling heads-up match that lasted for hours. But Forlani chipped away at Littlefield until Littlefield was forced to make a move. Unfortunately for Littlefield, he chose the wrong moment, when he discovered Forlani had kings in the hole, ultimately winning him the hand and the tournament.

Edward Forlani is the 2006 4th Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic $2,000 No-limit hold'em champion. He won $239,775 in prize money, a diamond-gold event bracelet, and has qualified for a seat in the WPT Championship (worth $25,000) on the 18th.

Edward Forlani mentioned it was hard to take the hyper-aggressive approach against such a content and passive player during heads-up action that went on for hours. Forlani says he became impatient, and decided to make a move. This is how the hand went down:

Edward Forlani was on the button, with the small blind. First to act, he limped, calling the big blind. Jeff Littlefield raised (on his option), all in, for his last 120,000. Forlani immediately called. Littlefield turned over As-4h, and Forlani flipped over pocket kings (Kc-Ks). The flop came Jh-10s-7s, and Little field would need to spike an ace or go runner-runner spaids for the nut flush. But the turn was the Qc. Any flush possibilities were out the door and an ace would be the only card that could save Littlefield. The river was the 7h and Forlani won the hand.

Jeff Littlefield would take second place ($132,345).

The blinds are going up to 10,000-20,000 (4,000 ante).

Approximate chip counts:

Edward Forlani 172,000
Jeff Littlefield 180,000

Both players are going into the 16th level about even.

The blinds are now 8,000-16,000 (3,000 ante).

Jeff Littlefield has made himself comfortable, pulling up a second chair so he can elevate his feet and slipping off his shoes to rest a while.

Both players are about even in chips with around 600,000 a piece.

After the turn, with the board showing Js-9c-9h-7d, Forlani (in early position) bet 40,000 and Hinchcliffe called. The river (Ac) fell, and Forlani moved all in. Hinchcliffe called, but Forlani had him covered. He showed his hand (10c-9s), for a set of nines. Normally, that would be a strong hand, considering all the action after the flop and turn. But, Forlani also had a nine, with a better kicker (Kd-9d).

Chris Hinchcliffe is out in 3d place ($66,175)

Forlani bet 40,000, after the flop (Jh-h-10s), and Hinchcliffe made it 120,000 to go. Forlani pushed all in, for around 120,000 more, and Hinchcliffe called. Forlani had pocket aces (Ah-Ad) and Hinchcliffe would go into the turn with Q-7 suited (hearts), for a straight or a flush draw. The 3s came on the turn and a 2c fell on the river, missing Hinchcliffe's hand completely. Forlani would become the new chip leader with over 600,000.