When play resumes in the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event final table, Darus Suharto will be sixth in chips. He is the self-proclaimed amateur at the table and has had his life turned upside-down ever since the tournament wrapped up play in July. Suharto revealed what his life has been like over the past 100 days to Poker News Daily.
Poker News Daily: Describe what it was like pausing the biggest tournament in the world for 100 days? What effect, if any, do you think it will have on your game?
Suharto: I was so tired. At the time, the break was great. If you ask me now, I would say it was horrible. I’ve been waiting for three months and still don’t know what’s going to happen.
PND: Many have argued that pushing the final table of the Main Event means that a person’s momentum could be disrupted. Do you agree with this?
Suharto: That’s one of the things I don’t like about the break. When you’re playing, you’re in the zone and feeling good. My reads were dead on and that gives you a lot of confidence. Now, having a three months’ break, I don’t know anymore. I still believe in my reads, but it will be tough.
PND: What has it been like working with PokerStars? Do you expect to work with them further in the future?
Suharto: I love PokerStars. I’m not bragging here or trying to suck up, but they are great. They’ve been wonderful to us and supportive. I have no complaints. I play almost exclusively online there. PokerStars understands what big players need and I expect to keep working with them in the future.
PND: Has the final table looming over your head impacted your play recently? Why or why not?
Suharto: I played in two events at the EPT London and played one more event at the WPT North American Poker Championship. You have to recognize that I don’t have a lot of live poker experience. I was the chip leader at Niagara Falls, but got my usual donk on and had aces cracked against jacks on Day 2. On Day 1, I was the chip leader and on Day 2, I was short-stacked. I don’t think I wasn’t able to focus. I put a lot of expectations on myself and just haven’t played at the same level as I did in the Main Event.
PND: What have you taken away from watching your own game unfold every week?
Suharto: I played pretty well. On Day 5, ESPN showed a hand against Tiffany Michelle that I thought I played well. I had 7-6 offsuit and she re-raised. I called and the flop came 4-5-6, all spades, and we both checked. The turn was the queen of spades and she had pocket queens. She bet out 120,000 into a 160,000 pot and I raised to 225,000. I think it’s a good raise. The river came another six. She checked and I checked. I lost that pot, but I still played well. Nothing has been shown that I’m embarrassed about.
PND: Would you be disappointed if you didn’t win the Main Event or is making the final table more than enough?
Suharto: Making the final table has been great. I didn’t expect to be here, so whatever happens, I’ll cherish it. Of course I’ll be disappointed if I don’t win. You come so close, but I have to put everything in perspective.
PND: Any plans for the money, regardless of where you finish?
Suharto: I’m very conservative. I’m just going to put the money into the bank and invest it. I don’t have any special cause.
PND: Talk about the play of Ivan Demidov, who also made the final table of the WSOP Europe Main Event.
Suharto: I played with Ivan for two hours on Day 4 and a quite a bit on Day 7. He is a very strong, solid player and you have to put him on a hand. I know a little bit about how to read him, but I won’t say anything more on it.
PND: Do you plan to quit your job as an accountant in order to play poker full-time?
Suharto: If I win it all, then it will be a different answer, but I love my job. If I win, then I don’t have to worry about paying bills anymore. I don’t know what I would do. I plan to go back to work because I said to my boss that I would go back, but I don’t know for how long. One million dollars is not enough to retire.