AUSSIE poker king Joe Hachem is in the money again after winning $345,000 in a Las Vegas tournament.

The former Melbourne chiropractor, who won $10 million playing poker almost a year ago, yesterday outlasted 822 poker players to finish runner-up in the World Series of Poker event.

But Hachem was a little disappointed he didn't win the tournament and the $649,000 first prize.

"It's bittersweet. On one hand it's a great result but I'm not happy that I didn't win," the 40-year-old father of four said.

Hachem looked set to beat Californian Russ Boyd but the turn of the final card, a five of diamonds, gave the American two pairs and the tournament.

Hachem said when he saw that card "my heart sank to my ankles".

"I had him right where I wanted him," he said.

"I'm disappointed I didn't win. I pushed him as hard as I could."

Hachem's finish was watched by his wife, Jeannie, who hugged him moments after the No Limit Hold 'Em game ended.

"She was disappointed for me. She's my No. 1 fan," Hachem said.

"She said to me, I hope you are happy with the result."

Asked what he was going to do with the $345,000 he'd earned for three days' play,

Hachem laughed and said: "I have no idea. Maybe I'll buy a property for one of the kids."

Hachem said he hoped the big payday would send a message to the world's best poker players that he was "the real deal".

"Anyone in their own field wants the recognition they deserve," Hachem said.

This month Hachem will defend his World Series of Poker world title in Las Vegas, competing for a first prize of $13.4 million.
By Nick Papps