California novice wins poker title

LAS VEGAS - California psychologist Jerry Yang pounced when he sensed weakness. When he needed outside help, his prayers were answered.

Yang began playing poker only 2 years ago, but he quickly jumped from eighth in chips at the final table and won the World Series of Poker's main event. He used his dominant position to knock out seven challengers and take home $8.25 million and poker's most coveted bracelet early yesterday morning.

"The only way that I could win this tournament was by being aggressive from the very beginning and that's exactly what I did," he said. "And thank God I was also able to pick up some good cards at the same time." *