Big blind play

[kcbadbeat]

Recently, I played in a tournament and made it to the final two tables. I had about 16k in chips with the blinds at 1k-2k. Wanted some advice about this hand. I haven't been at this table long, but UTG and the button for this hand have shown hands that lead me to believe they were loose players.

UTG calls big blind.
Next player folds.
Button calls big blind.
Small blind folds.
Hero checks with 9 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]-8 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]. Probably made a bad play here. Should I have pushed all in?

Flop comes 9 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]-6 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]-2 [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img].
With top pair bad kicker and first to act, what is right play?
Go easy on me, I'm pretty new to poker! : )

[markbris]

Checking preflop is fine i think, You could push allin but I dont think its worth it. When this flop comes, you have to lead out for about 4k or so and get it all in if you get raised. If you get called, push the turn regardless.

[mornelth]

Preflop - fine, flop - push...