Day 6 of the marathon 38th
World Series of Poker main event started with Englishman Jon 'Skalie' Kalmar on $2,665,000 in chips and a highly-regarded but largely unknown reputation.
He ended the day with around $20 million in chips.
Outside of his online and live associates, primarily in the UK, Kalmar's name would hitherto barely have raised an eyebrow in wider poker circles. But ask those in the know and they will agree his ultra-aggressive style is always sure to cause problems for opponents.
'Skalie' now finds himself among the three chip leaders in the final nine of the world's richest and most prestigious poker tournament and is in an exceptional position for a shot at the $10,000 world championship no-limit hold'em title.
An example of the style that hastened his ascent to the top came deep into the evening when Kenny Tran raised to $325,000 from the button and Kalmar called from the big blind. The flop brought the 10
6
3
and Kalmar checked.
Tran bet $500,000 and Kalmar called. The turn brought the 9
and Kalmar again checked. Tran bet $1.3 million and Kalmar again quickly called. The 2
fell on the river and Kalmar announced he was all in.
Tran stared Kalmar down and eventually had the clock called on him. As Tran's countdown entered its final 10 seconds he announced his call. Kalmar tabled the A
8
for the nut flush and Tran was eliminated in 16th place for $381,302
The Lancashire lad is joined at the final table by Russian Alexander Kravchenko, who has already won a bracelet this
Series and is a real force to be reckoned with.
Kalmar and Kravchenko have one day to rest before the biggest poker challenge of their lives on Tuesday 17 July, when the final nine play down and one world champion will be crowned. Each will receive at least $525, 934.
Other Euro contenders who were eliminated as the day progressed included Stefan Mattsson in 22nd place for $333,490 and Christian Togsverd in 33rd place for $285,678.
Check back at
CardPlayer.com regularly for comprehensive European news from the final table of the main event at the
WSOP.
