Today's Corporation representative was Jennifer Harman, who hit the felt about 11 a.m. PST with Doyle Brunson seated to her right. Andy Beal was wearing his trademark white visor and white shirt, with headphones and sunglasses. Michael Craig, the author of
The Professor, The Banker and The Suicide King, sat to his right. The blinds were $50,000-$100,000.
David Gray and Marco Traniello were present from the start. Gray seemed surprised that the press was so interested in the private matches between Beal and The Corporation. "I had no idea it was going to be this big of a deal. We are very protective about our privacy." He added, "I just think it's crazy. It's like, since tournaments became televised, fans think that the winners are geniuses. People lose sight of poker players that have been making a living at cash games for decades. Normally, you can't get anyone to talk to or about cash game players. Then you get this and it's not televised and everyone wants a piece of it."
Kristy Gazes, fun-loving and gregarious, made an appearance and blew Jennifer Harman a kiss from the rails. Harman smiled and waved back. Gazes said, "I'd go up and say hello to her in any other environment, but this is intense." She added, "I'd be like the black cat, or something." Implying she might bring Harman bad luck.
Minh Ly showed up around 4 p.m. and Johnny Chan made an appearance at about 5 p.m. Ly explained that Beal wanted to play the game in Texas this weekend, but no one within the Corporation would agree, so he had to fly back. Beal arrived in Las Vegas about 8 p.m. and appeared fresh, well rested and enthusiastic.
Ly said, "I just found out yesterday that Beal was on his way back. I was pretty happy about it. It's good when he comes. It's even better when we win because it beefs up our $4,000-$8,000 high-stakes game at the Bellagio. It's like when Lyle Berman shows up. The game is on."
The Corporation was down about $4 million by 5 p.m. and play was planned to go until 7 p.m.
Beal took a break about 5 p.m. and this reporter mentioned to him that he'd developed quite a fan base. His response was that of surprise. He exclaimed, "I'm glad to hear that; it makes me feel good." He was wearing earplugs and leaned in to make another comment. "I'm up right now and doing good." Beal then rushed back to his table, put his headphones on and resumed play.
A few moments later, Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson were talking among themselves outside the poker room. They appeared calm and unaffected by the financial slide of the day. Probably because profits and losses are not measured by one day's play. This match has been going on for years and The Corporation is still in the lead overall.
Play ended at approximately 7 p.m. and it appeared The Corporation was not able to recoup their losses of the day. An official number will be posted as soon as it becomes available. It is known that the Las Vegas team was down almost $5 million at one point. They were able to bring themselves back up to a $2 million deficit, but lost a couple of racks by the end of the session.
Tomorrow's play is scheduled to begin around 9 a.m. PST.
Card Player will be there to collect the day's happenings and prepare an evening report.
