Amir Vahedi Poker Tournament Updates

Hellmuth Gathering Chips

Jun 28, '07

Hellmuth has been hearing it from the player to his left the moment since he sat down at his table.  That player is none other than Dario Minieri the Italian wunderkind, who was the first to cash in his FPP's at Pokerstars to receive a Porsche Cayman S (You only need 3,000,000 point to get your own).  Apparently Minieri has been trading barbs with Hellmuth as he has been building his tiered-chipstack.  Hellmuth finally let his cards do the talking when he nailed Mineri with a value bet on a board of A 7 3 3 9.  Hellmuth bet $15,000, and Minieri eventually made the call.  Hellmuth showed the 7 7, and dragged the pot with his boat.

Men Nguyen also got back at Eugene Todd for cracking on his chipstack when he sat down, as Nguyen sent Todd packing himself.

Justin Bonomo and Jeff Madsen have been seated at the same table once again, and Madsen was able to exact some revenge.  It was folded around to the two of them in the blinds, and Madsen made  a small raise from the small blind and Bonomo called.  The flop was 7 3 2, Madsen bet $5,000, Bonomo raised to $15,000, Madsen moved all in for $19,800 more and Bonomo called.  Bonomo flipped the 7 5 first, but Madsen held A A and the advantage.  The turn and river were the 8  and the K, and Madsen doubled up.

Other notable eliminations include Joe Hachem, Amir Vahedi, and Erick Lindgren.

There are currently 120 players left on 20 tables.

Notable Chip Counts

Ram Vaswani	170,000
Alex Brenes	170,000
Dutch Boyd	168,000
Men "The Master" Nguyen	144,000
Mark Vos	120,000
Tobey Maguire	108,000
Justin "ZeeJustin" Bonomo	106,000
Sam Grizzle	100,000
Roland de Wolfe	100,000
Sorel "Imper1um" Mizzi	98,000
Nick Schulman	97,000
Bill Edler	96,000
Allen Cunningham	86,000
Tony G	84,000
Fred Goldberg	77,000
Jeff Madsen	76,000
Jeff Shulman	71,000
Scott Clements	60,000
Phil Hellmuth	57,000
Bill Gazes	56,000
Hoyt Corkins	55,000
Jamie Gold	54,000
Isabelle Mercier	50,000
Phil Laak	47,000
John Racener	39,000
Eugene Todd	37,000
Tony Hachem	33,000
Jon "pearljammer" Turner	32,300
Lee Watkinson	27,000

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Erick Lindgren,   Men Nguyen,   Phil Hellmuth,   Eugene Todd,   Justin Bonomo,   Joe Hachem,   Dario Minieri,   Jeff Madsen

H.O.R.S.E. Update

Jun 15, '07

The official numbers have just been released for Event 26, the $5,000 H.O.R.S.E. tournament. With 192 total entrants making up a combined prize pool of $902,400, Event 26 will be paying 24 spots. Our first place champion will receive $275,683 while 24^th place will receive $9,024. Here we are three and half hours later, and no one is any closer to the money as 192 players started the day at 5 p.m., and 192 players still remain.

During the Seven Card Stud Eight-Or-Better round, Amir Vahedi found himself in a big pot with Allen Kessler. Kessler showed a board of 8 4 4 3, and Vahedi just kept jamming the pot at every chance he got, but Kessler who was playing for the low hand was not going to drop. Kessler turned over 6 3 2 for the low hand while Vahedi showed K K K K 9 7 4 for quad kings. They split the pot.

Halfway through this level play switched into Omaha Eight-Or-Better where Daniel Negreanu managed to scoop a nice pot off of Cliff “Johnny Bax” Josephy. On a board of 5 3 2 7 J, Negreanu turns over 6 4 6 J for the heart flush and the six low. Negreanu scoops the pot and adds a lot of chips to his stack.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Daniel Negreanu,   Allen Kessler,   Cliff Josephy

Level Six Recap

Jun 13, '07

The sixth level of play has been completed and there are 288 players remaining. When the players return from their 15 minute break they will play half of level seven before going to dinner. Dinner break will be one and a half hours and play will resume promptly at 9 p.m.

At the end of level six dapper Londoner and WPT and WSOP final table veteran Ben Roberts is chip leader.

When asked how many chips he had and how he got them he shrugged nonchalantly and said, ‘If anything it’s over $80,000. I’m really enjoying it and that’s helping me make quality decisions.'

When asked if there was anyone particularly tricky at his table he pointed and said ‘My friend Howard.’ Lederer has around $15,000 in chips.

Hendon Mobster Ram Vaswani busted out just over half way through level five. With less than $2,000 in chips he flat called on the button to see a flop of J 9 3. Up against the big blind who checked, Ram pushed and turned over a desperate 5 3. The big blind called, flipping over J10 and his top pair remained good despite a 5 on the river for Ram. He motored away from his seat like he had somewhere, anywhere better to be.

Fellow Mobster Barny Boatman is playing canny and looks to have grown his chip stack marginally to around $23,000. He’s on Mike Sexton’s button and Sexton appears to be every bit as interested in the New York Yankees game being shown on the TV over his left shoulder.

Fellow Englishman Ian Woodley, 2nd in the 2005 Irish Open, has been living by the seat of his pants. After losing half his stack with fours against A-K mid-way through level five he almost immediately doubled back up to around $16,000 in chips when he flat called a raise with fives and hit a beautiful five on the flop, pushing all-in only to be called by queens which didn’t improve. He visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott has Isabel Mercier to his left. He looks tired and through level five and into level six he was up and down from his seat like a yo-yo but is still in contention despite appearing frustrated.

Jeff Shulman, J.C. Tran, Amir Vahedi, Johnny Chan and Chau Giang have all been eliminated. Giang was all in with Harry Demetriou after a flop of K 10 7. Giang had A J on the nut flush draw and Demetriou had 10-7 for two pair. The turn was the 3 and the river was the 8 and Giang was eliminated.

Tony Cousineau had been battling with a short stack for the past few hours and finally made the decision to push all in. He was called by the player in seat four who woke up with pocket kings. Cousineau had 8 6. The dealer peeled off 9 6 3 4 10 and Cousineau was eliminated.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Tony Cousineau,   J.C. Tran,   Benjamin Roberts,   Jeff Shulman,   Howard Lederer,   Ram Vaswani,   Johnny Chan,   Chau Giang,   Barny Boatman,   Mike Sexton,   Isabelle Mercier,   Ian Woodley

Play Ends For The Night

Jun 11, '07

Play was halted at 3:00am on the dot with about 10 minutes left in the current level.  Approximately 136 players remain in the tournament on 17 tables.  But several players busted in the last level of play.

Daniel Negreanu, Amir Vahedi, Richard "Quiet Lion" Brodie, and Steve Zolotow were all eliminated.  Two pros who had fought off the short-stack for quite a while also hit the exit.  Kristy Gazes was all in with two callers, and as they continued to bet into each other on the final streets, she began to pack up before the river came.  Marcel Luske was also all in in a three way pot during the last minute of play.  He picked a bad time to find wired nines, as his opponent turned out to have rolled up Kings.

But it was not all bust outs for sure.  Greg Raymer saw some ups and downs.  With a board of 8769, Raymer called his opponent, showing QQ54, all the way down.  Surely a bad sign, Raymer's opponent bet without looking at his river card.  At the showdown, the player flipped his unknown river card first, which turned out to be the Q, and he then exposed his original hole cards which amazingly were Q5.  Apparantly unfazed, Raymer scooped a large pot a few hands later by tripping a split pair of fives, and having them hold up to the river.

Also gathering chips was Jeff Madsen who ends the day above $25,000.  Madsen showed us when it is not favorable to pair your board in stud.  Having initially raised with the A, Madsen only received a call from a player showing K.  Madsen's 4th street was the A, prompting a quick fold from his opponent.  Madsen then showed his hole cards, KK, lamenting his action-killing Ace.

Also still in the mix are Ted Forrest, Annie Duke, and Perry Friedman.

Play will resume tomorrow at 3pm PST

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Annie Duke,   Kristy Gazes,   Richard Brodie,   Daniel Negreanu,   Ted Forrest,   Steve Zolotow,   Perry Friedman,   Marcel Luske,   Greg Raymer,   Jeff Madsen

Cha-Ching!

Jun 05, '07

Play has ended for day one of the $1,000 No Limit Hold 'Em with rebuys tournament. Today's event started with 844 players and there are now just 81 left. The bubble burst and tournament officials announced that play would end for the day as a result of everyone being in the money. Every returning player will earn at least $5,826. Play will resume tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will continue until the final table is reached.

Joe Sebok didn't survive long enough to make the money after making a move from the small blind. The player in seat eight bet out and Sebok asked him how much he had left. The player in seat eight only had around $26,000 left. Upon learning this, Sebok pushed all in. The player in the big blind, who had both Sebok and the player in seat eight covered, came over the top and pushed all in. Sebok had A-J and the player in the big blind woke up with aces. An ace hit on the flop and Sebok never improved.

Tournament officials announced that hand for hand play would begin at 83 players. Shortly after this announcement, Sorel Mizzi took it upon himself to help speed up the process. Following a flop of Q42, Mizzi bet out $10,000. His opponent in seat four raised him to $24,000. Mizzi pushed all in and had his opponent covered. Deciding whether or not to call appeared to be a painful process for the player in seat four and he took a very long time to make that decision. He eventually called and before he could flip over his cards Mizzi showed him his AA. The player in seat four had KQ. The board bricked out when the turn and the river came 3 and J, respectively. Mizzi doubled up to over $240,000 and sits alone as the current chip leader.

In the field returning tomorrow are Amir Vahedi, Kristy Gazes, Jeff Shulman, Brett Jungblut, Antonio Esfandiari, Mike Gracz, Shane Schleger, Sorel Mizzi, Jason Strasser, Gavin Griffin, Shannon Shorr, Michael Binger and Alex Prendes Jr. For day two action check back with CardPlayer.com.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Brett Jungblut,   Kristy Gazes,   Jeff Shulman,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Gavin Griffin,   Alex Prendes Jr.,   Shane Schleger,   Joe Sebok,   Michael Binger,   Jason Strasser,   Shannon Shorr,   Sorel Mizzi

Tourney Gaining Speed

Jun 05, '07

There are approximately 100 players left in today's field that started with 844. It seems that tables are continously breaking and forcing new match ups. Brett Jungblutt is now seated to the right of Gavin Griffin and Alex Prendes Jr. moved into the ten seat at his new table, directly to the left of Amir Vahedi and across the table from Kristy Gazes. Vahedi has been on a roll recently and has built his stack to $165,000. Vahedi has created a revolving door at his table, sending players packing before they can even get comfortable. Playing on his good fortune, Vahedi has taken it upon himself to grab the seat cards and yell "Floorman!" every time he busts another player.

Freddy Deeb and Kathy Liebert were eliminated in hand involving Tommy Vu and plenty of action. As told to CardPlayer.com, Liebert pushed all in for $6,000 and a player in middle position came over the top all in for about $3,000 more. Freddy Deeb and Tommy Vu both make the call and the flop came 986. Vu pushed all in and both Deeb and the player in middle position call. Liebert was holding A-A and Deeb had AQ for the nut flush draw. Vu turned over 9-9 for top set and the player in middle position had J-10. The turn was the K and the river was the 5 bringing no heart for Deeb, no ace for Liebert and no straight for the player in middle position. All three players were eliminated and Vu collected a very large pot. Daniel Negreanu and David Plastik were both eliminated this round as well.

The tournament will continue for one more level until 2 a.m., which conclude play for day one.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   David Plastik,   Kathy Liebert,   Kristy Gazes,   Daniel Negreanu,   Alex Prendes Jr.,   Freddy Deeb,   Tommy Vu

Chad Brown Escapes the Rail

Jun 05, '07

Chad Brown cheats tournament death and barely escapes being sent to the rail in Level 5. Amir Vahedi raises $500 from under the gun and gets six callers, including Chad Brown from the button. The flop comes 8-8-3 rainbow and Vahedi bets another $500. The next player to act moves all-in for $3,000 and the next player to act after him calls all-in for $2,800. Chad Brown is put to a decision as he’s looking down at 8-7 offsuit and his gut is telling him to fold. At this point, he tells me that he’s almost certain that the player who raises all-in has the case 8 with a better kicker and Chad decides to lay it down. Amir Vahedi along with the rest of the players throw their hands into the muck and the player who moved all-in shows A-A while the player who called all-in shows 10-10. Chad almost chokes when he sees how far ahead he was until an ace hits the river, filling his opponent's boat. What a relief for Chad as he gets to see another day from the tables and not the rail. A perfect example of how even the best of poker players can make the right move for the wrong reason.

 Chad Brown escaped the rail in Level 5, but Danny Wong and J.J. Liu weren’t as fortunate. Danny Wong took a really bad beat in Level 5, eliminating him from the tournament. Wong moves all-in on the turn with a board of Q-9-3-3 and his opponent makes the call. Wong flips over A-3 for trips while his opponent shows 4-3 with a flush draw. A spade hits the river and Wong is eliminated.

 J.J. Liu found herself heading towards the rail when she re-raised the big blind all-in and got called. Liu was holding A-2 against her opponent’s A-Q when the board came J-9-5-4-7.

 Not all hope was lost for the big name pros as Eugene Todd, Amir Vahedi, Shane Schleger, Young Pham, Jared Hamby and Phil Ivey all ended Level 5 with close to or more than $30,000.    

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Phil Ivey,   Joanne Liu,   Eugene Todd,   Shane Schleger,   Danny Wong,   Jared Hamby,   Young Pham

Done and Done

Jun 06, '07

Just like that play has ended in the $1,000 No Limt Hold 'Em with rebuys event. Nine players will return tomorrow at 3 p.m. to battle for a first place prize of $585,774 and the right to be called a World Series of Poker bracelet winner.

Todd Witteles was the final player eliminated today. Witteles finished in 10th place and will take home $23,811. With all the money in before the flop, Witteles was heads up against Barry Cales. Witteles had Q-Q and Cales had A-K. The board held strong for Witteles up until the river when the king hit and gave Cales the higher pair.

Amir Vahedi heads into the final the table as the clear chip leader with over $1,300,000. Accompanying him tomorrow are Mike Gracz, Dolph Arnold, Michael Chu, Barry Cales, Tommy Vu, Shane Schleger, Robert Aron and Jan Von Halle. CardPlayer.com will be back tomorrow with level updates and Pro Blogs.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Dolph Arnold,   Shane Schleger,   Todd Witteles,   Robert Aron,   Michael Chu,   Jan Von Halle,   Tommy Vu,   Barry Cales

Closer and Closer

Jun 06, '07

Tournament officials have moved the remaining 18 players down to two tables, effectively condensing the amount of talent left in the field. Seated at one table are Sorel Mizzi, Shane Schleger, Jason Strasser and Mike Gracz. The other table contains Tommy Vu, Mark Newhouse and Amir Vahedi.

Vinnie Vinh was finally blinded off and eliminated after failing to show up for day two of play. Vinh came into day two amongst the chip leaders but failed to play even a single hand all day. Vinh finished in 20th place and earned $16,232.

Barry Cales had the good fortune of doubling up through Gioi Luong and eliminating his opponent in the process. Luong pushed all in with KQ and Cales called with AK. The board came 93278 and Cales doubled up and Luong was eliminated in 19th place. Luong takes home $16,232 for his efforts in this event.

Mark Newhouse was the 18th place finisher, earning him $18,475. Newhouse pushed all in for the second hand in a row with Tommy Vu and Amir Vahedi still to act on his left. Vu reraised and Vahedi angrily folded his hand. Heads up, Newhouse had 99 and Vu showed KQ. The flop was Q106 and Newhouse stood up from his seat. The turn and river were no help (8,A) and Newhouse was sent to the rail.

After being crippled, Sorel Mizzi has been eliminated in 17th place. Mizzi had 10-5 with a 10 on the flop against his opponent who had K-10. Already behind, a king came on the river and when the dust settled, Mizzi was left with few chips. Mizzi was eliminated when his A10 ran into Joshua VanDuyn's pocket aces. Mizzi earns $18,475 for his finish.

There are 16 players remaining and play will continue today until the final table is reached.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Gioi Luong,   Michael Gracz,   Shane Schleger,   Jason Strasser,   Joshua VanDuyn,   Mark Newhouse,   Sorel Mizzi,   Tommy Vu,   Barry Cales

Strasser Takes Lead

Jun 06, '07

Play began after the color up, 10 minutes earlier than the remaining players were told.  Most returned to their seats in good time as several announcements were made about the early restart.  Michael Binger, however, did not hear the annonuncements, and was livid when he returned to find he had missed 10 minutes of action.

 

This level of play saw the exit of many top pros.  Jeff Shulman and Antonio Esfandiari could no longer survive on their short stacks and were knocked out.  Amir Vahedi, took one back for the old guard when he was able to make his pocket Aces hold up against Eric “Sheets” Haber’s pocket Queens.  Kristy Gazes rode quite a roller coaster.  She was crippled down to her last $11,000 after her opponent cracked her pocket Queens with a A-4.  She was all in on the next hand with J-10 suited against two callers holding A-6 and 7-7.  She flopped a flush draw and managed to hit a Jack on the river to stay alive.  A few hands later her luck ran out as she lost a race with 10-10 to Jason Strasser’s A-K.  Brett Jungblut  and Steve Paul Ambrose were also eliminated.

 

At the internet the table the attitude seems very upbeat, despite each of the players trying to ‘stack’ each other.  Pokerstars superstar Dario Minieri, the first to win a Porsche Carrera by accumulating 3 million Frequent Player points, was involved in two big hands with online pros.  First Dario lost a race to Josh Vanduyn with A-K versus 7-7.  Then Dario moved all in after a Todd Witteles raise.  Witteles made the call and both players flipped over A-K, and each ended up making two pair, and they chopped the pot. 

 

Jason Strasser has quietly crept into the chip lead, continuing his fantastic showing so far at this year’s World Series

 

There are currently 29 players remaining.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Brett Jungblut,   Kristy Gazes,   Jeff Shulman,   Eric Haber,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Todd Witteles,   Michael Binger,   Jason Strasser,   Joshua VanDuyn,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Dario Minieri

Hour Three Update

Jun 07, '07

Hour Three Starts with A Bang
Amir Vahedi raises to $90,000 and Dolph Arnold makes the call from the big blind.  The flop comes J92, and Vahedi bets $140,000.  Arnold moves all in for $437,000 total and Vahedi insta-calls.  Vahedi only has $448,000 and if he loses this pot he will be crippled.  Arnold shows down 107, and Vahedi QQ.  The turn is the Q giving Vahedi a set of queens.  The river is the 8 and Arnold hits his straight draw.  Vahedi looks disgusted as he counts down the chips to ship to Arnold.  Vahedi is left with just $11,000.  

Amir Vahedi Eliminated 7th ($63,327)
Amir Vahedi moves all in for his last $4,000 and Michael Chu raises to $125,000.  Shane Schleger moved all in over the top for $94,000 more.  Chu quickly made the call and the cards were turned up.  Schleger tabled AK, Chu AJ, and Vahedi 65.  A rowdy cheer when out when Vahedi's hand was announced, followed by some laughter.  The board came A8344, Schleger double up and Vahedi was eliminated 7th for $63,327. 

Shane Schleger Cracks Aces
Barry Cales raises to $85,000 and Shane Schleger calls.  The flop comes J97, Schleger checks and Cales bets $150,000.  Schleger raises all in for $276,000 and Cales immediately calls with AA.  Schleger tables QJ and needs some help.  The turn is the 4, and Schleger has one foot out the door.  However the river comes Q, Schleger spikes two pair and doubles up.

Michael Gracz Eliminated 6th ($84,858)
Michael Gracz moves all in for his last $200,000 with Q6 and is called by Tommy Vu with KK.  The board comes A103A6, Gracz cannot beat Vu, and is eliminated in 6th place for $84,858.

Break
Players are on break. 

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Dolph Arnold,   Shane Schleger,   Michael Chu

Hour One Update

Jun 07, '07

Blinds Raised
The blinds are now $10,000-$20,000 with a $3,000 ante.

Jan Von Halle Eliminated 9th ($34,196)
Dolph Arnold calls and Jan Von Halle moves all in.  Michael Chu makes the call and shows down AK.  Von Halle tables 92.  The board comes A55310, Von Halle fails to improve and is eliminated in 9th place for $34,196.

Michael Chu Takes Down Big Pot
Amir Vahedi raises and Michael Chu reraises to $140,000.  Vahedi makes the call and the flop comes 1083.  Chu bets $150,000 and Vahedi quickly calls.  The turn is the 9, Chu bets $250,000 and Vahedi calls.  The river is the K, both players check and Chu shows QQ.  Vahedi mucks and Chu drags a pot worth over $1,000,000 chips. 

Chu Taking No Prisoners
Michael Chu has come out of the gates firing.  He has been consistently raising and reraising, and players have taken notice.  That could be why he was able to get paid of by Vahedi a few hands ago when Chu held queens.  We will have to wait for the hole cards to find out.

Barry Cales Doubles Up
Dolph Arnold raises to $60,000 and Michael Gracz reraises to $180,000.  Barry Cales moves all in for his last $225,000 with AJ and is called by Gracz with K10.  The crowd begins to chant, "Barry, Barry, Barry" but its Gracz that takes the lead on the 1085 flop.  His lead is shortlived because Cales turns the A to make the best hand.  The river is the 9, and Cales wins a pot worth over $500,000 chips.

Robert Aron Eliminated 8th ($46,862)
Tommy Vu raises to $70,000 and Robert Aron moves all in for his final $154,000.  Vu makes the call and tables Q10, but is dominated by Aron's AQ.  The first four cards come J549, and Vu can win by spiking a king, ten or eight.  The river is the K, Vu makes the straight and sends Aron home with $46,862.  

Break
Hour one ends with the players on a 20 min break.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Dolph Arnold,   Robert Aron,   Michael Chu

Cha-Ching!

Jun 05, '07

Play has ended for day one of the $1,000 No Limit Hold 'Em with rebuys tournament. Today's event started with 844 players and there are now just 81 left. The bubble burst and tournament officials announced that play would end for the day as a result of everyone being in the money. Every returning player will earn at least $5,826. Play will resume tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will continue until the final table is reached.

Joe Sebok didn't survive long enough to make the money after making a move from the small blind. The player in seat eight bet out and Sebok asked him how much he had left. The player in seat eight only had around $26,000 left. Upon learning this, Sebok pushed all in. The player in the big blind, who had both Sebok and the player in seat eight covered, came over the top and pushed all in. Sebok had A-J and the player in the big blind woke up with aces. An ace hit on the flop and Sebok never improved.

Tournament officials announced that hand for hand play would begin at 83 players. Shortly after this announcement, Sorel Mizzi took it upon himself to help speed up the process. Following a flop of Q42, Mizzi bet out $10,000. His opponent in seat four raised him to $24,000. Mizzi pushed all in and had his opponent covered. Deciding whether or not to call appeared to be a painful process for the player in seat four and he took a very long time to make that decision. He eventually called and before he could flip over his cards Mizzi showed him his AA. The player in seat four had KQ. The board bricked out when the turn and the river came 3 and J, respectively. Mizzi doubled up to over $240,000 and sits alone as the current chip leader.

In the field returning tomorrow are Amir Vahedi, Kristy Gazes, Jeff Shulman, Brett Jungblut, Antonio Esfandiari, Mike Gracz, Shane Schleger, Sorel Mizzi, Jason Strasser, Gavin Griffin, Shannon Shorr, Michael Binger and Alex Prendes Jr. For day two action check back with CardPlayer.com.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Brett Jungblut,   Kristy Gazes,   Jeff Shulman,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Gavin Griffin,   Alex Prendes Jr.,   Shane Schleger,   Joe Sebok,   Michael Binger,   Jason Strasser,   Shannon Shorr,   Sorel Mizzi

Tourney Gaining Speed

Jun 05, '07

There are approximately 100 players left in today's field that started with 844. It seems that tables are continously breaking and forcing new match ups. Brett Jungblutt is now seated to the right of Gavin Griffin and Alex Prendes Jr. moved into the ten seat at his new table, directly to the left of Amir Vahedi and across the table from Kristy Gazes. Vahedi has been on a roll recently and has built his stack to $165,000. Vahedi has created a revolving door at his table, sending players packing before they can even get comfortable. Playing on his good fortune, Vahedi has taken it upon himself to grab the seat cards and yell "Floorman!" every time he busts another player.

Freddy Deeb and Kathy Liebert were eliminated in hand involving Tommy Vu and plenty of action. As told to CardPlayer.com, Liebert pushed all in for $6,000 and a player in middle position came over the top all in for about $3,000 more. Freddy Deeb and Tommy Vu both make the call and the flop came 986. Vu pushed all in and both Deeb and the player in middle position call. Liebert was holding A-A and Deeb had AQ for the nut flush draw. Vu turned over 9-9 for top set and the player in middle position had J-10. The turn was the K and the river was the 5 bringing no heart for Deeb, no ace for Liebert and no straight for the player in middle position. All three players were eliminated and Vu collected a very large pot. Daniel Negreanu and David Plastik were both eliminated this round as well.

The tournament will continue for one more level until 2 a.m., which conclude play for day one.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   David Plastik,   Kathy Liebert,   Kristy Gazes,   Daniel Negreanu,   Alex Prendes Jr.,   Freddy Deeb,   Tommy Vu

Chad Brown Escapes the Rail

Jun 05, '07

Chad Brown cheats tournament death and barely escapes being sent to the rail in Level 5. Amir Vahedi raises $500 from under the gun and gets six callers, including Chad Brown from the button. The flop comes 8-8-3 rainbow and Vahedi bets another $500. The next player to act moves all-in for $3,000 and the next player to act after him calls all-in for $2,800. Chad Brown is put to a decision as he’s looking down at 8-7 offsuit and his gut is telling him to fold. At this point, he tells me that he’s almost certain that the player who raises all-in has the case 8 with a better kicker and Chad decides to lay it down. Amir Vahedi along with the rest of the players throw their hands into the muck and the player who moved all-in shows A-A while the player who called all-in shows 10-10. Chad almost chokes when he sees how far ahead he was until an ace hits the river, filling his opponent's boat. What a relief for Chad as he gets to see another day from the tables and not the rail. A perfect example of how even the best of poker players can make the right move for the wrong reason.

 Chad Brown escaped the rail in Level 5, but Danny Wong and J.J. Liu weren’t as fortunate. Danny Wong took a really bad beat in Level 5, eliminating him from the tournament. Wong moves all-in on the turn with a board of Q-9-3-3 and his opponent makes the call. Wong flips over A-3 for trips while his opponent shows 4-3 with a flush draw. A spade hits the river and Wong is eliminated.

 J.J. Liu found herself heading towards the rail when she re-raised the big blind all-in and got called. Liu was holding A-2 against her opponent’s A-Q when the board came J-9-5-4-7.

 Not all hope was lost for the big name pros as Eugene Todd, Amir Vahedi, Shane Schleger, Young Pham, Jared Hamby and Phil Ivey all ended Level 5 with close to or more than $30,000.    

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Phil Ivey,   Joanne Liu,   Eugene Todd,   Shane Schleger,   Danny Wong,   Jared Hamby,   Young Pham

Done and Done

Jun 06, '07

Just like that play has ended in the $1,000 No Limt Hold 'Em with rebuys event. Nine players will return tomorrow at 3 p.m. to battle for a first place prize of $585,774 and the right to be called a World Series of Poker bracelet winner.

Todd Witteles was the final player eliminated today. Witteles finished in 10th place and will take home $23,811. With all the money in before the flop, Witteles was heads up against Barry Cales. Witteles had Q-Q and Cales had A-K. The board held strong for Witteles up until the river when the king hit and gave Cales the higher pair.

Amir Vahedi heads into the final the table as the clear chip leader with over $1,300,000. Accompanying him tomorrow are Mike Gracz, Dolph Arnold, Michael Chu, Barry Cales, Tommy Vu, Shane Schleger, Robert Aron and Jan Von Halle. CardPlayer.com will be back tomorrow with level updates and Pro Blogs.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Dolph Arnold,   Shane Schleger,   Todd Witteles,   Robert Aron,   Michael Chu,   Jan Von Halle,   Tommy Vu,   Barry Cales

Closer and Closer

Jun 06, '07

Tournament officials have moved the remaining 18 players down to two tables, effectively condensing the amount of talent left in the field. Seated at one table are Sorel Mizzi, Shane Schleger, Jason Strasser and Mike Gracz. The other table contains Tommy Vu, Mark Newhouse and Amir Vahedi.

Vinnie Vinh was finally blinded off and eliminated after failing to show up for day two of play. Vinh came into day two amongst the chip leaders but failed to play even a single hand all day. Vinh finished in 20th place and earned $16,232.

Barry Cales had the good fortune of doubling up through Gioi Luong and eliminating his opponent in the process. Luong pushed all in with KQ and Cales called with AK. The board came 93278 and Cales doubled up and Luong was eliminated in 19th place. Luong takes home $16,232 for his efforts in this event.

Mark Newhouse was the 18th place finisher, earning him $18,475. Newhouse pushed all in for the second hand in a row with Tommy Vu and Amir Vahedi still to act on his left. Vu reraised and Vahedi angrily folded his hand. Heads up, Newhouse had 99 and Vu showed KQ. The flop was Q106 and Newhouse stood up from his seat. The turn and river were no help (8,A) and Newhouse was sent to the rail.

After being crippled, Sorel Mizzi has been eliminated in 17th place. Mizzi had 10-5 with a 10 on the flop against his opponent who had K-10. Already behind, a king came on the river and when the dust settled, Mizzi was left with few chips. Mizzi was eliminated when his A10 ran into Joshua VanDuyn's pocket aces. Mizzi earns $18,475 for his finish.

There are 16 players remaining and play will continue today until the final table is reached.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Gioi Luong,   Michael Gracz,   Shane Schleger,   Jason Strasser,   Joshua VanDuyn,   Mark Newhouse,   Sorel Mizzi,   Tommy Vu,   Barry Cales

Strasser Takes Lead

Jun 06, '07

Play began after the color up, 10 minutes earlier than the remaining players were told.  Most returned to their seats in good time as several announcements were made about the early restart.  Michael Binger, however, did not hear the annonuncements, and was livid when he returned to find he had missed 10 minutes of action.

 

This level of play saw the exit of many top pros.  Jeff Shulman and Antonio Esfandiari could no longer survive on their short stacks and were knocked out.  Amir Vahedi, took one back for the old guard when he was able to make his pocket Aces hold up against Eric “Sheets” Haber’s pocket Queens.  Kristy Gazes rode quite a roller coaster.  She was crippled down to her last $11,000 after her opponent cracked her pocket Queens with a A-4.  She was all in on the next hand with J-10 suited against two callers holding A-6 and 7-7.  She flopped a flush draw and managed to hit a Jack on the river to stay alive.  A few hands later her luck ran out as she lost a race with 10-10 to Jason Strasser’s A-K.  Brett Jungblut  and Steve Paul Ambrose were also eliminated.

 

At the internet the table the attitude seems very upbeat, despite each of the players trying to ‘stack’ each other.  Pokerstars superstar Dario Minieri, the first to win a Porsche Carrera by accumulating 3 million Frequent Player points, was involved in two big hands with online pros.  First Dario lost a race to Josh Vanduyn with A-K versus 7-7.  Then Dario moved all in after a Todd Witteles raise.  Witteles made the call and both players flipped over A-K, and each ended up making two pair, and they chopped the pot. 

 

Jason Strasser has quietly crept into the chip lead, continuing his fantastic showing so far at this year’s World Series

 

There are currently 29 players remaining.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Brett Jungblut,   Kristy Gazes,   Jeff Shulman,   Eric Haber,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Todd Witteles,   Michael Binger,   Jason Strasser,   Joshua VanDuyn,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Dario Minieri

Hour Three Update

Jun 07, '07

Hour Three Starts with A Bang
Amir Vahedi raises to $90,000 and Dolph Arnold makes the call from the big blind.  The flop comes J92, and Vahedi bets $140,000.  Arnold moves all in for $437,000 total and Vahedi insta-calls.  Vahedi only has $448,000 and if he loses this pot he will be crippled.  Arnold shows down 107, and Vahedi QQ.  The turn is the Q giving Vahedi a set of queens.  The river is the 8 and Arnold hits his straight draw.  Vahedi looks disgusted as he counts down the chips to ship to Arnold.  Vahedi is left with just $11,000.  

Amir Vahedi Eliminated 7th ($63,327)
Amir Vahedi moves all in for his last $4,000 and Michael Chu raises to $125,000.  Shane Schleger moved all in over the top for $94,000 more.  Chu quickly made the call and the cards were turned up.  Schleger tabled AK, Chu AJ, and Vahedi 65.  A rowdy cheer when out when Vahedi's hand was announced, followed by some laughter.  The board came A8344, Schleger double up and Vahedi was eliminated 7th for $63,327. 

Shane Schleger Cracks Aces
Barry Cales raises to $85,000 and Shane Schleger calls.  The flop comes J97, Schleger checks and Cales bets $150,000.  Schleger raises all in for $276,000 and Cales immediately calls with AA.  Schleger tables QJ and needs some help.  The turn is the 4, and Schleger has one foot out the door.  However the river comes Q, Schleger spikes two pair and doubles up.

Michael Gracz Eliminated 6th ($84,858)
Michael Gracz moves all in for his last $200,000 with Q6 and is called by Tommy Vu with KK.  The board comes A103A6, Gracz cannot beat Vu, and is eliminated in 6th place for $84,858.

Break
Players are on break. 

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Dolph Arnold,   Shane Schleger,   Michael Chu

Hour One Update

Jun 07, '07

Blinds Raised
The blinds are now $10,000-$20,000 with a $3,000 ante.

Jan Von Halle Eliminated 9th ($34,196)
Dolph Arnold calls and Jan Von Halle moves all in.  Michael Chu makes the call and shows down AK.  Von Halle tables 92.  The board comes A55310, Von Halle fails to improve and is eliminated in 9th place for $34,196.

Michael Chu Takes Down Big Pot
Amir Vahedi raises and Michael Chu reraises to $140,000.  Vahedi makes the call and the flop comes 1083.  Chu bets $150,000 and Vahedi quickly calls.  The turn is the 9, Chu bets $250,000 and Vahedi calls.  The river is the K, both players check and Chu shows QQ.  Vahedi mucks and Chu drags a pot worth over $1,000,000 chips. 

Chu Taking No Prisoners
Michael Chu has come out of the gates firing.  He has been consistently raising and reraising, and players have taken notice.  That could be why he was able to get paid of by Vahedi a few hands ago when Chu held queens.  We will have to wait for the hole cards to find out.

Barry Cales Doubles Up
Dolph Arnold raises to $60,000 and Michael Gracz reraises to $180,000.  Barry Cales moves all in for his last $225,000 with AJ and is called by Gracz with K10.  The crowd begins to chant, "Barry, Barry, Barry" but its Gracz that takes the lead on the 1085 flop.  His lead is shortlived because Cales turns the A to make the best hand.  The river is the 9, and Cales wins a pot worth over $500,000 chips.

Robert Aron Eliminated 8th ($46,862)
Tommy Vu raises to $70,000 and Robert Aron moves all in for his final $154,000.  Vu makes the call and tables Q10, but is dominated by Aron's AQ.  The first four cards come J549, and Vu can win by spiking a king, ten or eight.  The river is the K, Vu makes the straight and sends Aron home with $46,862.  

Break
Hour one ends with the players on a 20 min break.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Dolph Arnold,   Robert Aron,   Michael Chu

Cha-Ching!

Jun 05, '07

Play has ended for day one of the $1,000 No Limit Hold 'Em with rebuys tournament. Today's event started with 844 players and there are now just 81 left. The bubble burst and tournament officials announced that play would end for the day as a result of everyone being in the money. Every returning player will earn at least $5,826. Play will resume tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will continue until the final table is reached.

Joe Sebok didn't survive long enough to make the money after making a move from the small blind. The player in seat eight bet out and Sebok asked him how much he had left. The player in seat eight only had around $26,000 left. Upon learning this, Sebok pushed all in. The player in the big blind, who had both Sebok and the player in seat eight covered, came over the top and pushed all in. Sebok had A-J and the player in the big blind woke up with aces. An ace hit on the flop and Sebok never improved.

Tournament officials announced that hand for hand play would begin at 83 players. Shortly after this announcement, Sorel Mizzi took it upon himself to help speed up the process. Following a flop of Q42, Mizzi bet out $10,000. His opponent in seat four raised him to $24,000. Mizzi pushed all in and had his opponent covered. Deciding whether or not to call appeared to be a painful process for the player in seat four and he took a very long time to make that decision. He eventually called and before he could flip over his cards Mizzi showed him his AA. The player in seat four had KQ. The board bricked out when the turn and the river came 3 and J, respectively. Mizzi doubled up to over $240,000 and sits alone as the current chip leader.

In the field returning tomorrow are Amir Vahedi, Kristy Gazes, Jeff Shulman, Brett Jungblut, Antonio Esfandiari, Mike Gracz, Shane Schleger, Sorel Mizzi, Jason Strasser, Gavin Griffin, Shannon Shorr, Michael Binger and Alex Prendes Jr. For day two action check back with CardPlayer.com.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Brett Jungblut,   Kristy Gazes,   Jeff Shulman,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Gavin Griffin,   Alex Prendes Jr.,   Shane Schleger,   Joe Sebok,   Michael Binger,   Jason Strasser,   Shannon Shorr,   Sorel Mizzi

Tourney Gaining Speed

Jun 05, '07

There are approximately 100 players left in today's field that started with 844. It seems that tables are continously breaking and forcing new match ups. Brett Jungblutt is now seated to the right of Gavin Griffin and Alex Prendes Jr. moved into the ten seat at his new table, directly to the left of Amir Vahedi and across the table from Kristy Gazes. Vahedi has been on a roll recently and has built his stack to $165,000. Vahedi has created a revolving door at his table, sending players packing before they can even get comfortable. Playing on his good fortune, Vahedi has taken it upon himself to grab the seat cards and yell "Floorman!" every time he busts another player.

Freddy Deeb and Kathy Liebert were eliminated in hand involving Tommy Vu and plenty of action. As told to CardPlayer.com, Liebert pushed all in for $6,000 and a player in middle position came over the top all in for about $3,000 more. Freddy Deeb and Tommy Vu both make the call and the flop came 986. Vu pushed all in and both Deeb and the player in middle position call. Liebert was holding A-A and Deeb had AQ for the nut flush draw. Vu turned over 9-9 for top set and the player in middle position had J-10. The turn was the K and the river was the 5 bringing no heart for Deeb, no ace for Liebert and no straight for the player in middle position. All three players were eliminated and Vu collected a very large pot. Daniel Negreanu and David Plastik were both eliminated this round as well.

The tournament will continue for one more level until 2 a.m., which conclude play for day one.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   David Plastik,   Kathy Liebert,   Kristy Gazes,   Daniel Negreanu,   Alex Prendes Jr.,   Freddy Deeb,   Tommy Vu

Chad Brown Escapes the Rail

Jun 05, '07

Chad Brown cheats tournament death and barely escapes being sent to the rail in Level 5. Amir Vahedi raises $500 from under the gun and gets six callers, including Chad Brown from the button. The flop comes 8-8-3 rainbow and Vahedi bets another $500. The next player to act moves all-in for $3,000 and the next player to act after him calls all-in for $2,800. Chad Brown is put to a decision as he’s looking down at 8-7 offsuit and his gut is telling him to fold. At this point, he tells me that he’s almost certain that the player who raises all-in has the case 8 with a better kicker and Chad decides to lay it down. Amir Vahedi along with the rest of the players throw their hands into the muck and the player who moved all-in shows A-A while the player who called all-in shows 10-10. Chad almost chokes when he sees how far ahead he was until an ace hits the river, filling his opponent's boat. What a relief for Chad as he gets to see another day from the tables and not the rail. A perfect example of how even the best of poker players can make the right move for the wrong reason.

 Chad Brown escaped the rail in Level 5, but Danny Wong and J.J. Liu weren’t as fortunate. Danny Wong took a really bad beat in Level 5, eliminating him from the tournament. Wong moves all-in on the turn with a board of Q-9-3-3 and his opponent makes the call. Wong flips over A-3 for trips while his opponent shows 4-3 with a flush draw. A spade hits the river and Wong is eliminated.

 J.J. Liu found herself heading towards the rail when she re-raised the big blind all-in and got called. Liu was holding A-2 against her opponent’s A-Q when the board came J-9-5-4-7.

 Not all hope was lost for the big name pros as Eugene Todd, Amir Vahedi, Shane Schleger, Young Pham, Jared Hamby and Phil Ivey all ended Level 5 with close to or more than $30,000.    

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Phil Ivey,   Joanne Liu,   Eugene Todd,   Shane Schleger,   Danny Wong,   Jared Hamby,   Young Pham

Done and Done

Jun 06, '07

Just like that play has ended in the $1,000 No Limt Hold 'Em with rebuys event. Nine players will return tomorrow at 3 p.m. to battle for a first place prize of $585,774 and the right to be called a World Series of Poker bracelet winner.

Todd Witteles was the final player eliminated today. Witteles finished in 10th place and will take home $23,811. With all the money in before the flop, Witteles was heads up against Barry Cales. Witteles had Q-Q and Cales had A-K. The board held strong for Witteles up until the river when the king hit and gave Cales the higher pair.

Amir Vahedi heads into the final the table as the clear chip leader with over $1,300,000. Accompanying him tomorrow are Mike Gracz, Dolph Arnold, Michael Chu, Barry Cales, Tommy Vu, Shane Schleger, Robert Aron and Jan Von Halle. CardPlayer.com will be back tomorrow with level updates and Pro Blogs.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Dolph Arnold,   Shane Schleger,   Todd Witteles,   Robert Aron,   Michael Chu,   Jan Von Halle,   Tommy Vu,   Barry Cales

Closer and Closer

Jun 06, '07

Tournament officials have moved the remaining 18 players down to two tables, effectively condensing the amount of talent left in the field. Seated at one table are Sorel Mizzi, Shane Schleger, Jason Strasser and Mike Gracz. The other table contains Tommy Vu, Mark Newhouse and Amir Vahedi.

Vinnie Vinh was finally blinded off and eliminated after failing to show up for day two of play. Vinh came into day two amongst the chip leaders but failed to play even a single hand all day. Vinh finished in 20th place and earned $16,232.

Barry Cales had the good fortune of doubling up through Gioi Luong and eliminating his opponent in the process. Luong pushed all in with KQ and Cales called with AK. The board came 93278 and Cales doubled up and Luong was eliminated in 19th place. Luong takes home $16,232 for his efforts in this event.

Mark Newhouse was the 18th place finisher, earning him $18,475. Newhouse pushed all in for the second hand in a row with Tommy Vu and Amir Vahedi still to act on his left. Vu reraised and Vahedi angrily folded his hand. Heads up, Newhouse had 99 and Vu showed KQ. The flop was Q106 and Newhouse stood up from his seat. The turn and river were no help (8,A) and Newhouse was sent to the rail.

After being crippled, Sorel Mizzi has been eliminated in 17th place. Mizzi had 10-5 with a 10 on the flop against his opponent who had K-10. Already behind, a king came on the river and when the dust settled, Mizzi was left with few chips. Mizzi was eliminated when his A10 ran into Joshua VanDuyn's pocket aces. Mizzi earns $18,475 for his finish.

There are 16 players remaining and play will continue today until the final table is reached.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Gioi Luong,   Michael Gracz,   Shane Schleger,   Jason Strasser,   Joshua VanDuyn,   Mark Newhouse,   Sorel Mizzi,   Tommy Vu,   Barry Cales

Strasser Takes Lead

Jun 06, '07

Play began after the color up, 10 minutes earlier than the remaining players were told.  Most returned to their seats in good time as several announcements were made about the early restart.  Michael Binger, however, did not hear the annonuncements, and was livid when he returned to find he had missed 10 minutes of action.

 

This level of play saw the exit of many top pros.  Jeff Shulman and Antonio Esfandiari could no longer survive on their short stacks and were knocked out.  Amir Vahedi, took one back for the old guard when he was able to make his pocket Aces hold up against Eric “Sheets” Haber’s pocket Queens.  Kristy Gazes rode quite a roller coaster.  She was crippled down to her last $11,000 after her opponent cracked her pocket Queens with a A-4.  She was all in on the next hand with J-10 suited against two callers holding A-6 and 7-7.  She flopped a flush draw and managed to hit a Jack on the river to stay alive.  A few hands later her luck ran out as she lost a race with 10-10 to Jason Strasser’s A-K.  Brett Jungblut  and Steve Paul Ambrose were also eliminated.

 

At the internet the table the attitude seems very upbeat, despite each of the players trying to ‘stack’ each other.  Pokerstars superstar Dario Minieri, the first to win a Porsche Carrera by accumulating 3 million Frequent Player points, was involved in two big hands with online pros.  First Dario lost a race to Josh Vanduyn with A-K versus 7-7.  Then Dario moved all in after a Todd Witteles raise.  Witteles made the call and both players flipped over A-K, and each ended up making two pair, and they chopped the pot. 

 

Jason Strasser has quietly crept into the chip lead, continuing his fantastic showing so far at this year’s World Series

 

There are currently 29 players remaining.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Brett Jungblut,   Kristy Gazes,   Jeff Shulman,   Eric Haber,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Todd Witteles,   Michael Binger,   Jason Strasser,   Joshua VanDuyn,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Dario Minieri

Hour Three Update

Jun 07, '07

Hour Three Starts with A Bang
Amir Vahedi raises to $90,000 and Dolph Arnold makes the call from the big blind.  The flop comes J92, and Vahedi bets $140,000.  Arnold moves all in for $437,000 total and Vahedi insta-calls.  Vahedi only has $448,000 and if he loses this pot he will be crippled.  Arnold shows down 107, and Vahedi QQ.  The turn is the Q giving Vahedi a set of queens.  The river is the 8 and Arnold hits his straight draw.  Vahedi looks disgusted as he counts down the chips to ship to Arnold.  Vahedi is left with just $11,000.  

Amir Vahedi Eliminated 7th ($63,327)
Amir Vahedi moves all in for his last $4,000 and Michael Chu raises to $125,000.  Shane Schleger moved all in over the top for $94,000 more.  Chu quickly made the call and the cards were turned up.  Schleger tabled AK, Chu AJ, and Vahedi 65.  A rowdy cheer when out when Vahedi's hand was announced, followed by some laughter.  The board came A8344, Schleger double up and Vahedi was eliminated 7th for $63,327. 

Shane Schleger Cracks Aces
Barry Cales raises to $85,000 and Shane Schleger calls.  The flop comes J97, Schleger checks and Cales bets $150,000.  Schleger raises all in for $276,000 and Cales immediately calls with AA.  Schleger tables QJ and needs some help.  The turn is the 4, and Schleger has one foot out the door.  However the river comes Q, Schleger spikes two pair and doubles up.

Michael Gracz Eliminated 6th ($84,858)
Michael Gracz moves all in for his last $200,000 with Q6 and is called by Tommy Vu with KK.  The board comes A103A6, Gracz cannot beat Vu, and is eliminated in 6th place for $84,858.

Break
Players are on break. 

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Michael Gracz,   Dolph Arnold,   Shane Schleger,   Michael Chu

Hour One Update

Jun 07, '07

Blinds Raised
The blinds are now $10,000-$20,000 with a $3,000 ante.

Jan Von Halle Eliminated 9th ($34,196)
Dolph Arnold calls and Jan Von Halle moves all in.  Michael Chu makes the call and shows down AK.  Von Halle tables 92.  The board comes A55310, Von Halle fails to improve and is eliminated in 9th place for $34,196.

Michael Chu Takes Down Big Pot
Amir Vahedi raises and Michael Chu reraises to $140,000.  Vahedi makes the call and the flop comes 1083.  Chu bets $150,000 and Vahedi quickly calls.  The turn is the 9, Chu bets $250,000 and Vahedi calls.  The river is the K, both players check and Chu shows QQ.  Vahedi mucks and Chu drags a pot worth over $1,000,000 chips. 

Chu Taking No Prisoners
Michael Chu has come out of the gates firing.  He has been consistently raising and reraising, and players have taken notice.  That could be why he was able to get paid of by Vahedi a few hands ago when Chu held queens.  We will have to wait for the hole cards to find out.

Barry Cales Doubles Up
Dolph Arnold raises to $60,000 and Michael Gracz reraises to $180,000.  Barry Cales moves all in for his last $225,000 with AJ and is called by Gracz with K10.  The crowd begins to chant, "Barry, Barry, Barry" but its Gracz that takes the lead on the 1085 flop.  His lead is shortlived because Cales turns the A to make the best hand.  The river is the 9, and Cales wins a pot worth over $500,000 chips.

Robert Aron Eliminated 8th ($46,862)
Tommy Vu raises to $70,000 and Robert Aron moves all in for his final $154,000.  Vu makes the call and tables Q10, but is dominated by Aron's AQ.  The first four cards come J549, and Vu can win by spiking a king, ten or eight.  The river is the K, Vu makes the straight and sends Aron home with $46,862.  

Break
Hour one ends with the players on a 20 min break.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Dolph Arnold,   Robert Aron,   Michael Chu

Pot Limit Hold'Em Set to Go

Jun 03, '07

The $1,500 pot limit hold'em event is set to get underway at noon here at the 2007 World Series of Poker.  With around a thousand entrants last year, it is likely that the number of entrants for this pot limit event should be similarly sized.  Entrants will be chasing the bracelet that Rafe Furst won last year.  With a less massive field than yesterday, one might actually be able to walk the hallways at the Rio without feeling like they are stuck in a mosh pit.   Keep you're browser locked on Carplayer.com for hourly level updates and the Pro Blogs of Amir Vahedi and Max Pescatori.

Player Tags: Amir Vahedi,   Max Pescatori,   Rafe Furst