Antanas Guoga Poker Tournament Updates

Level 3 Update: Antonio Esfandiari, Jeff Lisandro Eliminated

Jun 30, '09

Blinds: 100-200

Players Remaining: XXX out of XXX

Chip Counts:

1. Dennis Phillips – 46,000
2. Shaun Deeb – 30,000
3. Alexander Kostritsyn – 30,000
4. Daniel Alaei – 29,000
5. David Saab – 26,000
6. Ivan Demidov – 20,000
7. Scotty Nguyen – 18,500
8. Justin Bonomo – 18,000
9. Gavin Griffin – 15,000
10. Erick Lindgren – 13,000

Average Chip Count: 15,000

Notable Eliminations:

Antonio Esfandiari
Jeff Lisandro
Antanas Guoga
Vanessa Rousso
Jennifer Tilly

Big Hands:

Antonio Esfandiari Eliminated

Antonio Esfandiari raised preflop and was called by two opponents. The flop came 654 and both players checked to Esfandiari. The magician bet 1,400 and was immediately check raised by one of his opponents. The other one ducked out of the way and Esfandiari moved in for 15,500 only to be instantly called by the absolute nuts of 87. Esfandiari exposed pocket jacks and needed a miracle. None came as the 10 hit the turn and the Q fell on the river, eliminating him early.

Jeff Lisandro Eliminated

The four-time bracelet winner, with three from this summer alone, was eliminated with the 88 against the 65 of an opponent. The board was 76657, as Lisandro lost to the full house. Just the main event is left for Lisandro to take home a fourth bracelet. Lisandro made a deep run in the 2006 main event, finishing in 17th place.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Jeffrey Lisandro

Level 3 Update: Steve Billirakis atop Chip Counts

Jun 26, '09

Flop Games: 600-1,200
Stud Games: Ante — 300, Bring-In — 300, Completion — 1,200, Limits — 1,200-2,400

Note: Players are now on a 90 minute dinner break and will return at 8 p.m.

Players Remaining: 95 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Billirakis – 240,000
2. Justin Smith – 217,000
3. Bill Chen – 210,000
4. David Benyamine – 199,000
5. Chad Brown – 196,000
6. Jeff Lisandro – 188,000
7. Phil Ivey – 186,800
8. Daniel Negreanu – 185,000
9. Scotty Nguyen – 184,000

Big Hands:

Hold’Em

Two Bullets To The Head

The player in seat 6 raised to 2,400 preflop from the cutoff and the action was next on Justin Bonomo. He made it three bets to 3,600 and the blinds folded. Seat 6 made the call and the flop came down 1066.

Bonomo bet 1,200 after seat 6 checked. Seat 6 then check-raised to 2,400 and Bonomo just called. The turn was the 5 and seat 6 led out with 2,400. Bonomo made the call and the river was the 5. Seat 6 fired another 2,400 and Bonomo called. Seat 6 then showed AA and Bonomo mucked. Bonomo was at 130,000.

Steve Sung Gets Best of Andy Black

Steve Sung and Andy Black took a flop heads up of K34. Sung bet out 1200 and was raised to 2400 by black. The turn was the A and both players checked.

The river was the 8 and Sung bet 2400. Andy black tanked for a few moments before shrugging his shoulders and giving up the pot.

Omaha/8

Singer Gets Chopped Up

Three players were involved in a hand that saw a flop of A108. The player in seat 2 led out for 1,200 and David Singer raised to 2,400. David Benyamine made the call, as did seat 2. The turn was the 6 and action was checked to Singer. He bet 2,400 and Benyamine made the call. Seat 2 then raised to 4,800 and both opponents called.

The river was the 10 and seat 2 bet 2,400. Benyamine and Singer called and seat 2 turned over 5432 for the best low hand. Benyamine then showed down KQ109 for a set and the high half. Singer mucked and was left with nothing but the lint in his pockets. Benyamine was around 235,000 while Singer was at 122,000.

Ivey Vs. Hansen: Round 1 Goes to Ivey

Gus Hansen raised from early position and Phil Ivey defended from the big blind. The flop was K2J and Ivey checked and called 1200 from Hansen.

The turn was the 10 and Ivey checked, Hansen bet 2400 and was raised to 4800 by Ivey. Hansen made the call and both players checked when the 7 and Hansen was already motioning that he was going to muck his cards, conceding the pot to Ivey.

Ivey turned over AQ85 and took the pot.

Razz

Schulman Gets a River Fold, Wins Big Pot

Nick Schulman bet out on fourth street into three players and was raised to 2400 by his opponent. He made it three bets and raised to 3600 and he saw fifth street heads up.

Schulman: X-X-2-5-A
Seat 8: X-X-8-A-10

Schulman bet 2400 and was called by the player in seat 8.

Schulman: X-X-2-5-A-J
Seat 8: X-X-8-A-10-Q

Schulman bet 2400 and was called once again by his opponent. He bet 2400 again on the river and after a few moments of contemplation, his opponent mucked, giving the pot to Schulman.

Stud High

Lisandro Makes Two Pair to Best Matusow

Mike Matusow and Jeffrey Lisandro are heads up in a pot on fifth street. Lisandro bet 2400 and Matusow called. They went to sixth street with their boards looking like this.

Matusow: X-X-J-9-7-Q
Lisandro: X-X-K-6-8A

On the river Lisandro bet 2400 again and Matusow took a few moments before putting in the chips that indicated a call. Lissandro showed K-6--5 in the whole, good for two pair and the pot.

Stud/8

Chopping With Johnny Chan

Picking up the action on fourth street, James Van Alstyne and Johnny Chan were mixing it up in a hand.

Chan: X-X-84
Van Alstyne: X-X-2A

Van Alstyne bet 1,200 and Chan made the call.

Chan: X-X-844
Van Alstyne: X-X-2A5

Chan paired up and fired 2,400. Van Alstyne stuck around.

Chan: X-X-844A
Van Alstyne: X-X-2A5J

Chan bet another 2,400 and Van Alstyne called again. The river was dealt and both players decided to check. Chan then turned over (K63) for an 8-low. Van Alstyne tabled (JJ-X) for a pair of jacks and the high end of the pot. Chan was at 200,000 after the pot.

Negreanu and Antonius Chop Big Pot

On fifth street, Daniel Negreanu, Patrik Antonius, and Tong G put three bets into an already bloated pot. All three go to sixth street with their boards looking like this.

Tony G: X-X-5-8-10-A
Neagreanu: X-X-A-K-K-A
Antonius: X-X-7-2-3-8

Negreanu bet out 2400 on sixth and was met with a raise from Antonius. Tony G tanked for a long while before showing his cards to the player next to him and folding.

“Rolled up fives?” asked Negreanu. “I already knew that.”

Neagreanu calls the bet from Antonius and checks and calls a river bet. Negreanu shows the A-2-3 in the hole, making aces full of kings and Antonius showed 8 3 4, making two pair and a low. Antonius took the low half and Neagreanu took the high half, as they split Tony G’s chips.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Daniel Negreanu,   David Benyamine,   Mike Matusow,   David Singer,   Johnny Chan,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   James Van Alstyne,   Patrik Antonius,   Justin Bonomo,   Nick Schulman

Level 19 Update: Freddy Deeb, Tony G Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 15,000-30,000, Limits – 30,000-60,000
Stud Games: Ante — 8,000, Bring-In — 10,000, Completion — 30,000, Limits — 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom – 3,782,000
2. David Bach – 2,800,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,00,000
4. Erik Seidel – 1,315,000
5. John Hanson – 1,290,000
6. Huck Seed – 1,230,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 714,000
8. Gus Hansen – 537,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 280,000
10. Chau Giang – 225,000
11. Mike Wattel – 105,000
12. David Chiu – 37,000

Average Chip Count: 1,875,000

Eliminations:

14. Freddy Deeb – $83,630
13. Antanas Guoga – $83,630

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Freddy Deeb Eliminated in 14th Place ($83,630)

The 2007 $50K H.O.R.S.E champion was down to just 100,000 chips when he defended from the big blind against the button raise of Gus Hansen. With all the money in the pot, Deeb exposed the A2 and was up against the J9 of Gus Hansen. The board ran out KQJ7J, as Hansen made trip jacks to eliminate Deeb late on day four. Hansen at 1,080,000.

STUD

Tony G Doubles

The short stack of Antanas Guoga and Gus Hansen got all the money in on fourth street.

Their cards:

Hansen: (A5)-43A6- (8)
Guoga: (K2)-K4J2-(7)

Guoga made kings and deuces on sixth street to take the lead against Hansen’s aces. Hansen failed to hit any of his numerous outs on the end and doubled up Guoga to 230,000. Hansen is down to 670,000.

Tony G Eliminated in 13th Place ($83,630)

Antanas Guoga was all in on fifth street against Erik Sagstrom and Gus Hansen.

Their cards:

Guoga: (X-X)-36JA-(X)
Sagstrom: (X-X)-4Q84-(X)
Hansen: (X-X)-45J2-(X)

Tony G exposed the 368 for two pair, threes and sixes. He was no good as Sagstrom continued his hot run by tabling the QJ7 for a flush. Hansen folded his hand on the end. Sagstrom eliminated Guouga and is up to 2,430,000.

Left in the Deck:

The players are now on a 90 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Gus Hansen,   Erik Sagstrom,   Freddy Deeb

Level 18 Update: John Kabbaj, Steve Billirakis Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 13,000-25,000, Limits – 25,000-50,000
Stud Games: Ante — 5,000, Bring-In — 7,000, Completion — 25,000, Limits — 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 14 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,050,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 2,000,000
3. David Bach – 1,570,000
4. Ville Wahlbeck – 1,420,000
5. Huck Seed – 1,300,000
6. John Hanson – 1,100,000
7. Gus Hansen – 1,080,000
8. Erik Seidel – 975,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 960,000
10. David Chiu – 630,000

Average Chip Count: 950,000

Eliminations:

16. John Kabbaj – $72,914
15. Steve Billirakis – $72,914

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Gus Hansen Builds Chip Stack

Ville Wahlbeck raised and Gus Hansen reraised from the cutoff. Wahlbeck made the call. The flop came 1098 and Wahlbeck checked. Hansen bet and Wahlbeck made the call. The Q hit the turn turn, and once again Wahlbeck checked. Hansen bet again and Wahlbeck quickly called. The Q fell on the river. The action went like it had before, with Wahlbeck check-calling a bet from Hansen. Hansen exposed the J10 for a straight and Wahlbeck mucked. Hansen was at 1,480,000 after the hand.

A few hands later, Gus Hansen and Tony Guoga were tangled up in a hand. Tony G raised in late position and Hansen defended from the big blind. The flop came QJ10 and Hansen bet out. Tony G made the quick call and the river brought the A. Hansen opted to check this time and Tony G made a bet. Hansen called and the 7 fell on the river. Both players checked and Tony G tabled the KK while Hansen exposed his rags of J2, to win with a baby flush. Hansen was looking strong with 1,560,000 after the hand but dropped a few hands before the break and currently sits with 1,080,000. Tony G is down to just 280,000.

Steve Billirakis Eliminated in 15th Place ($72,914)

On a board of A977A, Steve Billirakis put the last of his chips into the middle and was snap called by Vitaly Lunkin. Lunkin exposed A9 for aces full and Billirakis mucked the A10 for trips. Lunkin is now over two million, sitting with 2,050,000 in chips.

RAZZ

John Kabbaj Eliminated in 16th Place ($72,914)

Erik Seidel bet on the end and John Kabbaj raised all in. Seidel thought about it briefly before making the call.

Their cards:

Seidel: 4X-3X-7X-9X-(AX-2X-4X)
Kabbaj: 5X-5X-3X-QX-(2X-7X-?X)

When Seidel called and exposed his hand for a 7-4 low. Kabbaj looked at his cards for a few moments before mucking. Seidel is up to 830,000.

Left in the Deck:

The remaining players are on a 20 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Erik Seidel,   Gus Hansen,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Steve Billirakis,   John Kabbaj,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 3 Update: Steve Billirakis atop Chip Counts

Jun 26, '09

Flop Games: 600-1,200
Stud Games: Ante — 300, Bring-In — 300, Completion — 1,200, Limits — 1,200-2,400

Note: Players are now on a 90 minute dinner break and will return at 8 p.m.

Players Remaining: 95 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Billirakis – 240,000
2. Justin Smith – 217,000
3. Bill Chen – 210,000
4. David Benyamine – 199,000
5. Chad Brown – 196,000
6. Jeff Lisandro – 188,000
7. Phil Ivey – 186,800
8. Daniel Negreanu – 185,000
9. Scotty Nguyen – 184,000

Big Hands:

Hold’Em

Two Bullets To The Head

The player in seat 6 raised to 2,400 preflop from the cutoff and the action was next on Justin Bonomo. He made it three bets to 3,600 and the blinds folded. Seat 6 made the call and the flop came down 1066.

Bonomo bet 1,200 after seat 6 checked. Seat 6 then check-raised to 2,400 and Bonomo just called. The turn was the 5 and seat 6 led out with 2,400. Bonomo made the call and the river was the 5. Seat 6 fired another 2,400 and Bonomo called. Seat 6 then showed AA and Bonomo mucked. Bonomo was at 130,000.

Steve Sung Gets Best of Andy Black

Steve Sung and Andy Black took a flop heads up of K34. Sung bet out 1200 and was raised to 2400 by black. The turn was the A and both players checked.

The river was the 8 and Sung bet 2400. Andy black tanked for a few moments before shrugging his shoulders and giving up the pot.

Omaha/8

Singer Gets Chopped Up

Three players were involved in a hand that saw a flop of A108. The player in seat 2 led out for 1,200 and David Singer raised to 2,400. David Benyamine made the call, as did seat 2. The turn was the 6 and action was checked to Singer. He bet 2,400 and Benyamine made the call. Seat 2 then raised to 4,800 and both opponents called.

The river was the 10 and seat 2 bet 2,400. Benyamine and Singer called and seat 2 turned over 5432 for the best low hand. Benyamine then showed down KQ109 for a set and the high half. Singer mucked and was left with nothing but the lint in his pockets. Benyamine was around 235,000 while Singer was at 122,000.

Ivey Vs. Hansen: Round 1 Goes to Ivey

Gus Hansen raised from early position and Phil Ivey defended from the big blind. The flop was K2J and Ivey checked and called 1200 from Hansen.

The turn was the 10 and Ivey checked, Hansen bet 2400 and was raised to 4800 by Ivey. Hansen made the call and both players checked when the 7 and Hansen was already motioning that he was going to muck his cards, conceding the pot to Ivey.

Ivey turned over AQ85 and took the pot.

Razz

Schulman Gets a River Fold, Wins Big Pot

Nick Schulman bet out on fourth street into three players and was raised to 2400 by his opponent. He made it three bets and raised to 3600 and he saw fifth street heads up.

Schulman: X-X-2-5-A
Seat 8: X-X-8-A-10

Schulman bet 2400 and was called by the player in seat 8.

Schulman: X-X-2-5-A-J
Seat 8: X-X-8-A-10-Q

Schulman bet 2400 and was called once again by his opponent. He bet 2400 again on the river and after a few moments of contemplation, his opponent mucked, giving the pot to Schulman.

Stud High

Lisandro Makes Two Pair to Best Matusow

Mike Matusow and Jeffrey Lisandro are heads up in a pot on fifth street. Lisandro bet 2400 and Matusow called. They went to sixth street with their boards looking like this.

Matusow: X-X-J-9-7-Q
Lisandro: X-X-K-6-8A

On the river Lisandro bet 2400 again and Matusow took a few moments before putting in the chips that indicated a call. Lissandro showed K-6--5 in the whole, good for two pair and the pot.

Stud/8

Chopping With Johnny Chan

Picking up the action on fourth street, James Van Alstyne and Johnny Chan were mixing it up in a hand.

Chan: X-X-84
Van Alstyne: X-X-2A

Van Alstyne bet 1,200 and Chan made the call.

Chan: X-X-844
Van Alstyne: X-X-2A5

Chan paired up and fired 2,400. Van Alstyne stuck around.

Chan: X-X-844A
Van Alstyne: X-X-2A5J

Chan bet another 2,400 and Van Alstyne called again. The river was dealt and both players decided to check. Chan then turned over (K63) for an 8-low. Van Alstyne tabled (JJ-X) for a pair of jacks and the high end of the pot. Chan was at 200,000 after the pot.

Negreanu and Antonius Chop Big Pot

On fifth street, Daniel Negreanu, Patrik Antonius, and Tong G put three bets into an already bloated pot. All three go to sixth street with their boards looking like this.

Tony G: X-X-5-8-10-A
Neagreanu: X-X-A-K-K-A
Antonius: X-X-7-2-3-8

Negreanu bet out 2400 on sixth and was met with a raise from Antonius. Tony G tanked for a long while before showing his cards to the player next to him and folding.

“Rolled up fives?” asked Negreanu. “I already knew that.”

Neagreanu calls the bet from Antonius and checks and calls a river bet. Negreanu shows the A-2-3 in the hole, making aces full of kings and Antonius showed 8 3 4, making two pair and a low. Antonius took the low half and Neagreanu took the high half, as they split Tony G’s chips.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Daniel Negreanu,   David Benyamine,   Mike Matusow,   David Singer,   Johnny Chan,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   James Van Alstyne,   Patrik Antonius,   Justin Bonomo,   Nick Schulman

Level 19 Update: Freddy Deeb, Tony G Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 15,000-30,000, Limits – 30,000-60,000
Stud Games: Ante — 8,000, Bring-In — 10,000, Completion — 30,000, Limits — 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom – 3,782,000
2. David Bach – 2,800,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,00,000
4. Erik Seidel – 1,315,000
5. John Hanson – 1,290,000
6. Huck Seed – 1,230,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 714,000
8. Gus Hansen – 537,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 280,000
10. Chau Giang – 225,000
11. Mike Wattel – 105,000
12. David Chiu – 37,000

Average Chip Count: 1,875,000

Eliminations:

14. Freddy Deeb – $83,630
13. Antanas Guoga – $83,630

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Freddy Deeb Eliminated in 14th Place ($83,630)

The 2007 $50K H.O.R.S.E champion was down to just 100,000 chips when he defended from the big blind against the button raise of Gus Hansen. With all the money in the pot, Deeb exposed the A2 and was up against the J9 of Gus Hansen. The board ran out KQJ7J, as Hansen made trip jacks to eliminate Deeb late on day four. Hansen at 1,080,000.

STUD

Tony G Doubles

The short stack of Antanas Guoga and Gus Hansen got all the money in on fourth street.

Their cards:

Hansen: (A5)-43A6- (8)
Guoga: (K2)-K4J2-(7)

Guoga made kings and deuces on sixth street to take the lead against Hansen’s aces. Hansen failed to hit any of his numerous outs on the end and doubled up Guoga to 230,000. Hansen is down to 670,000.

Tony G Eliminated in 13th Place ($83,630)

Antanas Guoga was all in on fifth street against Erik Sagstrom and Gus Hansen.

Their cards:

Guoga: (X-X)-36JA-(X)
Sagstrom: (X-X)-4Q84-(X)
Hansen: (X-X)-45J2-(X)

Tony G exposed the 368 for two pair, threes and sixes. He was no good as Sagstrom continued his hot run by tabling the QJ7 for a flush. Hansen folded his hand on the end. Sagstrom eliminated Guouga and is up to 2,430,000.

Left in the Deck:

The players are now on a 90 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Gus Hansen,   Erik Sagstrom,   Freddy Deeb

Level 18 Update: John Kabbaj, Steve Billirakis Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 13,000-25,000, Limits – 25,000-50,000
Stud Games: Ante — 5,000, Bring-In — 7,000, Completion — 25,000, Limits — 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 14 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,050,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 2,000,000
3. David Bach – 1,570,000
4. Ville Wahlbeck – 1,420,000
5. Huck Seed – 1,300,000
6. John Hanson – 1,100,000
7. Gus Hansen – 1,080,000
8. Erik Seidel – 975,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 960,000
10. David Chiu – 630,000

Average Chip Count: 950,000

Eliminations:

16. John Kabbaj – $72,914
15. Steve Billirakis – $72,914

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Gus Hansen Builds Chip Stack

Ville Wahlbeck raised and Gus Hansen reraised from the cutoff. Wahlbeck made the call. The flop came 1098 and Wahlbeck checked. Hansen bet and Wahlbeck made the call. The Q hit the turn turn, and once again Wahlbeck checked. Hansen bet again and Wahlbeck quickly called. The Q fell on the river. The action went like it had before, with Wahlbeck check-calling a bet from Hansen. Hansen exposed the J10 for a straight and Wahlbeck mucked. Hansen was at 1,480,000 after the hand.

A few hands later, Gus Hansen and Tony Guoga were tangled up in a hand. Tony G raised in late position and Hansen defended from the big blind. The flop came QJ10 and Hansen bet out. Tony G made the quick call and the river brought the A. Hansen opted to check this time and Tony G made a bet. Hansen called and the 7 fell on the river. Both players checked and Tony G tabled the KK while Hansen exposed his rags of J2, to win with a baby flush. Hansen was looking strong with 1,560,000 after the hand but dropped a few hands before the break and currently sits with 1,080,000. Tony G is down to just 280,000.

Steve Billirakis Eliminated in 15th Place ($72,914)

On a board of A977A, Steve Billirakis put the last of his chips into the middle and was snap called by Vitaly Lunkin. Lunkin exposed A9 for aces full and Billirakis mucked the A10 for trips. Lunkin is now over two million, sitting with 2,050,000 in chips.

RAZZ

John Kabbaj Eliminated in 16th Place ($72,914)

Erik Seidel bet on the end and John Kabbaj raised all in. Seidel thought about it briefly before making the call.

Their cards:

Seidel: 4X-3X-7X-9X-(AX-2X-4X)
Kabbaj: 5X-5X-3X-QX-(2X-7X-?X)

When Seidel called and exposed his hand for a 7-4 low. Kabbaj looked at his cards for a few moments before mucking. Seidel is up to 830,000.

Left in the Deck:

The remaining players are on a 20 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Erik Seidel,   Gus Hansen,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Steve Billirakis,   John Kabbaj,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 6 Update: Tony G Gets The Best Of Chan

Jun 01, '09

Ante: 100
Low Card: 200
Completion: 600
Limits: 600-1,200

Players Remaining: 138 out of 142

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Glantz – 76,000
2. John Cernuto – 65,000
3. Yuval Bronshtein – 60,000
4. Keith Sexton – 58,000
5. Andy Bloch – 58,000
6. Tim Phan – 56,000
7. David Oppenheim – 55,000
8. Chris Amaral – 55,000
9. Nikolay Evdakov – 51,000
10. Jeff Lisandro – 47,000

Average Chip Count: 30,870

Big Hands:

Tony G Stows Away On The Orient Express

Tony G: X-X-29
Johnny Chan: X-X-QK

Johnny Chan fired a bet of 600 and Tony G made the call.

Tony G: X-X-296
Johnny Chan: X-X-QK3

Chan fired another round of 1,200 and Tony G called.

Tony G: X-X-2964
Johnny Chan: X-X-QK38

Chan slowed down and checked and Tony G bet 1,200. Chan made the call and the players saw the river. On the river, Tony G kept the gas pedal down and fired 1,200 more into the pot and Chan mucked his hand. After the hand Tony G was at 48,000 while Chan was at 22,000.

The Chainsaw Gets Bluffed

Allen Kessler: X-X-4
Seat 7: X-X-A

Kessler’s opponent threw an orange 1,000 chip into the pot to complete the bet. Kessler thought it was a raise and argued with the table about it. After that was over, he called 600 and the players saw the next card.

Allen Kessler: X-X-4Q
Seat 7: X-X-AQ

Seat 7 bet 600 and Kessler called.

Allen Kessler: X-X-4QJ
Seat 7: X-X-AQ9

Seat 7 bet 1,200 and Kessler raised to 2,400. His opponent made the call.

Allen Kessler: X-X-4QJK
Seat 7: X-X-AQ94

Seat 7 bet 1,200 and Kessler tagged along with the call.

Allen Kessler: X-X-4QJK-(2)
Seat 7: (K27)-AQ94

Seat 7 fired 1,200 and Kessler flashed the 2 he received on the river and mucked. His opponent then revealed his hand, showing that he had absoloutely nothing. After the hand, Kessler was down to just 13,500.

Erick Lindgren Takes a Pot

Lindgren: X-X-86K
Seat 8: X-X-743

Picking up the action on fifth street, Lindgren bet 1,200 and his opponent called.

Lindgren: X-X-86KQ
Seat 8: X-X-743A

The betting shifted over to seat 8 with the ace-high. He checked and Lindgren fired another 1,200 bet that was called. On the river, Lindgren fired one more bullet and seat 8 finally had enough, mucking his hand.

Traniello and Levi Tangle Again

Marco Traniello: X-X-43
David Levi: X-X-Q7

Traniello bet 600 and Levi made the call

Marco Traniello: X-X-43A
David Levi: X-X-Q78

Traniello bet 1,200 and Levi called.

Marco Traniello: X-X-43A4
David Levi: X-X-Q782

Traniello fired another 1,200 and Levi stuck around.

Marco Traniello: (KK6)43A4
David Levi: (X-X-10)-Q782

Both players checked the river and Traniello showed his two pair, good enough to take down the pot as Levi flashed his 10. Traniello was over 50,000 while Levi was down to 24,000.

Left In The Deck:

The prize pool for this tournament has been announced. It is $1,334,800. There will be 16 places paid and the winner will be awarded $373,744.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Erick Lindgren,   David Levi,   Allen Kessler,   Marco Traniello,   Johnny Chan

Level 1 Update: Erik Cajelais Exits Early

May 28, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 180 out of 184

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Laak — 270,000
2. Scott Seiver — 260,000
3. Phil Laak — 245,000
4. Tony G — 240,000
5. David Chiu — 240,000
6. Michael DeMichelle — 200,000
7. Andy Black — 185,000
8. Chad Batista — 175,000
9. Isaac Haxton — 175,000
10. Nenad Medic — 175,000

Average Chip Count: 125,000

Notable Eliminations:

Erik Cajelais
Jim Bechtel

Big Hands:

Erik Cajelais Is Crippled By Tony G

On a board reading 753, Tony G was all in holding pocket aces against the 86 of Erik Cajelais. Cajelais needed to hit his massive draw to bust Guoga, but the turn and river fell A8.

Guoga moved up to 248,000 after the hand and Cajelais was crippled down to just 4,000. He was eliminated by Chris Moneymaker shortly after.

Brandon Adams Gets Caught Lying

Isaac Haxton raises to 1,400 from the cutoff and Brandon Adams reraises to 4,200 from the small blind. The flop comes Q53, and this time Adams leads out for 4,200. Haxton calls and the turn is the J. Adams bets out once again, this time for 6,200. Haxton tanks for a few minutes before making the call. The river is the J and both players check around. Adams turns over A10 for ace-high while Haxton shows 44 for a small pair. Haxton rakes the pot and brings his chip count up to 145,000 while Adams fall to just about 75,000 this hand.

Andy Black Collects Big Pot With Set Over Set

Chris Moore and Andy Black were locked into a hand, each holding a big pocket pair. Moore turned a set of jacks but the river brought a king, and Andy Black bet out 50,000. Moore called and Black turned over a set of kings to collect a big pot.

Phil Laak Cripples Opponent

James Calderaro held pocket kings against Phil Laak’s flopped set of eights. Laak moved all in on the river and was called, collecting a 270,000 chip pot.

Eric Liu Wins Pot on the River

On a board of QQ847, Eric Liu bet 15,550 on the river against Mark Seif. Seif contemplated briefly before folding. Seif is down to around 81,000.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Antanas Guoga,   Phil Laak,   Andy Black,   Erik Cajelais,   Brandon Adams,   Chris Moore,   Isaac Haxton,   Eric Liu

Level 16 Update: Moneymaker, Zolotow Flame Out

May 29, '09

Blinds: 8,000-16,000 with a 2,000 ante

Players Remaining: 36 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Raymer — 2,380,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 1,250,000
3. Keith Lehr — 1,080,000
4. Matt Marafioti — 1,080,000
5. Matt Glantz — 1,058,000
6. Brian Townsend — 1,015,000
7. Justin Bonomo — 980,000
8. Noah Schwartz — 980,000
9. Ted Forrest — 915,000
10. Vitaly Lunkin — 915,000

Average Chip Count: 670,000

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Dickstein
Humberto Brenes
Chris Moneymaker
Steve Zolotow

Big Hands:

Steve Zolotow Doubles Up Through Alec Torelli

Steve Zolotow was all in holding AJ against Alec Torelli and his KK. The flop came out AJ4, giving Zolotow the lead with two pair, but Torelli held the nut flush draw. The turn and river bricked out when it came 36 and Zolotow doubled up to 845,000. Torelli is still a live, but in considerably worse shape with 375,000.

Moneymaker Hurting After Tony G Double Up

Tony G was all in holding A-K against Chris Moneymaker’s pocket queens. The board ran out 8-6-2-K-J, giving Guoga the winning pair of kings and taking a huge chunk of Moneymaker’s stack.

After the hand, Moneymaker was down to just 230,000 while Guoga chipped up to over 830,000.

Humberto Brenes Taken Out By Greg Raymer

Humberto Brenes moved all in on the short stack from the cutoff and Greg Raymer made the call in the small blind. The action moved to Andrew Robl in the big blind, who appeared to be contemplating a call. After a while, some members of the table got up and Robl realized the action was on him. He quickly folded and Brenes showed A-7 offsuit. Raymer revealed pocket nines and they held to bust THE CHARK from the tournament.

Ted Forrest Wakes Up, Gets Moneymaker’s Stack

After sleeping through most of the past two levels, Ted Forrest finally returned to the tournament and almost immediately took the rest of Chris Moneymaker’s chips.

Moneymaker made his move with pocket tens and Forrest held pocket kings. Both players flopped a set when it came K-J-10 and the turn and river ran out 7-J to give both players a full house. Moneymaker’s was lower and he was ousted from the tournament. Forrest now has about 1.1 million in chips.

Greg Raymer Cruises Past 2 Million By Taking Out Steve Zolotow

Very reminiscent of 2004, Greg Raymer just can’t seem to lose coinflips today. After putting the all in pressure on Steve Zolotow and his 600,000+ stack, Zolotow made a good call with QQ. Raymer turned over AK and was once again in a race situation for a huge pot.

The flop came out 422 which someone at the table mentioned was a good flop for Zolotow. Sure enough, the next card off was the K and Zolotow slammed the table. The river 2 have both players a boat, but Raymer’s was best, busting Zolotow from the tournament. Raymer now has 2.38 million in chips.

Player Tags: Humberto Brenes,   Antanas Guoga,   Steve Zolotow,   Chris Moneymaker,   Greg Raymer,   Alec Torelli

Level 24 Update: Tony G Bubbles Televised Final Table

May 30, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 201

Chip Counts:

Seat 1 — Ted Forrest — 560,000
Seat 2 — Noah Schwartz — 660,000
Seat 3 — Alec Torelli — 2,340,000
Seat 4 — Isaac Haxton — 5,955,000
Seat 5 — Greg Raymer — 3,345,000
Seat 6 — Justin Bonomo — 1,685,000
Seat 7 — Lex Veldhuis — 3,805,000
Seat 8 — Dani Stern — 1,300,000
Seat 9 — Vitaly Lunkin — 4,565,000

Average Chip Count: 2,680,000

Notable Eliminations:

10. Tony G — $172,120

Big Hands:

Tony G Eliminated in 10th Place ($172,120)

Alec Torelli raised to 130,000 in early position and Tony G called all in for 75,000. Vitaly Lunkin decided to call as well and both players with chips behind checked down a board of 109756.

Tony G showed A7 for a pair of sevens but Lunkin showed J10 for top pair, good enough to send Guoga home on the bubble.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Alec Torelli

Level 22 Update: Brian Rast, Brian Townsend, Matthew Marafioti and Keith Lehr Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alec Torelli — 5,375,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 4,030,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,500,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 3,145,000
5. Greg Raymer — 2,995,000
6. Justin Bonomo — 2,045,000
7. Dani Stern- 1,275,000
8. Ted Forrest — 815,000
9. Noah Schwartz – 550,000
10. Tony Guoga- 445,000

Average Chip Count: 2,192,727

Notable Eliminations:

14. Brian Rast ($128,666)
13. Brian Townsend ($128,666)
12. Matthew Marafioti ($172,120)
11. Keith Lehr ($172,120)

Big Hands:

Brian Rast Eliminated in 14th Place ($128,666)

Vitaly Lunkin raised pre-flop to 100,000 from middle position and Brian Rast moved all-in over the top for 420,000 more from the big blind. Lunkin went into the tank and eventually made the call for the majority of his chips and exposed 55. However, Rast had him dominated with KK. The flop was a disaster for Rast however, as Lunkin flopped a full house with three cards of 885. The turn brought the 2 and the river 5 gave Lunkin quads, eliminating Rast close to the final table bubble.

Brian Townsend Eliminated in 13th Place ($128,666)

Brian Townsend shoved all in for his last 800,000 on the button and Alec Torelli isolated behind him. Noah Schwartz tanked in the big blind for a few minutes before making the call himself, putting a huge portion of his stack at risk.

Townsend showed 76, Torelli showed pocket tens and Schwartz showed the best hand with pocket queens. Unfortunately, the board ran out J107104 and Torelli’s quads bumped his stack to 5 million. Schwartz took a hit down to 700,000 and Townsend was eliminated from the tournament.

Matthew Marafioti Eliminated in 12th place ($172,120)

Ted Forrest opened the action with a 120,000 under the gun raise that was re-raised by Isaac Haxton to 375,000 total. Matthew Marafioti was next to act and instantly went all in for 575,000 total. Tony G woke up with AK in the small blind and went into the tank for minutes. Riding a short stack for quite some time, Tony G eventually decided to fold. Isaac immediately called and tabled KK. Marafioti was discouraged as he flipped over QQ. When the players flipped over their cards Tony G said he might have had the odds to call, from the small blind and with his extremely short stack. The flop came A25, putting Haxton well ahead and caused Tony G to pace around the table. The A hit the turn and the J fell on the river, eliminating Marafioti. Haxton is now up to 2,400,000 in chips.

Vitaly Lunkin Wins Huge Double

With very little in the pot, Greg Raymer pushed all in into Vitaly Lunkin for about 1,700,000. Lunkin called immediately to the shock of Raymer. The 2004 Main Event champion exclaimed, “I didn’t think he would call,” as he turned over 66. Lunkin had the perfect read on Raymer and tabled JJ, for a higher pocket pair. With other players at the table saying “nice call” to Lunkin, the flop came out AQK, to put Lunkin far out ahead. The 10 on the turn put Raymer drawing for at best a split pot. The river brought the 10 and Lunkin won a 3,500,000 chip pot.

Keith Lehr Eliminated in 11th Place ($172,120)

Greg Raymer raised and Keith Lehr moved all in for 800,000 from the small blind. Raymer made the call and showed JJ which was racing against Lehr’s AQ. The board ran out king high but failed to connect with Lehr’s hand, sending him to the rail.

Left in the Deck:

The players at the table were trying to work out a short 20 minute break to continue play until one more is eliminated. However, Tony G gave the only dissenting vote to force the rest of the table to take an hour break before resuming play.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Ted Forrest,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Keith Lehr,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Isaac Haxton

Level 1 Update: Erik Cajelais Exits Early

May 28, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 180 out of 184

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Laak — 270,000
2. Scott Seiver — 260,000
3. Phil Laak — 245,000
4. Tony G — 240,000
5. David Chiu — 240,000
6. Michael DeMichelle — 200,000
7. Andy Black — 185,000
8. Chad Batista — 175,000
9. Isaac Haxton — 175,000
10. Nenad Medic — 175,000

Average Chip Count: 125,000

Notable Eliminations:

Erik Cajelais
Jim Bechtel

Big Hands:

Erik Cajelais Is Crippled By Tony G

On a board reading 753, Tony G was all in holding pocket aces against the 86 of Erik Cajelais. Cajelais needed to hit his massive draw to bust Guoga, but the turn and river fell A8.

Guoga moved up to 248,000 after the hand and Cajelais was crippled down to just 4,000. He was eliminated by Chris Moneymaker shortly after.

Brandon Adams Gets Caught Lying

Isaac Haxton raises to 1,400 from the cutoff and Brandon Adams reraises to 4,200 from the small blind. The flop comes Q53, and this time Adams leads out for 4,200. Haxton calls and the turn is the J. Adams bets out once again, this time for 6,200. Haxton tanks for a few minutes before making the call. The river is the J and both players check around. Adams turns over A10 for ace-high while Haxton shows 44 for a small pair. Haxton rakes the pot and brings his chip count up to 145,000 while Adams fall to just about 75,000 this hand.

Andy Black Collects Big Pot With Set Over Set

Chris Moore and Andy Black were locked into a hand, each holding a big pocket pair. Moore turned a set of jacks but the river brought a king, and Andy Black bet out 50,000. Moore called and Black turned over a set of kings to collect a big pot.

Phil Laak Cripples Opponent

James Calderaro held pocket kings against Phil Laak’s flopped set of eights. Laak moved all in on the river and was called, collecting a 270,000 chip pot.

Eric Liu Wins Pot on the River

On a board of QQ847, Eric Liu bet 15,550 on the river against Mark Seif. Seif contemplated briefly before folding. Seif is down to around 81,000.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Antanas Guoga,   Phil Laak,   Andy Black,   Erik Cajelais,   Brandon Adams,   Chris Moore,   Isaac Haxton,   Eric Liu

Level 16 Update: Moneymaker, Zolotow Flame Out

May 29, '09

Blinds: 8,000-16,000 with a 2,000 ante

Players Remaining: 36 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Raymer — 2,380,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 1,250,000
3. Keith Lehr — 1,080,000
4. Matt Marafioti — 1,080,000
5. Matt Glantz — 1,058,000
6. Brian Townsend — 1,015,000
7. Justin Bonomo — 980,000
8. Noah Schwartz — 980,000
9. Ted Forrest — 915,000
10. Vitaly Lunkin — 915,000

Average Chip Count: 670,000

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Dickstein
Humberto Brenes
Chris Moneymaker
Steve Zolotow

Big Hands:

Steve Zolotow Doubles Up Through Alec Torelli

Steve Zolotow was all in holding AJ against Alec Torelli and his KK. The flop came out AJ4, giving Zolotow the lead with two pair, but Torelli held the nut flush draw. The turn and river bricked out when it came 36 and Zolotow doubled up to 845,000. Torelli is still a live, but in considerably worse shape with 375,000.

Moneymaker Hurting After Tony G Double Up

Tony G was all in holding A-K against Chris Moneymaker’s pocket queens. The board ran out 8-6-2-K-J, giving Guoga the winning pair of kings and taking a huge chunk of Moneymaker’s stack.

After the hand, Moneymaker was down to just 230,000 while Guoga chipped up to over 830,000.

Humberto Brenes Taken Out By Greg Raymer

Humberto Brenes moved all in on the short stack from the cutoff and Greg Raymer made the call in the small blind. The action moved to Andrew Robl in the big blind, who appeared to be contemplating a call. After a while, some members of the table got up and Robl realized the action was on him. He quickly folded and Brenes showed A-7 offsuit. Raymer revealed pocket nines and they held to bust THE CHARK from the tournament.

Ted Forrest Wakes Up, Gets Moneymaker’s Stack

After sleeping through most of the past two levels, Ted Forrest finally returned to the tournament and almost immediately took the rest of Chris Moneymaker’s chips.

Moneymaker made his move with pocket tens and Forrest held pocket kings. Both players flopped a set when it came K-J-10 and the turn and river ran out 7-J to give both players a full house. Moneymaker’s was lower and he was ousted from the tournament. Forrest now has about 1.1 million in chips.

Greg Raymer Cruises Past 2 Million By Taking Out Steve Zolotow

Very reminiscent of 2004, Greg Raymer just can’t seem to lose coinflips today. After putting the all in pressure on Steve Zolotow and his 600,000+ stack, Zolotow made a good call with QQ. Raymer turned over AK and was once again in a race situation for a huge pot.

The flop came out 422 which someone at the table mentioned was a good flop for Zolotow. Sure enough, the next card off was the K and Zolotow slammed the table. The river 2 have both players a boat, but Raymer’s was best, busting Zolotow from the tournament. Raymer now has 2.38 million in chips.

Player Tags: Humberto Brenes,   Antanas Guoga,   Steve Zolotow,   Chris Moneymaker,   Greg Raymer,   Alec Torelli

Level 24 Update: Tony G Bubbles Televised Final Table

May 30, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 201

Chip Counts:

Seat 1 — Ted Forrest — 560,000
Seat 2 — Noah Schwartz — 660,000
Seat 3 — Alec Torelli — 2,340,000
Seat 4 — Isaac Haxton — 5,955,000
Seat 5 — Greg Raymer — 3,345,000
Seat 6 — Justin Bonomo — 1,685,000
Seat 7 — Lex Veldhuis — 3,805,000
Seat 8 — Dani Stern — 1,300,000
Seat 9 — Vitaly Lunkin — 4,565,000

Average Chip Count: 2,680,000

Notable Eliminations:

10. Tony G — $172,120

Big Hands:

Tony G Eliminated in 10th Place ($172,120)

Alec Torelli raised to 130,000 in early position and Tony G called all in for 75,000. Vitaly Lunkin decided to call as well and both players with chips behind checked down a board of 109756.

Tony G showed A7 for a pair of sevens but Lunkin showed J10 for top pair, good enough to send Guoga home on the bubble.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Alec Torelli

Level 22 Update: Brian Rast, Brian Townsend, Matthew Marafioti and Keith Lehr Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alec Torelli — 5,375,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 4,030,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,500,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 3,145,000
5. Greg Raymer — 2,995,000
6. Justin Bonomo — 2,045,000
7. Dani Stern- 1,275,000
8. Ted Forrest — 815,000
9. Noah Schwartz – 550,000
10. Tony Guoga- 445,000

Average Chip Count: 2,192,727

Notable Eliminations:

14. Brian Rast ($128,666)
13. Brian Townsend ($128,666)
12. Matthew Marafioti ($172,120)
11. Keith Lehr ($172,120)

Big Hands:

Brian Rast Eliminated in 14th Place ($128,666)

Vitaly Lunkin raised pre-flop to 100,000 from middle position and Brian Rast moved all-in over the top for 420,000 more from the big blind. Lunkin went into the tank and eventually made the call for the majority of his chips and exposed 55. However, Rast had him dominated with KK. The flop was a disaster for Rast however, as Lunkin flopped a full house with three cards of 885. The turn brought the 2 and the river 5 gave Lunkin quads, eliminating Rast close to the final table bubble.

Brian Townsend Eliminated in 13th Place ($128,666)

Brian Townsend shoved all in for his last 800,000 on the button and Alec Torelli isolated behind him. Noah Schwartz tanked in the big blind for a few minutes before making the call himself, putting a huge portion of his stack at risk.

Townsend showed 76, Torelli showed pocket tens and Schwartz showed the best hand with pocket queens. Unfortunately, the board ran out J107104 and Torelli’s quads bumped his stack to 5 million. Schwartz took a hit down to 700,000 and Townsend was eliminated from the tournament.

Matthew Marafioti Eliminated in 12th place ($172,120)

Ted Forrest opened the action with a 120,000 under the gun raise that was re-raised by Isaac Haxton to 375,000 total. Matthew Marafioti was next to act and instantly went all in for 575,000 total. Tony G woke up with AK in the small blind and went into the tank for minutes. Riding a short stack for quite some time, Tony G eventually decided to fold. Isaac immediately called and tabled KK. Marafioti was discouraged as he flipped over QQ. When the players flipped over their cards Tony G said he might have had the odds to call, from the small blind and with his extremely short stack. The flop came A25, putting Haxton well ahead and caused Tony G to pace around the table. The A hit the turn and the J fell on the river, eliminating Marafioti. Haxton is now up to 2,400,000 in chips.

Vitaly Lunkin Wins Huge Double

With very little in the pot, Greg Raymer pushed all in into Vitaly Lunkin for about 1,700,000. Lunkin called immediately to the shock of Raymer. The 2004 Main Event champion exclaimed, “I didn’t think he would call,” as he turned over 66. Lunkin had the perfect read on Raymer and tabled JJ, for a higher pocket pair. With other players at the table saying “nice call” to Lunkin, the flop came out AQK, to put Lunkin far out ahead. The 10 on the turn put Raymer drawing for at best a split pot. The river brought the 10 and Lunkin won a 3,500,000 chip pot.

Keith Lehr Eliminated in 11th Place ($172,120)

Greg Raymer raised and Keith Lehr moved all in for 800,000 from the small blind. Raymer made the call and showed JJ which was racing against Lehr’s AQ. The board ran out king high but failed to connect with Lehr’s hand, sending him to the rail.

Left in the Deck:

The players at the table were trying to work out a short 20 minute break to continue play until one more is eliminated. However, Tony G gave the only dissenting vote to force the rest of the table to take an hour break before resuming play.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Ted Forrest,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Keith Lehr,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Isaac Haxton

Level 1 Update: Erik Cajelais Exits Early

May 28, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 180 out of 184

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Laak — 270,000
2. Scott Seiver — 260,000
3. Phil Laak — 245,000
4. Tony G — 240,000
5. David Chiu — 240,000
6. Michael DeMichelle — 200,000
7. Andy Black — 185,000
8. Chad Batista — 175,000
9. Isaac Haxton — 175,000
10. Nenad Medic — 175,000

Average Chip Count: 125,000

Notable Eliminations:

Erik Cajelais
Jim Bechtel

Big Hands:

Erik Cajelais Is Crippled By Tony G

On a board reading 753, Tony G was all in holding pocket aces against the 86 of Erik Cajelais. Cajelais needed to hit his massive draw to bust Guoga, but the turn and river fell A8.

Guoga moved up to 248,000 after the hand and Cajelais was crippled down to just 4,000. He was eliminated by Chris Moneymaker shortly after.

Brandon Adams Gets Caught Lying

Isaac Haxton raises to 1,400 from the cutoff and Brandon Adams reraises to 4,200 from the small blind. The flop comes Q53, and this time Adams leads out for 4,200. Haxton calls and the turn is the J. Adams bets out once again, this time for 6,200. Haxton tanks for a few minutes before making the call. The river is the J and both players check around. Adams turns over A10 for ace-high while Haxton shows 44 for a small pair. Haxton rakes the pot and brings his chip count up to 145,000 while Adams fall to just about 75,000 this hand.

Andy Black Collects Big Pot With Set Over Set

Chris Moore and Andy Black were locked into a hand, each holding a big pocket pair. Moore turned a set of jacks but the river brought a king, and Andy Black bet out 50,000. Moore called and Black turned over a set of kings to collect a big pot.

Phil Laak Cripples Opponent

James Calderaro held pocket kings against Phil Laak’s flopped set of eights. Laak moved all in on the river and was called, collecting a 270,000 chip pot.

Eric Liu Wins Pot on the River

On a board of QQ847, Eric Liu bet 15,550 on the river against Mark Seif. Seif contemplated briefly before folding. Seif is down to around 81,000.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Antanas Guoga,   Phil Laak,   Andy Black,   Erik Cajelais,   Brandon Adams,   Chris Moore,   Isaac Haxton,   Eric Liu

Level 16 Update: Moneymaker, Zolotow Flame Out

May 29, '09

Blinds: 8,000-16,000 with a 2,000 ante

Players Remaining: 36 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Raymer — 2,380,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 1,250,000
3. Keith Lehr — 1,080,000
4. Matt Marafioti — 1,080,000
5. Matt Glantz — 1,058,000
6. Brian Townsend — 1,015,000
7. Justin Bonomo — 980,000
8. Noah Schwartz — 980,000
9. Ted Forrest — 915,000
10. Vitaly Lunkin — 915,000

Average Chip Count: 670,000

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Dickstein
Humberto Brenes
Chris Moneymaker
Steve Zolotow

Big Hands:

Steve Zolotow Doubles Up Through Alec Torelli

Steve Zolotow was all in holding AJ against Alec Torelli and his KK. The flop came out AJ4, giving Zolotow the lead with two pair, but Torelli held the nut flush draw. The turn and river bricked out when it came 36 and Zolotow doubled up to 845,000. Torelli is still a live, but in considerably worse shape with 375,000.

Moneymaker Hurting After Tony G Double Up

Tony G was all in holding A-K against Chris Moneymaker’s pocket queens. The board ran out 8-6-2-K-J, giving Guoga the winning pair of kings and taking a huge chunk of Moneymaker’s stack.

After the hand, Moneymaker was down to just 230,000 while Guoga chipped up to over 830,000.

Humberto Brenes Taken Out By Greg Raymer

Humberto Brenes moved all in on the short stack from the cutoff and Greg Raymer made the call in the small blind. The action moved to Andrew Robl in the big blind, who appeared to be contemplating a call. After a while, some members of the table got up and Robl realized the action was on him. He quickly folded and Brenes showed A-7 offsuit. Raymer revealed pocket nines and they held to bust THE CHARK from the tournament.

Ted Forrest Wakes Up, Gets Moneymaker’s Stack

After sleeping through most of the past two levels, Ted Forrest finally returned to the tournament and almost immediately took the rest of Chris Moneymaker’s chips.

Moneymaker made his move with pocket tens and Forrest held pocket kings. Both players flopped a set when it came K-J-10 and the turn and river ran out 7-J to give both players a full house. Moneymaker’s was lower and he was ousted from the tournament. Forrest now has about 1.1 million in chips.

Greg Raymer Cruises Past 2 Million By Taking Out Steve Zolotow

Very reminiscent of 2004, Greg Raymer just can’t seem to lose coinflips today. After putting the all in pressure on Steve Zolotow and his 600,000+ stack, Zolotow made a good call with QQ. Raymer turned over AK and was once again in a race situation for a huge pot.

The flop came out 422 which someone at the table mentioned was a good flop for Zolotow. Sure enough, the next card off was the K and Zolotow slammed the table. The river 2 have both players a boat, but Raymer’s was best, busting Zolotow from the tournament. Raymer now has 2.38 million in chips.

Player Tags: Humberto Brenes,   Antanas Guoga,   Steve Zolotow,   Chris Moneymaker,   Greg Raymer,   Alec Torelli

Level 24 Update: Tony G Bubbles Televised Final Table

May 30, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 201

Chip Counts:

Seat 1 — Ted Forrest — 560,000
Seat 2 — Noah Schwartz — 660,000
Seat 3 — Alec Torelli — 2,340,000
Seat 4 — Isaac Haxton — 5,955,000
Seat 5 — Greg Raymer — 3,345,000
Seat 6 — Justin Bonomo — 1,685,000
Seat 7 — Lex Veldhuis — 3,805,000
Seat 8 — Dani Stern — 1,300,000
Seat 9 — Vitaly Lunkin — 4,565,000

Average Chip Count: 2,680,000

Notable Eliminations:

10. Tony G — $172,120

Big Hands:

Tony G Eliminated in 10th Place ($172,120)

Alec Torelli raised to 130,000 in early position and Tony G called all in for 75,000. Vitaly Lunkin decided to call as well and both players with chips behind checked down a board of 109756.

Tony G showed A7 for a pair of sevens but Lunkin showed J10 for top pair, good enough to send Guoga home on the bubble.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Alec Torelli

Level 22 Update: Brian Rast, Brian Townsend, Matthew Marafioti and Keith Lehr Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alec Torelli — 5,375,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 4,030,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,500,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 3,145,000
5. Greg Raymer — 2,995,000
6. Justin Bonomo — 2,045,000
7. Dani Stern- 1,275,000
8. Ted Forrest — 815,000
9. Noah Schwartz – 550,000
10. Tony Guoga- 445,000

Average Chip Count: 2,192,727

Notable Eliminations:

14. Brian Rast ($128,666)
13. Brian Townsend ($128,666)
12. Matthew Marafioti ($172,120)
11. Keith Lehr ($172,120)

Big Hands:

Brian Rast Eliminated in 14th Place ($128,666)

Vitaly Lunkin raised pre-flop to 100,000 from middle position and Brian Rast moved all-in over the top for 420,000 more from the big blind. Lunkin went into the tank and eventually made the call for the majority of his chips and exposed 55. However, Rast had him dominated with KK. The flop was a disaster for Rast however, as Lunkin flopped a full house with three cards of 885. The turn brought the 2 and the river 5 gave Lunkin quads, eliminating Rast close to the final table bubble.

Brian Townsend Eliminated in 13th Place ($128,666)

Brian Townsend shoved all in for his last 800,000 on the button and Alec Torelli isolated behind him. Noah Schwartz tanked in the big blind for a few minutes before making the call himself, putting a huge portion of his stack at risk.

Townsend showed 76, Torelli showed pocket tens and Schwartz showed the best hand with pocket queens. Unfortunately, the board ran out J107104 and Torelli’s quads bumped his stack to 5 million. Schwartz took a hit down to 700,000 and Townsend was eliminated from the tournament.

Matthew Marafioti Eliminated in 12th place ($172,120)

Ted Forrest opened the action with a 120,000 under the gun raise that was re-raised by Isaac Haxton to 375,000 total. Matthew Marafioti was next to act and instantly went all in for 575,000 total. Tony G woke up with AK in the small blind and went into the tank for minutes. Riding a short stack for quite some time, Tony G eventually decided to fold. Isaac immediately called and tabled KK. Marafioti was discouraged as he flipped over QQ. When the players flipped over their cards Tony G said he might have had the odds to call, from the small blind and with his extremely short stack. The flop came A25, putting Haxton well ahead and caused Tony G to pace around the table. The A hit the turn and the J fell on the river, eliminating Marafioti. Haxton is now up to 2,400,000 in chips.

Vitaly Lunkin Wins Huge Double

With very little in the pot, Greg Raymer pushed all in into Vitaly Lunkin for about 1,700,000. Lunkin called immediately to the shock of Raymer. The 2004 Main Event champion exclaimed, “I didn’t think he would call,” as he turned over 66. Lunkin had the perfect read on Raymer and tabled JJ, for a higher pocket pair. With other players at the table saying “nice call” to Lunkin, the flop came out AQK, to put Lunkin far out ahead. The 10 on the turn put Raymer drawing for at best a split pot. The river brought the 10 and Lunkin won a 3,500,000 chip pot.

Keith Lehr Eliminated in 11th Place ($172,120)

Greg Raymer raised and Keith Lehr moved all in for 800,000 from the small blind. Raymer made the call and showed JJ which was racing against Lehr’s AQ. The board ran out king high but failed to connect with Lehr’s hand, sending him to the rail.

Left in the Deck:

The players at the table were trying to work out a short 20 minute break to continue play until one more is eliminated. However, Tony G gave the only dissenting vote to force the rest of the table to take an hour break before resuming play.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Ted Forrest,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Keith Lehr,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Isaac Haxton

Tony G Eliminated

Jan 20, '09

Tony G has busted out of the tournament on day 2.
















 

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga

Tony G Eliminated in 16th Place

Jan 16, '09

Tony G has busted out of the tournament in 16th place, right after the elimination of Michael Sampoerna. The tournament has condensed to two tables now. An updated seating chart is coming soon.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga

Tony G Busts Out the Decision Button

Jan 16, '09

Tony G was the first player to use his time button in a pot with David Steicke. After a series of bets and raises 35,000 sat in the pot and a board of 8425 was sitting on the table when Tony G checked. Steicke continued his habit of opening the action in the hand, this time for 20,000. Tony G went into the tank for 30 seconds and then tossed his button booster into the pot to have 30 more seconds to decide, but time expired as he mucked his hand. An early hit for Tony G and a boost for Steicke.











 

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga

$10,000 PLO - Day 2 - Dinner Break

Jun 30, '08

Note: Players are now on a sixty-minute dinner break and will return at around 7:30 pm to begin Level 15 with increased blinds of 2,500-5,000.

Blinds: 2,000-4,000

Players Left: 45

Chip Leaders:
Josh Arieh: 780,000
Michael Mizrachi: 490,000
Dario Alioto: 445,000
Peter Jetten: 415,000
Eddy Scharf: 286,000
Billy Argyros: 265,000
Brant Hale: 265,000
Richard Harroch: 245,000
Brandon Moran: 240,000
Shawn Buchanan: 218,000

Eliminations: Dale Pinchot, Rolf Slotboom, Nenad Medic, Tony G, Steve Sung

Big Hands:

John D'Agostino Doubles Through David Singer With Quads

David Singer raised to 8,000 from under the gun and John D'Agostino called from the button. The flop came Q92, and Singer bet 11,000. D'Agostino raised all in for 40,000 more and Singer called. They both turned oevr their cards.

D'Agostino: AKQQ
Singer: A652

D'Agostino flopped top set (queens) while Singer flopped a pair of deuces and the nut flush draw. The turn was the 5 and the river was the Q, giving D'Agostino quad queens and the win. D'Agostino raked the pot and doubled up that hand to just under 120,000.

Nenad Medic Eliminated by Jorge "Twin-Caracas" Arias

On a flop of Q106, Mickey "Mouse" Mills bet 16,000 and Nenad Medic called all in for 13,000. Jorge "Twin-Caracas" Arias called the 16,000 bet and the turn was the A. Both players checked the side pot and the river was the 6. Once again both players checked and Arias turned over QQJ7 for a full house (queens full of sixes). Mills and Medic both mucked their hands. Medic made his way to the rail as Arias raked the pot.

Tony G Eliminated by David Singer

Shortly after John D'Agostino doubled through him, David Singer got some of it back after eliminating Tony G from the tournamnet and pulling his chips over to his side of the table.

Singer raised to 8,000 from early position and Tony G and reraised the size of the pot (22,500). Singer called and the flop came 1083. Tony G bet his last 1,000 chip and Singer called.

Tony G: AAJ7
Singer: KKQJ

Tony G led on the flop with a pair of aces and a jack-high flush draw, Singer held pocket kings and a king-high flush draw. Both players had a gut-shot straight draw with a nine, Tony's to the jack and Singer's to the queen. The turn was the 9, giving both players their straight, Singer with the best hand. At this point Tony G was drawing to a chopped pot with a queen, otherwise he would be eliminated from the tournament. The river was the 8 and Tony G hit the rail.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Mickey Mills,   John D'Agostino,   David Singer,   Nenad Medic,   Arias Jorge