Orel Hershiser Poker Tournament Updates

Level Four Hour Two Update: Alexander Kostritsyn Looking Strong

Jul 06, '10

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Number of Entrants 1,489

Average Chip Count 37,888

Notable Chip Counts:

1. Gabe Walls — 178,000
2. Robert Miller — 155,000
3. Phil Galfond — 145,000
4. Jim Collopy — 114,000
5. Alex Kostritsyn — 106,000
6. Phil Laak — 105,000
7. John Kabbaj — 98,000
8. James Dempsey — 92,000
9. Jason DeWitt — 92,000
10. Kido Pham — 90,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jon Friedberg – 39,000
Michael Piper – 14,000
Josh Brikis – 90,000

Notable Eliminations

None

Big Hands:

Perry Friedman Bests His Opponent’s Jacks

Perry Friedman raised to 900 from middle position and was three-bet to 3,000. Friedman made the call and the flop was K103.

Friedman checked and called a bet of 3,000 from his opponent. The turn was the A and both players checked. The river came the 9 and Friedman checked and called a bet of 5,000.

His opponent showed JJ and Friedman’s KQ took the pot.

George Lind Doubles

George Lind got his last 19,000 in the middle and was called by his opponent. Lind showed KK and his opponent showed JJ.

The dealer didn’t bring a jack to the board and Lind doubled up to 40,000.

Jim Collopy Chops a Big Pot

A player in middle position bet 800 and Jim Collopy raised to 2,675. A player directly to his left smooth called and so did the original raiser. The flop came A103 and it was checked to Collopy. He fired out a bet of 5,275. The opponent to his left called and the original bettor folded. The turn brought the 6 and Collopy bet 11,575. His opponent raised him to 31,575. Collopy tanked before finally calling. The turn brought the 2 and Collopy checked. His opponent instantly moved all in for 25,000 and Collopy went into the tank once again. He eventually called and his opponent tabled A-K for top pair. Collopy rolled over the same hand for the chop.

Dan Harrington Climbing Back Up

On a flop of Q55 Dan Harrington’s opponent check-called a bet of 1,500. The 9 on the turn prompted a bet from both players. The 4 fell on the river and Harrington’s opponent checked. Harrington bet 3,000 and was called. Harrington tabled the A3 and his opponent mucked. Harrington is back to the starting stack of 30,000 again.

Alexander Kostritsyn Over 100,000

On a flop of QQ10 Alexander Kostritsyn bet 3,000 before his opponent raised to 10,000. Kostritsyn called. The turn brought the 2 and Kostritsyn check-called 10,000. The 8 landed on the river and action went check-check. Kostritsyn tabled the Q9 and was good. He was up to 106,000 after the hand.

Smith Plays Top Two Passive

The board on the turn read K49A and Jordan Smith checked over to his opponent, who bet 1,900. Smith called and they saw the 5 fall on the river.

Both players checked and Smith turned over AK, giving him top two pair and the pot. Smith climbs to 34,300 with the win.

Reisenberg Doubles With Aces

Jason Reisenberg got all in preflop for 8,750 holding AA against his opponent’s AK.

The flop came 296 and his opponent started begging the dealer for running clubs. The 2 turn left him drawing dead and the 6 finished the board, doubling Reisenberg up to around 18,000.

Hershiser Loses Big One on Bad Kicker

Seat 4 raised to 800 preflop from under the gun and was called by Orel Hershiser and the player in the big blind.

The flop ran K37 and all players checked. The 7 landed on the turn and the big blind bet 1,250. Seat 4 called and Hershiser reraised to 3,600.

The big blind called and seat 4 got out of the way. The 2 came on the river and both players checked it down. Hershiser showed K9 for two pair with a nine-kicker. The big blind looked surprised as he turned over KJ for the same two pair with a higher kicker to take the pot.

Hershiser had 20,400 after the hand.

Ladny Lets It Go on River

Seat 3 raised to 800 and Eric Ladny made the call. The flop ran 77K and both players checked.

When the turn brought the Q, Ladny checked to seat 3 who fired 1,000 into the pot. Ladny called and the 2 fell on the river. Ladny again checked and when seat 3 bet 2,500 Ladny thought for a while and let his hand go.

Ladny had around 30,000 after the loss.

Player Tags: Dan Harrington,   Perry Friedman,   Jordan Smith,   Eric Ladny,   Orel Hershiser,   George Lind

Level Four Hour One Update: Laak Cruising

Jul 06, '10

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Number of Entrants 1,489

Notable Chip Counts:

1. Robert Miller — 154,000
2. Kido Pham — 110,000
3, Jim Collopy — 97,000
4. Jason DeWitt 94,000
5. Josh Brikis — 90,000
6. Phil Galfond — 86,000
7. Valdemar Kwaysser — 78,000
8. James Dempsey — 78,000
9. Alex Bonnin — 78,000
10. Matthias De Meulder — 75,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jon Friedberg – 39,000
Michael Piper – 32,000
Josh Brikis – 90,000

Notable Eliminations

Erick Lindgren
Joe Sebok
Phil Collins

Hands:

Laak Makes Good Read

On a flop of 769 Phil Laak checked to the player on the button, who bet 1,500. Laak made the call.

The turn brought the 4 and Laak checked to the button again, who bet 2,700. Laak again made the call.

The 10 fell on the river, putting three diamonds on the board. Laak checked again and this time so did the player on the button. Laak showed A7 for two pair and the button quietly mucked. Laak had around 83,000 after the hand.

Daniel Kelly Loses a Pot

Daniel Kelly and an opponent saw a flop of J75. Kelly’s opponent checked and he bet out 4,400. The unknown player check-raised to 10,000 and Kelly quickly folded. He is down to 55,000.

Orel Hershiser Wins a Pot

On a board reading AJ5JA Orel Hershiser bet 6,600 and his opponent folded. Hershiser tabled the 108 for a busted draw and said, “I want to have chips or go to bed.”

Phil Galfond Forced to Fold

On a board reading J962 Phil Galfond bet 7,800 into a pot of about 10,000. The player on the button moved all in for about 25,000 total and Galfond mucked. He was down to about 45,000 after the hand.

Adams Doubles Up, Still Short

We picked up the action with Brandon Adams getting all of his chips in the middle against the player in seat 1.

It was a classic race situation when Adams tabled 88 and the player in seat 1 showed KQ.

It wasn’t a race when the flop came A98. The turn was the 9 and the hand was officially over and Adams doubled up to 9,000.

Hershiser Takes One

The board on the turn read AK102 and a player checked over to Orel Hershiser on the button. Hershiser bet 3,500 and was called.

The river was the 9 and it was checked to Hershizer again. Hershizer checked back and tabled AQ and his opponent. Hershizer climbs back to 28,000 with the win.

Player Tags: Phil Laak,   Phil Galfond,   Daniel Kelly,   Orel Hershiser

Level One Hour Two Update: Chewy Chips Up, Kelly Drops a Bit

Jul 06, '10

Blinds: 50-100

Average Chip Counts 30,000

Notable Chip Counts:

1. Minh Ly – 65,000
2. John Duthie – 51,500
3. Anthony Yeh – 40,000
4. Mike Souza – 40,000
5. Sasha Rosewood – 37,500
6. Mike Piper – 37,000
7. Eric Liu – 36,500
8. Jamie Armstrong – 36,500
9. Todd Witteles – 36,000
10. Benny Spindler – 35,500

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jon Friedberg – 30,000

Notable Eliminations:

Hands:

Daniel Kelly Loses a Pot

Daniel Kelly called a 250 chip bet in the small blind. Kelly and three other players saw a 4310 flop. Action was checked around. The 8 fell on the turn and Kelly bet 650. The first player to act on his left made the call and the other two opponents folded. The river brought the A and Kelly checked. His opponent fired out 2,150 and Kelly tanked before eventually folding. Kelly was at 28,000 after the hand.

Orel Hershiser Loses a Pot

Orel Hershiser bet 350 preflop and was called by two opponents. Action was checked to a river on a board reading 543JA. Hershiser bet 1,050 on the river and was called by the player on the button. His opponent tabled the A9 and Hershiser mucked. He was down to 23,500 after the hand.

Liv Boeree Loses a Big Pot

Facing a raise to 300 and two calls, Liv Boeree three-bet to 1,500 from the big blind. One of the original callers decided to see the flop. The flop came K104 and Boeree bet 1,600. Her opponent raised to 4,000 and Boeree called. Boeree check-called 5,500 after a 6 turn. The river was the 2 and Boeree checked. Her opponent shoved for 15,175 and Boeree tanked before eventually making the call. Her opponent tabled the KK for top set and Boeree was down to 5,325.

Top Two Works For Chewy

We picked up the action on the turn with the board reading 3710Q and there was already just over 4,000 in the pot.

There was a bet of 4,300 and a call from Andrew Lichtenberger. The river brought the 7 and Lichtenberger snap-called a bet of 7,000 from his opponent. His opponent tabled Q9 and was toast against Lichtenberger’s Q10.

Lichtenberger is up to 42,500 with that pot.

The Return of the Russian

Vladimir Shchemelev has made four final tables at the 2010 WSOP for more than $1 million in winnings. He’s sitting in the day 1b field and just took down a small pot.

Shchemelev was one of three players who called a raise to 250 from the player in seat 1. All players checked the flop of 236 and when action was checked to Shchemelev on the J turn he fired 1,125 and his opponents folded. Shchemelev had around 31,000 after the hand.

Annette Loses a Small One

Annette Obrestad bet 600 on a flop of 9AK and seat 8 made the call. The 5 fell on the turn and seat 8 led out for 1,600. Obrestad mucked and lost a small pot. She had around 29,300 after the hand.

A Nice Table For Schoenberg

Action folded to Erica Schoenberg, who limped from the small blind and the big blind checked. The flop came Q46 and Schoenberg bet a single 100 chip. The big blind folded, showing a deuce and a trey and they shared a laugh.

Schoenberg had around 30,300 after the hand, and the table has been full of chatter and smiles. Brandon Adams is also at her table.

Player Tags: Erica Schoenberg,   Annette Obrestad,   Daniel Kelly,   Andrew Lichtenberger,   Orel Hershiser,   Liv Boeree

Leve Five Hour Two Update: Phil Ivey Crippled, Eliminated

Jul 10, '10

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 1359 out of 2412

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Steve Billirakis — 196,250
2. Khamsy Nuanmanee — 170,525
3. Robert Miller — 155,000
4. Jason DeWitt — 149,950
5. Archie Karas — 137,775
6. Alex Michaels — 135,000
7. David Benyamine — 130,800
8. Matt Keikoan — 125,000
9. Tristan Wade — 121,100
10. Hank Azaria — 120,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Josh Brikis — 97,500
Mike Matusow — 12,700
Roy Winston — 10,000
Jennifer Harman — 29,025

Player Twitter Accounts

Tristan Wade
Dave Sands
Brandon Cantu
Jon Turner
Amit Makhija
Bryan Micon
Phil Ivey
Doyle Brunson

Notable Eliminations:

Thuy Doan
Shannon Elizabeth
Phil Ivey
Alex Kamberis

Big Hands:

Thuy Doan Eliminated

Thuy Doan moved all in preflop for 5,000 and was called by one opponent. Doan tabled the 55 but was dominated by the 1010 of her opponent. The board ran out J966Q and Doan was eliminated very early on day 2a.

One-Outer Hits

Douglas Gabriel called a 30,000 chip all-in bet on a board of Q1055 with the 55 for quads. Gabriel’s opponent exposed the 1010 for a flopped set-over-set scenario. The turn had brought the quintessential main-event one-outer. Gabriel eliminated his opponent and was up to 88,000 after the hand.

Orel Hershiser Moved In On

A player in middle position bet 1,100 and Orel Hershiser called in the small blind. The flop came K103 and action went check-check. The Q on the turn prompted another check from Hershiser. His opponent bet 1,050. Hershiser check-raised to 6,025. His opponent reraised enough to put the former professional athlete all in. Hershiser elected to fold and saved his last 9,000.

Vanessa Rousso Slipping

Vanessa Rousso and three other players were involved in a pot on a board reading 9878. A player in the small blind bet 1,300. Rousso and an opponent in the cutoff called. The river brought the 4 and action was checked to the cutoff. He bet 2,300 and Rousso was the one making the call. Her opponent tabled the AJ for the nut flush. Rousso was down to 95,000 after the hand.

Michael Martin Eliminated

Michael Martin opened to 1,000 and Robert Miller raised to 3,200. Martin four-bet to 9,000. Miller went all in and Martin called all in for 16,000. Martin exposed the KK and was in great shape against the Q9 of Miller. However, the board ran out 98310J and Martin was gone after his opponent made a straight. Miller was at 155,000 after the hand.

Brett Richey Eliminates Alex Kamberis

Alex Kamberis was all in preflop with A-K against the pocket tens of Brett Richey. The pocket pair held and Kamberis was eliminated.

Phil Ivey Crippled

A player in last position opened to 1,100. Yuji Masaki raised to 2,800. Phil Ivey went all in from the big blind and the original bettor folded. However, Masaki made the call for his tournament life. Masaki exposed the KK and was way ahead of the QQ of Ivey. The flop was safe for Masaki as it came 883. However, the Q on the turn gave Ivey top set. Masaki had two outs to stay alive. When the K hit the river, Masaki doubled up and Ivey was crippled to just 1,900.

Ivey was eliminated a few hands later and his run at back-to-back final tables won’t happen.

Player Tags: Phil Ivey,   Brett Richey,   Vanessa Rousso,   Alexander Kamberis,   Orel Hershiser,   Thuy Doan

Level Four Hour Two Update: Alexander Kostritsyn Looking Strong

Jul 06, '10

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Number of Entrants 1,489

Average Chip Count 37,888

Notable Chip Counts:

1. Gabe Walls — 178,000
2. Robert Miller — 155,000
3. Phil Galfond — 145,000
4. Jim Collopy — 114,000
5. Alex Kostritsyn — 106,000
6. Phil Laak — 105,000
7. John Kabbaj — 98,000
8. James Dempsey — 92,000
9. Jason DeWitt — 92,000
10. Kido Pham — 90,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jon Friedberg – 39,000
Michael Piper – 14,000
Josh Brikis – 90,000

Notable Eliminations

None

Big Hands:

Perry Friedman Bests His Opponent’s Jacks

Perry Friedman raised to 900 from middle position and was three-bet to 3,000. Friedman made the call and the flop was K103.

Friedman checked and called a bet of 3,000 from his opponent. The turn was the A and both players checked. The river came the 9 and Friedman checked and called a bet of 5,000.

His opponent showed JJ and Friedman’s KQ took the pot.

George Lind Doubles

George Lind got his last 19,000 in the middle and was called by his opponent. Lind showed KK and his opponent showed JJ.

The dealer didn’t bring a jack to the board and Lind doubled up to 40,000.

Jim Collopy Chops a Big Pot

A player in middle position bet 800 and Jim Collopy raised to 2,675. A player directly to his left smooth called and so did the original raiser. The flop came A103 and it was checked to Collopy. He fired out a bet of 5,275. The opponent to his left called and the original bettor folded. The turn brought the 6 and Collopy bet 11,575. His opponent raised him to 31,575. Collopy tanked before finally calling. The turn brought the 2 and Collopy checked. His opponent instantly moved all in for 25,000 and Collopy went into the tank once again. He eventually called and his opponent tabled A-K for top pair. Collopy rolled over the same hand for the chop.

Dan Harrington Climbing Back Up

On a flop of Q55 Dan Harrington’s opponent check-called a bet of 1,500. The 9 on the turn prompted a bet from both players. The 4 fell on the river and Harrington’s opponent checked. Harrington bet 3,000 and was called. Harrington tabled the A3 and his opponent mucked. Harrington is back to the starting stack of 30,000 again.

Alexander Kostritsyn Over 100,000

On a flop of QQ10 Alexander Kostritsyn bet 3,000 before his opponent raised to 10,000. Kostritsyn called. The turn brought the 2 and Kostritsyn check-called 10,000. The 8 landed on the river and action went check-check. Kostritsyn tabled the Q9 and was good. He was up to 106,000 after the hand.

Smith Plays Top Two Passive

The board on the turn read K49A and Jordan Smith checked over to his opponent, who bet 1,900. Smith called and they saw the 5 fall on the river.

Both players checked and Smith turned over AK, giving him top two pair and the pot. Smith climbs to 34,300 with the win.

Reisenberg Doubles With Aces

Jason Reisenberg got all in preflop for 8,750 holding AA against his opponent’s AK.

The flop came 296 and his opponent started begging the dealer for running clubs. The 2 turn left him drawing dead and the 6 finished the board, doubling Reisenberg up to around 18,000.

Hershiser Loses Big One on Bad Kicker

Seat 4 raised to 800 preflop from under the gun and was called by Orel Hershiser and the player in the big blind.

The flop ran K37 and all players checked. The 7 landed on the turn and the big blind bet 1,250. Seat 4 called and Hershiser reraised to 3,600.

The big blind called and seat 4 got out of the way. The 2 came on the river and both players checked it down. Hershiser showed K9 for two pair with a nine-kicker. The big blind looked surprised as he turned over KJ for the same two pair with a higher kicker to take the pot.

Hershiser had 20,400 after the hand.

Ladny Lets It Go on River

Seat 3 raised to 800 and Eric Ladny made the call. The flop ran 77K and both players checked.

When the turn brought the Q, Ladny checked to seat 3 who fired 1,000 into the pot. Ladny called and the 2 fell on the river. Ladny again checked and when seat 3 bet 2,500 Ladny thought for a while and let his hand go.

Ladny had around 30,000 after the loss.

Player Tags: Dan Harrington,   Perry Friedman,   Jordan Smith,   Eric Ladny,   Orel Hershiser,   George Lind

Level Four Hour One Update: Laak Cruising

Jul 06, '10

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Number of Entrants 1,489

Notable Chip Counts:

1. Robert Miller — 154,000
2. Kido Pham — 110,000
3, Jim Collopy — 97,000
4. Jason DeWitt 94,000
5. Josh Brikis — 90,000
6. Phil Galfond — 86,000
7. Valdemar Kwaysser — 78,000
8. James Dempsey — 78,000
9. Alex Bonnin — 78,000
10. Matthias De Meulder — 75,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jon Friedberg – 39,000
Michael Piper – 32,000
Josh Brikis – 90,000

Notable Eliminations

Erick Lindgren
Joe Sebok
Phil Collins

Hands:

Laak Makes Good Read

On a flop of 769 Phil Laak checked to the player on the button, who bet 1,500. Laak made the call.

The turn brought the 4 and Laak checked to the button again, who bet 2,700. Laak again made the call.

The 10 fell on the river, putting three diamonds on the board. Laak checked again and this time so did the player on the button. Laak showed A7 for two pair and the button quietly mucked. Laak had around 83,000 after the hand.

Daniel Kelly Loses a Pot

Daniel Kelly and an opponent saw a flop of J75. Kelly’s opponent checked and he bet out 4,400. The unknown player check-raised to 10,000 and Kelly quickly folded. He is down to 55,000.

Orel Hershiser Wins a Pot

On a board reading AJ5JA Orel Hershiser bet 6,600 and his opponent folded. Hershiser tabled the 108 for a busted draw and said, “I want to have chips or go to bed.”

Phil Galfond Forced to Fold

On a board reading J962 Phil Galfond bet 7,800 into a pot of about 10,000. The player on the button moved all in for about 25,000 total and Galfond mucked. He was down to about 45,000 after the hand.

Adams Doubles Up, Still Short

We picked up the action with Brandon Adams getting all of his chips in the middle against the player in seat 1.

It was a classic race situation when Adams tabled 88 and the player in seat 1 showed KQ.

It wasn’t a race when the flop came A98. The turn was the 9 and the hand was officially over and Adams doubled up to 9,000.

Hershiser Takes One

The board on the turn read AK102 and a player checked over to Orel Hershiser on the button. Hershiser bet 3,500 and was called.

The river was the 9 and it was checked to Hershizer again. Hershizer checked back and tabled AQ and his opponent. Hershizer climbs back to 28,000 with the win.

Player Tags: Phil Laak,   Phil Galfond,   Daniel Kelly,   Orel Hershiser

Level One Hour Two Update: Chewy Chips Up, Kelly Drops a Bit

Jul 06, '10

Blinds: 50-100

Average Chip Counts 30,000

Notable Chip Counts:

1. Minh Ly – 65,000
2. John Duthie – 51,500
3. Anthony Yeh – 40,000
4. Mike Souza – 40,000
5. Sasha Rosewood – 37,500
6. Mike Piper – 37,000
7. Eric Liu – 36,500
8. Jamie Armstrong – 36,500
9. Todd Witteles – 36,000
10. Benny Spindler – 35,500

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jon Friedberg – 30,000

Notable Eliminations:

Hands:

Daniel Kelly Loses a Pot

Daniel Kelly called a 250 chip bet in the small blind. Kelly and three other players saw a 4310 flop. Action was checked around. The 8 fell on the turn and Kelly bet 650. The first player to act on his left made the call and the other two opponents folded. The river brought the A and Kelly checked. His opponent fired out 2,150 and Kelly tanked before eventually folding. Kelly was at 28,000 after the hand.

Orel Hershiser Loses a Pot

Orel Hershiser bet 350 preflop and was called by two opponents. Action was checked to a river on a board reading 543JA. Hershiser bet 1,050 on the river and was called by the player on the button. His opponent tabled the A9 and Hershiser mucked. He was down to 23,500 after the hand.

Liv Boeree Loses a Big Pot

Facing a raise to 300 and two calls, Liv Boeree three-bet to 1,500 from the big blind. One of the original callers decided to see the flop. The flop came K104 and Boeree bet 1,600. Her opponent raised to 4,000 and Boeree called. Boeree check-called 5,500 after a 6 turn. The river was the 2 and Boeree checked. Her opponent shoved for 15,175 and Boeree tanked before eventually making the call. Her opponent tabled the KK for top set and Boeree was down to 5,325.

Top Two Works For Chewy

We picked up the action on the turn with the board reading 3710Q and there was already just over 4,000 in the pot.

There was a bet of 4,300 and a call from Andrew Lichtenberger. The river brought the 7 and Lichtenberger snap-called a bet of 7,000 from his opponent. His opponent tabled Q9 and was toast against Lichtenberger’s Q10.

Lichtenberger is up to 42,500 with that pot.

The Return of the Russian

Vladimir Shchemelev has made four final tables at the 2010 WSOP for more than $1 million in winnings. He’s sitting in the day 1b field and just took down a small pot.

Shchemelev was one of three players who called a raise to 250 from the player in seat 1. All players checked the flop of 236 and when action was checked to Shchemelev on the J turn he fired 1,125 and his opponents folded. Shchemelev had around 31,000 after the hand.

Annette Loses a Small One

Annette Obrestad bet 600 on a flop of 9AK and seat 8 made the call. The 5 fell on the turn and seat 8 led out for 1,600. Obrestad mucked and lost a small pot. She had around 29,300 after the hand.

A Nice Table For Schoenberg

Action folded to Erica Schoenberg, who limped from the small blind and the big blind checked. The flop came Q46 and Schoenberg bet a single 100 chip. The big blind folded, showing a deuce and a trey and they shared a laugh.

Schoenberg had around 30,300 after the hand, and the table has been full of chatter and smiles. Brandon Adams is also at her table.

Player Tags: Erica Schoenberg,   Annette Obrestad,   Daniel Kelly,   Andrew Lichtenberger,   Orel Hershiser,   Liv Boeree

Leve Five Hour Two Update: Phil Ivey Crippled, Eliminated

Jul 10, '10

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 1359 out of 2412

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Steve Billirakis — 196,250
2. Khamsy Nuanmanee — 170,525
3. Robert Miller — 155,000
4. Jason DeWitt — 149,950
5. Archie Karas — 137,775
6. Alex Michaels — 135,000
7. David Benyamine — 130,800
8. Matt Keikoan — 125,000
9. Tristan Wade — 121,100
10. Hank Azaria — 120,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Josh Brikis — 97,500
Mike Matusow — 12,700
Roy Winston — 10,000
Jennifer Harman — 29,025

Player Twitter Accounts

Tristan Wade
Dave Sands
Brandon Cantu
Jon Turner
Amit Makhija
Bryan Micon
Phil Ivey
Doyle Brunson

Notable Eliminations:

Thuy Doan
Shannon Elizabeth
Phil Ivey
Alex Kamberis

Big Hands:

Thuy Doan Eliminated

Thuy Doan moved all in preflop for 5,000 and was called by one opponent. Doan tabled the 55 but was dominated by the 1010 of her opponent. The board ran out J966Q and Doan was eliminated very early on day 2a.

One-Outer Hits

Douglas Gabriel called a 30,000 chip all-in bet on a board of Q1055 with the 55 for quads. Gabriel’s opponent exposed the 1010 for a flopped set-over-set scenario. The turn had brought the quintessential main-event one-outer. Gabriel eliminated his opponent and was up to 88,000 after the hand.

Orel Hershiser Moved In On

A player in middle position bet 1,100 and Orel Hershiser called in the small blind. The flop came K103 and action went check-check. The Q on the turn prompted another check from Hershiser. His opponent bet 1,050. Hershiser check-raised to 6,025. His opponent reraised enough to put the former professional athlete all in. Hershiser elected to fold and saved his last 9,000.

Vanessa Rousso Slipping

Vanessa Rousso and three other players were involved in a pot on a board reading 9878. A player in the small blind bet 1,300. Rousso and an opponent in the cutoff called. The river brought the 4 and action was checked to the cutoff. He bet 2,300 and Rousso was the one making the call. Her opponent tabled the AJ for the nut flush. Rousso was down to 95,000 after the hand.

Michael Martin Eliminated

Michael Martin opened to 1,000 and Robert Miller raised to 3,200. Martin four-bet to 9,000. Miller went all in and Martin called all in for 16,000. Martin exposed the KK and was in great shape against the Q9 of Miller. However, the board ran out 98310J and Martin was gone after his opponent made a straight. Miller was at 155,000 after the hand.

Brett Richey Eliminates Alex Kamberis

Alex Kamberis was all in preflop with A-K against the pocket tens of Brett Richey. The pocket pair held and Kamberis was eliminated.

Phil Ivey Crippled

A player in last position opened to 1,100. Yuji Masaki raised to 2,800. Phil Ivey went all in from the big blind and the original bettor folded. However, Masaki made the call for his tournament life. Masaki exposed the KK and was way ahead of the QQ of Ivey. The flop was safe for Masaki as it came 883. However, the Q on the turn gave Ivey top set. Masaki had two outs to stay alive. When the K hit the river, Masaki doubled up and Ivey was crippled to just 1,900.

Ivey was eliminated a few hands later and his run at back-to-back final tables won’t happen.

Player Tags: Phil Ivey,   Brett Richey,   Vanessa Rousso,   Alexander Kamberis,   Orel Hershiser,   Thuy Doan

Annette Obrestad Defeats Orel Hershiser

Mar 05, '10

Annette Obrestad limped in and Orel Hershiser (pictured right) moved all in from the big blind.

Obrestad made the call with KQ and was ahead of Hershiser’s 109. The board fell A645Q and Hershiser was eliminated.

Obrestad advances to play Phil Hellmuth in the next round.

Player Tags: Annette Obrestad,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Hershiser Doubles Up

Jan 07, '10

Orel Hershiser moved all in on a flop of A53 and one player called him down. Their cards:

Hershiser: AQ
Opponent: A8

Turn and River: 10 and 9

Hershiser doubled up to survive and he now holds a stack worth 140,000.

Player Tags: Orel Hershiser

Ted Forrest Defeats Orel Hershiser

Mar 06, '09

Orel Hershiser was short and made a move at the wrong time with his last 7,000 in chips. Hershiser shoved on the button and Ted Forrest made the call.

Hershiser showed Q5 and was behind to Forrest and his AK. The board ran out 8-3-2-8-K and Hershiser was eliminated from the tournament. Forrest will now face off agains the winner of Hevad Khan and Scotty Nguyen.

Ironically, Hershiser and Forrest drew each other in the first round last year, as well. Hershiser won that match to reach the elite eight. This year was another story and one-time champion Forrest keeps his tournament run alive.

Player Tags: Ted Forrest,   Orel Hershiser

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1b - Level 4

Jul 04, '08

Blinds: 150-300, 25 ante

Chip Leaders:
Ron Adams - 95,000
Mike “SirWatts” Watson - 92,000
Alexander Meidinger - 87,000
Patrik Antonius - 87,000
Michael Guzzardi - 84,000
Markus Golser - 81,000
Robert Mizrachi - 75,000
Redmond Lee - 73,000
Erick Lindgren - 66,700

Other Notables:
Victoria Coren - 45,000
Billy Argyros - 30,000
Mickey Appleman - 28,000
Bill Edler - 26,000
Shaun Deeb - 24,000
Lee Watkinson - 16,000
Alexander Kravchenko - 13,000
Sam Grizzle - 12,000

Eliminations:
Jacobo Fernandez
Matt Brady
Orel Hersheiser

Big Hands and Storylines:

Kenna James Loses Pot, Not Looking Hot

On a flop of 1097, a player made a bet of 2,500.  His lone opponent, Kenna James, made the call and the dealer put down the Q on the turn.  After several moments of deliberation, James’ opponent threw six yellow 1,000 chips across the line.  James mucked his cards and finished the hand with less than 12,000 in chips.

Bjorin Struggling

With one limper into the pot for 300, a shortstacked Chris Bjorin raised to 1500. Both blinds folded and the limper called to see the flop come K95. Bjorin led out for 2000, but was then check-raised to 6000. Bjorin, now with only 8900 remaining in chips, laid his hand down.

Zolotow Still Steady

Steve Zolotow was in the big blind, and after an opening raise to 725, the small blind called and Zolotow did the same. The flop came J65, and all three players checked. The 3 came on the turn, and when the small blind checked Zolotow bet out for 1100. Both players folded, and Zolotow improved his chip stack to 21,800.

Bell Lays One Down

Chris Bell called a 1225 bet on the turn with teh board reading J554. After the A hit the river, Bell checked and his opponent bet 2675 into the pot. Bell folded, but remains with a healthy 39,250 in chips.

David Dawkins Draws Diamonds, Dodges Disaster, Doubles

David Dawkins, sporting a series of tattoos on his arms and a name patch identifying him as “Evil”, just found himself in a heap of trouble. An early position player limped and then another player made it 1,600 total. Dawkins in the big blind – unfazed by this development (or perhaps too intoxicated to even notice it) – moved all-in for 8,500. Action folded back around to the raiser who made a quick call with AA. Dawkins flipped over A6, but was given some good news when the flop came J42. Dawkins asked the dealer for a diamond and, wouldn’t you know it, the 10 landed on the turn. The 4 on the river was inconsequential and Dawkins doubled up to 17,000.

Two hands later Dawkins continued his, let’s say, “loose aggressive” style of play when action folded around to him on the button and he moved all-in for over 40 big blinds. Action made it to the big blind who had some thinking to do. Dawkins looked him in the eye and told him, “I’ve got it.” After a few more seconds of thought, the young man folded.

Bill Edler Flops Big

With the board reading 65483, two players were left in the hand. Action was on Bill Edler who quite openly admitted, “I hate myself for not betting what I think is the best hand.” After Edler’s check, his opponent checked right behind, tabling Q4. Edler’s hand was indeed good; he showed 32 for a flopped straight. That hand brings Edler up to 26,000.

Player Tags: Chris Bjorin,   Steve Zolotow,   Bill Edler,   Chris Bell,   Matt Brady,   Jacobo Fernandez,   Orel Hershiser

Main Event Day 1b - Bulldog Goes Back to Back

Jul 04, '08

Note: Players are now on a 90 minute dinner break. When they return, they will play for two more levels before ending for the evening. Play will resume with blinds at 150-300 with a 25 ante.

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Leaders:
Patrik Antonius: 96,000
Michael Watson: 78,000
Robert Mizrachi: 76,000
Terris Preston: 65,000
Erick Lindgren: 63,100
Ron Adams: 62,000
Stephen Ladowsky: 62,000
Alexander Meidinger: 61,000
Redmond Lee: 60,500
Christina Hall: 60,000

Card Player Counts:
Vicky Coren: 29,000
Sverre Sundbo: 52,000
Ross Boatman: 13,750
Steve Zolotow: 23,000
Lee Watkinson: 20,000

Neil Channing: 29,500
John Duthie 22,200
George McKeever: 22,000
Thor Hansen: 25,000
Markus Golser: 90,000
Alex Kravchenko: 14,700
Bruno Fitoussi: 4,725
Sylvester Geohegan: 27,500
Chris Bjorin: 14,200

Eliminations: Humberto Brenes, Jamie Gold, Olga Varkonyi

Notable Hands:
Bulldog Goes Back To Back

T.V. crews lurked like vultures around a shortstacked Orel Hershiser. Starting the hand with around only 5,000, Hershiser reraised all in from the small blind after the button opened for a raise to 900. The big blind made the call, and the button folded. Hershiser turned over 77, and was trailing the big blind's 99. But the flop came J87, giving Hershiser a badly needed set. The turn came K, and the river the K, improving Hershiser to a full house and doubling him up to around 10,000.

The very next hand, Seat 5 bet 2,200 on a flop of 962. Hershier once again moved all in, and was called. He showed A9 for top pair, top kicker, and was a huge favorite against his opponent's 109. The turn was the 8, and the river the 4, giving Hershier another double up to put him back where he started the day around 20,000 in chips.

Rocky Road for Rousso

On a board of K639, Vanessa Rousso fired out a bet of 3,000. Patrick Bueno moved all in for an additional 10,600, sending Rousso into a massive tank session. "You want a call?" she asked. Bueno replied in the affirmative, and Rousso began running through all the hands that Bueno could possibly hold out loud. "Why would I believe you?" Finally, after almost 5 minutes, Rousso mucked, sending the pot to Bueno and leaving herself with around 32,000.

On the very next hand, the player in seat 9 raised to 900 preflop. Rousso made the call from the small blind. The flop came J65. Both players checked, and saw the 9 on the turn. Rousso led out for 1,500, soliciting a call from seat 9. The 7 fell on the river, and Rousso made a bet of 4,000. Seat 9 then took his turn in the tank, contemplating his options. He eventually opted to call, and Rousso turned over K8 for the rivered straight. Seat 9 mucked his hand angrily, banging the table as the pot was sent Rousso's way, improving her to 40,000.

Lessons In Etiquette

As the Rousso hand was ending, Krity Gazes called the floor to her table across the room. She was upset that the player in seat 5 was telling her about poker etiquette. "You're trying to tell me about poker etiquette and you're the one being rude," she said to the player as the floor person was arriving. She explained the situation to the floor person, who simply told both players to stop arguing with each other, leaving Gazes fuming. The whole debacle began when Gazes asked to see the player's cards after a hand. He responded poorly, even though Gazes was in the right to make the request.

Gold Gets Gone

Action was folded to Jamie Gold in the small blind, who moved all in for his last 3,000. Pat Pezzin woke up with QQ in the big blind and quickly made the call. Gold showed KQ, and the board ran 774J6. Gold shook hands with the other players at his table, paid his maseuse, and took his leave.

Brenes Busts

Humberto Brenes' sharks sleep with the fishes tonight after he ran his pocket queens into his opponent's pocket kings and failed to improve his hand.


The Robert Mizrachi Courtesy Double Up Service

On a flop of 864 Robert Mizrachi bet enough to put his short stacked opponent all in. The player had no choice but to call, showing AQ. Mizrachi held J9. The turn and river brought 52, and Mizrachi doubled up his opponent, who moved up to only 8,000 after the double up. Mizrachi sat behind around 70,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Robert Mizrachi,   Humberto Brenes,   Jamie Gold,   Vanessa Rousso,   Orel Hershiser

Main Event Day 1b - And They're Off

Jul 04, '08

Blinds: 50-100

Chip Leaders:
Stephen Ladowsky: 42,000
Michael Guzzardi: 40,000
Dustin Sitar: 39,900
Mike Stovall: 36,000
Tom McEvoy: 32,000
Alex Kravchenko: 28,900
Tony Hachem: 25,000
Neil Channing: 23,250
David Levi: 23,200
Vanessa Rousso: 22,400

Big Hands:

Gold Comes Out Swinging

2006 World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold limped into a pot that saw six way action going to the flop. The flop ran out 2310, and Gold opened the action with a bet of 300. He was called by one player in seat 3. Seat 5 then raised it to a total of 1,000, and both other players made the call. All three players checked the turn, the 10, but when action checked back around to Seat 5 on the river, the J, he fired out for a bet of 2,500. Gold made the crying call, saying he got screwed by the turn, turning over 23 and shipping the pot to his opponent, who held JJ for the full house.

Mueller Makes Monster Read

The pot was opened by the player in seat 8, who raised to 300. Two players made the call, including Greg Mueller from the small blind. All three players checked the flop of 655. Mueller fired a rapid bet of 675 on the turn of 3, and was called only by the original raiser in seat 8. The 10 fell on the river, and Mueller slowed down to place the more cautious wager of 575. Seat 8 then raised an additional 1,050, and Mueller shot him a look. "What, did you flop quads or something?" Mueller shrugged and folded his cards face up, showing pocket nines. Seat 8 complimented Mueller on his read, flashing him the pocket fives before raking in the pot.

Very Cheap

On a board reading 88299, Andy Black fired a bet of 300. "Very cheap," he said as he flicked the chips into the pot worth 3,000. The player in seat 1 then looked at her stack and threw out three yellow chips, each worth 1,000. "Very cheap," another player at the table said sarcastically. Black had a perplexed look on his face, then made the call. The player in seat 1 turned over 99 for quads and Black just nodded, slamming his cards into the muck while the 10 turned over in the process. He started with a little over 20,000 and was down to 15,000 after the hand.

Black Busts

Andy Black took a few more body shots in the first hour and was down to 5,000 in chips. One hand saw him lead the betting only to muck his hand on the river. “Good call,” muttered the fifth place finisher in the 2005 WSOP main event as he held his head in his hand and counted down his short stack.

Twenty minutes later, with four players in the pot and Black on the button he faced a bet of 500 and reraised on a board of 753 to 3,000. Two others mucked but the original raiser called.

Black sighed and showed J-J while his opponent showed 75 for two pair. The 2 on the turn and 5 on the river sealed his fate and his World Series was over for another year.

Boatman Loses a Pot

On a board of 102106, Barny Boatman fired 750 into the pot. The player in seat 4 made the call and the 8h fell on the river. Both players checked the river and seat 4 showed JdJc for an overpair. Boatman mucked his hand and he was down to about 18,000 after losing that pot.

Orel Hershiser Gets Too Much Credit

The player in seat 8 raised to 250 before the flop and seat 9 made the call. Orel Hershiser raised to 2,300, seat 8 reraised to 5,000 and seat 9 folded. The flop came 1054, and Hershiser checked to seat 8 who bet 4,000. Hershiser raised (check-raise) to 8,000, and seat 8 went into the tank, saying, "I'm going to give you credit for aces." Seat 8 ultimately fodled the hand as hershiser responded, "Give me credit for kings." He turned over KK. Seat 7 asked seat 8, "Same hand?" Seat 8 just nodded.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Barny Boatman,   Jamie Gold,   Andy Black,   Orel Hershiser

Pot-Limit Hold'em - Hour Five

May 30, '08

 Blinds: 250-500

Chip Leaders:

Shawn Keller: 116,000
Raphael Zimmerman: 105,000
Mats Rahmn: 99,000
Anthony Licastro: 98,000
Grant Lang: 97,000
Eli Elezra: 88,000
Vivek Rajkumar: 85,000
Mike Sexton: 72,000
Antonio Esfandiari: 67,500
Kathy Liebert: 65,800

Eliminated: David Singer, Robert Williamson III, Steven Fiorentini

Big Hands:

Set Over Set

A hand that began benignly ended with fireworks. John Juanda made it $1,500 to go from early position and was called by Andrew Robl on the button and Tommy Venus on the big blind. The flop came Ad Qs 8h; Venus checked, Juanda bet $4500, and Roble called. Venus pondered, then raised slightly more than the minimum, making it $11,000 to go. Juanda folded and Robl called. After the Ks hit the board on the turn, Venus pushed all in for 13,350, and Robl called with 8s8c.Venus turned over Qh Qd, good enough to win a pot worth more than 60,000.

Slick Sticks Laak Again

Phil Laak opened the pot from middle position before the small blind raised to around 6000. Phil Laak reraised all-in, and the small blind called and tabled Jh Js, while Phil Laak turned over Ah Kd. The board ranout 5d8s5h9s8d, Laak failed to improve and the small blind doubled up.

Heavy Hitters Playing Soft

Gavin Smith limped in from the button, Orel Hershiser completed from the small blind and Phil Ivey checked his option. All three players checked down to the river, at which point Hershiser turned over 6-7 offsuit for a rivered straight to win a pot worth only 1500.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Phil Laak,   Gavin Smith,   Phil Ivey,   Andrew Robl,   Tommy Venus,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Hershisher Advances

Mar 01, '08

Orel Hershisher's pocket jacks just knocked out Freddy Deeb and his 10-9. Deeb exits with $25,000 and Hershisher advances to the elite eight.

Deeb, classy as ever, takes a few moments to sign Hershisher's baseball.

Player Tags: Freddy Deeb,   Orel Hershiser

Freddy Deeb Stays Alive

Mar 01, '08

Freddy Deeb is all in for his last 20,000 against Orel Hershisher. Deeb shows K 3 and Hershisher is ahead with A 4. The board comes K 7 2 J 6 and Deeb doubles up to 40,000. Hershisher still has a dominant chip lead though, as he sits with 120,000.

Player Tags: Freddy Deeb,   Orel Hershiser

Cards In The Air

Mar 01, '08

The four matches have just started, and Freddy Deeb can't stop talking about baseball. He doesn't seem to know what is up with Orel's unusual card protector.

Player Tags: Freddy Deeb,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Hershisher Advances

Mar 01, '08

Orel Hershisher's A-10 just held up against the K-6 of Allen Cunningham to advance to the sweet sixteen. Cunningham signs Hershisher's baseball and then exits.

Player Tags: Allen Cunningham,   Orel Hershiser

Andy Bloch Advances (The Giants Win the Pennant)

Mar 02, '08

Andy Bloch moves all in on the button and Orel Hershisher makes the call. Bloch has A-9 and is up against J-10. The board comes 9-7-5-6-2 and Bloch moves on to the final four. Hershisher is eliminated, earning $75,000 for his finish.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

2-1 For Bloch

Mar 02, '08

Andy Bloch now has a 222,000 to 98,000 lead on Orel Hershisher.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Doubles Up

Mar 02, '08

Orel Hershisher just doubled up when his A-5 held against Andy Bloch's Q-J. Both players paired their high card and Bloch stays alive in the match. He now has 176,000 of the total chips in play for a slight lead.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Bloch With the Lead

Mar 02, '08

Andy Bloch has taken a lead in his match with Orel Hershisher. Could this be the end of the Cinderella story?

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Shuffle Up and Deal

Mar 02, '08

The cards are out and the action is underway. Host Leann Tweeden had some fun with Andy Bloch at the featured table just before the action started. Bloch is wearing a San Francisco Giants jersey for his match against former L.A. Dodger Orel Hershisher. The Giants and Dodgers rivaly is the Yankees-Red Sox battle of the West Coast. The two teams were rivals when they both played in New York, and the bad blood only grew when the two teams moved out west in 1957. This rivalry should add some spice to the elite eight match-up between the poker player and the athlete at the featured table.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Hershisher Advances

Mar 01, '08

Orel Hershisher's pocket jacks just knocked out Freddy Deeb and his 10-9. Deeb exits with $25,000 and Hershisher advances to the elite eight.

Deeb, classy as ever, takes a few moments to sign Hershisher's baseball.

Player Tags: Freddy Deeb,   Orel Hershiser

Freddy Deeb Stays Alive

Mar 01, '08

Freddy Deeb is all in for his last 20,000 against Orel Hershisher. Deeb shows K 3 and Hershisher is ahead with A 4. The board comes K 7 2 J 6 and Deeb doubles up to 40,000. Hershisher still has a dominant chip lead though, as he sits with 120,000.

Player Tags: Freddy Deeb,   Orel Hershiser

Cards In The Air

Mar 01, '08

The four matches have just started, and Freddy Deeb can't stop talking about baseball. He doesn't seem to know what is up with Orel's unusual card protector.

Player Tags: Freddy Deeb,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Hershisher Advances

Mar 01, '08

Orel Hershisher's A-10 just held up against the K-6 of Allen Cunningham to advance to the sweet sixteen. Cunningham signs Hershisher's baseball and then exits.

Player Tags: Allen Cunningham,   Orel Hershiser

Andy Bloch Advances (The Giants Win the Pennant)

Mar 02, '08

Andy Bloch moves all in on the button and Orel Hershisher makes the call. Bloch has A-9 and is up against J-10. The board comes 9-7-5-6-2 and Bloch moves on to the final four. Hershisher is eliminated, earning $75,000 for his finish.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

2-1 For Bloch

Mar 02, '08

Andy Bloch now has a 222,000 to 98,000 lead on Orel Hershisher.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Orel Doubles Up

Mar 02, '08

Orel Hershisher just doubled up when his A-5 held against Andy Bloch's Q-J. Both players paired their high card and Bloch stays alive in the match. He now has 176,000 of the total chips in play for a slight lead.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Bloch With the Lead

Mar 02, '08

Andy Bloch has taken a lead in his match with Orel Hershisher. Could this be the end of the Cinderella story?

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser

Shuffle Up and Deal

Mar 02, '08

The cards are out and the action is underway. Host Leann Tweeden had some fun with Andy Bloch at the featured table just before the action started. Bloch is wearing a San Francisco Giants jersey for his match against former L.A. Dodger Orel Hershisher. The Giants and Dodgers rivaly is the Yankees-Red Sox battle of the West Coast. The two teams were rivals when they both played in New York, and the bad blood only grew when the two teams moved out west in 1957. This rivalry should add some spice to the elite eight match-up between the poker player and the athlete at the featured table.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Orel Hershiser