| Jun 01, '11 |
2011 42nd Annual World Series of Poker |
$25,000 No-Limit Hold'em Heads-Up Championship |
1 |
+ |
Round Two: Hour Two -- Kassela and Seiver Bust
Jun 01, '11
 Note: Three blind levels will be played each hour, as each is just 20 minutes long. The only difference in round 2 is that the blinds begin at 300-600.
Players Remaining: 56 out of 128
Starting Stacks: 150,000 broken up into three chances — meaning that the players started with 50,000 and had 100,000 additional on the side that they could add on at anytime before a hand. If their additional chips were not in play when a hand begins, those chips couldn’t be used to wager with.
Key Ongoing Matches:
Chris Moorman vs Chris Moore
Shawn Buchanan vs Isaac Haxton
Jonathan Jaffe vs Masaaki Kagawa
Zach Hyman vs Ashton Griffin
Bryn Kenney vs Tom Dwan
Gus Hansen vs Gregory Brooks
Shaun Deeb vs Matt Marafioti
Antonio Esfandiari vs Maxim Lykov
Eric Froehlich vs. Scott Clements
Steve Zolotow vs. Ayaz Mahmood
John Duthie vs. Jonathan Duhamel
Carlos Mortensen vs. Amit Makhija
Yevgeniy Timoshenko vs. Dan Cates
Olivier Busquet vs. Justin Smith
Andrew Robl vs. Erick Lindgren
Vanessa Rousso vs. Nick Schulman
Kenny Tran vs. John Juanda
Eliminations:
Scott Seiver
Frank Kassela
Key Hands:
Steve Zolotow Doubles Up Through Ayaz Mahmood
The flop read J 9 6 when Steve Zolotow moved all in from the button for 105,600. Ayaz Mahmood made the call and they flipped over their cards:
Zolotow: J 4
Mahmood: J 9
Turn and River: 2 and A
Zolotow doubled up on the hand to survive.
Frank Kassela Eliminated
Frank Kassela pinned his tournament hopes on A 3 from the small blind and Jake Cody made the call with pocket eights. The board ran out Q J 10 9 7 and Kassela was eliminated on the hand.
Erik Cajelais Eliminates Scott Seiver
In one of the more notable matches of the second round Erik Cajelais has topped Scott Seiver to advance to the round of 32.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Frank Kassela, Steve Zolotow, Erik Cajelais, Scott Seiver, Jake Cody
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| Mar 05, '11 |
2011 NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship |
2011 NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship |
2 |
+ |
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| Mar 04, '11 |
2011 NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship |
2011 NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship |
1 |
+ |
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| Jun 21, '10 |
2010 41st Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 35 - $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Heads Up Championship |
4 |
+ |
Match One Update: Ayaz Mahmood Wins First Match
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 100,000-200,000
Players Remaining: 1 out of 256
Round Seven Starting Chip Stack: 7,680,000
Chip Count:
1. Ernst Schmejkal — 7,680,000
2. Ayaz Mahmood — 0
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands
 Ernst Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ernst Schmejkal limped on the button and Ayaz Mahmood bet 560,000. Schmejkal moved all in and Mahmood called. Schmejkal tabled pocket tens while Mahmood exposed pocket eights. The pocket tens held and Schmejkal took the lead with 4,380,000 million to the 3,300,000 of Mahmood
Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood bet 460,000 and Ernst Schmejkal shoved. Mahmood called all in for his last 3,220,000. Schmejkal exposed the A 4 while Mahmood tabled pocket queens. The queens held and Mahmood doubled to 6,440,000. Schmejkal was down to 1,240,000 after the hand.
Ernst Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ernst Schmejkal open-shoved for 1,560,000 and Ayaz Mahmood called. Schmejkal exposed the K 7 while Mahood exposed the A8. The board ran out Q875K and Schmejkal nailed a king on the end to double up to 3,120,000. Mahmood was at 4,560,000 after the hand.
Ayaz Mahmood Wins First Match
Mahmood limped from the button and Schmejkal checked. The flop came Q75 and Schmejkal checked. Mahmood bet 300,000 and Schmejkal check-raised to 700,000. Mahmood moved all in for 3,575,000 and Schmejkal called with the QJ. Mahmood tabled the K7 and was way behind. However, the K on the turn gave Mahmood two pair. The river bricked for Schmejkal and he was down to just 130,000 after the hand. Mahmood had 7,550,000 and the commanding chip lead. He finished off his short-stacked opponent shortly thereafter.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Match One Update: Ernst Schmejkal Wins a Cooler
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 25,000-50,000
Players Remaining: 2 out of 256
Round Seven Starting Chip Stack: 3,840,000
Chip Count:
1. Ernst Schmejkal — 6,230,000
2. Ayaz Mahmood — 1,350,000
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands
 Ernst Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood bet 125,000 and Ernst Schmejkal called. The flop came 653 and Schmejkal checked. Mahmood bet 150,000 and Schmejkal check-raised to 425,000. Mahmood reraised, throwing out an additional 1,000,000. Schmejkal shoved 1,775,000 more and Mahmood called with the 65 for top two pair, but was up against the 55 of Schmejkal. The turn and river failed to give Mahmood a full house and he doubled up Schmejkal to 6,650,000. Mahmood was down to 1,030,000 after the hand.
Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Ernst Schmejkal limped and Ayaz Mahmood shoved for 830,000. Schmejkal called and exposed A-J. Mahmood tabled K-2. The board ran out K-J-9-4-5 and Mahmood doubled to 1,660,000 after the hand. Schmejkal was down to 6,020,000.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood
Round 6 Hour 2 Update: Faraz Jaka Eliminated
Jun 20, '10
Blinds: 8,000-16,000
Players Remaining: 5 out of 256
Round Six Starting Chip Stack: 960,000
Eliminations:
Faraz Jaka — $92,580
Advancements to Round Seven:
Ayaz Mahmood
Big Hands:
 Faraz Jaka Eliminated, Ayaz Mahmood Advances
Ayaz Mahmood bet 72,000 from the button and Faraz Jaka shoved for 216,000. Mahmood called and exposed the AQ while Jaka tabled the K8. The board offered no help to Jaka as it ran out 77423. Jaka was eliminated in the round of eight.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Faraz Jaka
Match 2 Update: Ayaz Mahmood Wins
Jun 22, '10
Blinds: 60,000-120,000
Players Remaining: 1 out of 256
Average Chip Count: 7,680,000
Tournament Leaderboard:
1. Ayaz Mahmood — 7,680,000
2. Moritz Schmejkal — 0
Eliminations:
2. Moritz Schmejkal — $386,636
Big Hands:
Moritz Schmejkal Eliminated, Ayaz Mahmood Wins
Moritz Schmejkal bet 250,000 from the button and Ayaz Mahmood called. The flop came A109 and Mahmood checked. Schmejkal bet 250,000 and Mahmood check-raised to 600,000. Schmejkal reraised 1,000,000. Mahmood moved all in. Schejkal called the additional 1,455,000 to put himself at risk. He exposed the A6 while Mahmood tabled the Q10. Schmejkal was ahead with his pair of aces. The J that fell on the river gave Mahmood more outs. One of them came in the form of the K and Mahmood won the match and the bracelet with a rivered straight.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Match 2 Update: Moritz Schmejkal Doubles Up
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 60,000-120,000
Players Remaining: 2 out of 256
Average Chip Count: 3,840,000
Tournament Leaderboard:
1. Moritz Schmejkal — 4,105,000
2. Ayaz Mahmood — 3,575,000
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands:
Moritz Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood limped and Moritz Schmejkal shoved for 1,245,000. Mahmood made the call and exposed the QJ while Schmejkal exposed the A10. The board ran out 54394 and Schmejkal doubled to 2,490,000. Mahmood was down to 5,190,000 after the hand.
Left in the Deck:
Players are now on a 60 minute dinner break and will return at 12:30 a.m. PST.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Match 2 Update: Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 20,000-40,000
Players Remaining: 2 out of 256
Average Chip Count: 3,840,000
Tournament Leaderboard:
1. Ayaz Mahmood — 3,940,000
2. Moritz Schmejkal — 3,740,000
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands:
 Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood bet 70,000 and Moritz Schmejkal raised to 210,000. Mahmood called and the flop came AJ7 and Schmejkal bet 175,000. Mahmood called and the the 6 fell on the turn. Schmejkal checked and Mahmood bet 500,000. Schmejkal moved all in and Mahmood called. Schmejkal tabled the 32 while Mahmood tabled pocket sixes for a set. Schmejkal just had a flush draw and failed to get there with a 5 river. Schmejkal was down to 1,470,000 and Mahmood doubled to 6,210,000 after the hand.
Moritz Schmejkal Doubles Up
Moritz Schmejkal bet 80,000. Ayaz Mahmood called and the flop came 982. Mahmood check-called a bet of 80,000 from Schmejkal. The 10 fell on the turn and Mahmood checked. Schmejkal bet and Mahmood shoved. Schmejkal called and exposed the Q5 for a flush. Mahmood exposed the A8 and needed a heart to make a higher flush. However, the 2 hit the river and Schmejkal doubled up to about even.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Final Day Begins at 7 p.m. PT
Jun 21, '10
Ayaz Mahmood will begin with a 1-0 lead over Moritz Schmejkal for today’s restart at 7 p.m. PT.
The winner will walk away with $625,682, while the runner-up will receive $386,636 at the 2010 World Series of Poker.
Stay tuned to Card Player for action from the Rio!
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
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| Jun 20, '10 |
2010 41st Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 35 - $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Heads Up Championship |
3 |
+ |
Match One Update: Ayaz Mahmood Wins First Match
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 100,000-200,000
Players Remaining: 1 out of 256
Round Seven Starting Chip Stack: 7,680,000
Chip Count:
1. Ernst Schmejkal — 7,680,000
2. Ayaz Mahmood — 0
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands
Ernst Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ernst Schmejkal limped on the button and Ayaz Mahmood bet 560,000. Schmejkal moved all in and Mahmood called. Schmejkal tabled pocket tens while Mahmood exposed pocket eights. The pocket tens held and Schmejkal took the lead with 4,380,000 million to the 3,300,000 of Mahmood
Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood bet 460,000 and Ernst Schmejkal shoved. Mahmood called all in for his last 3,220,000. Schmejkal exposed the A4 while Mahmood tabled pocket queens. The queens held and Mahmood doubled to 6,440,000. Schmejkal was down to 1,240,000 after the hand.
Ernst Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ernst Schmejkal open-shoved for 1,560,000 and Ayaz Mahmood called. Schmejkal exposed the K7 while Mahood exposed the A8. The board ran out Q875K and Schmejkal nailed a king on the end to double up to 3,120,000. Mahmood was at 4,560,000 after the hand.
Ayaz Mahmood Wins First Match
Mahmood limped from the button and Schmejkal checked. The flop came Q75 and Schmejkal checked. Mahmood bet 300,000 and Schmejkal check-raised to 700,000. Mahmood moved all in for 3,575,000 and Schmejkal called with the QJ. Mahmood tabled the K7 and was way behind. However, the K on the turn gave Mahmood two pair. The river bricked for Schmejkal and he was down to just 130,000 after the hand. Mahmood had 7,550,000 and the commanding chip lead. He finished off his short-stacked opponent shortly thereafter.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Match One Update: Ernst Schmejkal Wins a Cooler
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 25,000-50,000
Players Remaining: 2 out of 256
Round Seven Starting Chip Stack: 3,840,000
Chip Count:
1. Ernst Schmejkal — 6,230,000
2. Ayaz Mahmood — 1,350,000
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands
Ernst Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood bet 125,000 and Ernst Schmejkal called. The flop came 653 and Schmejkal checked. Mahmood bet 150,000 and Schmejkal check-raised to 425,000. Mahmood reraised, throwing out an additional 1,000,000. Schmejkal shoved 1,775,000 more and Mahmood called with the 65 for top two pair, but was up against the 55 of Schmejkal. The turn and river failed to give Mahmood a full house and he doubled up Schmejkal to 6,650,000. Mahmood was down to 1,030,000 after the hand.
Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Ernst Schmejkal limped and Ayaz Mahmood shoved for 830,000. Schmejkal called and exposed A-J. Mahmood tabled K-2. The board ran out K-J-9-4-5 and Mahmood doubled to 1,660,000 after the hand. Schmejkal was down to 6,020,000.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood
Round 6 Hour 2 Update: Faraz Jaka Eliminated
Jun 20, '10
Blinds: 8,000-16,000
Players Remaining: 5 out of 256
Round Six Starting Chip Stack: 960,000
Eliminations:
Faraz Jaka — $92,580
Advancements to Round Seven:
Ayaz Mahmood
Big Hands:
Faraz Jaka Eliminated, Ayaz Mahmood Advances
Ayaz Mahmood bet 72,000 from the button and Faraz Jaka shoved for 216,000. Mahmood called and exposed the AQ while Jaka tabled the K8. The board offered no help to Jaka as it ran out 77423. Jaka was eliminated in the round of eight.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Faraz Jaka
Match 2 Update: Ayaz Mahmood Wins
Jun 22, '10
Blinds: 60,000-120,000
Players Remaining: 1 out of 256
Average Chip Count: 7,680,000
Tournament Leaderboard:
1. Ayaz Mahmood — 7,680,000
2. Moritz Schmejkal — 0
Eliminations:
2. Moritz Schmejkal — $386,636
Big Hands:
Moritz Schmejkal Eliminated, Ayaz Mahmood Wins
Moritz Schmejkal bet 250,000 from the button and Ayaz Mahmood called. The flop came A109 and Mahmood checked. Schmejkal bet 250,000 and Mahmood check-raised to 600,000. Schmejkal reraised 1,000,000. Mahmood moved all in. Schejkal called the additional 1,455,000 to put himself at risk. He exposed the A6 while Mahmood tabled the Q10. Schmejkal was ahead with his pair of aces. The J that fell on the river gave Mahmood more outs. One of them came in the form of the K and Mahmood won the match and the bracelet with a rivered straight.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Match 2 Update: Moritz Schmejkal Doubles Up
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 60,000-120,000
Players Remaining: 2 out of 256
Average Chip Count: 3,840,000
Tournament Leaderboard:
1. Moritz Schmejkal — 4,105,000
2. Ayaz Mahmood — 3,575,000
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands:
Moritz Schmejkal Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood limped and Moritz Schmejkal shoved for 1,245,000. Mahmood made the call and exposed the QJ while Schmejkal exposed the A10. The board ran out 54394 and Schmejkal doubled to 2,490,000. Mahmood was down to 5,190,000 after the hand.
Left in the Deck:
Players are now on a 60 minute dinner break and will return at 12:30 a.m. PST.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Match 2 Update: Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Jun 21, '10
Blinds: 20,000-40,000
Players Remaining: 2 out of 256
Average Chip Count: 3,840,000
Tournament Leaderboard:
1. Ayaz Mahmood — 3,940,000
2. Moritz Schmejkal — 3,740,000
Eliminations:
None
Big Hands:
Ayaz Mahmood Doubles Up
Ayaz Mahmood bet 70,000 and Moritz Schmejkal raised to 210,000. Mahmood called and the flop came AJ7 and Schmejkal bet 175,000. Mahmood called and the the 6 fell on the turn. Schmejkal checked and Mahmood bet 500,000. Schmejkal moved all in and Mahmood called. Schmejkal tabled the 32 while Mahmood tabled pocket sixes for a set. Schmejkal just had a flush draw and failed to get there with a 5 river. Schmejkal was down to 1,470,000 and Mahmood doubled to 6,210,000 after the hand.
Moritz Schmejkal Doubles Up
Moritz Schmejkal bet 80,000. Ayaz Mahmood called and the flop came 982. Mahmood check-called a bet of 80,000 from Schmejkal. The 10 fell on the turn and Mahmood checked. Schmejkal bet and Mahmood shoved. Schmejkal called and exposed the Q5 for a flush. Mahmood exposed the A8 and needed a heart to make a higher flush. However, the 2 hit the river and Schmejkal doubled up to about even.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
Final Day Begins at 7 p.m. PT
Jun 21, '10
Ayaz Mahmood will begin with a 1-0 lead over Moritz Schmejkal for today’s restart at 7 p.m. PT.
The winner will walk away with $625,682, while the runner-up will receive $386,636 at the 2010 World Series of Poker.
Stay tuned to Card Player for action from the Rio!
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Moritz Schmejkal
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| Jun 22, '08 |
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 38 - Pot-Limit Hold'em |
3 |
+ |
$2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em - End of Day 2
Jun 21, '08
The final table of event 38 is set and the big name of the lot is Lee Watkinson. Watkinson will be making his first final table since last year's World Series main event where he finished a dissapointing 8th place. Watkinson entered 10-handed play with a paucity of chips, a situation he would soon remedy by winning a race against Robert Cheung. He would never look back and by the time the final table was set, he would be 2nd in chips with 390,000. Jan Von Halle, whose play has been solid as a rock, will enter the final table with the chip lead. Other notables who will have the chance to earn a bracelet tomorrow include Ayaz Mahmood, Robert Cheung, and Chris Bell.
Action will begin tomorrow at 2 p.m. PST.
Players Left: 9 of 605
Chip Leaders:
Jan Von Halle - 470,000
Lee Watkinson - 390,000
Ayaz Mahmood - 330,000
Robert Cheung - 315,000
Keith Greer - 280,000
Chris Bell - 265,000
Michael Greco - 125,000
Benjamin Roberts - 120,000
Davidi Kitai - 80,000
Average Stack: 161,300
Eliminations:
10th – Benjamin Zamani
11th – Michael Binger
12th – Keith Lehr
13th – Jeff Sluzinski
14th – Amato Galasso
15th – Chris Dombrowski
The Road To The Final Table
Keith Lehr Is A Man Of His Word; He’s Also Eliminated
Before the start of the hand, Keith Lehr in the big blind warned everyone at his 6-handed table not to raise unless they were willing to play for 83,000, the size of his stack. Ayaz Mahmood, undeterred by this portentous statement, raised to 23,000. Action folded around to Lehr who – surprise, surprise – moved all of his chips in. Mahmood made the call and the two showed their hands:
Lehr: A9
Mahmood: 44
The flop came K33. The turn 8 gave Lehr a flush draw in addition to his two overcards. The river was the 7 though, ending Lehr’s day a few hours earlier than he would have liked.
Bell Tolls For Binger
Chris Bell raised from middle position to 25,000 and Michael Binger raised to 78,000, leaving himself 75,000 behind. After a bit of thought, Bell moved all-in and Binger called. The two were racing: Bell’s JJ against Binger’s AQ. Binger was not aided by the board – 975109 – and he was eliminated in 11th place.
 Ayaz Mahmood Folds.... A-K? Really?
Ayaz Mahmood raised to 28,000 and action at the 6-handed table folded to Bob Cheung in the big blind. Cheung stacked his chips and slid them forward and backward in thought, never moving them into the center of the table. After a minute or so of this, Mahmood implored Cheung, “Put your money in.” Another minute passed before Cheung raised the pot, making it 61,000 more and leaving about 160,000 behind. This prompted Mahmood to fold A-K offsuit face up. Mahmood and Cheung were the two biggest stacks at the table at the time; perhaps Mahmood did not want to tangle with someone who could cripple him before the final table.
Final Table Action
Watkinson Doubles Up
Early on at the final table, Lee Watkinson doubled up off of Robert Cheung. Cheung had QQ and Watkinson had AK. The flop was good news for Watkinson – K22 – the king giving him a near lock on the hand. The turn was the A, giving him an unnecessary two pair, but also providing Cheung with a flush draw. The river blanked, however, and Watkinson was able to double up, giving him a stack that would not wane for the remainder of the day.
Greer Doubles Up
Severely short-stacked Keith Greer, in the cutoff, moved 20,000 into the pot for a raise and reached for more chips to add to it, but since he had not announced an amount, the min-raise had to stand. Ayaz Mahmood called the 10,000 extra in the big blind. Both players checked the Q107 flop. On the 8 turn Mahmood bet 30,000, putting Greer all-in. Greer made a quick call and declared a set of tens. His 1010 had Mahmood’s 102 drawing dead. Greer doubled up to a little over 100,000.
 Greer Double Doubles Up
Perhaps a simpler title would have been Greer Quadruples Up, but this was anything but a simple hand. Benjamin Zamani raised to 26,000 from middle position. Robert Cheung min-raised to 40,000. The action was only beginning though. Keith Greer, who had been playing extraordinarily tight, moved in for 67,000. Ayaz Mahmood cold-called the 4-bet, and Zamani called also, leaving himself 90,000 behind. Cheung asked the dealer, “The pot is open for a re-raise, right?” The dealer confirmed that it indeed was, and that put Cheung into decision mode. With numbers racing through his head, he stood up, and, after confirming that Mahmood had about 270,000 left behind him, he moved all-in. Mahmood folded, as did Zamani, and the massive pot was to be contested between Cheung and Greer. Greer showed QQ, which was not unexpected, but the table exploded in a cacophony of disbelief when Cheung showed his KQ. The board rolled off harmlessly and Greer was able to more than quadruple up.
The insanity wasn’t quite over yet. Remarkably, Ayaz Mahmood claimed to have fold pocket kings. Then again, perhaps it was not so unbelievable when you consider his berating of Cheung after the hand. He and Cheung got into a bit of a tiff about the hand which was quickly quashed by the dealer as play recommenced.
Michael Greco summed all of the action quite succinctly: “Mental. Mental. Absolutely mental.”
The Backbreaker
Davidi Kitai and Benjamin Zamani, the two short stacks, got all of their chips into the middle and showed the following hands:
Zamani: 1010
Kitai: AQ
The board peeled off A525K and Kitai had doubled up. After counting out what Zamani owed the Frenchman, he was left with a mere two chips. There would be no miracle comeback for Zamani today, as Jan Von Halle took his pair of chips only two hands later. Zamani's 10th place finish is good for $14,314.
Player Tags: Lee Watkinson, Ayaz Mahmood, Benjamin Roberts, Chris Bell, Michael Binger, Robert Cheung, Keith Lehr, Davidi Kitai, Michael Greco, Amato Galasso, Jeff Sluzinski, Jan Von Halle, Keith Greer, Chris Dombrowski, Benjamin Zamani
$2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em - Day 2 - Level 15 Recap
Jun 21, '08
Blinds: 3,000-6,000
Players Left: 15 of 605
Chip Leaders:
Ayaz Mahmood - 250,000
Chris Bell - 250,000
Davidi Kitai - 195,000
Jeff Sluzinski - 180,000
Michael Binger - 170,000
Keith Lehr - 155,000
Benjamin Zamani - 145,000
Michael Greco- 110,000
Benjamin Roberts - 110,000
Amato Galasso - 105,000
Average Stack: 161,300
Eliminations:
16th – Neil Channing
17th – Davood Mehrmand
18th – Eugene Todd
19th – Dan Quinn
20th – Rob Perry
21st – Al Adler
Big Hands and Storylines:
Two Tables Left
It took only 15 minutes to eliminate 3 participants and reach the final 18 players. Players were drawn to their new seats and play resumed. Another 3 players were eliminated before the end of the level, leaving us with only 15 players left.
Watkinson Makes Nice Laydown
Lee Watkinson raised to 18,000 from early position and was met by a raise from Keith Lehr. The bet was 45,000 more to Watkinson who only thought for seconds before folding 9-9 face-up. Lehr sportingly showed his J-J and congratulated Watkinson on a nice fold.
Cheung Eliminates Perry
Robert Cheung raised to 20,000 from middle position and Rob Perry moved all-in from the small blind for about 55,000. Cheung called, saying, “I don’t have much.” Cheung turned over QJ and was delighted to see Perry flip 77. The flop was 944, but the turn was the Q and Perry tossed his orange high into the air in frustration (catching it as it came down, of course). The turn 8 brought no help and Perry was eliminated in 20th place.
 Kitai Does In Quinn
Dan Quinn limped on the button, Davidi Kitai call from the small blind, and Michael Binger checked his option. The flop rolled out QJ7 and the two blinds checked to Quinn who bet 12,000. Kitai called and Binger folded. The turn was the A. Kitai checked again, Quinn bet 42,000, and Kitai raised a nominal amount to put Quinn all-in. The two showed their cards:
Kitai: Q10
Quinn: Q9
The river was the 5 and Quinn was eliminated in 19th place.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Davood Mehrmand, Benjamin Roberts, Neil Channing, Robert Perry, Chris Bell, Eugene Todd, Al Adler, Michael Binger, Robert Cheung, Keith Lehr, Dan Quinn, Davidi Kitai, Michael Greco, Amato Galasso, Jeff Sluzinski, Benjamin Zamani
$2,000 PLH Final Table - Three More Down
Jun 22, '08
Blinds: 10,000/20,000
Chip Leaders:
Jan Von Halle – 420,000
Chris Bell – 730,000
Keith Greer – 620,000
David Kitai - 680,000
Eliminations: Ayaz Mahmood (7th Place), Robert Cheung (6th Place), Lee Watkinson (5th Place)
Big Hands and Storylines:
Ayaz Mahmood Eliminated in Seventh Place ($39,089)
On a flop of QJ3, Ayaz Mahmood moved all in for his last 69,000. Chris Bell called, and showed Q-4 for top pair. Mahmood could only produce J-9, and when the turn and river bricked out, he was sent home in seventh place.
 Robert Cheung Eliminated in Sixth Place ($50,100)
Chris Bell raised to 60,000 and Robert Cheung reraised the pot to 210,000. Bell thought it over, and then put Cheung all in for his last 39,000. Cheung showed 99 and Bell was racing with AK. The board came Q7510J and Bell rivered a Broadway straight to send Cheung to the rail in sixth place.
 Lee Watkinson Eliminated in Fifth Place ($63,313)
Lee Watkinson and Chris Bell got it all in preflop. Watkinson held A4 but was dominated by Bell's A6. The board came QJ829 to give Bell the nut flush and Watkinson was eliminated in fifth place.
Player Tags: Lee Watkinson, Ayaz Mahmood, Chris Bell, Robert Cheung
|
| Jun 21, '08 |
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 38 - Pot-Limit Hold'em |
2 |
+ |
$2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em - End of Day 2
Jun 21, '08
The final table of event 38 is set and the big name of the lot is Lee Watkinson. Watkinson will be making his first final table since last year's World Series main event where he finished a dissapointing 8th place. Watkinson entered 10-handed play with a paucity of chips, a situation he would soon remedy by winning a race against Robert Cheung. He would never look back and by the time the final table was set, he would be 2nd in chips with 390,000. Jan Von Halle, whose play has been solid as a rock, will enter the final table with the chip lead. Other notables who will have the chance to earn a bracelet tomorrow include Ayaz Mahmood, Robert Cheung, and Chris Bell.
Action will begin tomorrow at 2 p.m. PST.
Players Left: 9 of 605
Chip Leaders:
Jan Von Halle - 470,000
Lee Watkinson - 390,000
Ayaz Mahmood - 330,000
Robert Cheung - 315,000
Keith Greer - 280,000
Chris Bell - 265,000
Michael Greco - 125,000
Benjamin Roberts - 120,000
Davidi Kitai - 80,000
Average Stack: 161,300
Eliminations:
10th – Benjamin Zamani
11th – Michael Binger
12th – Keith Lehr
13th – Jeff Sluzinski
14th – Amato Galasso
15th – Chris Dombrowski
The Road To The Final Table
Keith Lehr Is A Man Of His Word; He’s Also Eliminated
Before the start of the hand, Keith Lehr in the big blind warned everyone at his 6-handed table not to raise unless they were willing to play for 83,000, the size of his stack. Ayaz Mahmood, undeterred by this portentous statement, raised to 23,000. Action folded around to Lehr who – surprise, surprise – moved all of his chips in. Mahmood made the call and the two showed their hands:
Lehr: A9
Mahmood: 44
The flop came K33. The turn 8 gave Lehr a flush draw in addition to his two overcards. The river was the 7 though, ending Lehr’s day a few hours earlier than he would have liked.
Bell Tolls For Binger
Chris Bell raised from middle position to 25,000 and Michael Binger raised to 78,000, leaving himself 75,000 behind. After a bit of thought, Bell moved all-in and Binger called. The two were racing: Bell’s JJ against Binger’s AQ. Binger was not aided by the board – 975109 – and he was eliminated in 11th place.
Ayaz Mahmood Folds.... A-K? Really?
Ayaz Mahmood raised to 28,000 and action at the 6-handed table folded to Bob Cheung in the big blind. Cheung stacked his chips and slid them forward and backward in thought, never moving them into the center of the table. After a minute or so of this, Mahmood implored Cheung, “Put your money in.” Another minute passed before Cheung raised the pot, making it 61,000 more and leaving about 160,000 behind. This prompted Mahmood to fold A-K offsuit face up. Mahmood and Cheung were the two biggest stacks at the table at the time; perhaps Mahmood did not want to tangle with someone who could cripple him before the final table.
Final Table Action
Watkinson Doubles Up
Early on at the final table, Lee Watkinson doubled up off of Robert Cheung. Cheung had QQ and Watkinson had AK. The flop was good news for Watkinson – K22 – the king giving him a near lock on the hand. The turn was the A, giving him an unnecessary two pair, but also providing Cheung with a flush draw. The river blanked, however, and Watkinson was able to double up, giving him a stack that would not wane for the remainder of the day.
Greer Doubles Up
Severely short-stacked Keith Greer, in the cutoff, moved 20,000 into the pot for a raise and reached for more chips to add to it, but since he had not announced an amount, the min-raise had to stand. Ayaz Mahmood called the 10,000 extra in the big blind. Both players checked the Q107 flop. On the 8 turn Mahmood bet 30,000, putting Greer all-in. Greer made a quick call and declared a set of tens. His 1010 had Mahmood’s 102 drawing dead. Greer doubled up to a little over 100,000.
Greer Double Doubles Up
Perhaps a simpler title would have been Greer Quadruples Up, but this was anything but a simple hand. Benjamin Zamani raised to 26,000 from middle position. Robert Cheung min-raised to 40,000. The action was only beginning though. Keith Greer, who had been playing extraordinarily tight, moved in for 67,000. Ayaz Mahmood cold-called the 4-bet, and Zamani called also, leaving himself 90,000 behind. Cheung asked the dealer, “The pot is open for a re-raise, right?” The dealer confirmed that it indeed was, and that put Cheung into decision mode. With numbers racing through his head, he stood up, and, after confirming that Mahmood had about 270,000 left behind him, he moved all-in. Mahmood folded, as did Zamani, and the massive pot was to be contested between Cheung and Greer. Greer showed QQ, which was not unexpected, but the table exploded in a cacophony of disbelief when Cheung showed his KQ. The board rolled off harmlessly and Greer was able to more than quadruple up.
The insanity wasn’t quite over yet. Remarkably, Ayaz Mahmood claimed to have fold pocket kings. Then again, perhaps it was not so unbelievable when you consider his berating of Cheung after the hand. He and Cheung got into a bit of a tiff about the hand which was quickly quashed by the dealer as play recommenced.
Michael Greco summed all of the action quite succinctly: “Mental. Mental. Absolutely mental.”
The Backbreaker
Davidi Kitai and Benjamin Zamani, the two short stacks, got all of their chips into the middle and showed the following hands:
Zamani: 1010
Kitai: AQ
The board peeled off A525K and Kitai had doubled up. After counting out what Zamani owed the Frenchman, he was left with a mere two chips. There would be no miracle comeback for Zamani today, as Jan Von Halle took his pair of chips only two hands later. Zamani's 10th place finish is good for $14,314.
Player Tags: Lee Watkinson, Ayaz Mahmood, Benjamin Roberts, Chris Bell, Michael Binger, Robert Cheung, Keith Lehr, Davidi Kitai, Michael Greco, Amato Galasso, Jeff Sluzinski, Jan Von Halle, Keith Greer, Chris Dombrowski, Benjamin Zamani
$2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em - Day 2 - Level 15 Recap
Jun 21, '08
Blinds: 3,000-6,000
Players Left: 15 of 605
Chip Leaders:
Ayaz Mahmood - 250,000
Chris Bell - 250,000
Davidi Kitai - 195,000
Jeff Sluzinski - 180,000
Michael Binger - 170,000
Keith Lehr - 155,000
Benjamin Zamani - 145,000
Michael Greco- 110,000
Benjamin Roberts - 110,000
Amato Galasso - 105,000
Average Stack: 161,300
Eliminations:
16th – Neil Channing
17th – Davood Mehrmand
18th – Eugene Todd
19th – Dan Quinn
20th – Rob Perry
21st – Al Adler
Big Hands and Storylines:
Two Tables Left
It took only 15 minutes to eliminate 3 participants and reach the final 18 players. Players were drawn to their new seats and play resumed. Another 3 players were eliminated before the end of the level, leaving us with only 15 players left.
Watkinson Makes Nice Laydown
Lee Watkinson raised to 18,000 from early position and was met by a raise from Keith Lehr. The bet was 45,000 more to Watkinson who only thought for seconds before folding 9-9 face-up. Lehr sportingly showed his J-J and congratulated Watkinson on a nice fold.
Cheung Eliminates Perry
Robert Cheung raised to 20,000 from middle position and Rob Perry moved all-in from the small blind for about 55,000. Cheung called, saying, “I don’t have much.” Cheung turned over QJ and was delighted to see Perry flip 77. The flop was 944, but the turn was the Q and Perry tossed his orange high into the air in frustration (catching it as it came down, of course). The turn 8 brought no help and Perry was eliminated in 20th place.
Kitai Does In Quinn
Dan Quinn limped on the button, Davidi Kitai call from the small blind, and Michael Binger checked his option. The flop rolled out QJ7 and the two blinds checked to Quinn who bet 12,000. Kitai called and Binger folded. The turn was the A. Kitai checked again, Quinn bet 42,000, and Kitai raised a nominal amount to put Quinn all-in. The two showed their cards:
Kitai: Q10
Quinn: Q9
The river was the 5 and Quinn was eliminated in 19th place.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Davood Mehrmand, Benjamin Roberts, Neil Channing, Robert Perry, Chris Bell, Eugene Todd, Al Adler, Michael Binger, Robert Cheung, Keith Lehr, Dan Quinn, Davidi Kitai, Michael Greco, Amato Galasso, Jeff Sluzinski, Benjamin Zamani
$2,000 PLH Final Table - Three More Down
Jun 22, '08
Blinds: 10,000/20,000
Chip Leaders:
Jan Von Halle – 420,000
Chris Bell – 730,000
Keith Greer – 620,000
David Kitai - 680,000
Eliminations: Ayaz Mahmood (7th Place), Robert Cheung (6th Place), Lee Watkinson (5th Place)
Big Hands and Storylines:
Ayaz Mahmood Eliminated in Seventh Place ($39,089)
On a flop of QJ3, Ayaz Mahmood moved all in for his last 69,000. Chris Bell called, and showed Q-4 for top pair. Mahmood could only produce J-9, and when the turn and river bricked out, he was sent home in seventh place.
Robert Cheung Eliminated in Sixth Place ($50,100)
Chris Bell raised to 60,000 and Robert Cheung reraised the pot to 210,000. Bell thought it over, and then put Cheung all in for his last 39,000. Cheung showed 99 and Bell was racing with AK. The board came Q7510J and Bell rivered a Broadway straight to send Cheung to the rail in sixth place.
Lee Watkinson Eliminated in Fifth Place ($63,313)
Lee Watkinson and Chris Bell got it all in preflop. Watkinson held A4 but was dominated by Bell's A6. The board came QJ829 to give Bell the nut flush and Watkinson was eliminated in fifth place.
Player Tags: Lee Watkinson, Ayaz Mahmood, Chris Bell, Robert Cheung
|
| Jun 11, '08 |
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 20 - Limit Hold'em |
2 |
+ |
$2,000 Limit Hold'em - Day 2 - Level 12 Recap
Jun 11, '08
Note: The players are now on a 20-minute break
Blinds: 600/1,200
Players Left: 61 of 480
Chip Leaders:
Hien Tran - 69,000
Greg Alston - 68,000
Richard Li - 68,000
Daniel Makowsky - 63,000
Paul Damany - 58,000
Michael Schneider - 57,000
Marwan Abdelal - 55,000
Ayaz Mahmood - 55,000
Tam "Tommy" Hang - 53,000
Supote Chanattanaudorn - 50,000
David Baker - 48,000
Average Stack: 31,500
Eliminations:
Big Hands and Storylines:
 Good News...
Matt Hawrilenko raised from the button and the big blind called. The big blind check-raised the KT5 flop and, after Hawrilenko called, the two saw the 4 turn. The big blind bet and Hawrilenko raised all-in for 700 more. The big-blind begrudgingly called with A7 and was drawing dead against Hawrilenko’s AT. Hawrilenko’s double up had him up to 16,000 until...
Bad News...
Hawrilenko opened for a raise in the big blind and Greg Alston 3-bet him from the big blind. Hawrilenko called and the flop came out T62. Hawrilenko check-called and then check-called again on the A turn. The river was the Q and Hawrilenko checked again. Again Alston bet out but this time Hawrilenko raised him. Alston just called and the two turned over their hands:
Hawrilenko: AQ
Alston: QQ
Hawrilenko dropped all the way back down to 9,000 while Greg Alston is now sitting pretty at 68,000.
They Can Dodge Bullets(...Baby)
Phill Hellmuth, nursing a short-stack of less than 10,000, raised from early position. The table quickly folded around and Hellmuth bellowed, “Gosh dang!” while tossing his pocket aces in plain sight of all.
A Lerning Experience
Derek Lerner raised from the cutoff and Daniel Negreanu called from the big blind. Both players checked the 833 flop. Negreanu then bet out on the 6 turn, eliciting a quick call from Lerner. After Negreanu bet the Q river, he admitted to Lerner that the queen didn’t hit him. Lerner considered all his options before making the call. Negreanu showed 84 to take down the pot. Negreanu’s stack of 29,000 is only slightly bigger than Lerner’s 27,000.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Tommy Hang, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Marwan Abdelal, Gregory Alston, Matt Hawrilenko, Hien Tran, Daniel Makowsky, Derek Lerner, Richard Li, Supote Chanattanaudorn, Paul Damany
$2,000 Limit Hold'em - Day 2 - Level 11 Recap
Jun 11, '08
Blinds: 500/1,000
Players Left: 68 of 480
Chip Leaders:
Hien Tran - 69,000
Richard Li - 66,000
Paul Damany - 58,000
Daniel Makowsky - 58,000
Matt Woodward - 50,000
Derek Lerner - 50,000
David Baker - 50,000
Joseph Sanders - 48,000
Ugur Marangoz - 47,000
Danny Qutami - 46,300
Average Stack: 28,250
Eliminations:
J.C. Tran
Tad Jurgens
Shannon Shorr
Big Hands and Storylines:
 So Much For Flopping Well
Ayaz Mahmoud raised pre-flop from middle position and was called by Alon Croitoru in the big blind. Croitoru check-called both the AJT flop and the A turn. The river J double-paired the board and Croituro led out for 2,000. Mahmoud angrily paused his iPod, tore off his headphones, and folded K-Q face-up. Croituro showed A-6 to his opponent and Mahmoud only replied, “I know.” Mahmoud still has 40,000 and Croitoru is now up to 27,000.
Chop It Up
In the small blind, Matt Matros called a late-position raise and the flop came down AT3. Matros check-raised the flop and his opponent called. Matros led out at the A turn and was again called. The Q river went check-check and the two flipped over their cards:
Matros: T9
Opponent: JT
The queen counterfeited the other player’s kicker and Matros was able to take half the pot. The chop was particularly important to Matros, who only has about 17,000 left.
Everything’s Coming Up Rosen
Douglas Rosen raised from the button and was called by the big blind. On a K65 flop, the big blind checked, Rosen bet, and the blind check-raised. Rosen called and both players checked the 4 turn. When the river card came the 5, the big blind bet and Rosen made the call. The big blind showed 77cd but conceded the pot when Rosen turned over TTcd. Rosen now has 33,000.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, J.C. Tran, Danny Ayman Qutami, Ugur Marangoz, Matt Woodward, Joseph Sanders, Douglas Rosen, Tad Jurgens, Shannon Shorr, Hien Tran, Alon Croitoru, Daniel Makowsky, Derek Lerner, Richard Li, Paul Damany
$2,000 Limit Hold'em - Day 2 - Level 10 Recap
Jun 11, '08
Blinds: 400/800
Players Left: 89 of 480
Chip Leaders:
Daniel Negreanu - 50,000
Daniel Makowsky - 49,200
Eric Buchman - 42,000
Ylon Schwartz - 37,500
Ayaz Mahmood - 37,500
Hien Tran - 34,000
Alon Croitoru - 33,700
Casey McCarrell - 31,600
Brendan Taylor - 30,300
Ardell Willis - 30,000
Average Stack: 21,500
Eliminations:
Babak Razi
Vivek Rajkumar
Big Hands and Storylines:
 The Table of Death Breaks
For the first two hours, Table 47 over in the blue section contained by far the most talent in the room. Daniel Negreanu, Shannon Shorr, John Phan, J.C. Tran, and Mike Schneider made up the table of death. Fortunately for them (and even more fortunately for their tablemates) the table was just broken and the group was scattered amongst the rest of the tournament field.
What Does It Mean?
Before the table broke, however, Daniel Negreanu was doing some hard-hitting journalistic work. Noticing Mike Schneider’s CardRunners accoutrement, Negreanu asked about the origins of the poker training site’s name, “What does it mean?” Schneider was befuddled and had no answer for Negreanu. Negreanu’s next question was just as difficult to answer, if only because it was a bit more rhetorical: “...do you guys run?”
Schneider Claims One
Unconcerned with the banter of Daniel Negreanu, Mike Schneider involved himself in a pot with Yue Huang. Huang raised from middle position and Schneider raised from the small blind. Huang called and the two saw a 976 flop. Schneider bet and Huang called. Another bet-call ensued on the A turn. Schneider fired a third bullet on the river but Huang laid down his hand, deciding to pick a better spot. The hand took Schneider up to about 20,000, a respectable stack given his table draw.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, John Phan, J.C. Tran, Daniel Negreanu, Eric Buchman, Babak Razi, Ylon Schwartz, Casey McCarrell, Ardell Willis, Brendan Taylor, Shannon Shorr, Mike Schneider, Hien Tran, V R, Daniel Makowsky, Yue Huang
$2,000 Limit Hold'em - Day 2 - Level 9 Recap
Jun 11, '08
Blinds: 300/600
Players Left: 116 of 480
Chip Leaders:
Daniel Negreanu – 50,000
Daniel Makowsky - 49,200
Eric Buchman - 46,500
Alon Croitoru - 33,700
Casey McCarrell - 31,600
Ayaz Mahmood - 30,700
Brendan Taylor - 30,300
Hien Tran - 30,100
Ardell Willis - 30,000
David Rood - 29,300
Average Stack: 16,550
Eliminations:
Brad Augsburger
Big Hands and Storylines:
 Negreanu’s Ascent Continues
Daniel Negreanu started the day 4th in chips but has quickly risen to become chip leader. In the first hand, Negreanu, from the small blind, called Lee Nelson’s pre-flop raise. On a J97 flop, Negreanu check-raised Nelson, who decided to call and see the turn. Negreanu bet out at the 8 turn, garnering another call from Nelson. The river brought the 8 and Negreanu fired another barrel. Nelson had had enough though, and folded quickly. Nelson was left with only 10,000 after the hand.
Only a few hands later Negreanu’s luck would continue. An Tran raised under-the-gun and was met with a three-bet from Negreanu on the button. Tran called and the pair saw a QJJ flop. Negreanu was checked to and forced Tran out of the pot with a bet. “Two tens, boss,” stated Negreanu, who confirmed his statement by tossing his cards in face-up. Negreanu has chipped up to about 50,000 after today’s first round of play.
Don’t Mess with Matros
Matt Matros opened the betting with a raise from the cutoff and was quickly met with a re-raise from Jed Dickerson on the button. Matros called the bet and checked a Q76 flop. After Dickerson made a continuation bet, Matros raised him, causing Dickerson to lay down his hand. After this hand Matros’ stack was boosted to a hearty 28,000. Dickerson is languishing with only 12,000.
Mike Patrick Doubles off Hawrilenko
Shortstack Mike Patrick raised to 1,200 from middle position and got one caller in Matt Hawrilenko from the small blind. Hawrilenko check-called the 754 flop. He checked again on the J turn, and after Patrick had bet, asked to see how much he had left. Patrick lifted his hands to reveal a paltry 700 left behind. Hawrilenko tossed in his chips to make the call. The river was the 8 and Hawrilenko again checked. Patrick put in his final chips and Hawrilenko shook his head and folded. Hawrilenko is now left with 11,000 in chips while Patrick was able to double his stack to about 7,000.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Daniel Negreanu, Eric Buchman, An Tran, Casey McCarrell, Ardell Willis, Matt Hawrilenko, Brendan Taylor, Lee Nelson, Hien Tran, Alon Croitoru, Daniel Makowsky, Jed Dickerson, Mike Patrick, David Rood, Brad Augsburger
$2,000 Limit Hold'em - Day 2 Begins Later Today
Jun 11, '08
Day 2 of the $2,000 limit hold'em tournament begins later today with 125 players still in contention for the World Series bracelet. Early on, all eyes will be on Daniel Negreanu. Starting 4th in chips, "Kid Poker" will be looking to take home the $204,434 top-prize and his 4th World Series title.
 Here are the leaders going into day 2:
Daniel Makowsky - 49,200
Eric Buchman - 46,500
Alon Croitoru - 33,700
Daniel Negreanu - 32,200
Casey McCarrel - 31,600
Ayaz Mahmood - 30,700
Brendan Taylor - 30,300
Hien Tran - 30,100
Ardell Willis - 30,000
David Rood - 29,300
David Baker - 29,200
Day 2 play will begin at 3 p.m. PST.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Daniel Negreanu, Eric Buchman, Casey McCarrell, Ardell Willis, Brendan Taylor, Hien Tran, Alon Croitoru, Daniel Makowsky, David Rood
|
| Jul 14, '07 |
2007 38th Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 55 - World Championship No-Limit Hold'em |
5 |
+ |
Players on Break
Jul 13, '07
Tournament officials announced that the players would be going on their intended level break an hour early in order to organize the tables properly. The players will return in 20 minutes to finish the level and play half of one more level before leaving on a dinner break. Tournament director Jack Effel also cleared up any confusion about the schedule by confirming that play will last either four and a half levels today or until the field is down to 99 players.
Carlos Mortensen didn't take long to get all his chips in the middle early on in this level and ran head first into an overpair. Mortensen had pushed with pocket jacks only to find his opponent was holding pocket queens. Mortensen didn't improve and the 2001 Main Event champion was sent to the rail.
With the field condensing, many notable players are finding themselves sitting by or across from other notables they have played with many times before. Sharing the felt at table 59 was Gus Hansen, Daniel Alaei, Ayaz Mahmood and Scotty Nguyen. The four players only sat together for a few hands before ESPN scooped them up and sat them at the featured table.
Sorel Mizzi started level 17 with over $700,000 and looked comfortable to go deep in this year's Main Event. The poker gods had a different plan for Mizzi and cut his tournament shorter than many had anticipated. Two players at Mizzi's table, Ed Betlow and the player in seat eight limped into the pot for $10,000 each. Mizzi raised to $51,000 and both players called to see a flop. The flop came J 7 3 and Mizzi bet out $93,000. Betlow raised to $200,000 and the player in seat eight folded right away. Mizzi took a few moments to think and then declared that he was all in. Once the $200,000 bet was called, Mizzi had pushed for $419,000 more. Betlow asked MIzzi if he would show him his cards if he folded. Mizzi sat in his chair silent. "Ok then. It's a sick call but here we go" said Betlow as he pushed $419,000 into the middle. Mizzi turned over K J for top pair and Betlow showed A 7 for middle pair with top kicker. Everyone at the table was slightly surprised at Betlow's call. The turn brought the A and Mizzi stared hard with hatred at the card. The river was the 8 and Sorel Mizzi stood up from the table. "I would have folded if you would have shown me" Betlow said as Mizzi left the table. "You played well sir" said Mizzi as he walked away.
Jason Sell was also eliminated in the first half of level 17 after finding himself all in with A K . Steven Garfinkle called the all in bet with pocket queens. The flop came Q J 4 and took most of the mystery out of it. The turn was the 5 and the river brought the 2 .
A big bet on the river helped Neil Channing take a large pot off of Kirk Morrison shortly before the two were moved to the on deck featured table. Morrison raised to $30,000 preflop and Channing popped him to $110,000 total. Morrison made the call and the flop came down K J J . Channing threw out $75,000 and Morrison didn't hesitate to make the call. The turn was the 8 and both players checked. The river brought the K and Channing fired out $160,000. Morrison took a slow sip of his beer and threw his cards in the muck. Channing took down the large pot without ever having to show his cards.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Scotty Nguyen, Gus Hansen, Daniel Alaei, Neil Channing, Edward Betlow, Jason Sell, Kirk Morrison, Sorel Mizzi
Day Five Ends
Jul 14, '07
Hevad "Rain" Khan Does A Little Dance
"Rain" Khan and Avi Cohen get it all in preflop. Cohen has A-8 but Khan has him dominated with A-K. Cohen gets no help on the board and he finishes in 43rd place. After the hand, Khan puts on a show for ESPN. Khan shouts at the top of his lungs once the pot starts moving in his direction and then yells, "I'm good at basketball!" Once the cameras pick up on this, Khan begins to dance around the room pretending to dribble a basketball while maintaining a constant barrage of yelps and shouts. Some of the rail loves it, and some of the rail does not. Regardless, ESPN has officially found its bad guy for the broadcast. The question remains whether or not Khan can live up to his counterparts in Josh Arieh, Shawn Sheikhan and Eric Molina.
The 20-minute Hand: Bill Edler vs. Jeff Banghart
Bill Edler raises to $150,000 and Jeff "Mr. Rain" Banghart makes the call, along with the big blind. The flop comes K Q 8 and Banghart bets $300,000. The big blind folds and Edler thinks for awhile before making it $650,000 to go. Now Banghart goes into the tank, coming up after a few minutes to call. The turn is the 6 and Edler contemplates his next move for a few minutes between sips of coffee before betting out $600,000. Banghart now stands up and thinks out loud for awhile. Banghart announces that Edler must have a hand like A J . He then asks Edler if he feels like gambling. Throughout the questioning, Edler doesn't flinch. "I don't think I can fold," says Banghart, as he decides to push all in for $1,180,000 more. Edler asks for a count and then takes about eight minutes to count out his stack and make a decision. Edler would be left with about $2,100,000 if he folded. After finally making up his mind, Edler says, "Well it couldn't go to a nicer guy," and makes the call. Edler turns over 6 5 for bottom pair and a flush draw. Banghart is in the lead with K J . The rail is very vocal about how surprising it is that these two don't have bigger hands. The river brings the J giving Banghart two pair he didn't want and Edler his flush. Edler and Banghart shake hands congratulating each other graciously before Edler goes to work on stacking his massive pot. Banghart is our 41st-place finisher.
Rep Porter Eliminated
Team PokerStars member Rep Porter has busted out of the tournament in 39th place, and he took home $237,865.
Last Woman Standing
Maria Ho was eliminated in 38th place. She was the final woman left in the tournament and took home $237,865. Her A-10 did not improve against her opponent’s pocket tens.
Rail Birds
Greg Mueller, Shawn Buchanan, and Justin Bonomo are all hanging out in the ‘No Limit Lounge.’ They are over by table two sweating Scott Freeman.
An Ohio Boy Doubled Up
Ryan Elson was all in with A Q against Mikkel Madsen, who held pocket eights. “Come on Casey,” pleaded Elson with the dealer as he threw down Q 7 4 K J. Elson doubled up and he screamed, “Wooooo,” along with his supporters on the rail. After surviving the hand he was so pumped up that he could hardly stay in his seat. At one point he folded his hand in the dark. “It’s not like we’re playing for $8 million,” said Ray Henson.
Henson vs. Nguyen Baby
On a board of 7 6 3 2 Scotty Nguyen bet $500,000 and Ray Henson made the call. The turn brought the 7 and Nguyen fired out $800,000. Henson took a moment and then called after he and Nguyen traded a flurry of statements punctuated by “…Baby!” Nguyen flashed A-8 as he said, “I missed my flush.” Henson turned over 6 5 and took down the pot.
Edler Takes a Tough Beat
Bill Edler had his opponent’s all-in bet with pocket queens. Unfortunately for Edler, his opponent held pocket aces. The board rolled out 8 4 4 5 J and Edler took a large hit. He now has a lot of work ahead of him to make the final table.
Ayaz Mahmood Eliminated in 37th Place and Play Ends on Day Five
Ayaz Mahmood was eliminated a few hands after the players went on a 20 minute break, and play ended on day five. The players are bagging up their chips right now and will return at noon tomorrow to play down from 36 players to a final table of nine players. Check back in to CardPlayer.com to catch all the action.
Notable Chip Counts
David Tran 10,030,000
|
| Kenny Tran |
5,045,000 |
| Lee Watkinson |
3,550,000 |
| Scotty Nguyen |
1,750,000 |
Pokerstars Online Qualifiers
| Hevad "Rain" Khan |
6,900,000 |
| Jason Welch |
2,215,000 |
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Scotty Nguyen, Jeff Banghart, Bill Edler, Maria Ho, Hevad Khan, Mikkel Madsen, Ryan Elson, Avi Cohen
|
| Jul 13, '07 |
2007 38th Annual World Series of Poker |
Event 55 - World Championship No-Limit Hold'em |
4 |
+ |
Players on Break
Jul 13, '07
Tournament officials announced that the players would be going on their intended level break an hour early in order to organize the tables properly. The players will return in 20 minutes to finish the level and play half of one more level before leaving on a dinner break. Tournament director Jack Effel also cleared up any confusion about the schedule by confirming that play will last either four and a half levels today or until the field is down to 99 players.
Carlos Mortensen didn't take long to get all his chips in the middle early on in this level and ran head first into an overpair. Mortensen had pushed with pocket jacks only to find his opponent was holding pocket queens. Mortensen didn't improve and the 2001 Main Event champion was sent to the rail.
With the field condensing, many notable players are finding themselves sitting by or across from other notables they have played with many times before. Sharing the felt at table 59 was Gus Hansen, Daniel Alaei, Ayaz Mahmood and Scotty Nguyen. The four players only sat together for a few hands before ESPN scooped them up and sat them at the featured table.
Sorel Mizzi started level 17 with over $700,000 and looked comfortable to go deep in this year's Main Event. The poker gods had a different plan for Mizzi and cut his tournament shorter than many had anticipated. Two players at Mizzi's table, Ed Betlow and the player in seat eight limped into the pot for $10,000 each. Mizzi raised to $51,000 and both players called to see a flop. The flop came J 7 3 and Mizzi bet out $93,000. Betlow raised to $200,000 and the player in seat eight folded right away. Mizzi took a few moments to think and then declared that he was all in. Once the $200,000 bet was called, Mizzi had pushed for $419,000 more. Betlow asked MIzzi if he would show him his cards if he folded. Mizzi sat in his chair silent. "Ok then. It's a sick call but here we go" said Betlow as he pushed $419,000 into the middle. Mizzi turned over K J for top pair and Betlow showed A 7 for middle pair with top kicker. Everyone at the table was slightly surprised at Betlow's call. The turn brought the A and Mizzi stared hard with hatred at the card. The river was the 8 and Sorel Mizzi stood up from the table. "I would have folded if you would have shown me" Betlow said as Mizzi left the table. "You played well sir" said Mizzi as he walked away.
Jason Sell was also eliminated in the first half of level 17 after finding himself all in with A K . Steven Garfinkle called the all in bet with pocket queens. The flop came Q J 4 and took most of the mystery out of it. The turn was the 5 and the river brought the 2 .
A big bet on the river helped Neil Channing take a large pot off of Kirk Morrison shortly before the two were moved to the on deck featured table. Morrison raised to $30,000 preflop and Channing popped him to $110,000 total. Morrison made the call and the flop came down K J J . Channing threw out $75,000 and Morrison didn't hesitate to make the call. The turn was the 8 and both players checked. The river brought the K and Channing fired out $160,000. Morrison took a slow sip of his beer and threw his cards in the muck. Channing took down the large pot without ever having to show his cards.
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Scotty Nguyen, Gus Hansen, Daniel Alaei, Neil Channing, Edward Betlow, Jason Sell, Kirk Morrison, Sorel Mizzi
Day Five Ends
Jul 14, '07
Hevad "Rain" Khan Does A Little Dance
"Rain" Khan and Avi Cohen get it all in preflop. Cohen has A-8 but Khan has him dominated with A-K. Cohen gets no help on the board and he finishes in 43rd place. After the hand, Khan puts on a show for ESPN. Khan shouts at the top of his lungs once the pot starts moving in his direction and then yells, "I'm good at basketball!" Once the cameras pick up on this, Khan begins to dance around the room pretending to dribble a basketball while maintaining a constant barrage of yelps and shouts. Some of the rail loves it, and some of the rail does not. Regardless, ESPN has officially found its bad guy for the broadcast. The question remains whether or not Khan can live up to his counterparts in Josh Arieh, Shawn Sheikhan and Eric Molina.
The 20-minute Hand: Bill Edler vs. Jeff Banghart
Bill Edler raises to $150,000 and Jeff "Mr. Rain" Banghart makes the call, along with the big blind. The flop comes K Q 8 and Banghart bets $300,000. The big blind folds and Edler thinks for awhile before making it $650,000 to go. Now Banghart goes into the tank, coming up after a few minutes to call. The turn is the 6 and Edler contemplates his next move for a few minutes between sips of coffee before betting out $600,000. Banghart now stands up and thinks out loud for awhile. Banghart announces that Edler must have a hand like A J . He then asks Edler if he feels like gambling. Throughout the questioning, Edler doesn't flinch. "I don't think I can fold," says Banghart, as he decides to push all in for $1,180,000 more. Edler asks for a count and then takes about eight minutes to count out his stack and make a decision. Edler would be left with about $2,100,000 if he folded. After finally making up his mind, Edler says, "Well it couldn't go to a nicer guy," and makes the call. Edler turns over 6 5 for bottom pair and a flush draw. Banghart is in the lead with K J . The rail is very vocal about how surprising it is that these two don't have bigger hands. The river brings the J giving Banghart two pair he didn't want and Edler his flush. Edler and Banghart shake hands congratulating each other graciously before Edler goes to work on stacking his massive pot. Banghart is our 41st-place finisher.
Rep Porter Eliminated
Team PokerStars member Rep Porter has busted out of the tournament in 39th place, and he took home $237,865.
Last Woman Standing
Maria Ho was eliminated in 38th place. She was the final woman left in the tournament and took home $237,865. Her A-10 did not improve against her opponent’s pocket tens.
Rail Birds
Greg Mueller, Shawn Buchanan, and Justin Bonomo are all hanging out in the ‘No Limit Lounge.’ They are over by table two sweating Scott Freeman.
An Ohio Boy Doubled Up
Ryan Elson was all in with A Q against Mikkel Madsen, who held pocket eights. “Come on Casey,” pleaded Elson with the dealer as he threw down Q 7 4 K J. Elson doubled up and he screamed, “Wooooo,” along with his supporters on the rail. After surviving the hand he was so pumped up that he could hardly stay in his seat. At one point he folded his hand in the dark. “It’s not like we’re playing for $8 million,” said Ray Henson.
Henson vs. Nguyen Baby
On a board of 7 6 3 2 Scotty Nguyen bet $500,000 and Ray Henson made the call. The turn brought the 7 and Nguyen fired out $800,000. Henson took a moment and then called after he and Nguyen traded a flurry of statements punctuated by “…Baby!” Nguyen flashed A-8 as he said, “I missed my flush.” Henson turned over 6 5 and took down the pot.
Edler Takes a Tough Beat
Bill Edler had his opponent’s all-in bet with pocket queens. Unfortunately for Edler, his opponent held pocket aces. The board rolled out 8 4 4 5 J and Edler took a large hit. He now has a lot of work ahead of him to make the final table.
Ayaz Mahmood Eliminated in 37th Place and Play Ends on Day Five
Ayaz Mahmood was eliminated a few hands after the players went on a 20 minute break, and play ended on day five. The players are bagging up their chips right now and will return at noon tomorrow to play down from 36 players to a final table of nine players. Check back in to CardPlayer.com to catch all the action.
Notable Chip Counts
David Tran 10,030,000
|
| Kenny Tran |
5,045,000 |
| Lee Watkinson |
3,550,000 |
| Scotty Nguyen |
1,750,000 |
Pokerstars Online Qualifiers
| Hevad "Rain" Khan |
6,900,000 |
| Jason Welch |
2,215,000 |
Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood, Scotty Nguyen, Jeff Banghart, Bill Edler, Maria Ho, Hevad Khan, Mikkel Madsen, Ryan Elson, Avi Cohen
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Another quick match in the books. Annette Obrestad was put to the test for the rest of her stack on a board reading A
Mahmood turned over A
Ayaz Mahmood found himself all in holding 10
Barry Greenstein was all in holding 10