Friday, January 28, 2011

Event 18: Eliacin Relaxin

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Sam Eliacin's Table

Sam Eliacin is an Engineer from NY. He's been at table 2 since the tournament started at 11:00 am. Many have come and gone from his table since but Sam has survived. "I'm in survival mode" explained Eliacin.

Average chip stack is 71,748 and Sam is above average with 90,000.

Sam listens to music while playing to relax.

Blinds: 600 / 1200 with 200 antes.

63 players remain.

Event 19: Cutler is Chipleader

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Joe Cutler - Chip Leader - 196,000

With the 196,000 chips Joe Cutler (Long Island) has he can bully the table if he wants.

After Cutler 4-bet, his two Opponents both took forever to make a decision and both folded.

One player showed the strong 9-9 laydown causing Cutler to slowly flip his hole cards around flashing A-A. Respect.

Cutler is the current chip leader.

Event 19: In The Money

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

The sound of cheering could only mean one thing:

We're down to 36 players and everyone is in the money.

28-36 pays $526.

First place = $23,649

Matt Damon burst the bubble after hitting a set of sixes on the river.

This is the only Matt Damon that matters to us at the blog.

I'd like to see our Matt Damon play Rounder's Matt Damon heads up.

I'm sure both Matt Damon's read our blog. Right?

Event 15: Just Getting Started

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL


The heads up finale between Brandon Zaucha and Tim Tuveson is turning into a marathon session as one by-stander says, "they're both playing at a very high level." After 3 levels, which have been increased from 20 to 30 for the championship, the players are simply trading chips.

After a short break, the cards are back in the air and Tuveson wants to make sure everyone knows he's been rocking the Ginoble jersey all day.

Event 19: Bubble Bubble

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

We're now playing hand for hand on the final four tables. Once the next person goes out, the rest will be in the cash.

Doug Adkins (Greensboro, NC) held A-Q and ran into pocket Kings bringing the total from 38 players down to 37.

Kings held on a board of 6-8-10-6-Q.

That makes Doug one before the bubble.

On the bright side, Doug is looking forward to playing in the Championship Event

Event 19: Break & Counts

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Our 38 remaining players are on a ten minute break. We're two players away from the money as first payout is 36th place for $526.

Tom Pomponio is top three in chips with 146,200.

Other stacks include 138,000, 150,000, 160,000.

Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo has ~ 130,000.

Event 18: German Leaders

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Michel Bittan - 150,000

Michel Bittan is among the chip leaders with 150,000.

I asked Michel how he accumulated so many chips? He pointed and said, "I skinned that kid alive" referring to Giuseppe Pantaleo, also from Germany. "I made a set of fives and slo play. I let him raise me all the way to the end and he gave me 30,000" bragged Bittan.

"We can make a last longer bet?" asked Pantaleo. "I want my chips back- every single one."

Giuseppe's other friend from Germany is Jacek Markowski, playing at the next table over.

So we'll keep an eye on our German contingent in the $1,850

Event 19: Full House That Collapsed

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Paul Myndrov senses he's beat so after much deliberation folds JJ after two all in jammers.

Both table A-K one with two clubs.

Board ends: 2 10 2 2 3.

Chips are pulled back.

Slava, a player not in the hand, exclaimed, "It's all for nothing."

A visibly frustrated Paul Myndrov was kicking himself having folded what would have been a full house.

Event 19: Happiest Bust Out Ever

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Mirsad Kovaci has to be the happiest bust out I ever saw.

His JJ was run down by K-Q so he should be upset, kicking things, screaming, etc.

Instead, he walked right over to a Flop Poker table in Borgata Casino, put down $5 and flopped a straight flush for $2500. He showed us the photographic proof of the heart str8flush.

"I busted out and still cashed" said Kovaci. "Now I have buy-in money for tomorrow's tournament".

And now he's happy that he busted out when he did. You think maybe he should give a share to the gentleman holding K-Q?

Event 18: Affleck vs. Aflac

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Matt Affleck

It's true and I told Matt Affleck that in the hall next to us there is a big Aflac convention - their signs are up everywhere. Hear the music? "Cool. I'm guaranteed to win now." said Matt.

You should be their pitch man. "Yeah, like Vanessa with GoDaddy..." laughed Affleck.

At the start of the following hand Affleck had 80,000. I saw him peel back A-J.

He flopped top two on a club heavy 4-J-A. Matt bet every street, struck his trademark stone pose, and was called down by A-Q.

He's now right around 115,000.

10 tables remain with 87 players.

Event 15: Championship Underway

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

It seems there's a lucky spot at the table for these Heads Up matches and both players want the seat with their back to the big board. Tim Tuveson and Brandon Zaucha agree to high card for the choice and Zaucha wins the draw with a queen vs Tuveson's 5.

Zaucha takes the chair and elects to defend the South goal, while Tuveson gets the ball to start the game. Some of that information may or may not be true, but Zaucha definitely is not deferring until the second half.

Heads Up is underway. If Zaucha wins it's over, if Tuveson wins, they play again for the title, trophy and $34,920. The runner-up earns $21,825.

Event 15: Tuves Bounces Back, Into Finals

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

3rd place - Lior Barlev
$13,095

Tim Tuveson slowly chips away at Lior Barlev, and more than two hours into the heads up losers bracket championship, Tuveson finally advances to the finals. He now faces Brandon Zaucha, the only undefeated player in the field, for the championship.

Tuveson held a 2-1 chip lead and couldn't finish Barlev off when they chopped a pot with Tuveson's AK way ahead of A6. Two hands later Barlev was poised to double up with A5 vs KQ and both players flopped their high card, but a river queen gave Tuveson two pairs to end the match.

Barlev, who defeated Tuveson in the winner's bracket semifinals, finishes in third place earning $13,095.

In the Championship round if Zaucha defeats Tuveson he wins the title, but if Zaucha loses, both players will have one loss and they'll rematch for a winner take all final game.

Event 19: Busto With Gusto

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Robert Renner (Hillsborough, NJ) just sent a player to the rail.

It was an easy call for Renner who had to put 5,000 into a 15,000 pot with a flush draw.

Renner's K♣ 5♣ vs. Opponent's 8 8

Board: 2 J♣ 2♣ 7♣ 9♠

After scooping the pot, Renner waxed, "Tough to beat suited cards. They beat me all the time so I know the power."

Event 18: Stack Building

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Nick Ricciardi

Nick Ricciardi is the unofficial 100-chip chip leader. Nick is going to build his stack as high as it will go. Ever play Jenga Nick - keep her steady.

"I've been mixing it up a lot with the 5-seat over there" said Ricciardi who has over 100,000 for the tournament.

The 5-seat belongs to Mark Tyson who admitted Ricciardi got the best of him in their several show-downs.

11 Tables remain
94 Players
Average Stack: 48,085

Event 19: Cap Your Cards

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Matthew Ackley & Cotton Stuffer

Matthew Ackley was seated next to Cotton Stuffer and thought to himself, "I got the best looking hat in the place and they sit me down next to the guy with the second best hat in the place".

Cotton Stuffer called it a "hat trick". Cotton knows about card tricks and sleight of hand as he grew up learning the art of the steal (when it comes to poker of course).

Cotton got his hat in a poker tournament in Cincinatti. "Matthew's hat is for style, mine is for covering up ugly" said Stuffer in his Southern accent.

Ackley is hovering around 60,000 while Cotton is short stacked and ready to shove.

Event 19: Dinner Digesting

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Dinner is over. Bloggers have passed batons.

Event 19 players are back at their tables full of caffeine and energy.

We're playing down to one winner tonight.

We'll get your bust-outs, your bad beats, and your pay-outs.

Level 12: Blinds: 1000 / 2000 with 300 antes.

Event 18: Chip Counts

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

As players return from break and filter their way back into the Event Center, we're finding out who the bigger stacks are. Only a few players have more than 100k, including Mark Tyson who appears to be leading the way with 130k

A look at some of the larger stacks in the room:

Mark Tyson 130k
Alex Santiago 115k
Donald Boivin 113k
Joshua Hillock 110k
Tara Forte 102k
David Voulo 94k
Christian Harder 90k
Aaron Steury 85k

There are a lot of chips on table 10 as Boivon, Voulo and Santiago are all here.

PPI Update

Eric "Pools" Siegel has forwarded the PPI "Play for the Main" Leader Board*:

PTS: PLAYER

85: JAMES BOYLE
85: RYAN ERIQUEZZO
80: JASON YOUNG
75: MATTHEW MAZZEO
70: MICHAEL SICA JR
65: ALBERT RICCOBONO
60: JOSEPH CUTLER
60: BRENT KELLER
55: LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN
55: ADAM LIPPERT
50: JOSHUA BRIKIS
50: STEVEN DANNENMANN
50: MICHAEL DENTALE
50: CARL RESTIFO
45: DAVID INSELBERG
45: IAN PALOMO
40: MICHAEL CASTALDO
40: KATHRYN DOUGHERTY
40: DAVID ZEITLIN
35: VINEET PAHUJA
35: JAMES SALTERS
30: MICHAEL CASTALDO
30: CHRIS RESLOCK
30: JAMES STENELLA
25: ANTHONY CASAGRANDE
20: KELLY ARMENTROUT
20: CARLOS DELAFUENTE
20: GORDON ENG
20: JONATHAN WERZ
15: MICHAEL BROWN
15: ALEXANDER CUKAR
15: LISA PICKELL
10: EMANUEL FAILLA
10: ELIZABETH GREY-PARDO
10: ROBERT HWANG
10: ROSLYN QUARTO
10: EUGENE TODD
10: JEFFREY VANCHIRO
5: ANTHONY CAMPAGNA
5: CARLOS COLON
5: ADAM GERBER
5: CHARLES MARCHESE
5: JONATHAN SORSCHER

(Includes: Main 1-14, 16 & Secondary 27-45)

*Note to all PPI players - If you have participated or cashed in any events and do not see your name on the leader board, please contact me at eric@ppipoker.com.

Event 18: Dinner Time

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em     

At the end of level 8, dinner time was declared.  Players were dispatched on a one-hour dinner break.  Play will resume at about 8:45pm.

101 players remain, making the average stack about 45k.

Event 19: Chip Leader at Dinner Time

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em 

With 65 players remaining, the dinner bell has rung and players have been sent on a one-hour dinner break.  Play will resume at 8:30pm.

Joe Carpenter

After the last hand, Joe Carpenter (Calvert County, MD) was stacking chips and it appears he's the chip leader with 146k.

Average stack is ~46k.

Event 18: It Must Be Her Forte

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em     

Over on table 11 there was a three-way pre-flop all-in.  Tara Forte (West Somethingville, NY) was the shortest stack, but she had the biggest pair - pocket Aces.  The biggest stack held pocket Kings and the middle stack held pocket Tens.

Tara Forte

The flop was all Tara's: A J J giving her Aces-full.  The Ten on the turn gave the middle stack Tens-full.  When a blank landed on the river, Tara tripled up to ~100k.  The middle stack only had 625 more than her, which he doubled to 1,250.  He busted out soon after.

Event 15: Losers Bracket Final

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Barlev vs Tuveson

The Tim Tuveson/Lior Barlev losers bracket final is underway, this a rematch of the winners bracket semifinal which Barlev won during Day 1 of the competition.

The winner of this match advances to face Brandon Zaucha, the only undefeated player left in the field, and will need to beat Zaucha twice to take the title. The loser of the Tuveson/Barlev match finishes in third place and takes home $13,095.

Remaining Payouts:

1st: $34,920
2nd: $21,825
3rd: $13,095

The Tuveson/Barlev winner takes on Zaucha at approximately 9 pm.

Event 18: Barshak Builds Stacks

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em    

Steve Barshak

Steve Barshak (Buffalo Grove, IL) appears to have taken the chip lead.  He's got about 135k.  Despite the fact that he's a Bears fan, other players at his table said he's still a good guy...and a good player.

117 players remain as play continues into level 8 with blinds of 300/600 with 75 antes. 

Event 17 Final Result

Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 17: $500 + $60 H.O.S.E.
January 27-28, 2011

Entries: 62
Total Buy-In: $31,000

FINAL RESULTS
1. JEFFREY DUVALL (LONDON ): $10,525
2. LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN (MEDFORD, NY): $5,713
3. IGOR TIGUY (BOSTON, MA): $3,608
4. JINGLIN CHEN (BROOKLYN, NY): $2,706
5. RICHARD PILCHMAN (BRICK, NJ): $2,105
6. ROBERT DEMARTINO (MANAHAWKIN, NJ): $1,804
7. JOHN ANTHONY CERNUTO (LAS VEGAS, NV): $1,504
8. STEVE PROSAK (ARLINGTON, VA): $1,203
9. JEFF JEROME (SPRINGFIELD, PA): $902

Event 15: 15 Minutes Can Lose You Money

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Unlike the car insurance ads where 15 minutes can save you money, it's the amount of time Marc Davis feels like he lost $25,000. During the first level in the Losers Bracket Semifinals (3rd/4th place match), Davis is holding A A when he loses to Tim Tuveson's trip fours while holding 6 4.

"I'm a little disappointed," said Davis who finished fourth for $8,730. "I felt I could have gone deeper and made a run at it," he says referring to the Heads Up title and the nearly $35,000 first prize, which would have earned him approximately another $25,000.

Here's how the hand played out:

Tuveson opens for 275
Davis raises to 800
Davis calls

Flop: K 10 4 (Tuveson pair of 4s and flush draw/Davis pair of aces)

Davis bets 1k
Tuveson raises to 2,900
Davis calls

Turn: 4♠ (Tuveson trip fours/Davis pair of aces)

Davis checks
Tuveson bets 4,950
Davis jams
Tuveson calls

Davis needs an ace on the river, but Tuveson fades the two outer to win the match in 15 minutes.

Tuveson is now set to face Lior Barlev in the Winners Bracket final.

Event 15: Davis vs. Tuveson Underway

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL  

The semi-final match in the Loser's bracket is underway.

 
 Marc Davis and Tim Tuveson hamming it up

Marc Davis and Tim Tuveson are battling it out to see who will face Lior Barlev in the Loser's bracket final.  (At least they have a sense of humor about it.)

Event 18: Vannicola In The Field

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em   

Kevin Vannicola (Canada) is playing in this event, fresh from his runner-up finish in the $2,000 No Limit Hold'em event and the PokerStars Carribean Adventure at Atlantis in the Bahamas.  That 2nd place finish was good for $137,590.

 Kevin Vannicola

Kevin made three final tables at the PCA, finishing 4th in the $1k 6-max and 6th in the $270 Turbo, good for a combined $30k.  He's off to a strong start in 2011 and is currently ranked 6th on CardPlayer's Player of the Year list.

He's dropped below the 20k starting stack, so he's got his work cut out for him today.

Event 15: Davis Defeats Jamshidi

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL 

Marc Davis has finally overcome Sirous Jamshidi in their match.  Sirous finishes in 5th place, earning $4,365.

Marc Davis Advances to play Tim Tuveson in the next round.  The matches are running behind, so not sure when they will get underway.

The winner of their match will play Lior Barlev in the Loser's bracket finale.

Event 19: Oracle Cries Uncle

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Larry Looking Good

Roy "The Oracle" Winston, the 2007 Borgata Poker Open Champion ($1.5 million) just arrived at the Event Center and is glad handing familiar faces. Little did we know his uncle Larry Greenberg is one of the chip leaders into today's no limit tournament.

"I tought him," says Greenberg who has 82k, "but then he got good and now he's teaching me more."

The poker family tree: Greenberg's sister is Roy's mother.

85 players remain including: Smiley Chin, Henry Doiban and Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo.

Event 18: Pantaleo Doubles

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em  

The final 15 tables are switching to nine-handed play as players bust out, so between 145 and 135 players remain in this event.  The average stack will be just over 33k when they reach 135 players.

Giuseppe Pantaleo was on the brink of destruction.  On the turn with a board of Q 5 3 9 with two clubs, Giuseppe had all his chips in the middle and called by a player holding KJ of clubs (flush draw with gutshot and one over).  Giuseppe was ahead with QJ offsuit for top pair, but he was sweating that river card.  I was an offsuit 6 and Giuseppe doubled up.  He's still short-stacked, however.

Event 19: Shrinking Fast

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em  

Down to 11 tables now, so 110 or fewer players remain, barely more than on-third of the players that started at noon.  Average stack about 27k.

In a beautiful clash of old school vs. new school, Mickey Woll and Matt 'muffins' Mazzeo are currently sharing the same table.  Mickey was in a hand when I wandered past, but he opted to muck.  "Nothing to see here" he joked.

Blinds have just increased to 500/1,000 with 100 antes.

Event 18: Payouts

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em  

Entries:    226
Total Buy-In:  $418,100

Place-Amount

1         $113,556
2          $66,917
3          $38,528
4          $31,228
5          $24,333
6          $20,278
7          $16,222
8          $12,167
9            $8,111
10-12    $5,272
13-15    $4,461
16-18    $4,056
19-27    $3,650

Event 15: Tuveson Defeats McLaughlin

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL 

Jeremy McLaughlin will not be repeating as Heads-Up Champion.  He lost his match with Tim Tuveson.


Jeremy earned $4,365 for his 6th place finish.

 Marc Davis and Sirous Jamshidi

Sirous Jamshidi and Marc Davis are still playing their heads-up match.   The winner goes on to play Tim Tuveson.  The loser gets 5th place and $4,365.

Event 19: Payouts

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em 

Entries: 301
Total Buy-In $90,300

Place-Amount

1      $23,649
2      $13,138
3      $8,145
4      $6,569
5      $5,080
6      $4,291
7      $3,459
8      $2,584
9      $1,752
10-12   $1,138
13-15   $876
16-18   $745
19-27   $657
28-36   $526

Event 17 Recap

$500 + $60 HOSE

The HOSE tournament attracted a high quality of mixed game players and in the end it's European pro Jeff Duvall (London, England) who won Event 17 of the Borgata Winter Open (BWO). Duvall outlasted Larry Gold (Medford, NY) and Igor Tiguy (Boston, MA) to win the $10,525 first prize.

"I got more action in hold'em because of the hands," said Duvall, "but I'm more of an expert in the split games." One of Duvall's big hands at the final table came in Omaha H/L against Jinglin Chen (Brooklyn, NY - 4th/$2,706) when he flopped quad kings to cripple Chen.

Gold knocked Chen out on his way to 2nd place ($5,713), just ahead of Tiguy (3rd - $3,608), who began the day as the clear chip leader. Gold was a late entry into the field after busting just before the money in Event 12 ($200 NL) and said, "I was at the wrong final table," but was glad to cash as this "gives me momentum for the Main Event," which starts Sunday.

The remaining nine players began Day 2 at the final table with everyone in the money including "Miami" John Cernuto (Las Vegas, NV). Cernuto, who has 3 WSOP Bracelets was one of the short stacks and finished 7th ($1,504).

Bob "Bullet" Demartino (Manahawkin, NJ) is a local grinder who led the field through most of Day 1, but finished 6th ($1,804).

In the end, the well traveled Duvall, who has more than $1 million in career earnings, beat the 62 player field chasing the $31,000 in total buy-ins. Duvall lives in London and is in the United States for a daughter's wedding.

The BWO fit perfectly in his schedule and he made the most of his first visit to Borgata. "It's a lovely casino, I really enjoyed it," said Duvall, a former London pub owner, who's been a professional card player for 30 years.

Duval's career highlights include a 3rd place finish in Omaha H/L during the 2005 WSOP.

Event 17: Champion - Jeff Duvall

$500 + $60 HOSE

Jeff Duvall (London, England)
$10,525

After some wild and crazy three handed action Jeff Duvall beats Larry Gold and Igor Tiguy to win the title.

Event 17: 2nd - Larry Gold

$500 + $60 HOSE

Larry Gold (Medford, NY)
$5,713

Event 17: 3rd - Igor Tiguy

$500 + $60 HOSE

Igor Tiguy (Boston, MA)
3rd - $3,608

Event 17: 4th - Jinglin Chen

$500 + $60 HOSE

Jimmy Chen (Brooklyn, NY)
$2,706

In 7 card stud the board shows K 3 Kc J 10♠. After checking the turn, Chen leads out for 15k and Jeff Duvall asks for a count of Chen's remaining chips.

Chen has 32k left and is check raised for 15k more. Chen reluctantly folds and Duvall shows a monster, K K♠ as he flopped quads.

Chen loses the rest of chips to Larry Gold two hands later and his out in 4th place.

Event 18: Goners

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em 

Down to 17 tables now in this event.

Gavin Smith has vanished.  Must have busted out, but I never heard a peep from him after his initial table was broken. 

Todd Terry has also busted out.  Todd flopped top set on a 5 4 3 flop, but his opponent held 76 for the straight.

Event 17: 5th - Richard Pilchman

$500 + $60 HOSE
Richard Pilchman (Brick, NJ)
$2,105

Pilchman loses 90% of stack when Larry Gold defends from the big blind with A 5 in the last hand of the Hold'em round. Gold hits an ace on the turn and a straight on the river to win the pot. Pilchman says he has a small pair, but doesn't show.

Igor Tiguy takes Pilchman's last 8k on the first hand of Omaha H/L

Event 17: 6th - Bob "Bullet" DeMartino

$500 + $60 HOSE
Bob "Bullet" DeMartino (Manahawkin, NJ)
$1,804

In the Hold'em round DeMartino has K♠ 10♠ and is up against the A K of Jeff Duval. DeMartino's drawing dead when an ace hits the turn.

Event 15: Zaucha def Barlev; McLaughlin def Hall

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Brandan Zaucha won his match against Lior Barlev and now awaits the winner of the loser's bracket.  Brandan will play in the final and is guaranteed at least 2nd place money of $21,825.

In the Loser's bracket:

Jeremy McLaughlin won his match against Ryan Hall to advance to the next round.  He is now playing Tim Tuveson.

Sirous Jamshidi and Marc Davis are playing their heads-up match now.

The winners of these two matches will face off in the Loser's bracket semi-final, to see who will play Lior Barlev in the Loser's bracket final.

Event 19: Bad Read, Good Action

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Renfrow, Girl Gone Good

Sometimes when your panning for gold you actually find a nugget worth using. Jerry Maher (Warren, NJ) playfully says, "I'm going with my read, and usually it's a bad read, I call"

Vicki Renfrow (Knoll Shores, NC) tables K♠ K♣ for a flopped set of kings. Maher with a big smile on his face, says "I did not put you on that," and the table explodes in laughter.

As she stacks the chips, Renfrow is proud to admit that she was in the blog during Event 12 during the hand titled Girl on Girl on Guy Action. "It was a lot of fun and I lost," as she's clearly talking about poker.

Kaelaine has been getting kudos from various players as the best post of the Borgata Winter Open.


Event 18: Big Money

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

226 is the unofficial number for the $2,000 total buy-in. That puts the top prize at more than $113,000, the second largest big prize thus far at the Borgata Winter Poker Open.

27 players cash in this two day event.

The field is on a 15 minute break as approximately 175 players remain.

Event 19: Two Players 0 for 2

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em 

A couple of players in the house are already 0 for 2 today.  Both Al Riccobono and James Boyle played in the $2k No Limit event, busted out, then entered the $350 No Limit event.  They've both busted out of it, also.

Both of them are now entering the 3pm $350 Survivor event in hopes that the third time is the charm.  Let's hope it is not three strikes and you're out!

Event 18: A Set of Sets

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em   

In a highly improbable, but not impossible hand, three players were all-in on a flop of K 7 6.  One held pocket 6s for bottom set, one held pocket 7s for middle set, and Gene Castro held pocket Kings for top set. 

 Gene Castro

No one-outers appeared on the turn or river and Gene's Kings were gold.  He busted one player and left the other short-stacked.  Gene is now up to ~70k.

Event 17: 7th - "Miami" John Cernuto

$500 + $60 HOSE

"Miami" John Cernuto (Las Vegas, NV)
$1,504

John Cernuto, AKA "Miami John" is out in the Stud round when he starts with A Q 9. He's up against Larry Gold and his door card 4, but has pocket queens. Cernuto fails to pick up and draws and the queens hold.

The three time WSOP Bracelet winner has now cashed in three of the four events he's played at the Borgata Winter Open.

7th HOSE - $1,504
2nd PLO - $4,540
13th Omaha H/L $1,086

Event 15: Davis Defeats Ilyukhin

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Marc Davis vs Victor Ilyukhin

 Marc Davis has won his match against Victor Ilyukhin and advances to the next round, where he will face Sirous Jamshidi.  That match is scheduled to begin at 3pm.

Matches still in progress:

Loser's bracket - Ryan Hall vs Jeremy McLaughlin

Winner's bracket - Brandan Zaucha vs Lior Barlev 

These six remaining players are all in the money and guaranteed to earn at least $4,365.

Event 17: 8th - Steve Prosak

$500 + $60 HOSE

Steve Prosak (Arlington, VA)
$1,203

Prosak loses during the Omaha H/L round when Bob "Bullet" DeMartino has a pair of aces in the hole that hold up for the best hand.

Event 18: Whatcha Watchin?

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em  

The iPad has revolutionized mobile media and they're being seen more and more at poker tournaments like this one.   They give players something to do during those long periods of folding bad hands.

 John Lakatosh's iPad

John Lakatosh (Red Lion, PA) is over on table 11 using his iPad, so I had to ask, "Whatcha Watchin'?"

"I don't know...some Chris Farley movie" he replied.  I guess if it was a good movie, it would be too distracting.

Event 17: 9th Jeff Jerome

$500 + $60 HOSE
Jeff Jerome (Springfield, PA)
$902

Jerome goes out on the Hold'em round when the flop comes 8 high and he's all-in with 8 5.
Unfortunately Jeff Duval is holding A 8 to end Jerome's tournament.

Event 15: Hall Defeats Nguyen

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Jeremy McLaughlin vs Ryan Hall
 

Ryan Hall beat Khiem Nguyen to advance in the Loser's bracket.  Ryan is now playing his next match against Jeremy McLaughlin, who won this event in September.

Matches underway:

Loser's bracket - Marc Davis vs Victor Ilyukhin

Winner's bracket - Brandan Zaucha vs Lior Barlev

Event 17: Straight On Board

$500 + $60 HOSE

There's a straight showing on a board of 10-9-8-7-6 and Igor Tiguy leads out in the Hold'em round. Jeff Duval makes the call and sees the bad news as Tiguy tables AJ, as his jack plays for the higher straight.

Event 18: Big Names Registering Late

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em  

Matt Brady and Gavin Smith

 Several well known players registered late and were all seated at table 22:

Matt Brady
Gavin Smith
Matt Affleck
Christian Harder

Before they got started however, their table was broken and those players were relocated to empty seats throughout the room.

21 tables remain in action.  Currently playing level 3 with blinds of 75/150.

Event 19: Gratuitous Coverage

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Bri Dishes up Chunky Monkey

When all four tournaments are in action it means the food court area is dormant, especially the Ben & Jerry's stand. Cherry Garcia in January? Certainly not as popular as in July.

Meanwhile on the floor, one player pining for attention is Steve Esposito (Orlando, FL). He explains why he loves Borgata. "The atmosphere, the structure, the staff, the women, I love everything. It's the whole enchilada."

Unfortunately there's not much Mexican food available, but when the breaks hit the players storm the concession area grabbing what they can, hot or cold.

Steve Showing Borgata Love

Event 19: 30 Tables Strong

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em 

Registration has closed for this event but they filled 30 tables.   Some late arrivals:

Mirsad Kovaci
Jay Johnson
Abe Kolari
Joanne Monteavarro

Ian Palomo played this event, but has already busted out.

At the end of level three, players were rewarded with a ten minute break.

Event 17: Wrong Final Table

$500 + $60 HOSE

Larry Gold, who continues to show his Jets loyalty despite their loss in the AFC Championship game, says he's at the "wrong final table."

Gold busted in Event 12 before the money and got into the HOSE tournament 5 minutes before registration closed. One day and only 45 minutes of sleep later, Gold is at a final table and in the money.

Gold says he's been battling a cold and because all the medication he's taken has caffeine he hasn't gotten any sleep.

Event 15: Ilyukhin Defeats Affleck

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Victor Ilyukhin defeated Matt Affleck and a long, grueling match. Victor now advances to the next round to play Marc Davis.

The Khiem Nguyen vs Ryan Hall match is still underway.

Event 18: Break Time!

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em  

This event is up to 20 tables now, with players still arriving.  They've completed the first two levels and are enjoying their first break of the day.

Josh Brikis joined the field after losing his heads-up match against Marc Davis.  That was Josh's second loss in the Heads-Up Double-Elimination event.

213 players registered so far.  Among them in the field are:

Will 'the Thrill' Failla
David Fox
Adam Lippert
Kyle Bowker
Christian Harder
Ryan Eriquezzo
Dwyte Pilgrim (Borgata Poker Open Main Event Winner Sept. 2010)

Event 17: Eye on the Prize

$500 + $60 HOSE

Center Stage

The remaining nine players in the HOSE tournament are all in the money and back to play for the $31,000 total buy-in. First prize is $10,525 and the cards are in the air the Hold'Em round.

Here's the final table draw:

Seat-Name-Chip Count

1 Igor Tiguy (Boston, MA) - 157k
2 Bob "Bullet" DiMartino (Manahawkin, NJ) - 97k
3 Steve Prosak (Arlington, VA) - 46k
4 "Miami" John Cernuto (Las Vegas, NV) - 54k
5 Jeff Jerome (Springfield, PA) - 77k
6 Jimmy Chen (Brooklyn, NY) - 33k
7 Richard Pilchman (Brick, NJ)- 118k
8 Jeff Duvall (London, England) - 98k
9 Larry Gold (Medford, NY) - 70k

Event 19: Filling Out Event Center

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

There are lots of reasons to opt for the noon tournament.  Not being able to commit the time for a two day tournament makes a one-day event more appealing.  Of course there's the lower buy-in, which also makes it more appealing. 

This event has drawn more players than event 18.  They are up to 28 tables in action now, with more players arriving.  They are filling out about two/thirds of the event center main floor.

Currently playing level 2 with blinds of 50/100.

Some folks I recognized:

Eric Siegel
Mickey Woll
Jinhing 'Smiley' Chin
Vicki Renfrow
Vincent Basilicata (event 7 winner)

Event 15: Davis Defeats Brikis

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Marc Davis has defeated Josh Brikis.  Marc flopped two pair and turned a boat to beat Josh's trips.  Josh has entered the $2k NL event (event 18).

Marc Davis now awaits the winner of the Victor Ilyukhin vs Matt Affleck match.

Event 18: Hunting Heads

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em 

 Blinds have increased to 50/100 with level 2.

Another unfamiliar face I spotted today was Mike Laufer.  He's from Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.  He likes to play a lot of tournaments, especially here at Borgata. 

 Mike Laufer

 He's makes his living as a Headhunter, which must be interesting in tough economic times.  Mike is going to have to take out some heads if he's going to make a run in this event.  We'll see if he can hunt down the chips today.

Event 19: Cards In The Air

$300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

Players are still arriving for this event and getting settled in.  About 24 tables are live, so far.

Tournament Director Tab Duchateu has issued the directive to "Shuffle Up & Deal".

Players began with 10,000 chips and 25/50 blinds.  The first four levels last 30 minutes, then increase to 40 minutes.

Late entries will be allowed through level two.  This is a one day event, so they will play until a winner is determined.

Event 18: Familiar Faces

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Seats continue to fill here in the event center.  Here are some of the faces I spotted:

James Boyle
Mike Leah
Gordon Eng
Feming Chan
Gene Castro
Todd Terry
Mike Dentale
Ray Shackelford
'Action' Bob Hwang
Natale Kuey
Al Riccobonno
Steven Curtin
Roland Israelashvilli
Miguel Borrero

Event 15: Prize Pool

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Entries: 45
Total Buy-In $90,000

Place-Amount

1 $34,920
2 $21,825
3 $13,095
4 $8,730
5 $4,365
6 $4,365

Event 18: Bagel, Anyone?

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Toby Kasser is over on table four and is currently playing heads up with one other player as they wait for their table to fill.  I got a chance to chat with Toby and learned that he came to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa just to play this event.

 Toby Kasser

"I come here four or five times a year, stay for about a week" he said.  Toby is a casual tournament player, but likes to play here at Borgata.  He cashed here a couple of times last year.  Back in New York, he owns two bagel stores.  I sure could go for a bagel and a shmear right now...

Event 15: Losers Bracket

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL

Brikis Still Alive

Sirous Jamshidi and Tim Tuveson are the only two players in the Losers Bracket guaranteed to cash (5th/6th - $4,365 ) as they wait for the other eight players to slug it out in the 6th round of the Losers Bracket.

Defending champion Jeremy McLaughlin, Josh Brikis and Matt Affleck headline the list of players still alive for the $34,920 first prize. Brikis vs Affleck looms as a potential 7th round match-up.

Here's a look at the 4 matches underway:

Losers Bracket - 6th Round (losers eliminated)

Victor Ilyukhin vs Matt Affleck
Josh Brikis vs Marc Davis
Jeremy McLaughlin vs Matt Waxman
Khiem Nguyen vs Ryan Hall

Losers Bracket - 7th Round (1 pm)

Ilyukhin/Affleck winner vs Brikis/Davis winner
McLaughlin/Matt Waxman vs Nguyen/Hall winner

Event 15: Winners Bracket Final

$2000 +$150 Heads Up Double Elimination NL





Brandan Zaucha (left)

vs

Lior Barlev




Brandan Zaucha and Lior Barlev are squaring off in the Winners Bracket Final as the only two undefeated players remaining in the field.

The winner waits to see which of the other 11 remaining players in the field he'll face for the overall title and the $34,920 first prize. The loser is guaranteed a minimum of third place ($13,095) and can play their way to the championship.

Event 18: Shuffle Up & Deal

$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em

Players are taking their seats as they put the cards in the air here at the Borgata Winter Poker Open.  This event's field is smaller that most due to the higher price tag, but there are many familiar faces in the crowd.

Players began with 20,000 chips and blinds of 25/50.  Levels last 60 minutes.

Seventeen tables are in action with players still arriving and taking their seats.  Late entries will be allowed through the first three levels.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

TODAY IN THE EVENT CENTER

11A - Event 18: $1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
  • 20,000 in starting chips
  • Levels last 60 minutes
  • 2-day event (Day 2 starts at 1P)

12P - Event 19: $300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

  • 10,ooo in starting chips
  • Levels 1-4: each will last 30 minutes Levels 5+: each will last 40 minutes
  • 1-day event

3P - Event 46: $300 + $50 Survivor NLH

  • 10,000 in starting chips
  • Levels last 30 minutes
  • approximately 1 in 10 will win $3,000 Cash
  • 1-day event

7P - Event 47: $350 + $40 Championship Qualifier NLH

  • 10,000 in starting chips
  • Levels last 30 minutes
  • approximately 1 in 10 will win entry into Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event (January 30-February 4)
  • 1-day event

Event 16 Final Results

Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 16: $260 + $40 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
January 27, 2011

Entries: 473
Total Buy-In: $122,980

FINAL RESULTS
1. WILLIAM STRADLEY (BOOTHWYN, PA): $30,479
2. LEONARDO FIORENTINO (CHANDLER, AZ): $17,595
3. STEVE SCHOTT (O FALLON, MO): $10,736
4. KRISTIN FLETCHER (GASTONIA, NC): $8,649
5. TERRELL CHEATHAM (KENT, OH): $6,800
6. RENE BATTISTON (CLIFTON, NJ): $5,666
7. BROOKS BELL (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $4,534
8. JACQUELIN LURCH (ALLENWOOD, NJ): $3,460
9. JOHN KOLINER (KINGS PARK, NY): $2,386
10. MICHAEL MATRONE (MORGANVILLE, NJ): $1,551
11. RONALD BRITTON (BENDICT, MD): $1,551
12. JOHN GENEST (EAST GREENBUSH, NY): $1,551
13. ROLAND ISRAELASHVILI (FOREST HILLS, NY): $1,193
14. ETHAN GUTTENPLAN (NEW ORLEAN, LA): $1,193
15. DEAN SCHULTZ (STOW, OH): $1,193
16. MICHAEL HONG (NORTH WALES, PA): $942
17. GLENN HICK (OCEAN GATE, NJ): $942
18. FRANCIS FULMER (GEORGETOWN, DE): $942
19. MATTHEW SELMAN (BROOKLYN, NY): $740
20. JOHN SETHMAN (VIRGINIA BEACH, VA): $740
21. ERIC ROZARTO (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $740
22. ELLIOTT ZAYDMAN (GLEN ROCK, NJ): $740
23. YOSEF TARLOW (MORRISTOWN, NJ): $740
24. KENNETH SMITH (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ): $740
25. JOHN BROTHERS (SALEM, OH): $740
26. TREVOR HILLS (HASTINGS, MN): $740
27. MARK VIDETTO (VERONA, NJ): $740
28. DOUGLAS BORGMAN 2ND (PLEASANTVILLE, NJ): $656
29. FREDERICK WEINGART 3RD (NEW EGYPT, NJ): $656
30. ROGER HUMPHREYS (BRUNSWICK, GA): $656
31. SPIROS MANESIS (BRIGANTINE, NJ): $656
32. LEIBY GOLDBERGER (BROOKLYN, NY): $656
33. MICHAEL SICA JR (N BRUNSWICK, NJ): $656
34. GLENN ENGELBERT (SICKLERVILLE, NJ): $656
35. ANNA KANE (FORKED RIVER, NJ): $656
36. ROBERT JACKOWSKI (BELLROSE, NY): $656
37. MICHAEL ADAMS (ACCOKEEK, MD): $596
38. DOUGLAS BUCH (NEW HOLLAND, PA): $596
39. JOSEPH NERO (TRUMBULL, CT): $596
40. BRIAN KIM (EDISON, NJ): $596
41. DANIEL BUZGON (MARLTON, NJ): $596
42. KAMBIZ BEHBAHANI (FAIRFAX STATION, VA): $596
43. JOSEPH IANNACONE (WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ): $596
44. MICHAEL MALETTA (HICKSVILLE, NY): $596
45. CHRISTOPHER HORTER (JAMISON, PA): $596

Event 12 Final Results

Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 12: $170 + $30 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
January 25 - 27, 2011

Entries: 1,292
Total Buy-In: $219,640

FINAL RESULTS
1. JAMES GOVERNA (RICHBORO, PA): $46,870
2. WILLIAM HART (MARTINSBURG, WV): $28,165
3. JEFFERY FINKELSTEIN (BALA-CYNWYD, PA): $17,044
4. JAMES ROMOSER (WASHINGTON, DC): $14,274
5. NICOLAS MARKATOS (DIX HILLS, NY): $11,718
6. DAVID ZEITLIN (BROOKLYN, NY): $9,480
7. SALVATORE PIPITONE (PARAMUS, NJ): $7,563
8. RYAN ERIQUEZZO (DANBURY, CT): $5,752
9. NICOLE ROWE (SALISBURY MILLS, NY): $3,941
10. RICHARD GOMOLINSKI (FORT LEE, NJ): $2,556
11. JULIAN MIRANDA (UNION CITY, NJ): $2,556
12. JACK MARJI (YONKERS, NY): $2,556
13. HEUNG YOON (WOODBRIDGE, VA): $1,811
14. LOUIS IORIO (EAST MORICHES, NY): $1,811
15. BERNARD DOMINIAK (LOWER BURRELL, PA): $1,811
16. KRISTAL VERGARA (NEW YORK, NY): $1,172
17. JOSEPH LOPES (WEST CREEK, NJ): $1,172
18. EDWIN LAU (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $1,172
19. BRADEN EDWARDS (CHALFONT, PA): $959
20. KATHLEEN SYNKOSKI (IJAMSVILLE, MD): $959
21. WILLIAM SANFORD (MT VERNON, NY): $959
22. ALLAN MOORE (TABERNACLE, NJ): $959
23. NEAL GAY (BROOKLYN, NY): $959
24. FRANK ERMEL (JACKSON, NJ): $959
25. DAVID BERGENBACK (WASHINGTON, NJ): $959
26. MICHAEL PURCHER (MT SINAI, NY): $959
27. VAIBHAV PATEL (THOROFARE, NJ): $959
28. KERRY SMALL (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $831
29. JOHN MCGUINNESS (TOMS RIVER, NJ): $831
30. CARL RESTIFO (WARETOWN, NJ): $831
31. KEITH MOLINARO (GLASSBORO, NJ): $831
32. CHRISTOPH GALVIN (MANVILLE, NJ): $831
33. TIMOTHY CESA (KENNESAW, GA): $831
34. JAMES STENELLA (PIPERSVILLE, PA): $831
35. JASON HENRICI (OLD TAPPAN, NJ): $831
36. NAZIR TYREWALA (SEVERN, MD): $831
37. MONTY DENNIS (TUCKER, GA): $746
38. TAEMEE FEUER (HARTSDALE, NY): $746
39. ROBERT WILLIAMS (UPPER MARLBORO, MD): $746
40. PHILIP DESIMONE (GLEN RIDGE, NJ): $746
41. TAMER ABDELHAKIEM (TOMS RIVER, NJ): $746
42. TAYLOR SHPUR (WITHERBEE, NY): $746
43. JAY JOHNSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $746
44. MICHAEL BOEHME (WILLINGBORO, NJ): $746
45. JACOB NASSER (YONKERS, NY): $746
46. FRANCESCO RANDO (ROSELLE PARK, NJ): $660
47. ALBERT KRUX (FAYETTEVILLE, NY): $660
48. JOSHUA PALMER (HAMPTONVILLE, NC): $660
49. MATTHEW VITALE (DIX HILLS, NY): $660
50. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): $660
51. MARTHA PATELLA (MASSAPEQUA PARK, NY): $660
52. STEVEN CURTIN (INDIAN TRAIL, NC): $660
53. FRED FIUMEFREDDO (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $660
54. JOSE RODRIGUEZ (JERSEY CITY, NJ): $660
55. JOHN MASON JR. (JAMESTOWN, NC): $597
56. JOHN KOLASKI (HAMILTON SQ, NJ): $597
57. ROBERT NGUYEN (W. NEW YORK, NJ): $597
58. ANTHONY MAIO (JAMISON, PA): $597
59. YVES GRENON (OTTAWA, CAN): $597
60. DANIEL CHAN (NEW YORK, NY): $597
61. MOHAMMAD FARAH (BENSALEM, PA): $597
62. STEVE RYAN (NEW YORK, NY): $597
63. MARK SYKES (NEW HAVEN, CT): $597
64. ROBBY DEVRIES (PATERSON, NJ): $533
65. PAUL RADFORD (NEW YORK, NY): $533
66. VINCENT SPINELLI (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $533
67. MICHAEL PETRAK (WAYNE, NJ): $533
68. JAMES COLE (CLEVELAND, OH): $533
69. THOMAS ARRIGONI (EDISON, NJ): $533
70. JASON PERRONE (MT SINAI, NY): $533
71. MARK SINISCALCHI JR (MONTCLAIR, NJ): $533
72. ERIC MA (ANNADALE, VA): $533
73. MIKAIL VAINSTEIN (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $490
74. NICHOLAS COOK (WOODBURY, NJ): $490
75. DONALD MERCER (SNEADS FERRY, NC): $490
76. JULIO ESTEVEZ (HAKENSACK, NJ): $490
77. ROBERT JANNEY (LEVITTOWN, PA): $490
78. ROBERT SANTILLI (JACKSON, NJ): $490
79. BRUCE HOMAN (MILLVILLE, NJ): $490
80. CHARLES MICALIZZI (JERSEY CITY, NJ): $490
81. ILYA DYMENT (BROOKLYN, NY): $490
82. CHRISTOPHER BRANSCOMB (MECHANICSVLLE, VA): $447
83. JOSEPH ALTOMONTE (WEST PATERSON, NJ): $447
84. PETER LEUNG (BROOKLYN, NY): $447
85. DENNIS SUMMERS JR (CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA): $447
86. KELLY MCCARTHY (MARGATE CITY, NJ): $447
87. REGINALD MCCOLLUM (CHARLOTTE, NC): $447
88. MICHAEL BESCRIPT (ROYERSFORD, PA): $447
89. IRVING MCKENZIE (SALISBURY, MD): $447
90. RICHARD KAUKE (E ATLANTIC BEACH, NY): $447
91. BRADLEY KAVANAGH (BERLIN, NJ): $426
92. JAMES CAPORUSCIO (OAKDALE, NY): $426
93. RANSON NELSON (FREDERICKSBURG, VA): $426
94. GARY KEEFER (HANCOCK, MD): $426
95. DANIEL GOLDBERG (GREAT NECK, NY): $426
96. THOMAS MCGARRY (HAZLET, NJ): $426
97. PETER PECORARO (BILLERICA, MA): $426
98. MICHAEL BETLEY (N. RIDGEVILLE, OH): $426
99. MARK BOWERSOCK (YOUNGSTOWN, OH): $426
100. SHAWN SMITH (SILVER SPRING, MD): $426

Event 16 Recap

Event 16: $260 + $40 Deep Stack NL is in the books.

473 players began at 11am this morning with 25,000 chips and the tournament lasted 19 hours.

Total Buy-In was $122,980 paying the top 45 spots with a first place prize of $30,479.

The top two finishers from the Seniors Event were in the field. Champion Mike Kessler and Gary Brudner.

Then there was crowd favorite Annie “Grandma” Kane from Forked River, NJ. She became chip leader when she hit 180,000 and was playing for all her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She cashed 35th and was the fourth woman standing.

Armando Then was the bubble boy after his KK ran into Steve Schott’s AA.

Armando was very upset until he realized Doug Borgman was kind enough to arrange for everyone remaing to “buy him two five-dollar foot longs” each. By the way, those Aces and that pot eventually propelled Steve Schott to the final table.

As for Doug, his kindness was paid forward as he was down to 1 orange 1000 chip and miraculously stretched it across a series of hands that quadrupled him up more than once to a stack 160,000 high.

Borgata notables Mike Sica cashed in 33rd - $656 but Mike Dentale, James Boyle, and Jason Young did not score green in this one.

Last women standing was Kristin Fletcher who seemed to get the right cards at the right time. She was very excited for her fourth place finish and $8,649.

Third place was Steve Schott for $10,736 and second was awarded to Leonardo Fiorentino in the amount of $17,595.

But our big winner and Champion was William Stradley, known as Bill.

I spoke with Bill right after he won the tournament holding 2-6 of spades and he said, “I grinded it out all day long. Did take a couple bad beats but kept a level head and never went on tilt. Then I came back to win.”

Bill was awarded the Borgata trophy along with $30,479.

Event 16: William Stradley - 1st Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

William Stradley - 1st Place - $30,479

Congratulations to our Event 16 Champion William "Bill" Stradley who takes home the Borgata trophy along with $30,479.

Bill was excited about his win and can't wait to see his winning photo up on the Event Center wall.

"There were some good players at that final table. I thought I played well all day" commented Bill.

Stradley is a poker professional with some big cashes this year already including 13th place in a World Series of Poker Main Event.

"I'm gonna try to take this momentum and run right into Borgata's Championship Event with it" declared Bill.

As for the cigar...he chews on them every day, but they don't bring him any luck.

The hand Bill won with was - How bout' that 6-2 of spades.

Bill wants to say hello to his wife Cathi and three kids, Billy, Riley, and Danny.

Dad did good tonight. He outlasted 472 other players. Nice win.

Event 16: Len Fiorentino - 2nd Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Len Fiorentino - 2nd Place - $17,595

Event 16: Steve Schott - 3rd Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Steve Schott - 3rd Place - $10,736

Event 16; Kristin Fletcher - 4th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Kristin Fletcher - 4th Place - $8649

Event 16; Terrell Cheatham - 5th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Terrell Cheatham (Akron, OH) - 5th Place - $6,800

Event 16: Rene Battison - 6th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Rene "Bat" Battison - 6th Place -$5,666

Rene "Bat" Battison picked up a straight draw and flush draw but his Opponent faded every out.

It was Bat's Q-5 diamonds vs. Q-10.

When all the dust cleared, the ten kicker played and Battison hit the showers.

Rene picks up $5,666 for his long day of hold-em.

Event 16: Brooks Bell - 7th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Brooks Bell - 7th Place - $4,534

Brooks Bell was so short stack he was basically forced all-in with only 6-4. Had hope until the river when the four hit - but that gave his Opponent a wheel. She had A-5.

When Brooks isn't playing poker, he works for freshmeltwater a dot com Philadelphia company that sells outfitting clothing.

Brooks is playing in the 3:50pm tomorrow.

Event 16: Jacqueline Lurch - 8th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Jacqueline Lurch - 8th Place - $3,460

With Jacqueline Lurch out in 8th place, that makes Kristin Fletcher the LAST WOMEN STANDING. Congrats to both women.

Jacqueline will add $3,460 to her Borgata Bankroll.

Event 16: John Koliner - 9th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

John Koliner - 9th Place - $2,386

John Koliner looked down at A9 of clubs and shoved his 800,000 stack only get called instantly by Len Fiorentino's pocket Kings which held up.

To ad insult to injury, the turn was a king and the river an ace.

John pockets $2,386 and told me he'll be back tomorrow for the 11am.

Event 16: Michael Matrone - 10th Place

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Michael Matrone - 10th Place - $1,151

Michael got his 5-5 in up against Kristin Fletcher's 9-9.

She flopped a 9 on the set and took Matrone out.

"Se la vi" said Michael. That's Life.

Event 16: Brooks Looking To Ring Victory Bell

$260 + $40 Deep Stack NL

Brooks Bell (Philadelphia, PA)

Brooks is playing for his good friend's Father who recently passed away.

He currently has 700,000 chips.

Played solid all day. When there were four tables left he only had 30K left.

A couple key double ups propelled him to two tables.

When his 44 held against A-J, his stack shot up to 700,000 Level.

Hey you're from Philly, remember the 700 Level at the Vet. Good times.