$500 + $60
After a full level of hand-for-hand play there hasn't been one called all-in. There are still a couple of short stacks as the blinds are now 2k/4k/500 ante.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Event 21 Day 1A Recap
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
The 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open got off to a great start today with 273 players opting for day 1A action. They played six levels and about 205 of those players survived and will enjoy Monday off, then return on Tuesday at 11am for day two.
There are some notable day 1A players who will NOT be returning for day 2. Dwyte Pilgrim, who won the Borgata Poker Open WPT Championship in September 2010 arrived late and left early. Dan Spirer won the $1,000 buy-in 6-Max event in September, but he could not overcome his table of ten today and left early. Also gone is Matt Glantz, who has one small cash during this series to add to his more than $3.2 million lifetime tournament earnings.
There were six WSOP bracelet holder in the field today: Miami John Cernuto, Mike 'Little Man' Sica, Mike Gracz, Chris Reslock, Matt Matros, and Gavin Smith. All six survived and will return for day two.
Borgata online contest winner Fritz Stoner also made the cut. He will return for day two with 44,900 chips.
Day 1B begins at 11am Monday with a fresh batch of players.
The 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open got off to a great start today with 273 players opting for day 1A action. They played six levels and about 205 of those players survived and will enjoy Monday off, then return on Tuesday at 11am for day two.
There are some notable day 1A players who will NOT be returning for day 2. Dwyte Pilgrim, who won the Borgata Poker Open WPT Championship in September 2010 arrived late and left early. Dan Spirer won the $1,000 buy-in 6-Max event in September, but he could not overcome his table of ten today and left early. Also gone is Matt Glantz, who has one small cash during this series to add to his more than $3.2 million lifetime tournament earnings.
There were six WSOP bracelet holder in the field today: Miami John Cernuto, Mike 'Little Man' Sica, Mike Gracz, Chris Reslock, Matt Matros, and Gavin Smith. All six survived and will return for day two.
Borgata online contest winner Fritz Stoner also made the cut. He will return for day two with 44,900 chips.
Day 1B begins at 11am Monday with a fresh batch of players.
End of Day 1A Chip Leaders
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
With ten minutes remaining in level 6, Tab Duchateau instructed all tables to play four more hands, then bag & tag.
198 players survived day 1A and will return Tuesday. A full list with chip counts will be posted when available.
For now, the top seven stacks are:
Louis Russo - 124,275
Tom Hu - 116,975
Eric 'clown fish' Doerr - 107,750
David Poulterer - 107,200
David Parades - 103,500
Trevor Savage - 99,950
Andrew (Keyyong) Song - 96,200
With ten minutes remaining in level 6, Tab Duchateau instructed all tables to play four more hands, then bag & tag.
198 players survived day 1A and will return Tuesday. A full list with chip counts will be posted when available.
For now, the top seven stacks are:
Louis Russo - 124,275
Tom Hu - 116,975
Eric 'clown fish' Doerr - 107,750
David Poulterer - 107,200
David Parades - 103,500
Trevor Savage - 99,950
Andrew (Keyyong) Song - 96,200
Chan Can Fold
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Over on table sixteen, Feming Chan (bb) and Roland Israelashvilli (hijack) had made it to the river. The board read A♥K♦9♥7♠Q♥. Roland had bet 10,100 and action was to Feming, who was in the tank. "Show if I fold?" Feming asked.
Like the consummate professional that he is, Roland didn't say a word or make a move. Feming mucked. Roland passed his cards to the dealer and as the dealer was washing the deck for the next hand, he says "Show him the nut flush" knowing that his cards are already in the mix. The table got a chuckle out of it.
Over on table sixteen, Feming Chan (bb) and Roland Israelashvilli (hijack) had made it to the river. The board read A♥K♦9♥7♠Q♥. Roland had bet 10,100 and action was to Feming, who was in the tank. "Show if I fold?" Feming asked.
Feming Chan (far left) and Roland Israelashvilli (far right)
Like the consummate professional that he is, Roland didn't say a word or make a move. Feming mucked. Roland passed his cards to the dealer and as the dealer was washing the deck for the next hand, he says "Show him the nut flush" knowing that his cards are already in the mix. The table got a chuckle out of it.
Witchita Tornado
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Adam Wessley isn't in Kansas anymore, but he's playing like a tornado. After building his stack to 80k he's all-in and his opponent hits a two outer for a 160k pot.
Wessley is tilted as he drops to 3k, but puts together a rally. He flops two pairs, is all-in for 10k and gets two callers. Wessley's hand holds up against 99 and 10 10 and he now has 37k.
One player at the table says he should feel fortunate to which Wessley quips, "there's no way I hold on to these chips for rest of the night."
Adam Wessley isn't in Kansas anymore, but he's playing like a tornado. After building his stack to 80k he's all-in and his opponent hits a two outer for a 160k pot.
Wessley is tilted as he drops to 3k, but puts together a rally. He flops two pairs, is all-in for 10k and gets two callers. Wessley's hand holds up against 99 and 10 10 and he now has 37k.
One player at the table says he should feel fortunate to which Wessley quips, "there's no way I hold on to these chips for rest of the night."
Goners
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
These folks are missing from the floor and have apparently been eliminated:
Jeremy Schwartz
Chris Bell
Dan Spirer
Abe Korotki
Christopher Edwards
Joe Degeorge
23 tables are still in action. The ambient sound level in the room has increased. You can tell players are getting restless as they know the end is in sight.
These folks are missing from the floor and have apparently been eliminated:
Jeremy Schwartz
Chris Bell
Dan Spirer
Abe Korotki
Christopher Edwards
Joe Degeorge
23 tables are still in action. The ambient sound level in the room has increased. You can tell players are getting restless as they know the end is in sight.
Last Level of the Night
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
As play starts to wind down, play is getting a little more aggressive. On a board of 5♥ K♦ 9♣ K♥ 10♥, Josh Lazzinnaro bets 15k and gets a crying call from his opponent.
Lazzinnaro shows A♣ K♣ for trip kings; his opponent mucks. Lazzinnaro is looking for another deep run after an 8th place finish ($9,615) in Event 6
The action is switching to the blue deck for the last 75 minutes of play as Level 6 (150/300/50 ante) is underway.
As play starts to wind down, play is getting a little more aggressive. On a board of 5♥ K♦ 9♣ K♥ 10♥, Josh Lazzinnaro bets 15k and gets a crying call from his opponent.
Lazzinnaro shows A♣ K♣ for trip kings; his opponent mucks. Lazzinnaro is looking for another deep run after an 8th place finish ($9,615) in Event 6
The action is switching to the blue deck for the last 75 minutes of play as Level 6 (150/300/50 ante) is underway.
MIA
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
A couple of players are missing in action. 2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion is on the rail as is
Matt Glantz. All-ins are becoming more frequent as Level 5 continues.
They'll play one more level before Day 1A shuts down. All remaining players are off Monday, as Day 1B takes center stage. The field merges Tuesday for Day 2.
A couple of players are missing in action. 2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion is on the rail as is
Matt Glantz. All-ins are becoming more frequent as Level 5 continues.
They'll play one more level before Day 1A shuts down. All remaining players are off Monday, as Day 1B takes center stage. The field merges Tuesday for Day 2.
Lerner's Lucky Elephant
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Leonid Lerner is originally from Russia, but now lives in New York. Although he claims not to speak English well, he certainly speaks poker.
He has several cashes here at Borgata and won the $1,000 buy-in $250,000 Guaranteed Double-Play tournament here last October. That win was good for over $101,000.
Perhaps it is his lucky elephant card protector.
Leonid Lerner is originally from Russia, but now lives in New York. Although he claims not to speak English well, he certainly speaks poker.
Leonid Lerner
He has several cashes here at Borgata and won the $1,000 buy-in $250,000 Guaranteed Double-Play tournament here last October. That win was good for over $101,000.
Perhaps it is his lucky elephant card protector.
273 Players for Day 1A
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Players have returned from break and begun level 5 with blinds of 100/200 and 25 antes.
Final player count for today was 273 (last year was 275). 24 tables are still in action, meaning 240 or fewer players remain for day 1A.
Players have returned from break and begun level 5 with blinds of 100/200 and 25 antes.
Final player count for today was 273 (last year was 275). 24 tables are still in action, meaning 240 or fewer players remain for day 1A.
Bianco Shows the Bluff
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
On the river, the board read K 9 5 5 6 and Benny Bianco (utg+1) fired 10k. Gavin Smith (bb) let out what could only be called a growl, and said "I don't know what to do".
He tanked for a moment, counted out the chips, checked out what he would have left, then opted for the fold. Benny showed him QJ offsuit for squa-doosh. "I knew it!" Gavin said.
Level 4 has ended and players are enjoying their second and last break of the day. They will play two more levels and call it a night.
On the river, the board read K 9 5 5 6 and Benny Bianco (utg+1) fired 10k. Gavin Smith (bb) let out what could only be called a growl, and said "I don't know what to do".
Gavin Smith (far left) and Benny Bianco (far right)
He tanked for a moment, counted out the chips, checked out what he would have left, then opted for the fold. Benny showed him QJ offsuit for squa-doosh. "I knew it!" Gavin said.
Level 4 has ended and players are enjoying their second and last break of the day. They will play two more levels and call it a night.
Mystery Chip Leader
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Over on table seven, the player in seat nine has taken an early chip lead with about 135k. The players at his table are calling him the "Mystery Man" because they can't figure him out.
He remains a mystery to us, too. When I asked for his name to go in the blog, he said "Do I have to? I'd rather not."
Over on table seven, the player in seat nine has taken an early chip lead with about 135k. The players at his table are calling him the "Mystery Man" because they can't figure him out.
Mystery Man
He remains a mystery to us, too. When I asked for his name to go in the blog, he said "Do I have to? I'd rather not."
Palermo Plugging Along
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Leonardo Looking Good
Every Borgata Open one player emerges as a fresh new face. In September 2010 it was Giussepe Pantaleo, who had two final tables and three cashes.
Now meet Leonardo Palermo who's made several deep runs with 3rd and 4th place finishes, to go along with one additional cash. Palermo has taken down nearly $55,000 in the Borgata Winter Open. His career earnings before the series: $6,000.
In today's Day 1A Palermo has been holding steady, but says he just dusted off 12k with a river bluff on a board of K K 5 5 2. Palermo is holding counterfeited pocket 4s, while his opponent calls with pocket 6s.
"It was a good call," as Palermo shows respect with a 25k stack, just 5k below the starting count.
Leonardo Looking Good Every Borgata Open one player emerges as a fresh new face. In September 2010 it was Giussepe Pantaleo, who had two final tables and three cashes.
Now meet Leonardo Palermo who's made several deep runs with 3rd and 4th place finishes, to go along with one additional cash. Palermo has taken down nearly $55,000 in the Borgata Winter Open. His career earnings before the series: $6,000.
In today's Day 1A Palermo has been holding steady, but says he just dusted off 12k with a river bluff on a board of K K 5 5 2. Palermo is holding counterfeited pocket 4s, while his opponent calls with pocket 6s.
"It was a good call," as Palermo shows respect with a 25k stack, just 5k below the starting count.
Degeorge Getting It Done
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Currently in level 4, blinds 100/200.
Joe Degeorge is here from upstate New York to play today. He comes about once a month to play tournaments here at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. He owns four businesses, which his sons are running, which is what gives him the freedom to come play whenever he wants.
Although Joe hasn't booked any big wins here yet, he made his mark at the WSOP last summer with three cashes. In the main event, he finished in 428th place, earning $31,647.
Currently in level 4, blinds 100/200.
Joe Degeorge is here from upstate New York to play today. He comes about once a month to play tournaments here at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. He owns four businesses, which his sons are running, which is what gives him the freedom to come play whenever he wants.
Joe Degeorge
Although Joe hasn't booked any big wins here yet, he made his mark at the WSOP last summer with three cashes. In the main event, he finished in 428th place, earning $31,647.
No Clowning Around
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Eric Hits Doerr Card
When Eric "Clown Fish" Doerr walks into the Event Center he's hard to miss and his self deprecating humor is infectious. Unfortunately for Tom Savitsky, Doerr's double belly buster straight draw was nearly invisible.
Doerr is holding Q♦ 10♦ on a flop of J♦ 8♥ 2♣ giving him a gutter ball straight draw and a backdoor flush draw. The turn is the A♦ and opens up a ton of outs as Doerr picks up the
double belly buster and flush draws.
The river is the 9♣ for the nut straight and Savitsky has no idea he's in trouble. Doerr leads for 6k, Savitsky moves all-in for 22k and Doerr snap calls.
Savitsky turns over A♣ A♥ for a turned set of aces and is stunned that he's just been knocked out of the tournament.
"It was impossible to see," says Doerr who has 81k, nearly three times the starting stack while playing level 3.
Eric Hits Doerr CardWhen Eric "Clown Fish" Doerr walks into the Event Center he's hard to miss and his self deprecating humor is infectious. Unfortunately for Tom Savitsky, Doerr's double belly buster straight draw was nearly invisible.
Doerr is holding Q♦ 10♦ on a flop of J♦ 8♥ 2♣ giving him a gutter ball straight draw and a backdoor flush draw. The turn is the A♦ and opens up a ton of outs as Doerr picks up the
double belly buster and flush draws.
The river is the 9♣ for the nut straight and Savitsky has no idea he's in trouble. Doerr leads for 6k, Savitsky moves all-in for 22k and Doerr snap calls.
Savitsky turns over A♣ A♥ for a turned set of aces and is stunned that he's just been knocked out of the tournament.
"It was impossible to see," says Doerr who has 81k, nearly three times the starting stack while playing level 3.
Volper Vetoes Query
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Nikolay Volper is playing day 1A today and hoping to go deep. He has played some other events during this series, but has yet to cash. He won big in the 2010 Borgata Summer Open where he finished 2nd in a Deepstack, earning over $45k.
He's originally from Bulgaria, but now lives in New York. When I asked if he would answer some questions, he said "Too early for questions...maybe later".
Nikolay Volper is playing day 1A today and hoping to go deep. He has played some other events during this series, but has yet to cash. He won big in the 2010 Borgata Summer Open where he finished 2nd in a Deepstack, earning over $45k.
Nikolay Volper
He's originally from Bulgaria, but now lives in New York. When I asked if he would answer some questions, he said "Too early for questions...maybe later".
Acting Out
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Fiske Finds Way to Main Event
Brian Fiske is making his first trip to Borgata, thanks to a Sunday in September when he won a charity poker tournament in New York City. As one of the event sponsors supporting the LAByrinth Theatre Company, Borgata put up an all expense paid trip, including an entry into the Main Event, as the top prize.
"You can't beat a free trip," says the hedge fund manager. "This is great."
Fiske says he plays on-line poker, and is excited to participate in the Championship Event. After today's play he plans on relaxing at the spa and retiring to his luxurious suite.
Fiske Finds Way to Main EventBrian Fiske is making his first trip to Borgata, thanks to a Sunday in September when he won a charity poker tournament in New York City. As one of the event sponsors supporting the LAByrinth Theatre Company, Borgata put up an all expense paid trip, including an entry into the Main Event, as the top prize.
"You can't beat a free trip," says the hedge fund manager. "This is great."
Fiske says he plays on-line poker, and is excited to participate in the Championship Event. After today's play he plans on relaxing at the spa and retiring to his luxurious suite.
Basketball vs. Tennis
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Twenty-six tables (ten-handed) are in action here in the event center. With 30,000 starting chips, it should take a while for players to go broke. Nevertheless, several have managed to do so already. The rest are working their stacks, playing their hands, and catching a little sports on the big screens. In the front of the room, their choices are college basketball or Australian Open Tennis.
College Basketball vs. Australian Open Tennis
Twenty-six tables (ten-handed) are in action here in the event center. With 30,000 starting chips, it should take a while for players to go broke. Nevertheless, several have managed to do so already. The rest are working their stacks, playing their hands, and catching a little sports on the big screens. In the front of the room, their choices are college basketball or Australian Open Tennis.
Passing Time
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Long Day for Rohan
Starting with 600 big blinds and levels lasting 75 minutes means players need a distraction from the endless string of 9-3, 7-2 and 8-5. Rohan Long is reading "The Book of Five Rings," while Bo Toft focuses on a crossword puzzle.
5 Down, 4 Letters - New Poker Player, Slang
Long Day for RohanStarting with 600 big blinds and levels lasting 75 minutes means players need a distraction from the endless string of 9-3, 7-2 and 8-5. Rohan Long is reading "The Book of Five Rings," while Bo Toft focuses on a crossword puzzle.
5 Down, 4 Letters - New Poker Player, Slang
What're you gonna do?
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
William Kakon came all the way from Miami, Florida to play this event. And he just doubled up. He was on the button and got all-in against Edward Jordan in the big blind. In a classic confrontation, William held pocket Aces and Edward held pocket Kings. (Alida Veliu was in the small blind, stuck between two raisers, and said she folded AK.)
William Kakon came all the way from Miami, Florida to play this event. And he just doubled up. He was on the button and got all-in against Edward Jordan in the big blind. In a classic confrontation, William held pocket Aces and Edward held pocket Kings. (Alida Veliu was in the small blind, stuck between two raisers, and said she folded AK.)
William Kakon, Alida Veliu, and Edward Jordan
"What're you gonna do?" said Edward. No much you can do. The board ran dry, then delivered the case Ace on the river, just to add salt to Edward's wound. After shipping the double to William, Edward still had some chips. "As long as you have chips, you have hope."
266 as Level 3 is Underway
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Holly has Round 3 in Control
Day 1A has 266 players in the field. A lot internet players, guys like Josh Brikis, are grinding on-line and will help expand the number for Monday's Day 1B.
Holly has Round 3 in ControlDay 1A has 266 players in the field. A lot internet players, guys like Josh Brikis, are grinding on-line and will help expand the number for Monday's Day 1B.
Cheung Doubles Before Break Time
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
On the turn, the board read K♦J♦T♠A♦ and Kwan Fun Cheung got all-in against Dan Spirer (New Hope, PA).
When they tabled their hands, Dan's K♣Q♥ (Broadway straight) was drawing dead to Kwan's T♦4♦ (flush). The river was an irrelevant 6♦ and Kwan doubled up.
That was the last hand before the end of level two. Players are enjoying their first break of the day.
On the turn, the board read K♦J♦T♠A♦ and Kwan Fun Cheung got all-in against Dan Spirer (New Hope, PA).
Dan Spirer and Kwan Fun Cheung
When they tabled their hands, Dan's K♣Q♥ (Broadway straight) was drawing dead to Kwan's T♦4♦ (flush). The river was an irrelevant 6♦ and Kwan doubled up.
That was the last hand before the end of level two. Players are enjoying their first break of the day.
Nosed Out by Castaldo
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Castaldo Chipping Up
Mike "The Nose" Castaldo flops the joint holding 10♥ 10♣ , but by the river downshifts the action.
The board is 10♦ 9♣ 9♠, giving Castaldo a full house, but pauses when the Q♣ hits the turn and Thomas Sheets is still in the hand.
"Because he just called my preflop raise, I thought he might have an over pair like pocket queens," says Castaldo.
The river is the 4♣ and Castaldo leads out for 1,800 and Sheets pops it to 5k. Castaldo thinks about re-raising but opts to call.
Sheets tables A♣ K♣ for a second best flush, as Castaldo takes down the 10k. "If I knew he was on a flush draw I would've milked it for more value. "It kind of sucks, but I'm happy."
Castaldo Chipping UpMike "The Nose" Castaldo flops the joint holding 10♥ 10♣ , but by the river downshifts the action.
The board is 10♦ 9♣ 9♠, giving Castaldo a full house, but pauses when the Q♣ hits the turn and Thomas Sheets is still in the hand.
"Because he just called my preflop raise, I thought he might have an over pair like pocket queens," says Castaldo.
The river is the 4♣ and Castaldo leads out for 1,800 and Sheets pops it to 5k. Castaldo thinks about re-raising but opts to call.
Sheets tables A♣ K♣ for a second best flush, as Castaldo takes down the 10k. "If I knew he was on a flush draw I would've milked it for more value. "It kind of sucks, but I'm happy."
Proven vs. Unproven: All Equal on the Felt
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Over on table five is an excellent example of the beauty of tournament poker. The fixed buy-in format is the great equalizer. It costs everyone the same amount to enter and they all get the same amount of chips to use as ammunition.
Once you're on the felt, it comes down to your ability and luck. It doesn't matter if you're a millionaire or stone cold broke. Everyone is measured by how many chips they have. It doesn't matter how many bracelets you have won, just how well you can play on Any Given Sunday.
At one end of table five is Matt Matros: Poker coach at CardRunners, author of The Making of a Poker Player, with over $1.5 million lifetime tournament earnings. Matt won his first WSOP bracelet this past summer in the $1,500 Limit Hold'em event.
At the other end is Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY) who finished 18th in the $1k No Limit event in this series ($2,444). Terry is working on his first big win and who knows? This could be his event.
Bottom line is that when Shuffle Up & Deal was heard shortly after 11am today, these two guys were even with 30k each.
Over on table five is an excellent example of the beauty of tournament poker. The fixed buy-in format is the great equalizer. It costs everyone the same amount to enter and they all get the same amount of chips to use as ammunition.
Once you're on the felt, it comes down to your ability and luck. It doesn't matter if you're a millionaire or stone cold broke. Everyone is measured by how many chips they have. It doesn't matter how many bracelets you have won, just how well you can play on Any Given Sunday.
Matt Matros and Terry Grimes
At one end of table five is Matt Matros: Poker coach at CardRunners, author of The Making of a Poker Player, with over $1.5 million lifetime tournament earnings. Matt won his first WSOP bracelet this past summer in the $1,500 Limit Hold'em event.
At the other end is Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY) who finished 18th in the $1k No Limit event in this series ($2,444). Terry is working on his first big win and who knows? This could be his event.
Bottom line is that when Shuffle Up & Deal was heard shortly after 11am today, these two guys were even with 30k each.
Stoner Cold Nuts
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Fritz, Lucky Contest Winner
Fritz Stoner (Lancaster, PA) was struggling during the Winter Open until he got lucky, $3,500 lucky. "I've been running bad, but all of sudden my luck changed."
Stoner was in the Borgata on-line contest for the free Championship Event seat and when his name was randomly selected he got the free ride into Day 1A. Stoner was 0 for 4 in Winter Open Events and hopes his luck will stay on the uptick.
Fritz, Lucky Contest WinnerFritz Stoner (Lancaster, PA) was struggling during the Winter Open until he got lucky, $3,500 lucky. "I've been running bad, but all of sudden my luck changed."
Stoner was in the Borgata on-line contest for the free Championship Event seat and when his name was randomly selected he got the free ride into Day 1A. Stoner was 0 for 4 in Winter Open Events and hopes his luck will stay on the uptick.
Interesting Matchups
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Any event of this type is going to draw a lot of big names and they're bound to butt heads if sharing the same piece of felt. Table six is shaping up to be an interesting mix of styles.
In the four seat is three-time WSOP bracelet holder 'Miami' John Cernuto. John's about as old-school as it gets. He's won bracelets in Hold'em, Stud, and Omaha, proving he's versatile. He's cashed twice already during the Winter Poker Open, finishing 2nd in the Pot Limit Omaha event and 13th in the Omaha Hi/Lo event.
John is surrounded by a couple of 'young guns' with Gordon Eng in the seven seat (three to his left) and Al Riccobono in the two seat, (two to his right). Gordon has yet to cash in this series. Al has inked a 19th place finish in a No Limit event.
This should be an interesting table to watch to see whose style wins out.
Any event of this type is going to draw a lot of big names and they're bound to butt heads if sharing the same piece of felt. Table six is shaping up to be an interesting mix of styles.
In the four seat is three-time WSOP bracelet holder 'Miami' John Cernuto. John's about as old-school as it gets. He's won bracelets in Hold'em, Stud, and Omaha, proving he's versatile. He's cashed twice already during the Winter Poker Open, finishing 2nd in the Pot Limit Omaha event and 13th in the Omaha Hi/Lo event.
Al Riccobono, Miami John Cernuto, and Gordon Eng
John is surrounded by a couple of 'young guns' with Gordon Eng in the seven seat (three to his left) and Al Riccobono in the two seat, (two to his right). Gordon has yet to cash in this series. Al has inked a 19th place finish in a No Limit event.
This should be an interesting table to watch to see whose style wins out.
Level 2
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Dominique Gets Level 2 Underway
2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion Dwyte Pilgrim is a late arrival and is seated to the left of Nancy Martin, across from Manny Patel.
Also in the field:
Matt Affleck
Adam "Lippy" Lippert
Matt Brady, Mike Gracz
"Action" Bob Hwang
Mike Gracz
Sheree Bykofsky
Lee Childs
Eric Doerr
Will "The Thrill Failla
Matt Glantz
Dave "Cold Stone" Inselberg
Leonardo Palermo
Dominique Gets Level 2 Underway2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion Dwyte Pilgrim is a late arrival and is seated to the left of Nancy Martin, across from Manny Patel.
Also in the field:
Matt Affleck
Adam "Lippy" Lippert
Matt Brady, Mike Gracz
"Action" Bob Hwang
Mike Gracz
Sheree Bykofsky
Lee Childs
Eric Doerr
Will "The Thrill Failla
Matt Glantz
Dave "Cold Stone" Inselberg
Leonardo Palermo
Little Joe Gives It A Go
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Little Joe Wagner (Zebulon, NC) is back for another try today. He's already cashed once in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, finishing 12th in the $500 No Limit event ($2,163).
Little Joe is hoping for a deep run in this event, but he has to survive day one, first. If he does, he'll have tomorrow off and come back for day two on Tuesday.
Little Joe Wagner (Zebulon, NC) is back for another try today. He's already cashed once in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, finishing 12th in the $500 No Limit event ($2,163).
Joe Wagner
Little Joe is hoping for a deep run in this event, but he has to survive day one, first. If he does, he'll have tomorrow off and come back for day two on Tuesday.
First Called All-in
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Qreitem Waits for a Call
On a board of 9♠ 10♣ 5♠ 6♥ Fouad Qreitem bets his last 10k and his tournament life hangs in the balance, less than one hour after it began. Darrell Neville goes in the tank and eventually flips two blue 5k chips into the pot and makes the call.
Qreitem: 9♣ 9♦ (set of 9s)
Neville: Q♠ 10♥ (pair of 10s/drawing dead)
The river is the 10♠ and there's a slight gasp as Neville hits trip 10s, but Qreitem soon realizes he has a full house.
"For a second I thought I was out," says Qreitem who's relieved to still be in the tournament.
Qreitem Waits for a CallOn a board of 9♠ 10♣ 5♠ 6♥ Fouad Qreitem bets his last 10k and his tournament life hangs in the balance, less than one hour after it began. Darrell Neville goes in the tank and eventually flips two blue 5k chips into the pot and makes the call.
Qreitem: 9♣ 9♦ (set of 9s)
Neville: Q♠ 10♥ (pair of 10s/drawing dead)
The river is the 10♠ and there's a slight gasp as Neville hits trip 10s, but Qreitem soon realizes he has a full house.
"For a second I thought I was out," says Qreitem who's relieved to still be in the tournament.
First Bluff
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Scharf Survives Super Satellite
Dean Scharf (Suffern, NY) has pulled off the first major bluff of the Championship. As he walk towards his rail birds there's a gasp, "are you out?" After a slight hesitation Scharf lets his sister Lauren Snyder off the hook and stops by for a quick hello.
Snyder and her husband Rob are locals here to support Scharf, who took advantage of Saturday's Super Satellite to play his way into the Main Event. Scharf spending just $230 for a
huge discount on the $3,500 buy-in.
Three more sattys are today for Monday's Day 1B.
Rail Birds Lauren & Rob Snyder
Scharf Survives Super SatelliteDean Scharf (Suffern, NY) has pulled off the first major bluff of the Championship. As he walk towards his rail birds there's a gasp, "are you out?" After a slight hesitation Scharf lets his sister Lauren Snyder off the hook and stops by for a quick hello.
Snyder and her husband Rob are locals here to support Scharf, who took advantage of Saturday's Super Satellite to play his way into the Main Event. Scharf spending just $230 for a
huge discount on the $3,500 buy-in.
Three more sattys are today for Monday's Day 1B.
Rail Birds Lauren & Rob Snyder
In the Field
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
There will be a long list of names throughout the day, here are just a few of the faces in the crowd to get you started:
"Miami" John Cernuto
Eric "Pools Siegel
Manny Patel
Mike "Little Man" Sica
Gordon Eng
There will be a long list of names throughout the day, here are just a few of the faces in the crowd to get you started:
"Miami" John Cernuto
Eric "Pools Siegel
Manny Patel
Mike "Little Man" Sica
Gordon Eng
Shuffle Up & Deal!
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Holly & Dominique
Player are settled in, the button is in the four seat and the cards are in the air!
This is the first do two Day 1s and the field will be packed with recognizable names which we'll bring you over the next 6 days culminating with the crowning of a Borgata Champion on Friday.
Players love this event because the stacks are deep (30,000 starting chips), the levels are long (75 minutes) and extra levels make for lots of play.
Blinds start at 25/50 and our first check-raise is underway!
Holly & DominiquePlayer are settled in, the button is in the four seat and the cards are in the air!
This is the first do two Day 1s and the field will be packed with recognizable names which we'll bring you over the next 6 days culminating with the crowning of a Borgata Champion on Friday.
Players love this event because the stacks are deep (30,000 starting chips), the levels are long (75 minutes) and extra levels make for lots of play.
Blinds start at 25/50 and our first check-raise is underway!
Doors Are Open
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Players are filing into the Event Center and there's a calm before the storm. This is what the first 20 events over the last 11 days has been building up to.
A couple of friendly faces are already looking for well wishes from Media Row including Nancy Martin, mother of poker pro Michael Martin. Also in the house, the two head honchos of Fatty's Poker Club, Mike "The Nose" Cataldo (Event 8 Champion) and Al Riccobono.
Moments away from the start of the Championship Event!
Players are filing into the Event Center and there's a calm before the storm. This is what the first 20 events over the last 11 days has been building up to.
A couple of friendly faces are already looking for well wishes from Media Row including Nancy Martin, mother of poker pro Michael Martin. Also in the house, the two head honchos of Fatty's Poker Club, Mike "The Nose" Cataldo (Event 8 Champion) and Al Riccobono.
Moments away from the start of the Championship Event!
Inspirational Story
The Borgata poker experience is one that makes players feel relaxed and comfortable.The staff accommodates players with special needs, and last week was a perfect example when Ralph Marino (Waretown, NJ) needed an extra seat for his "arms and legs."
Kalyanov & Marino
Marino is a quadriplegic who's been playing poker for three years and says he's, "getting addicted to Texas hold'em."
Because he has no movement in his arms or legs, Marino gets an assist at the table from Artem Kalyanov, who does all the things Marino can't.
Kalyanov shows Marino the cards, puts up his blinds and antes and rakes in the pots. All the decisions are up to Marino as there's still only one player per hand.
"He makes me feel normal," says Marino, who played in the Event 16 Deep Stack at the Borgata Winter Open (BWO). Kalayanov also helps with daily routines like dressing, eating and driving.
Marino was an aspiring baseball catcher who was paralyzed in a home plate collision at age 19. With his dreams of playing Major League Baseball dashed, Marino, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, changed his plans.
Marino has always wanted to help people and realized his life could be worse (a close friend died of cancer), so he got a degree in Social Work from Rampo State College. That led to a 26-year career at North Bergen High School in North Jersey where he also coached baseball and basketball.
Marino, 55 and retired, is now a motivational speaker who tells a story of hope and inspiration. His motto: "Tough times don't last, tough people do."
As for poker, Marino's still learning the game, "when I'm playing poker I feel very competitive and I try to concentrate to the best of my abilities. Unfortunately, I tend to socialize and talk too much for tournament play."
Marino busted during Level 5 of the Deep Stack and looks forward to returning to Borgata to play more tournaments and says he's, "trying to become more competitive and patient."
In the meantime, Marino will continue giving speechs and preaching that "mind and heart, plus taking action will put you "Above the Rim." That, the name of his speaking program where more information is available at abovetherimm.com.
Marino Likes Catching Cards
PPI UPDATE
PPI (POKER PLAYERS INTERNATIONAL)is proud to be part of the 2011 Borgata Winter Open. Now after two weeks of exciting events filled with huge fields of talented poker players the Championship Main Event is upon us. With Day 1A starting today, scores of PPI players are poised to make deep runs in pursuit of the title in this prestigious event.
PPI Players have had amazing success at this years BWO with Mike Castaldo , Steve Dannenmann, Bill Stradely, and Ryan Eriquezzo all capturing 1st place titles throughout the preliminary events. Several others including Jason Young, Matt Mazzeo, David Zeitlin, Katie Stone and James Boyle all made final tables as well.
At this year's BWO, PPI introduced the PPI "Play for the Main" which will award the PPI player with the most points accumulated through participation, cashes, and final table appearances a seat into the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship Event. It was a tight race that found James Boyle, Matt Mazzeo, and Ryan Eriquezzo competing against a tough field and themselves in the $1k 6-handed final preliminary event for the "Play for the Main" title. While Ryan went on to win 1st place in the event, James Boyle cashed and accumulated enough points to win the Main Event Seat.
Gene Castro, Eric Siegel, James Boyle,
Tab Duchateau & Ray Stefanelli
We would like to wish all players participating in the Main Event the best of luck . We also thank Tab, Ray, Stan and the entire Borgata Poker staff for another amazing series of events at this years BWO.
You can check out our roster of players and bios, news, charity organizations we support, and see the trailer for the PPI produced documentary film On The Line: John Racener at www.ppipoker.com.
PTS: PLAYER
135: JAMES BOYLE
120: RYAN ERIQUEZZO
110: MATTHEW MAZZEO
95: JASON YOUNG
90: JOSEPH CUTLER
90: ALBERT RICCOBONO
85: LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN
70: MICHAEL SICA JR
65: MICHAEL DENTALE
65: ADAM LIPPERT
60: JOSHUA BRIKIS
60: BRENT KELLER
55: STEVEN DANNENMANN
55: DAVID INSELBERG
55: CARL RESTIFO
50: KATHRYN DOUGHERTY
50: IAN PALOMO
45: VINEET PAHUJA
40: MICHAEL CASTALDO
40: VINEET PAHUJA
40: DAVID ZEITLIN
35: JAMES SALTERS
30: MICHAEL CASTALDO
30: CARLOS DELAFUENTE
30: CHRIS RESLOCK
30: JAMES STENELLA
25: ANTHONY CASAGRANDE
25: GORDON ENG
20: KELLY ARMENTROUT
20: EMANUEL FAILLA
20: EUGENE TODD
20: JONATHAN WERZ
15: MICHAEL BROWN
15: ALEXANDER CUKAR
15: ROBERT HWANG
15: LISA PICKELL
10: ELIZABETH GREY-PARDO
10: ROSLYN QUARTO
10: JEFFREY VANCHIRO
5: ANTHONY CAMPAGNA
5: CARLOS COLON
5: ADAM GERBER
5: CHARLES MARCHESE
5: JONATHAN SORSCHER
PPI Players have had amazing success at this years BWO with Mike Castaldo , Steve Dannenmann, Bill Stradely, and Ryan Eriquezzo all capturing 1st place titles throughout the preliminary events. Several others including Jason Young, Matt Mazzeo, David Zeitlin, Katie Stone and James Boyle all made final tables as well.
At this year's BWO, PPI introduced the PPI "Play for the Main" which will award the PPI player with the most points accumulated through participation, cashes, and final table appearances a seat into the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship Event. It was a tight race that found James Boyle, Matt Mazzeo, and Ryan Eriquezzo competing against a tough field and themselves in the $1k 6-handed final preliminary event for the "Play for the Main" title. While Ryan went on to win 1st place in the event, James Boyle cashed and accumulated enough points to win the Main Event Seat.
Gene Castro, Eric Siegel, James Boyle,Tab Duchateau & Ray Stefanelli
We would like to wish all players participating in the Main Event the best of luck . We also thank Tab, Ray, Stan and the entire Borgata Poker staff for another amazing series of events at this years BWO.
You can check out our roster of players and bios, news, charity organizations we support, and see the trailer for the PPI produced documentary film On The Line: John Racener at www.ppipoker.com.
PTS: PLAYER
135: JAMES BOYLE
120: RYAN ERIQUEZZO
110: MATTHEW MAZZEO
95: JASON YOUNG
90: JOSEPH CUTLER
90: ALBERT RICCOBONO
85: LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN
70: MICHAEL SICA JR
65: MICHAEL DENTALE
65: ADAM LIPPERT
60: JOSHUA BRIKIS
60: BRENT KELLER
55: STEVEN DANNENMANN
55: DAVID INSELBERG
55: CARL RESTIFO
50: KATHRYN DOUGHERTY
50: IAN PALOMO
45: VINEET PAHUJA
40: MICHAEL CASTALDO
40: VINEET PAHUJA
40: DAVID ZEITLIN
35: JAMES SALTERS
30: MICHAEL CASTALDO
30: CARLOS DELAFUENTE
30: CHRIS RESLOCK
30: JAMES STENELLA
25: ANTHONY CASAGRANDE
25: GORDON ENG
20: KELLY ARMENTROUT
20: EMANUEL FAILLA
20: EUGENE TODD
20: JONATHAN WERZ
15: MICHAEL BROWN
15: ALEXANDER CUKAR
15: ROBERT HWANG
15: LISA PICKELL
10: ELIZABETH GREY-PARDO
10: ROSLYN QUARTO
10: JEFFREY VANCHIRO
5: ANTHONY CAMPAGNA
5: CARLOS COLON
5: ADAM GERBER
5: CHARLES MARCHESE
5: JONATHAN SORSCHER
Event 20 Final Results
Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 20: $1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
January 29, 2011
Entries: 291
Total Buy-In: $291,000
FINAL RESULTS
1. RYAN ERIQUEZZO (DANBURY, CT): $71,978
2. LAWRENCE LAKATOSH (RED LION, PA): $42,763
3. WILLIAM PILOSSOPH (PRESTO, PA): $32,461
4. NASHAAT ANTONIOUS (REDINGTON SHORES, FL): $26,109
5. MARCUS SEITZ (LACEY, VA): $20,465
6. ANIBAL SANTIAGO (BENSALEM, PA): $14,819
7. ANDREW BUECHNER (NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA): $11,291
8. JACEK MARKOWSKI (SEELZE, GER): $7,762
9. JOHANNES MUELLER (PITTSFORD, NY): $4,234
10. JAMES BOYLE (HAVRE DE GRACE, MD): $3,528
11. THOMAS NYMAN (SECAUCUS, NJ): $3,528
12. TIMOTHY CESA (KENNESAW, GA): $3,528
13. WILLIAM WHITE (BRICK, NJ): $2,823
14. JESSICA WUERZ (KINGSTON, NY): $2,823
15. ADAM HUI (MARKHAM, CAN): $2,823
16. AL GRIMES (MILLER PLACE, NY): $2,823
17. JAMES CAMPBELL (MARLBORO, MA): $2,823
18. YUI WEI (NEW YORK, NY): $2,823
19. BENJAMIN AMINOFF (LAWRENCE, NY): $2,117
20. MICHAEL WOLL (MANAHAWKIN, NJ): $2,117
21. RAYMOND COBURN (JACKSON, NJ): $2,117
22. ORSON YOUNG (OCEANPORT, NJ): $2,117
23. SUKETU VAIDYA (GERMANTOWN, MD): $2,117
24. BART SEEMEN (SANTA MONICA, CA): $2,117
25. EUGENE FOUKSMAN (MANALAPAN, NJ): $1,694
26. DANIEL WACH (BOONTON, NJ): $1,694
27. MACIEK GRACZ (RALEIGH, NC): $1,694
28. WILSON TING (FORT LEE, NJ): $1,694
29. TODD TERRY (HOBOKEN, NJ): $1,694
30. AMIR GENZEL (FRESH MEADOWS, NY): $1,694
Event 20: $1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
January 29, 2011
Entries: 291
Total Buy-In: $291,000
FINAL RESULTS
1. RYAN ERIQUEZZO (DANBURY, CT): $71,978
2. LAWRENCE LAKATOSH (RED LION, PA): $42,763
3. WILLIAM PILOSSOPH (PRESTO, PA): $32,461
4. NASHAAT ANTONIOUS (REDINGTON SHORES, FL): $26,109
5. MARCUS SEITZ (LACEY, VA): $20,465
6. ANIBAL SANTIAGO (BENSALEM, PA): $14,819
7. ANDREW BUECHNER (NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA): $11,291
8. JACEK MARKOWSKI (SEELZE, GER): $7,762
9. JOHANNES MUELLER (PITTSFORD, NY): $4,234
10. JAMES BOYLE (HAVRE DE GRACE, MD): $3,528
11. THOMAS NYMAN (SECAUCUS, NJ): $3,528
12. TIMOTHY CESA (KENNESAW, GA): $3,528
13. WILLIAM WHITE (BRICK, NJ): $2,823
14. JESSICA WUERZ (KINGSTON, NY): $2,823
15. ADAM HUI (MARKHAM, CAN): $2,823
16. AL GRIMES (MILLER PLACE, NY): $2,823
17. JAMES CAMPBELL (MARLBORO, MA): $2,823
18. YUI WEI (NEW YORK, NY): $2,823
19. BENJAMIN AMINOFF (LAWRENCE, NY): $2,117
20. MICHAEL WOLL (MANAHAWKIN, NJ): $2,117
21. RAYMOND COBURN (JACKSON, NJ): $2,117
22. ORSON YOUNG (OCEANPORT, NJ): $2,117
23. SUKETU VAIDYA (GERMANTOWN, MD): $2,117
24. BART SEEMEN (SANTA MONICA, CA): $2,117
25. EUGENE FOUKSMAN (MANALAPAN, NJ): $1,694
26. DANIEL WACH (BOONTON, NJ): $1,694
27. MACIEK GRACZ (RALEIGH, NC): $1,694
28. WILSON TING (FORT LEE, NJ): $1,694
29. TODD TERRY (HOBOKEN, NJ): $1,694
30. AMIR GENZEL (FRESH MEADOWS, NY): $1,694
Event 20 Recap
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
At 11:00 am the (6-handed) No limit hold’em $1000 + $90 kicked off with 291 players trying to win their share of the $282,270 prize money. Over 22 hours later we crowned a champion - Ryan Eriquezzo (Danbury, CT) and award him $71,978 1st place prize.
Dan Spirer won the Six-max last September and tried to defend his title today but busted out early.
At Level 3, Andy Santiago (Ben Salem, PA) proclaimed and predicted, "I'm going to win this tournament". He didn’t win but did finish
A star studded cast of players joined the six-max, including several well knowns such as:
Todd Terry, Gene Castro, Mickey Woll, Mike Leah, Adam Lippert, Michael Kessler, Matt Matros, Charles Furey, Beth Shak, Feming Chan, Roland Israelashvilli, Chris Bell, Sirous Jamshidi, Vinny Scavo, Ryan Eriquezzo, Mike Beasley,
Sherwin Agard, Ed Abendschein, Sheree Bykofsky, Romie Montano, Matt Brady, Abe Kolari, Mike Dentale, Vinny Pahuja, Jeremy McLaughlin, Tim Tuveson, Roy Winston,
Gavin Smith, Matt Mazzeo, Steve Dannenmann, Amnon Filippi, Eugene Todd, Jason Young, Matt Affleck, Eugene Fouksman, and Bart Seemen.
Gavin landed at table 23 with Roy Winston.
There was a PPI battle for the leaderboard and Borgata Championship seat between Matt “Muffins” Mazzeo and James Boyle as each were tied with 105 points.
The 6 max tournament creates a slightly different pay structure. Normally a field of 291 players would pay 27 spots, but this tournament paid out 30 with first place in the amount of $71,978.
Some big stacks before dinner included Farid Jattin 160k, Andy Santiago 140k,
Adam Hui 120k, Larry Lackatosh 115k, Ryan Eriquezzo 110k, and Jamie Kerstetter 100k.
Roy Winston busts when he misses a flush draw against pocket kings then Chip Leader Tony Antonious knocked out Jaimie Hersetter.
Sick Cooler Hand of the tournament was when Al Grimes turned broadway and Jacek Markowski flopped a boat.
After close to an hour of hand by hand action, Will "The Thrill" Failla was the bubble and Jessica Wuerz was the Last Women Standing.
The very next hand after the bubble burst, Amir Genzel lost got his chips in with A-10 up against 8-9. Amir will take home $1,694 for his 30th place min-cash finish.
Once short stack James Boyle survived the bubble which made him unofficially the PPI leader/winner of the Championship Seat. Boyle then flopped quad Aces and four flushed.
Final table included, Tony Antonious (4th), Marcus Seitz (5th), Andy Santiago (6th), and Andrew Buechner (7th).
Third place for $32,461 went to Billy Pilossoph while 2nd place prize of $42,763 went to John Lakatosh.
But the big winner was who outlasted 290 other 6-handed Opponents to secure the $71,978 1st place prize was Ryan Eriquezzo.
The final three traded chips back and forth until Ryan knocked out Billy. Both players had three threes but Ryan had the Ace kicker.
He went heads up against John with a 4 to 1 lead and in short fashion finished the job.
His crew celebrated with him (enjoying the breakfast of champions) and Ryan earned his largest cash poker prize ($71,978) to date.
Look for him in the main event!
Event 20: Ryan Eriquezzo - 1st Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Ryan Eriquezzo - 1st Place - $71,978
Ryan Eriquezzo - 1st Place - $71,978Ryan Eriquezzo joking said earlier, "What do I have to do to get on the blog?"
This will do it Ryan.
Congratulations to our champion Ryan Eriquezzo who just earned $71,978 for his 22.7 hours of a fantastic, grueling, entertaining, poker marathon.
Winning this tournament was redemption for Ryan as he was so disgusted and disappointed after making a mistake and dusting off his chip lead in the $200 where he finished 8th.
Ryan loved this structure and said he had 100 big blinds heading into the final table. He knew it would be a grind and was prepared to play patient.
This is the longest Ryan's ever played poker and it's his biggest cash to date.
Congratulations to Ryan (Danbury, CT), who had his rail birds surround him and the trophy he duly deserved.
This will do it Ryan.
Congratulations to our champion Ryan Eriquezzo who just earned $71,978 for his 22.7 hours of a fantastic, grueling, entertaining, poker marathon.
Winning this tournament was redemption for Ryan as he was so disgusted and disappointed after making a mistake and dusting off his chip lead in the $200 where he finished 8th.
Ryan loved this structure and said he had 100 big blinds heading into the final table. He knew it would be a grind and was prepared to play patient.
This is the longest Ryan's ever played poker and it's his biggest cash to date.
Congratulations to Ryan (Danbury, CT), who had his rail birds surround him and the trophy he duly deserved.
Event 18 Final Results
Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 18: $1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
January 28-29, 2011
Entries: 226
Total Buy-In: $418,100
FINAL RESULTS
1. DANIEL CAI (BROOKLYN, NY): $113,556
2. EDWARD PHAM (LANSDALE, PA): $66,917
3. DENNIS SUMMERS JR (CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA): $38,528
4. MARK TYSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $31,228
5. DEREK BUONANO (TOLLAND, CT): $24,333
6. ORY HEN (COOPER CITY, FL): $20,278
7. MARK BAATZ (BRIELLE, NJ): $16,222
8. CHARLES TIDMARSH (GREENVILLE, SC): $12,167
9. NICHOLAS RICCIARDI (PALM BEACH, FL): $8,111
10. JACOB SCHINDLER (BRYN MAWR, PA): $5,272
11. JOSHUA HILLOCK (PALM, FL): $5,272
12. CHRISTIAN HARDER (ANNAPOLIS, MD): $5,272
13. RICHARD KIRSCH (POMPANO, FL): $4,461
14. JOSHUA FIELD (VILLA PARK, CA): $4,461
15. MICHEL BITTAN (ENGLEWOOD, NJ): $4,461
16. AARON STEURY (FT WAYNE, IN): $4,056
17. NATALE KUEY (BRONX, NY): $4,056
18. WALTER HARRIS (ST PETERSBURG, FL): $4,056
19. STANISLAV BARSHAK (BUFFALO GROVE, IL): $3,650
20. SHARON LEVIN (PEMBROKE PINES, FL): $3,650
21. DONALD BOIVIN (ANNAPOLIS, MD): $3,650
22. JOHN MANWARING (WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY): $3,650
23. JUSTIN GARDENHIRE (PONCA, OK): $3,650
24. JACK SCHANBACHER (PITTSBURGH, PA): $3,650
25. JOSHUA MANCUSO (MANDEVILEE, LA): $3,650
26. ZAHER SALEH (ROCKY RIVER, OH): $3,650
27. ERACLES PANAYIOTOU (TOMS RIVER, NJ): $3,650
Event 18: $1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
January 28-29, 2011
Entries: 226
Total Buy-In: $418,100
FINAL RESULTS
1. DANIEL CAI (BROOKLYN, NY): $113,556
2. EDWARD PHAM (LANSDALE, PA): $66,917
3. DENNIS SUMMERS JR (CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA): $38,528
4. MARK TYSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $31,228
5. DEREK BUONANO (TOLLAND, CT): $24,333
6. ORY HEN (COOPER CITY, FL): $20,278
7. MARK BAATZ (BRIELLE, NJ): $16,222
8. CHARLES TIDMARSH (GREENVILLE, SC): $12,167
9. NICHOLAS RICCIARDI (PALM BEACH, FL): $8,111
10. JACOB SCHINDLER (BRYN MAWR, PA): $5,272
11. JOSHUA HILLOCK (PALM, FL): $5,272
12. CHRISTIAN HARDER (ANNAPOLIS, MD): $5,272
13. RICHARD KIRSCH (POMPANO, FL): $4,461
14. JOSHUA FIELD (VILLA PARK, CA): $4,461
15. MICHEL BITTAN (ENGLEWOOD, NJ): $4,461
16. AARON STEURY (FT WAYNE, IN): $4,056
17. NATALE KUEY (BRONX, NY): $4,056
18. WALTER HARRIS (ST PETERSBURG, FL): $4,056
19. STANISLAV BARSHAK (BUFFALO GROVE, IL): $3,650
20. SHARON LEVIN (PEMBROKE PINES, FL): $3,650
21. DONALD BOIVIN (ANNAPOLIS, MD): $3,650
22. JOHN MANWARING (WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY): $3,650
23. JUSTIN GARDENHIRE (PONCA, OK): $3,650
24. JACK SCHANBACHER (PITTSBURGH, PA): $3,650
25. JOSHUA MANCUSO (MANDEVILEE, LA): $3,650
26. ZAHER SALEH (ROCKY RIVER, OH): $3,650
27. ERACLES PANAYIOTOU (TOMS RIVER, NJ): $3,650
Event 20: John Lakatosh - 2nd Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
John Lakatosh - 2nd Place - $42,763
John Lakatosh - 2nd Place - $42,763John Lakatosh and Ryan Eriquezzo played heads up for fifteen minutes.
John was a 4 to 1 dog and laid down one hand with 125k committed once Ryan bet 500k.
The last hand had John's K-10 off-suite up against Ryan's A-J of clubs.
Board ran: 9-3-K-2-A
All the chips were in the middle and Ryan took it down.
John final tabled 2 out of 4 events he played. He'll take a shot at the main tomorrow.
Tournament ended 8:35am and started at 11:00am yesterday making it the longest John has ever played in a tournament.
He has played 51 straight hours in cash up at Foxwoods where he made $1100.
He's made a lot more today as he'll take home $42,763 for second place.
John was a 4 to 1 dog and laid down one hand with 125k committed once Ryan bet 500k.
The last hand had John's K-10 off-suite up against Ryan's A-J of clubs.
Board ran: 9-3-K-2-A
All the chips were in the middle and Ryan took it down.
John final tabled 2 out of 4 events he played. He'll take a shot at the main tomorrow.
Tournament ended 8:35am and started at 11:00am yesterday making it the longest John has ever played in a tournament.
He has played 51 straight hours in cash up at Foxwoods where he made $1100.
He's made a lot more today as he'll take home $42,763 for second place.
Event 20: Billy Pilossoph - 3rd Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Billy Pilossoph - 3rd Place - $32,461
We go into heads up where Ryan has a 4 to 1 lead on John.
Billy Pilossoph - 3rd Place - $32,461 Sick, sick, sick. All three guys finally in a hand together.
Billy made a great comeback after the double up and was gaining on second place in chips and then it all ended with one hand.
Ryan C-bets 87,000 on the flop. John folds and Billy calls.
Board of 3-10-3-6
Billy shoves all in on the turn and Ryan snap calls.
Billy tables 3-2 diamonds and Ryan flips A-3 of hearts.
Just like that Billy is out with the sick sick cooler.
"I should have folded pre" said Billy.
This was the longest time Billy has ever played poker straight through.
Billy made a great comeback after the double up and was gaining on second place in chips and then it all ended with one hand.
Ryan C-bets 87,000 on the flop. John folds and Billy calls.
Board of 3-10-3-6
Billy shoves all in on the turn and Ryan snap calls.
Billy tables 3-2 diamonds and Ryan flips A-3 of hearts.
Just like that Billy is out with the sick sick cooler.
"I should have folded pre" said Billy.
This was the longest time Billy has ever played poker straight through.
We go into heads up where Ryan has a 4 to 1 lead on John.
Event 20: Short Stack Billy Doubles Up
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Billy Pilossoph doubles through John Lakatosh.
John raised 77,000 and Billy shoved. He had been shoving the short stack the last few orbits. Sensing he was behind John said, "I hate to double you up but I have to call you".
Billy tables QQ vs. John's A-10.
No A or straight so Billy doubles through John.
The game goes on.
Morning poker crew is here setting up for today's events.
Billy Pilossoph doubles through John Lakatosh.
John raised 77,000 and Billy shoved. He had been shoving the short stack the last few orbits. Sensing he was behind John said, "I hate to double you up but I have to call you".
Billy tables QQ vs. John's A-10.
No A or straight so Billy doubles through John.
The game goes on.
Morning poker crew is here setting up for today's events.
Event 20: Still Playing
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Ryan Eriquezzo, John Lakatosh, and Billy Pilossoph have been playing three handed for hours.
Ryan has the lead, John is in second and Billy is short stacked but has enough chips to still see flops.
Dealer button raise usually takes the blinds.
John put a nice bluff on Billy and showed it.
During the last break, Bill ran back to his room and it looks like took a quick shower.
Ryan came back from break "refreshed" and said he felt like a new man.
A little bit of trash talk between Ryan and John who both have made their share of final tables this BWO already.
Ryan 3 for 3 and John 2 for 4.
This could go on for a couple more hours.
Not too many hands to report. Most hands don't get past the flop.
It's 7:52 am. These guys have been playing since11AM yesterday - that's 21 hours of poker people.
Ryan Eriquezzo, John Lakatosh, and Billy Pilossoph have been playing three handed for hours.
Ryan has the lead, John is in second and Billy is short stacked but has enough chips to still see flops.
Dealer button raise usually takes the blinds.
John put a nice bluff on Billy and showed it.
During the last break, Bill ran back to his room and it looks like took a quick shower.
Ryan came back from break "refreshed" and said he felt like a new man.
A little bit of trash talk between Ryan and John who both have made their share of final tables this BWO already.
Ryan 3 for 3 and John 2 for 4.
This could go on for a couple more hours.
Not too many hands to report. Most hands don't get past the flop.
It's 7:52 am. These guys have been playing since11AM yesterday - that's 21 hours of poker people.
Event 20: Tony Antonious - 4th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Tony Antonious - 4th Place - $26,109
Tony Antonious - 4th Place - $26,109 End of the road for Tony Antonious whose A-K ran into Aces.
"We'll make up for it in the Championship Event" said Tony.
"We'll make up for it in the Championship Event" said Tony.
Event 20: Marcus Seitz - 5th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Marcus Seitz - 5th Place - $20,465
Marcus Seitz - 5th Place - $20,465Marcus seemed all business most of the day and will earn $20,465 for his long day at the office.
The hand that ended his tournament was A-J up against John's A-K.
A-K held up and Sietz will hit the showers.
"Great structure" said Marcus who told me he'll play this Event again next time.
As for the Championship Event, Seitz is gonna try to satellite in tomorrow.
The hand that ended his tournament was A-J up against John's A-K.
A-K held up and Sietz will hit the showers.
"Great structure" said Marcus who told me he'll play this Event again next time.
As for the Championship Event, Seitz is gonna try to satellite in tomorrow.
Event 20: Andy Santiago - 6th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Andy Santiago - 6th Place - $14,819
Andy Santiago - 6th Place - $14,819Andy Santiago's A-9 fell to John's QQ on a clean board.
Santiago enjoyed a chip lead for a lot of the tournament and predicted a win early on.
Just fell short but still cashed large for $14,819.
The hand that crippled him and perhaps started to steam him a bit, occurred when two tables were left, as when Billy Pilossoph had AA and he had 3-3.
Andy played a set of threes on the flop perfectly, getting Bill to re-raise all in with Aces.
If Andy's set holds he would have jumped to 2.5 million in chips.
Alas, Billy spiked the only card he needed (an ace) for a bigger boat - Aces full of threes.
Santiago enjoyed a chip lead for a lot of the tournament and predicted a win early on.
Just fell short but still cashed large for $14,819.
The hand that crippled him and perhaps started to steam him a bit, occurred when two tables were left, as when Billy Pilossoph had AA and he had 3-3.
Andy played a set of threes on the flop perfectly, getting Bill to re-raise all in with Aces.
If Andy's set holds he would have jumped to 2.5 million in chips.
Alas, Billy spiked the only card he needed (an ace) for a bigger boat - Aces full of threes.
Event 18 Recap
$1850 + $150
The second largest prize pool of the Borgata Winter Open was won by Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY) who took home $113,556 for first prize.
Daniel outlasted 225 other players who were chasing the $418,100 total buy-in.
The two day tournament featured a lot of recognizable names who were starting to gear up for
Sunday's Championship Event. The field featured Dwyte Pilgrim, 2010 Borgata Poker Open 2010 Main Event Winner, Josh Brikis, Dave Fox and Mike Leah, but none of them made it to Day 2.
The most accomplished Borgata player at the final table was Dennis Summers (Charlottesville,VA) who began the day with a below average stack and was joined by end of Day 1 chip leader Jacob Schindler (Bryn Mawr, PA), but they were at opposite ends of the spectrum of the deck.
Schindler had his pocket aces cracked by Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA) who held pocket kings and wound up with quads, as Schindler finished a disappointing 10th ($5,272).
On the flip side, the cold deck heated up for Summers who held A 5 twice at the final table while all-in and behind, and both times sucked out to stay alive. Summers, who finished 2nd to Brikis in the 2010 Borgata Poker Open $1,500 event, used his luck for a third place finish $38,528.
Pham used the quad kings to take the chip lead and managed his stack into 2nd place $66,917 after a long heads-up battle that ended after 4am.
Rounding out the top 5 were Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA) - 4th/$31,228, and Derek Buonano (Tolland, CT) - 5th/$24,333.
Once again, our big winner was Daniel Cai who thanked all his friends for rooting him from the rail and wanted to take home the trophy for Brooklyn.
His winning hand started with Q-8 and improved into a full-house on a board of 9-Q-Q-9-2.
Daniel will enjoy $113,556 after taking down what some say is the toughest field of the most skilled Borgata poker players.
The second largest prize pool of the Borgata Winter Open was won by Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY) who took home $113,556 for first prize.
Daniel outlasted 225 other players who were chasing the $418,100 total buy-in.
The two day tournament featured a lot of recognizable names who were starting to gear up for
Sunday's Championship Event. The field featured Dwyte Pilgrim, 2010 Borgata Poker Open 2010 Main Event Winner, Josh Brikis, Dave Fox and Mike Leah, but none of them made it to Day 2.
The most accomplished Borgata player at the final table was Dennis Summers (Charlottesville,VA) who began the day with a below average stack and was joined by end of Day 1 chip leader Jacob Schindler (Bryn Mawr, PA), but they were at opposite ends of the spectrum of the deck.
Schindler had his pocket aces cracked by Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA) who held pocket kings and wound up with quads, as Schindler finished a disappointing 10th ($5,272).
On the flip side, the cold deck heated up for Summers who held A 5 twice at the final table while all-in and behind, and both times sucked out to stay alive. Summers, who finished 2nd to Brikis in the 2010 Borgata Poker Open $1,500 event, used his luck for a third place finish $38,528.
Pham used the quad kings to take the chip lead and managed his stack into 2nd place $66,917 after a long heads-up battle that ended after 4am.
Rounding out the top 5 were Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA) - 4th/$31,228, and Derek Buonano (Tolland, CT) - 5th/$24,333.
Once again, our big winner was Daniel Cai who thanked all his friends for rooting him from the rail and wanted to take home the trophy for Brooklyn.
His winning hand started with Q-8 and improved into a full-house on a board of 9-Q-Q-9-2.
Daniel will enjoy $113,556 after taking down what some say is the toughest field of the most skilled Borgata poker players.
Event 20: Andrew Buechner - 7th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Andrew Buechner - 7th Place - $11,291
Andrew Buechner - 7th Place - $11,291
Event 20: Jacek Markowski - 8th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Jacek Markowski - 8th Place - $7,762
Jacek Markowski - 8th Place - $7,762Jacek Markowski takes a horrible beat to end his dream of taking 1st place.
Jacek's A-K vs. Ryan Eriquezzo's A-10 suited.
Ryan somehow found his flush and felted Markowski. Both players had ~30 big blinds remaining and both got their chips all in pre-flop.
After 16 hours of play, Ryan was disappointed to have taken such a tough beat.
Jacek's A-K vs. Ryan Eriquezzo's A-10 suited.
Ryan somehow found his flush and felted Markowski. Both players had ~30 big blinds remaining and both got their chips all in pre-flop.
After 16 hours of play, Ryan was disappointed to have taken such a tough beat.
Event 18: 1st - Daniel Cai
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY)
1st Place - $113,556
Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY)1st Place - $113,556
And we have a winner!
Daniel Cai sailed through a difficult field of 226 players to edge out Edward Pham heads up and take home the $113,556 1st place prize money.
"Thanks to all my friends for railing me" said Daniel.
And what a big hand that ended the long heads-up battle.
Daniel's Q-8 connected big time when 9-Q-Q-9-2 gave him the full house and the win.
Congratulations and we'll see you next year to try for the repeat.
"We're taking it home to Brooklyn!" exclaimed Cai.
Daniel Cai sailed through a difficult field of 226 players to edge out Edward Pham heads up and take home the $113,556 1st place prize money.
"Thanks to all my friends for railing me" said Daniel.
And what a big hand that ended the long heads-up battle.
Daniel's Q-8 connected big time when 9-Q-Q-9-2 gave him the full house and the win.
Congratulations and we'll see you next year to try for the repeat.
"We're taking it home to Brooklyn!" exclaimed Cai.
Event 18: 2nd - Edward Pham
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA)
$66,917
Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA)$66,917
Edward Pham came in second place against Daniel Cai. The heads-up lasted a couple hours.
Pham was outchipped by Cai right off the bat, but battled back to make things closer and more interesting.
"He made some moves that worked" said Pham.
The last move Pham made was when his 7-6 suited felt to Cai's Q-8 on a board of 9-Q-Q-9-2.
Edward Pham will go home with $66,917 for his two day effort.
He believes this tournament is three times more difficult to win then the Championship Event.
Congrats again to your second place finish.
Pham was outchipped by Cai right off the bat, but battled back to make things closer and more interesting.
"He made some moves that worked" said Pham.
The last move Pham made was when his 7-6 suited felt to Cai's Q-8 on a board of 9-Q-Q-9-2.
Edward Pham will go home with $66,917 for his two day effort.
He believes this tournament is three times more difficult to win then the Championship Event.
Congrats again to your second place finish.
Event 20: Johannes Mueller - 9th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
After the break, Andy Santiago strikes again, this time knocking out Johannes Mueller (Pittsford, NY).
Santiago's 8-9 picked up a straight draw on the flop and shoved over top of Mueller's 48,000 bet. Mueller called holding J-10 and hitting a jack on the flop.
Santiago's luck continues as he turned his straight and won the hand.
Johannes Mueller - 9th Place - $4,324
Final table with top 7 players.
After the break, Andy Santiago strikes again, this time knocking out Johannes Mueller (Pittsford, NY).
Santiago's 8-9 picked up a straight draw on the flop and shoved over top of Mueller's 48,000 bet. Mueller called holding J-10 and hitting a jack on the flop.
Santiago's luck continues as he turned his straight and won the hand.
Johannes Mueller - 9th Place - $4,324
Final table with top 7 players.
Event 20: James Boyle - 10th Place & Still Smiling
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
After the bubble, once James Boyle won his PPI Borgata Championship Event seat, it was as if he was playing with house money.
Even though he was just knocked out in 1oth place by his good friend Andy Santiago, James is still very ecstatic. He told me this tournament was the most fun he's had playing in a tournament - even more fun then when he was on the feature TV WSOP table.
Boyle could be the best short stack player at Borgata.
Seemed like he rode 4-10 big blinds for a ton of levels with sick runs at crucial times.
It was entertaining to watch and I'm sure even more exciting to be a part of.
Final hand:
Boyle J-5 diamonds vs. Santiago's 7-8.
Boyle flops a flush draw and Santiago hits two pair.
The chips get in and Santiago felts his close friend.
Santiago now has 990,000 and is running his table over with many knockouts.
After the bubble, once James Boyle won his PPI Borgata Championship Event seat, it was as if he was playing with house money.
Even though he was just knocked out in 1oth place by his good friend Andy Santiago, James is still very ecstatic. He told me this tournament was the most fun he's had playing in a tournament - even more fun then when he was on the feature TV WSOP table.
Boyle could be the best short stack player at Borgata.
Seemed like he rode 4-10 big blinds for a ton of levels with sick runs at crucial times.
It was entertaining to watch and I'm sure even more exciting to be a part of.
Final hand:
Boyle J-5 diamonds vs. Santiago's 7-8.
Boyle flops a flush draw and Santiago hits two pair.
The chips get in and Santiago felts his close friend.
Santiago now has 990,000 and is running his table over with many knockouts.
Event 20: Tom Nyman - 11th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Tom Nyman - 11th Place - $3,538
Tom Nyman - 11th Place - $3,538In a 350,000 all in pot, Tom Nyman's A-K ran into John's pocket Kings.
Tom actually picked up a straight draw on the flop but whiffed.
Tom was a bit camera shy yesterday during Day1. He only wants his picture taken if he's earned a substantial cash, and now he has. I can respect that.
Tom actually picked up a straight draw on the flop but whiffed.
Tom was a bit camera shy yesterday during Day1. He only wants his picture taken if he's earned a substantial cash, and now he has. I can respect that.
Event 18: 3rd Place - Dennis Summers
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Dennis Summers (Charlottesville, VA)
$38,528
Dennis Summers (Charlottesville, VA)$38,528
Dennis is out at the hand of Daniel Cai. Standard pre-flop shove / call with A-8 vs. A-10.
Summers looking for an 8, instead found A-10 on the flop and hits the rail.
Summers looking for an 8, instead found A-10 on the flop and hits the rail.
Event 20: Tim Cesa - 12th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Tim Cesa (Harrisburg, PA)
Tim Cesa (Harrisburg, PA)The hour long bubble ended up hurting Tim Cesa who went out in 12th place for $3,528.
Cesa held 6-6 up against A-Q and lost the flip hard when A-Q slammed the flop.
Tim won 6K on a NFL parlay and decided to parlay his parlay into more poker cashes.
In the bubble session his table was 5-handed with a bullying big stack to his left. He had 250,000 and bled 80,000.
Cesa is still deciding on playing in the Championship Event.
Cesa held 6-6 up against A-Q and lost the flip hard when A-Q slammed the flop.
Tim won 6K on a NFL parlay and decided to parlay his parlay into more poker cashes.
In the bubble session his table was 5-handed with a bullying big stack to his left. He had 250,000 and bled 80,000.
Cesa is still deciding on playing in the Championship Event.
Event 18: 4th Place - Mark Tyson
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA)
Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA)$31,228
After dropping 1 million chips Tyson was down to 580,000 and got it in with pocket 7-7's but found himself up against Edward's Pham's Q-Q.
No seven hit, no miracle suck out, and Pham's Q-Q holds up.
Tyson will be back for the Championship Event as long as his fiancee lets him.
No seven hit, no miracle suck out, and Pham's Q-Q holds up.
Tyson will be back for the Championship Event as long as his fiancee lets him.
Event 18: Final Four
$1850 + $150
Name-Chip Count (in millions)
Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY) 1.7
Dennis Summers (Charlottesville, VA) 1.2
Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA) 1.1
Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA) .5
Tyson just walked by the media table and said, "let everyone know I'm steaming. I just dusted off a million. Put that in the blog"
Tyson had 1.5 million, but bluffed the river on back to back hands and was called both times before the break. First by Pham, then by Summers who doubled his 600k to get back in the game.
Blinds are up to 15k/30k/4k ante.
Name-Chip Count (in millions)
Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY) 1.7
Dennis Summers (Charlottesville, VA) 1.2
Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA) 1.1
Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA) .5
Tyson just walked by the media table and said, "let everyone know I'm steaming. I just dusted off a million. Put that in the blog"
Tyson had 1.5 million, but bluffed the river on back to back hands and was called both times before the break. First by Pham, then by Summers who doubled his 600k to get back in the game.
Blinds are up to 15k/30k/4k ante.
Event 20: Bill Lost In White Out
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Bill White - 13th Place - $2,823
Bill White - 13th Place - $2,823Bill was waterboarded for an hour straight. Hit after hit, blow after blow, Bill tried to hang on but finally succumbed to one last suck out - bad beat.
His final hand: A-4 in the small blind against two players.
Flop: A-J-6.
Bill checks, and Andy Santiago bets 12,000. Bill jams for 39,000 and gets called.
Andy tables J-9 then hits a Jack on the river.
White will take home $2,823 for his days work.
So much for consistency getting it in with the best hand.
His final hand: A-4 in the small blind against two players.
Flop: A-J-6.
Bill checks, and Andy Santiago bets 12,000. Bill jams for 39,000 and gets called.
Andy tables J-9 then hits a Jack on the river.
White will take home $2,823 for his days work.
So much for consistency getting it in with the best hand.
Event 20: Jessica Wuerz - 14th Place
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Our last woman standing is now out.
She'll take home $2,823 for her 14th place finish.
I asked Jessica if she had fun. Her reply, "Oh my God, it was amazing."
We're down to two tables.
Our last woman standing is now out.
She'll take home $2,823 for her 14th place finish.
I asked Jessica if she had fun. Her reply, "Oh my God, it was amazing."
We're down to two tables.
Event 20: Santiago Rolling
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Andy Santiago adds 250,000 to his growing stack and knocks a player out in the process.
He ended the hand holding the third nut flush vs. the fourth nut flush.
Andy Santiago adds 250,000 to his growing stack and knocks a player out in the process.
He ended the hand holding the third nut flush vs. the fourth nut flush.
Event 18: 5th Place - Derek Buonano
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Derek Buonano (Tolland, CT)
$24,333
Derek Buonano (Tolland, CT)$24,333
Derek Buonano is short with 240k and gets the last of chips in with J9 against the A9 of Mark Tyson. The ace holds and Buonano is now looking forward to playing the Championship Event.
Event 20: Jessica Doubles Up
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
Jessica Wuerz doubles up 163,000 through James Boyle when she makes a loose gutterball call with K-Q then rivers a straight.
Boyle A-J vs. Wuerz K-Q
Board: A-6-6-J-10
She called for the ten and boom -the ten fell.
The guys were needling Wuerz who said, "100% my fault, I was mad from before..." as she scooped the chips.
Jessica Wuerz doubles up 163,000 through James Boyle when she makes a loose gutterball call with K-Q then rivers a straight.
Boyle A-J vs. Wuerz K-Q
Board: A-6-6-J-10
She called for the ten and boom -the ten fell.
The guys were needling Wuerz who said, "100% my fault, I was mad from before..." as she scooped the chips.
Event 18: 6th Place - Ory Hen
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Ory Hen (Cooper City, FL)
$20,278
Ory Hen only has 340k left when shoves A 4 against the AK of Daniel Cai. Hen doesn't get any help and says there were a few bad beats along the way that left him short and ultimately in 6th place.
Ory Hen (Cooper City, FL)$20,278
Ory Hen only has 340k left when shoves A 4 against the AK of Daniel Cai. Hen doesn't get any help and says there were a few bad beats along the way that left him short and ultimately in 6th place.
Event 20: Three Tables
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
With three tables to go our final 18 are evenly spaced out and ready to make moves to try and win this thing.
Some big stacks include:
Tony Antonious - 650,000
Adam Hui - 410,000
Marcus Seitz - 380,000
Jacek Markowski - 365,000
With three tables to go our final 18 are evenly spaced out and ready to make moves to try and win this thing.
Some big stacks include:
Tony Antonious - 650,000
Adam Hui - 410,000
Marcus Seitz - 380,000
Jacek Markowski - 365,000
Event 20: James Strikes "Boyle"
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
James Boyle - Flops Quads
James Boyle - Flops QuadsOnce short stack James Boyle survived the bubble he was unofficially the PPI leader/winner.
So after the bubble burst, he did what any short stack should do - jammed it in with A-10.
I knew something big went down because several players stood up and shouted.
We quickly discovered that Boyle flopped quads.
Flop fell A-A-A and Boyle had the case ace.
"I've never seen that on the flop before" said Boyle.
"I was ahead pre-flop" joked Andy Santiago whose 7-7 full-house was no good.
"I'm happy for him, he's a good friend of mine" said Santiago.
Drama intensified because Boyle only had 7500 on the jam, risking it all.
A couple orbits later James struck Boyle again four flushing runner runner, again after an all-in for his tournament life. "I'm simply elated" said James Boyle.
Boyle has grown 7k up to 40k. You can see on his face that he's really having a great time.
That's why we all play, for these moments.
So after the bubble burst, he did what any short stack should do - jammed it in with A-10.
I knew something big went down because several players stood up and shouted.
We quickly discovered that Boyle flopped quads.
Flop fell A-A-A and Boyle had the case ace.
"I've never seen that on the flop before" said Boyle.
"I was ahead pre-flop" joked Andy Santiago whose 7-7 full-house was no good.
"I'm happy for him, he's a good friend of mine" said Santiago.
Drama intensified because Boyle only had 7500 on the jam, risking it all.
A couple orbits later James struck Boyle again four flushing runner runner, again after an all-in for his tournament life. "I'm simply elated" said James Boyle.
Boyle has grown 7k up to 40k. You can see on his face that he's really having a great time.
That's why we all play, for these moments.
Event 20: Fast And First To Cash
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
The very next hand after the bubble burst, Amir Genzel got his chips in with A-10 up against 8-9.
The 8-9 connected and Genzel hit the rail.
"I was just waiting for that bubble. Once it hit I knew I could shove. Onion - that guy who called me, tell him he's a Donkey", said Amir.
Amir will take home $1,694 for his 30th place min-cash finish.
The very next hand after the bubble burst, Amir Genzel got his chips in with A-10 up against 8-9.
The 8-9 connected and Genzel hit the rail.
"I was just waiting for that bubble. Once it hit I knew I could shove. Onion - that guy who called me, tell him he's a Donkey", said Amir.
Amir will take home $1,694 for his 30th place min-cash finish.
Event 18: 7th Place - Mark Baatz
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Mark Baatz (Brielle, NJ)
$16,222
Mark Baatz (Brielle, NJ)$16,222
Mark Baatz puts his last 190k all-in preflop with pocket 9s against the AQ of Mark Tyson. A queen falls on the flop to put Baatz on the rail.
Event 18: Chip Counts
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Seat-Name-Chip Count
1 Mark Baatz (Brielle, NJ) 190k
2 Dennis Summers (Charlottesville, VA) 350k
3
4 Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY) 1 million
5
6
7 Derek Buonano (Tolland, CT) 175k
8 Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA) 1 million
9 Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA) 1.2 million
10 Ory Hen (Cooper City, FL) 650k
Seat-Name-Chip Count
1 Mark Baatz (Brielle, NJ) 190k
2 Dennis Summers (Charlottesville, VA) 350k
3
4 Daniel Cai (Brooklyn, NY) 1 million
5
6
7 Derek Buonano (Tolland, CT) 175k
8 Mark Tyson (Philadelphia, PA) 1 million
9 Edward Pham (Lansdale, PA) 1.2 million
10 Ory Hen (Cooper City, FL) 650k
Event 20: Bubble Finally Bursts
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (6-Max)
After close to an hour of hand by hand action, Will "The Thrill" Failla is the bubble.
Benny Aminoff's A-K of clubs was the hand that did in Failla's wired 66's.
King in the window held up on a board of K-Q-7-3-10.
Both players were all in pre-flop as Will was on a short stack looking for a shoveworthy hand.
Will darted out pretty quickly after the hit so I decided not to talk to him about being the bubble.
Gorilla blogging next to me laughed and said, "Smartest move of the day by you". Our guess is Will wouldn't feel much into an interview. I mean who likes to be the bubble or talk about it, probably no one.
After close to an hour of hand by hand action, Will "The Thrill" Failla is the bubble.
Benny Aminoff's A-K of clubs was the hand that did in Failla's wired 66's.
King in the window held up on a board of K-Q-7-3-10.
Both players were all in pre-flop as Will was on a short stack looking for a shoveworthy hand.
Will darted out pretty quickly after the hit so I decided not to talk to him about being the bubble.
Gorilla blogging next to me laughed and said, "Smartest move of the day by you". Our guess is Will wouldn't feel much into an interview. I mean who likes to be the bubble or talk about it, probably no one.
Event 18: 8th Place - Charles Tidmarsh
$1850 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
Charles Tidmarsh (Greenville, SC)
$12,167
Just before the break Tidmarsh is all in for 300k with pocket 8s against Ory Hen who's holding A K. A king hits the flop and Tidmarsh hits the rail.
Players are on a 10 minute break and blinds are going up to 10k/20k/3k ante.
Charles Tidmarsh (Greenville, SC)$12,167
Just before the break Tidmarsh is all in for 300k with pocket 8s against Ory Hen who's holding A K. A king hits the flop and Tidmarsh hits the rail.
Players are on a 10 minute break and blinds are going up to 10k/20k/3k ante.
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