Event 22: Bubble Master Strikes Again

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Will "The Thrill" Failla Busts Bubble

Congratulations to Will Failla (Commack, NY) who busts his career 75th lifetime bubble and sends the remaining 30 players into the $262,500 Total Buy-In.

Failla got his 10-10 in against Ben Geller's K-Q on a flop that connects hard with both players.

Board ran: J-10-2-5-3.

Will "The Thrill" lives up to his name.

Failla has ~200,000 chips. Another cash for Failla can only help him to maintain his overall Leaderboard totals in the top spot. Although, Thomas Hoglund is on his heels in 2nd as he's still in the tournament and will also cash.

Bubble lasted about 7 hands before bursting.

Do the math - 6 players per table times five tables = 30 players remaining.

We're playing until 2am when players will bag and tag then return tomorrow for conclusion.

Event 20: Big Swings Heads Up

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Heads up continues with a couple of big swings.

1) Back and forth pre-flop raising ends with all the chips going in the middle.

Brock Parker has Manh Nguyen two to one in chips after his 10-10 held up for 1.25 million against Nguyen's 8-8.

Brock takes the lead of 2.5 million to Manh's 1 million.

2) Ten minutes later, the swing goes the other way.

Manh double thru Brock after his 99 finds a straight on a board of 8-5-J-Q-10.

This is a match worthy to be on TV. Good stuff from both players who are in it to win it.

Event 22: Fourrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Carlos Avalos (Lakeridge, VA)

Crazy hand ends with Carlos Avalos needing a non-heart 4 for the win and he hits it.

Opponent jams a board of 5♣6♥9♥5♥ causing Carlos to go deep freeze.

It would cost him 103,900 and he had another 60,000 behind.

Finally Carlos called. Opponent tabled A♥6♣ for the pair and the nut flush draw.

Carlos showed 4♥4♦ and was not happy he was so far behind.
Carlos' hearts were dead and he needed a miracle 4. Boom - just like that he got the 4♠.

The kid he felted was furious. He stood up and said Carlos had been doing that to him all day. He had him dominated again and again lost - this time for his entire tournament. Not gonna lie, it was hard to watch...but great for the blog.

We're going hand for hand as 31 players remain.

One away from the money people.

Event 20: Final Two on Break

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Manh Nguyen & Brock Parker Heads Up

They reached the end of the level and took off for a break.

Chip counts
Manh Nguyen - 2.113 million
Brock Parker - 1.387 million

When play resumes, blinds will be 8k/16k with 2k antes.

Event 20: 3rd Place - Brikis

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE  

 Josh Brikis (Murrysville, PA)

$24,189

Josh Brikis was all-in with AJ against the AK of Manh Nguyen.

The bigger Ace held up and Manh collected yet another pot and bounty.

Josh will collect $24,189 for third place.

Event 22: Silent But Deadly

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Just met Julian Schulman (Nyack, NY). He's at table three with Matt Maccaroni and Ben Geller.

Julian has sort of flown under the radar all day but now I can't ignore his chip stack as it's one of the largest in the room.

Table 1 has nicknamed him "The Silent Assassin".

Matt Maccaroni explained it like this, "all these young aggressive animals are around him and he keeps ripping us apart like a ninja".

Ben Geller said Julian hasn't said a word and continues to take down pots.

He just scooped one off of Ben. Julian flopped a set of fives and Geller turned an Ace. Geller paid him off but the pot wasn't out of control - about 20,000.

Julian is up to 280,000.

Jerry Maher is still the cl with 333,000 and Travis Greenawalt has around 200,000.

Julian is like Clint Eastwood in El Camino - just givin the young guns trouble.

8 players away from the money.

Event 22: Seat Open, Table One

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

The guys at table-1 have been trading chips back and forth. From hearing their tales from the felt, a whole lots of suck-out cards and three-outters are hitting at a regular clip.

No monster chip stacks here and no knock-outs either, until now.

Mike Ferrell (Cleveland, OH) flops a flush draw and bottom pair with his 3-4 of clubs. That's enough to bet into a dry side pot, causing third Opponent to fold.

The short stack player who was all-in pre after looking at one card (an ace) isn't feeling too good.

Ferrell sweats Opponent's two over cards as the board bricks out and a two three's hold.

Mike drove out from Cleveland to play today and in the 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship. Players are coming to Borgata from all over the country.

39 players remain and top 30 get part of the whopping $284,000 Total Buy-In.

Event 20: 4th Place - Kerstetter

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE  

 Jamie Kerstetter (Monroe Twp, NJ)

$20,370

Josh Brikis opened for 30k, Manh Nguyen raised to 80k on the button, then Jamie Kerstetter moved in from the small blind.

Brock Parked folded his big blind and Josh also opted out.

Man called, showing AQ off.  Jamie was behind with KT suited.

The board came J 7 7 5 9 and Manh took the pot with Ace-high, collecting another bounty.

Jamie Kerstetter finished in 4th place, earning $20,370.

Manh leads the final three with about 2.2 million.

Brock Parker has ~800k.  Josh Brikis has about 510k.

Event 22: Tank You, Come Again

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Ben Geller Makes Sic Call

Groundhog's Day is in a couple of days which reminds me of the Bill Murray movie where the same thing happens day after day.

Just yesterday Ben Geller was in a Six-Max tournament, in the same exact seat, and in the tank with a decision. Yesterday it was on the money-bubble. Today it's just a big hand.

Board of 2♣ 6♦ 6♣ 7♠ 2♦ is awaiting Geller's decision.

Opponent made his bet and after a huge tank session, the clock has been called.

Ray from the floor counts Geller down. I figured he was gonna fold.
But as Ray announces 3..2...1.., Ben's chips hit the felt just in time.

Ben tabled K♥J♥ . Opponent mucked and Geller scooped.

"Sick call buddy" says Matt Maccaroni.

Geller makes stellar with only King high.
That's why these guys are some of the best in the business.

Think long, think - right!

Event 20: Parker Doubles

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE 

Brock Parker was all-in pre-flop for 398k against Jamie Kerstetter.

Brock's pocket Jacks were ahead of Jamie's pocket 8s. 

The board changed nothing and Brock doubled up to ~900k.

Jamie was left with ~400k.

Event 20: Stuck at Four

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE  

The final four are trading pots.

Manh Nguyen opened for 25k and got called by Brock Parker in the small blind.

The flop was K 9 7 -- all spades -- and Brock led out for 35k.  Manh raised to 80k and Brock called. 

Turn was another King.  Both players checked. 

River was the 8 of spades, putting four spades on the board.  Both players checked. 

Brock showed KQ off (no spade) for trip Kings.  Manh showed JT off (no spade) for the straight to take the pot.

Blinds are now 6k/12 with 2k antes.  Approximate chip counts:

Manh Nguyen - 1.6 million
Jamie Kerstetter - 840k
Josh Brikis - 570k
Brock Parker - 480k

Event 22: The Six-Matt

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Matt Maccaroni (Hamilton Sq., NJ) - 70,000

Matt Maccaroni loves the six-max. "The fields are tougher, the dynamic is better and it's just more fun" explained Matt.

He likes the challenge that the young internet players pose and is figuring out the tough table draw he received. Matt's been at table four the entire day. "It's like the table of death" joked Maccaroni.

Seems like the 6-max is a chance to mix up your game. More min calling, more 3-4-5 betting, and more bluffing.

Matt's currently below average in chips but did survive being as short as ten big blinds before dinner.

Event 20: Kerstetter Doubles

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE 

Manh Nguyen opened for 24k from the small blind.  Jamie Kerstetter kicked it up to 85k from the big.

Manh announced all-in and Jamie snap-called, showing AJ.  Manh had A9 and was dominated.

The board came K 5 4 8 K and Jamie doubled up to ~950k.

Manh was left with about 1.4 million.

Event 22: Joyful Jerry

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Jerry Maher (Warren, NJ) - 255,000

Jerry Maher has increased his chip lead since dinner break.

He got the ball rolling back in the 2nd level when his opponent flopped a nut-flush, and Jerry flopped a set of nines. Quads on the turn gave him the early double-up.

Then right before dinner break Jerry went from 90,000 to 180,000 when he looked down at pocket three's on the button.

Opponent in the small blind decided to make a move with only a gut-shot. Not smart since Jerry flopped a set of threes. Opponent shoved on the turn, Jerry called and faded the gutterball.

Jerry is hoping to smile all the way to the bank and ride his chip lead to the end where a $70,234 pot of gold sits waiting.

48 players remain.

Blinds are 1000 / 2000 with average stack at 88,750.

Event 20: 5th Place - Loehrs

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE 

Jason Loehrs (Springfield, PA)

$15,278

Jason Loehrs then got his chips in the middle against Brock Parker.

Jason held pocket 9s and was racing against Brock's KQ.

A Queen on the flop was all Brock needed to pick up another bounty chip.

Jason Loehrs finished in 5th place ($15,278).

Manh Nguyen has finally returned from dinner.

Event 22: Pay The Bill

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Billy Pilossoph Looking To Win

Last year this tournament was a grueling one day event that ended at 9:30 AM. This year it's stretched out over two-days. That's fine for veteran poker player Billy Pilossoph (Presto, PA).

When the dust settled last Borgata Winter Poker Open (2011), Billy Pilossoph came in third place taking home $32,461.

"This year my goal is to go from third to first" joked Pilossoph.

No stranger to Borgata Poker, Billy just arrived and is playing in his first event. He's really gearing up for and most excited about the Championship Event.

As to what he's been up to besides poker, just hanging out with his two kids.

Billy currently has 105,000 which is 22,000 above average stacks of 83,000.

51 players remain.

Event 20: 6th Place - Valerstein

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE 

 Roman Valerstein (Newtown, PA)

$12,731

Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps turned up briefly to watch his friend Josh Brikis play some poker.  He was watching during this hand.

Chip leader Munh Nguyen hasn't returned from dinner break, so he's contributing blinds and antes to the table.

Manh was the big blind on this hand:

Roman Valerstein shoved for 153k utg, then Jason Loehrs shoved on the button, then Josh Brikis called all-in for 248k from the small blind.  The hands were tabled:
Roman: QT off
Jason: AT off
Josh:  KK

The flop came J 9 2, giving Roman some hope with an open-ender, but the last two fell 5 J and no help for Roman.  He was busted in 6th place ($12,731).

Jason was left with about 200k.  Josh more than doubled up to over 650k.  He tweeted this:

Josh Brikis @JBrikis
I credit my rail @MichaelPhelps for letting my kk hold and triple up plus a bounty! 5 left.645k

Event 22: Leaderboard Implications

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Thomas Hoglund (New Beford, MA) - 160,000

A nice sub-plot has formed between Thomas Hoglund and Will "The Thrill" Failla.

Will currently is top of the 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open Leaderboard with 512.268 pts. while Thomas Hoglund is 2nd overall with 501.005 (after 6 cashes so far).

The winner scores a seat to the Spring Poker Open Championship. So there's a lot at stake and this tournament will most likely be a factor.

You can imagine that Thomas is gunning for Will who is also sitting on 160,000. Are you kidding me, both players have the same stack which is fourth best in the room. Both players have been on fire.

In hockey, after an overtime tie they go to a shoot-out. I'd love to see these two move to the same table and duke it out.

We'll keep you posted...

Event 20: Back From Dinner

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE 

Play has resumed after dinner with level 20, blinds 5k/10k with 1k antes.

Six players remain.  Here's a reminder what they're playing for:

1  $76,387
2  $42,013
3  $24,189
4  $20,370
5  $15,278
6  $12,731

Event 22: Dinner Done

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Our 59 remaining players have stuffed their guts and now are hoping to hit some gut shots.

Top stacks in the room include:
Jerry Maher (Warren, NJ) ................... 190,000 chips
Travis Greenawalt (Landisville, PA).... 182,000 chips
David Stefanski (Conn.).......................... 175,000 chips

With ten tables left the average chipstack is 72,203.

We're playing until 2am or the money bubble breaks, then bagging and tagging.

Everyone has their eye on the top prize of $70,234 but would settle for some of the $284,000 Total Buy-In.

PPI Perspective

Borgata Winter Poker Open

It’s Championship Weekend at the Borgata and just when you thought the energy level couldn't get any higher the vibe here at the Borgata Winter Poker Open (BWO) is now at its peak!

The combination of higher buy-in events, satellites into the $2 Million Guaranteed Championship, and top professionals from around the world in attendance has Borgata buzzing with excitement.

PPI (Poker Players International) and our roster of World Class Poker Pro's have been generating some fantastic results throughout the tournament series. Will "The Thrill" Failla took down the record setting first event for more than $160k, while Matt " Muffins " Mazzeo made back-to-back final tables.

Jon Sorscher won event #4, while Chris Reslock locked up the title in the H.O.R.S.E event. Several other PPI Players have cashed in the BWO thus far, including David Inselberg, Jamie Kerstetter, Mike Sica, and Josh Brikis to name a few.

With PPI players like 2010 WSOP Main Event runner up John Racener, Aruba Poker Classic Champion Matt Brady, WSOP Bracelet winner Jason Young, and WSOP final tablist/respected poker instructor Lee Childs, along with many others participating in the $2 Million Guaranteed Championship event, we can expect to see several making deep runs in this prestigious tournament.

The entire Borgata poker staff has done another amazing job at this year's BWO. Just as in years past, everyone is excited about the next tournament series here at the Borgata before the current one even ends. With the Borgata Spring Poker Open (April) and Borgata Summer Poker Open (June) just a few months away, along with the other Guarantee Deep Stack events that the Borgata runs frequently – it’s no wonder that Borgata is the favorite poker destination for players at all levels of experience from around the world.

The PPI Leaderboard is shaping up to be a great race coming down to the stretch few events. The winner will receive a VIP Borgata Package. Standings through Friday, January 28 completed events:

Position-Points-Name

1 - 512.268 | EMANUEL FAILLA
2 - 318.025 | JONATHAN SORSCHER
3 - 293.318 | MATTHEW MAZZEO
4 - 217.463 | LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN
5 - 204.988 | MICHAEL DENTALE
6 - 185.075 | CHRIS RESLOCK
7 - 185.075 | RYAN ERIQUEZZO
8 - 176.975 | VINEET PAHUJA
9 - 173.775 | DAVID INSELBERG
10 - 168.188 | JOSHUA BRIKIS
11 - 152.780 | GEORGE MEDRANO
12 - 140.900 | MARGUERITE SPAGNUOLO
13 - 138.850 | SHEREE BYKOFSKY
14 - 136.000 | JAMES SALTERS
15 - 127.193 | JAMES STENELLA

Event 20: Dinner Break

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

The final six are on dinner until about 8:40pm.

Here are some rough chip counts:

Manh Nguyen - 1.9 million
Brock Parker 445k
Jamie Kerstetter - 437k
Jason Loehrs - 430k
Josh Brikis - 230k
Roman Valerstsein - 130k

Event 22: Payouts

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Entries:  284
Total Buy-In: $284,000

PAYOUTS:
1: $70,234
2: $41,735
3: $31,680
4: $25,482
5: $19,972
6: $14,474
7: $11,019
8: $7,576
9: $4,132
10 - 12: $3,444
13 - 18: $2,755
19 - 24: $2,066
25 - 30: $1,653

Event 20: 7th Place - Deutsch

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

 Jason Deutsch (Staten Island, NY)

$10,185

Jason Deutsch got all-in holding AT against big stack Manh Nguyen's Q6 suited.  Jason flopped a Ten, but Manh caught runner-runner two pair to take the pot and collect another bounty.

Jason will pick up $10,185 to go with any bounties he collected along the way.

Six players remain.  Average stack is 583k.

Event 22: Dinner Break

  $1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

The remaining 59 players have been sent on a one hour dinner break. 

Play will resume at about 8:30 pm.

Event 20: 8th Place - Leandrou

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

 George Leandrou (Glen Cove, NY)

$7,639

A short while ago, George Leandrou was all-in utg for 69k.  Brock Parker looked him up with pocket Jacks.  George had A6 off.

An Ace on the river saved George and he doubled up.

Brock then doubled up through Jason Deutsch with pocket 7s that held up against AQ.

George got his last chips in again a short time later and this time couldn't pull out a save.

He was felted in 8th place, earning $7,639 plus any bounties.

This is George's second deep run during this series.   He finished 13th in event 1, picking up $6,813.

Event 20: 9th Place - Ezrol

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

 Matt Ezrol (Coconut Creek, FL)

$5,729

After Manh Nguyen opened for 20k, Matt Ezrol shoved from the small blind.  Manh snap-called, showing pocket Aces.

Matt had A9 off and was way behind.

The board came 7 7 2 J 4 and Man collected the pot and his 6th bounty.

Matt Ezrol will collect $5,729 for his 9th place finish.

Event 20: 10th Place - Link

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Robert Link (Jenkintown, PA)

$5,093

After Brock Parker opened, Robert Link raised.  Jason Loehrs moved in, Brock opted out, and Robert called all in.

Jason was ahead with AK.  Robert's AQ was dominated.

The best hand held up and Jason collected the bounty.

Robert Link finished in 10th place, earning $5,093.

Event 22: Big Stacks

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Blinds are 500/1,000 with 100 antes.

Gene Castro is up to about 130k.

Will 'the Thrill' Failla is up to 125k.

After he raised and got three-bet, Travis Greenawalt shoved. His opponent let it go. Travis has about 65k.

Event 20: Stalled at Ten

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Still ten players at this final table. Manh Nguyen leads. He's up to about 940k.

Short stack is George Leandrou with about 85k.

Blinds still 3k/6k with 500 antes.

Event 22: 100 Players Remain

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

They're down to 100 players in today's main event, putting the average stack at 42,600.

Still along way to go to the final 30 that get paid.

Dinner break is at 7:30pm.

Event 20: Break Time

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Another level gone and the final ten players disappeared for a break.

When they return, play will resume with blinds of 3k/6k with 500 antes.

Nose Can't Believe his Ears

Borgata Winter Poker Open

Cupcake Appetizer

The camaraderie at Borgata goes well beyond poker as players often socialize away from the table.  Case in point, a few days ago a group of friends left the B-Bar early in the morning and headed to Bread+Butter for a snack.

The group included:

Mike "Nose" Castaldo @mikenose
Liz Mendez @fattys1stlady
Lee Childs @leechilds
Leanne Rosenblatt
Will Failla @willfailla
Anonymous B-Bar couple
 
While waiting to order, something rarely heard was announced by Will "The Thrill," "it's on me!" As rare as a Lee Childs three-bet while holding junk in the small blind, the "Nose" couldn't believe his ear.

Mike proceeded to take advantage of Will's generosity and ordered nearly everything on the menu.

It was tough to drain "Thrill's" pockets as he was the Event 1 winner for ~$165,000 (not too mention two other cashes), but the generosity had to be commemorated with a blog post. 

The "Thrill" hopes the act of kindness will temporarily silence the critics who for years have called him "alligator arms."  You know, ones that are too short to reach his pockets!

Eye Popping Meal for the "Nose"

Event 20: Final Table Chip Counts

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Here's the final table lineup with approximate chip counts:

Seat - Player - Chips
1 - Roman Valerstein - 125k
2 - Matt Ezrol - 160k
3 - Jamie Kerstetter - 500k
4 - Jason Deutsch - 210k
5 - Brock Parker - 500k
6 - Robert Link - 220k
7 - George Leandrou - 160k
8 - Jason Loehrs - 450k
9 - Josh Brikis - 320k
10 - Manh Nguyen - 800k

Blinds are still 2,500/5,000 with 500 antes.  Average stack is 350k.

Event 20: 11th Place - Brackesy

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

George Leandrou was all-in holding AJ suited against the pocket Queens of Steven Brackesy.

The board came 9 8 8 A 6 and George paired his Ace to double through.

 Steven Brackesy (Waltham, MA)

A short while later, Steven was all-in against Manh Nguyen and came up short.

Steven Brackesy finished in 11th place, picking up $5,093.

The final ten drew seats and moved to the final table.

Event 20: 12th Place - Eyzerovich

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Robert Link (bb) was all-in for 92k against Roman Valerstein (cutoff).  Robert's A8 suited was dominating Roman's 98 suited.  The better hand held up and Robert doubled through.

 Vyacheslav Eyzerovich (Staten Island, NY)

Vyacheslav Eyzerovich was sent packing by Manh Nguyen.  He finished in 12th place for $5,093.

Event 20: Break Time Chip Counts

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Final Twelve players have returned from break to blinds of 2,500/5,000 with 500 antes.

Average stack is 290k (58 big blinds).

Here are some approximate chip counts:

Jason Loehrs - 620k
Jamie Kerstetter - 525k
Brock Parker - 450k
Josh Brikis - 380k
Steven Brackesy - 330k
Manh Nguyen - 300k
Roman Valerstein - 255k
Vyacheslav Eyzerovich - 170k
Matt Ezrol - 160k
Jason Deutsch - 130k
George Leandrou - 120k
Robert Link - 105k

Event 20: 14th - Brady; 13th - Kobitz

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Jason Deutsch shoved wtih A9 and got looked up by Roman Valerstein, who held KQ.  An Ace on the flop shipped the double-up to Jason.

Brock Parker opened for 10k, then Matt Brady moved his last 35k in.  Brock called, showing 97 suited.  Matt was ahead with AJ suited.

Matt Brady (Havertown, PA)

The flop came Q T 7 with two spades, giving Brock the lead with a pair, but giving Matt a flush draw.  The last two came offsuit 4 6, however, and Brady was busted.

Matt Brady finished in 14th place.

 Steven Kobitz (E Hanover, NJ)

Steven Kobitz was busted by Roman Valerstein in 13th place.

Both departing players will pick up $4,456 to go along with any bounties they collected.

End of level and time for a break.

Borgata Leaderboard Update (1/28)

Borgata Winter Poker Open Leaderboard
By participating in any Borgata Winter Poker Open event (January 18 - February 3, 2012), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.

Below are the top scores for the 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open Leaderboard*

(Final Results from events 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)

512.268 PTS:  EMANUEL FAILLA (SMITHTOWN, NY)

501.005 PTS:  THOMAS HOGLUND (NEW BEDFORD, MA)

393.093 PTS:  JOSEPH OPIE (FAIR HAVEN, NJ)

365.518 PTS:  MICHAEL LINSTER (ISLAND PARK, NY)

337.540 PTS:  SRIDHAR CHEBROLU (ELLICOTT CITY, MD)

337.250 PTS:  BEN GELLER (FAR ROCKAWAY, NY)

319.563 PTS:  KEVIN SAUL (OAK PARK, IL)

318.025 PTS:  JONATHAN SORSCHER (LYNBROOK, NY)

316.550 PTS:  GONZALO VILLARREAL (E HANOVER, NJ)

313.150 PTS:  DARYL BOATWRIGHT (SICKLERVILLE, NJ)

310.500 PTS:  HARRY KOROTKI (OWINGS MILLS, MD)

299.425 PTS:  SCOTT SCHWALICH (MIAMISBURG, OH)

293.318 PTS:  MATTHEW MAZZEO (EAST WILLISTON, NY)

291.520 PTS:  ALEXANDER PETERSON (RIVERSIDE, CT)

286.588 PTS:  JOSEPH MOSCA (BRONX, NY)

285.725 PTS:  DARYL BLACK (VOORHEES, NJ)

279.055 PTS:  WADE WOELFEL (MANKATO, MN)

260.650 PTS:  LEONID VIZIROV (CHALFONT, PA)

257.338 PTS:  ADAM FAHERTY (LOWELL, MA)

256.888 PTS:  MICHAEL FORCA (BABYLON, NY)

254.250 PTS:  JACOB FAFARD (NEW IPSWICH, NH)

Event 20 16th - Crane; 15th - Buzgon

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Russell Crane was felted by Jason Loehrs, who collected his purple bounty chip.

Russell collected $3,189 for 16th place.

Dan Buzgon doubled through Matt Ezrol earlier, but then ran his AK into Josh Brikis' pocket Aces.

 Dan Buzgon

The boss pair held up and Josh collected the pot, along with Dan's bounty.

Dan will collect $4,456 for his 15th place finish (along with any bounties).

Event 22: Numbers

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

As the cage verifies the official numbers the head count is unofficially 283 players, meaning 27 will cash with first prize in the $70,000 range.

162 players return with an average stack of 22k (44 BB) as blinds are now 250/500/50 ante.

Event 22: Tweet Time

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Twitter updates from players while on their second break

MukulPahuja   Mukul Pahuja
Won a flip rt before break, 33>A9cc. 24k @ 250/500 now. 4/6 @ my table are sub 25 bbs. #BWO2012

NDGrinder  Aaron Steury
31,325 2nd break #BWO2012 #coasting

sandler1860  Jerry Payne
20,750 on break going o 250 500 with 50.
 
toddbterry  Todd Terry
14k headed to 250/500/50.

 aje221  Austen Johnson
31k going to 250/500. #teammurder #BWO2012

Event 20: 18th - Greenberg; 17th - Madhani

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

The final 18 moved to their new seats and wasted no time getting their chips in the middle.

Wayne Greenberg was the first to depart, finishing 18th.

 Farhan Madhani

Next to go was Farhan Madhani, who began the day as chip leader.  He was felted in 17th place.

Both players will add $3,819 to any bounties they collected along the way.

Event 20: Good Sport on the Bubble

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Dan Done for the Day

Dan DaConti (Mt. Laurel, NJ) is one of the first players to arrive for the Day 2 restart, but unfortunately he's the last to leave before the money.

DaConti ships eight big blinds with K 7 from the SB against Matt Ezrol who calls from the BB with 9 3. When a 9 hits the flop DaConti hits the rail in 19th place, one spot from the money.

He's a good sport about the situation even posing for a picture to which Josh Brikis says, "don't ever try to take my picture if I bust on the bubble." Russel Crane adds, "me too," as both players are happy with their min cash of $3,819.

DaConti enjoyed jousting with the media all afternoon and when first told that play would resume with blinds at 2k/4k he was insistent that the were 1,200/2,400, and he was right.  Later when told blinds were finally at 2k/4k DaConti was insistent that they were 1,500/3,000, but realized this time he was mistaken.

After finally busting during the 2k/4k level it's clear why DaConti wanted to avoid Level 16 so badly.  It's not all bad for DaConti who collected two bounties ($1,000 total) still has a 7th place in Event 13 ($350 Big Stack) for $4,814.

The final 18 players are redrawing for new seats at the final two tables.

Event 20: Bubble Intact, Players Break

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Kerstetter & Brikis Chat with Railbird Nancy Martin

The 19 remaining players are back from a 10 minute break as they're still one spot off the money.  John Parker is the chip leader with ~400k. Jamie Kerstetter has chipped up on the bubble to 350k.

Play resumes with blinds 2k/4k/400 ante, average stack is 184k (46 BB).

Super Satty Saturday

Borgata Winter Poker Open

On the eve of the $2 Million Guaranteed Championship Event there are three satellites this Saturday. The second kicks off in minutes.

3 pm: $350 + $50 (~1 in 10)* 
7 pm: $500 + $50 (~1 in 7)*

The noon tournament continues and there's a satellite triple header on deck Sunday for players looking to play in Monday's Day 1B.

* earn $3,500 Championship seat

Event 22: Busted

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

The following players have reported via Twitter that they are out of today's tournament:

John Racener
Matt Stout (2nd nut straight vs nut straight)
Bob Hwang
Jonathan Sorscher (10 10 vs JJ)

Event 22: Saul Mate

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Kevin Saul, who booked a win earlier in the series (Event 11 for ~$25,000), is out of this tournament.  Saul is a WPT title holder and one of the most active tweeters among players. 

Twitter has become an invaluable tool in poker tournament reporting and we appreciate the detailed updates. 

Here's Saul's account of today's action:

***********Tweets**********

KevinSauLivePro Kevin Saul

Just bet 2300 w 1k behind holding QQ on 752J board, guy calls and tables J5, I save 1k on K river, 700 left #comebackinprogress

 

KevinSauLivePro Kevin Saul 

No comeback, main tomorrow

************************

Any player we're not currently following add #BWO2012 and we'll add you to the list.

Event 20: 2 Down - Bubble Time

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Harry Korotki and Adel Jo have both hit the rail leaving 19 players just one spot off the money.  Play is now hand-for-hand.

Event 20: Free Rolling

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Jamie Kerstetter takes out Karl Held and earns his $500 purple chip.  This is Kerstetter's 4th bounty and she's essentially free rolling as she's covered $2,000 over her $2,150 of total costs.

Russel Crane is making money before the money as he eliminates Richard Dabal, his sixth bounty of the tournament.

21 players remain, 3 spots from the money; level 15 (1,500/3k/400 ante) is underway.

Event 20: Chip Leader Sleeps Late

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Deutsch Lands on Chip Leader's Left, But Madhani is MIA

Chip Leader Farhan Madhani is the only player not back from the restart.  "He saw the lineup and was scared that I was on his left," jokes Jason Deutsch.

Madhani can afford to miss some hands as he has 350k and has nearly 150 big blinds. Deutsch and his average stack, hopes Madhani gets all the sleep he needs.

Event 20: A Little Birdie Told Me

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Break Time Tweets

GlennMcCaffrey  Glenn McCaffrey
13k at first break in 1k 6max, 15k start stack#borgata

CherishAndrews Cherish Andrews

Lost JJ to Aq aipf for a 10k pot. On break with 5,500 going to 100/200. #BWO2012

AH_22  Adam Hui
20k at first break from 15 starting. Going to 1/200

NDGrinder  Aaron Steury
28,850 from 15k starting, surprisingly good starting table with the exception of @Astrolux85 #BWO2012

toddbterry  Todd Terry
Borgata $1090 6max. 16500 from 15k.

KevinSauLivePro  Kevin Saul
1st break of borgata 1k, 6k from 15k start after level 3

superost  Jonathan Sorscher
1k 6max on my own today. 20k from 15k starting. Feeling thankful for good table draws.

sandler1860 Jerry Payne
18,375 1st break up from 15k start.

Event 20: Tough Tables

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Table 1 has Jamie Kerstetter, Matt Brady and Harry Korotki in seats 5-7, respectfully.

On table two it's Russel Crane, Josh Brikis, Vyacheslav Eyzerovich and Daniel Buzgon in seats 1-4 and, oh yeah, Brock Parker's at the table with his 2 WSOP bracelets.

And table 3 features chip leader Farhan Madhani, Roman Valerstein (2nd in chips) Manh Nguyen and Jason Deutsch.

#BWO2012
#ToughTimesMakingthe$$$$

Event 20: Purple Repeaters

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

The 23 returning players are un-bagging and un-tagging (opposite of bag and tag?) as they've had a night to sleep on the prize pool.  Only 18 get paid, so we expect play to be tight as even the shortest stacks have 17 big blinds.

Karl Held (Forest Hills, NY) is the shortest with 41k, while Farhan Madhani (Miramar, FL) is the big stack with 350k (146 BB); average is 152 (63 BB).

Top prize is $76,387, while a min cash is $3,819.

Play resumes with 25 minutes left on level 14 (1,200/2400/300 ante); shuffle up and deal!

Event 22: Brotherly Love

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

 Mukul (standing) & Vinny Pahuja

Tough table draws are the norm when you get a quality field and only six seats at a table.  Mukul Pahuja is mixing it up with Feming Chan, Miguel Borrero and Kevin Saul.

Pahuja is getting support from his brother Vinny who's at the next table.  The Pahuja's have a combined $1.2 million in career earnings with Vinny cracking $1 million.

Level 3 (75/150) continues.

Event 22: 38 Special

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Thirty eight tables are up and running and players like Chalie Hook (Philadelphia, PA) are impressed with the turnout.  The heads up specialist loves the short handed format and is another player who's back at Borgata getting ready for the Championship event.

Hook has been playing poker online in the Bahamas and was disappointed his friend Brian England was unable to close the deal in last night's $500 six max.  England was runner-up to Dan Wach who took home the ~$41,000 first prize.

Event 22: Never Too Early to Tweet

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

vinpahuja Vinny Pahuja

Time for my fav event of the series. 1k 6max. Prob one of the best tables in the room but already down to 12.5k from 15k starting

AH_22 Adam Hui

Just finished an awesome proscuitto panini at romas, now headed to late reg this 1k 6max. #leggo

 

KevinSauLivePro Kevin Saul

Playing borgata 1k 6-max, last pre-lim before the main tomorrow, off to great start losing AK to QQ for 6k a piece, 9.5k from 15k start

 

ActionBobNJ Robert Hwang

Borgata 1k six max today. Field looks pretty soft. Seems like a good time to make a nice run

 

MukulPahuja Mukul Pahuja 

1k 6max today. Plan on playing/running better than the last 6max 

Event 22: Welcome Back

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

Castro Can't Stay Away

It's always great to see the familiar faces that are loyal Borgata poker players, but it's just as nice to see some old friends who have been gone for awhile.

Gene Castro is back after moving to Vegas to pursue several business ventures, as is James Boyle (Havre de Grace, MD) who missed the start of the series to tend to some family matters.

"It's strange," says Castro, who's a co-founder of Poker Players International, "you spend so much time here that you don't realize how long it's been.  But it's great to see the same people. It's like you never left."

Boyle, who twice won the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard competition, won't be winning it again.

His first event was Friday's $1,500 purple bounty tournament and while he missed the first week of the series is glad to be back at Borgata.  "Family comes first," says Boyle, who was profiled on the blog, "so that's the most important thing."

Coincidentally Castro and Boyle are at the same table to begin the $1k six max and looking forward to the $2 Million Guaranteed Championship Event which kicks off Sunday.

Event 22: 6 Max Attack...It's Baaaack!

$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em

One day after crowning the $500 six max champion, the stakes are doubled as this is the $1k version.

This is a $200,000 guaranteed prize pool and the players love the deep structure.  15k in tournament chips and 40 minute levels (Levels 11+/60 min.)

It's a two day event with the button starting in the five seat.   Cards are in the air!

Event 21 Recap

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

In the middle of winter, Sommers is best. In addition to winning $24,720, Lee Sommers is the only player who gets to keep his $100 Black Bounty chip because nobody was able to knock the champion out. Michael Gabriel (2nd Place), Linhkhoune Virath (3rd Place), and Dan Weaver (4th Place) all hung in there until some rapid fire 4 o'clock am final table action.

"This is the best poker I have ever played...it felt like I was ahead every time my chips were at risk" said an excited Sommers moments after his Event 21 victory.

The hand that paved the way to the top spot was a final table three-way all-in where Sommers had pocket-tens and they held up against Opponents' 6-6 and K-8. With that multi-million chip triple up, and another bounty blow, Sommers soared to a grand total of eight knock-out punches and the monster tournament chip lead.

The only player with more bounties was Linhkhoune "All in Lin" Virath who captured a total of ten. Lin arrived at the 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open with twenty members of his home game posse who call themselves the Piedmont Crew & the Bristow Crew.

An impressive field of 363 bounty-hunters battled all day and night for a chunk of the $94,380 Total-Buy in. The Borgata Ladies represented including Leanne Rosenblatt, Amanda Musumeci, and the 2011 Borgata Summer Poker open Ladies champion, Carla Berrious with Carla earning last woman standing honors.

Oddly enough there was not a bubble sweat thanks to Mukaul Pahuja (Long, Island, NY) who flopped top two with Q-10 against another big stack at the table who flopped bottom two with 10-8. Mukaul felted two birds with one stone and everyone celebrated making the moolah.

But once again the man of the day, $24,720 + $800 richer, is Lee Sommers. Lee directs 25 personal trainers in the Washington D.C. area and today ran circles over and around the competition.

Sommers played this one for his wife Amy and 2 year old Jordan. "Thanks Amy for letting me get away for a great weekend at Borgata."

Final Table Results

Place-Name-Amount

1. Lee Sommers (Germantown, MD) $24,720
2. Michael Gabriel (Huntington, WV) $13,732
3. Linhkhoune Virath (Gainesville, VA) $8,514
4. Dan Weaver (Kennebunk, ME) $6,866
5. Sri Chebrolu (Maryland) $5,310
6. Harvey Layton (Valley Forge, PA) $4,486
7. Filipp Khavin (St. Pete's, FL) $3,616
8. Chris Michael (Massapequa, NY) $2,701
9. Charles Lee (Scotch Plains, NJ) $1,831
10. James Karalis (Princeton, NJ) $1,190

Saturday, January 28

Today's Events (Event Center)

11AM: Event 22 - $1000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
                               $200,000 Guaranteed

• Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips 
• Levels 1-10: will last 40 minutes each | Levels 11+" will last 60 minutes each
• 2-Day event

12PM:  Event 45 - $175 + $25 Championship Qualifier NLH

• Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
• Levels will last 20 minutes
• Approximately 1 in 20 players will win entry into the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event (Jan 29 - Feb 3, 2012)
• 1-Day event

3PM:  Event 46 - $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier NLH

• Players start with 12,000 in tournament chips
• Levels will last 25 minutes each
• Approximately 1 in 10 players will win entry into the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event (Jan 29 - Feb 3, 2012)
• 1-Day event

7PM:  Event 47 - $500 + $50 Championship Qualifier NLH

• Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
• Levels will last 30 minutes each
• Approximately 1 in 7 players will win entry into the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event (Jan 29 - Feb 3, 2012)
• 1-Day event

Event 21 Champion: Sommers

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Lee Sommers (Germantown, MD)

$24,720

Congratulations to Lee Sommers who just won Event 21 along with a $24,720 payday.

Lee also pocketed eight $100 bounties along with the engraved Borgata Event trophy.

As for the Blind Squirrel t-shirt he wanted to chop it with the other players, remove a sleeve etc., but NJ law won't allow it.

Sommers directs 25 personal trainers in the Washington D.C. area. Today he ran circles around the competition and ran completely over eight players.

In May 2011 Lee took down the Orleans Open in Vegas. He thanks wife Amy for letting him sneak away for the weekend to play some poker at Borgata. He also says hi to his 2-year old, Jordan.

Lee said today he played some of the best poker he has ever played. Astonishingly every time Lee was in a pot or faced a race, he was ahead with the best hand.

Event 21: 2nd Place - Gabriel

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Michael Gabriel (Huntington, WV)
$13,732

Michael Gabriel is an anesthesiologist in his day job, but today he was a surgeon as he cut through the field with his bare hands and poker prowess.

He gathered 6 $100 bounties and did not re-buy.

Michael was supported on the rail by Brittany once she heard he reached the final table.

He plays a good amount of poker back in Charleston and actually won two 2012 Borgata Poker Open Championship Event seats. He entered month long point tournaments and took down back to back months. So look for Gabriel in the Championship.

Event 21: 3rd Place - Virath

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Linhkhoune Virath (Gainesville, VA)
$8,514

His friends call him "All In Lin" because he loves to go all when playing cash. Some of the guys even bet how many hands it will take before Linhkhousne jams.

Virath is on a bit of a heater as he final tabled last night's Borgata event along with collecting a ton of bounties. Of course another final table and cash tonight for $8,514. Tomorrow he's going for the triple - three for three final tables.

Linhkhoune lead the field with an impressive ten $100 bounty knock-out chips.

"I want to say hi to the Piedmont Crew and the Bristow Crew" said Lin. There are about twenty members that made it up and have been playing throughout the Borgata Winter Poker Open series.

Lin has earned some huge bragging rights after surviving today's tough field of players for a 3rd place run and $1000 worth of bounties.

Lin tries to play in every Borgata Open along with the 100,000 guaranteed tournaments, one of which he finished very deep.

Event 21: 4th Place - Weaver

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Dan Weaver (Kennebunk, ME)
$6,866

Once the guys got down to four players the action was extremely fierce and each man fell quickly.

Dan is an Engineer in his non-poker life. He drove down for the week from Maine to play a full slate of Borgata Winter Poker Open events.

In addition to his $6,866 score Dan can tack on another $200 in bounties.

Weaver had a ton of chips throughout most of the final table and got the feeling he wished he had a few more bounties to claim.

Event 21: 5th Place - Chebrolu

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Sri Chebrolu (Maryland)
$5,310

Sri Chebrolu shipped with A-2 and was called by Dan Weaver holding A-K.

An all diamond flop of 9-6-7 followed by a Q and a 6.

Sriman had 8 bounty chips and did not re-buy. He shook everyone's hand and congratulated the new friends he made at the table.

Sir will be back tomorrow to play again.

Event 21: 6th Place - Layton

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Harvey Layton (Valley Forge, PA)
$4,486

Congrats to Harvey Layton who finished in 6th place.

He got his chips in good but in the end Harvey's wired nines fell to Lee Sommers turning a gut-shot.

Board ran: 9-8-7-10-2. Lee had a Jack in his hand.

That leaves us five players all vying for the $24,720 first place prize.

Lee is now the massive chip leader.

Event 20: End Of Day Chips

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Player..........................Chip Count1. Farhan Madhani....................349,600
2. Vyacheslav Eyzerovich.........283,900
3. Roman Valerstein..................267,400
4. Matthew Ezrol........................248,000
5. Josh Brikis...............................240,500
6. John Brock Parker..................234,800
7. Jason Loehrs............................198,000
8. Jamie Kerstetter.....................183,500

Event 20 has been put on pause until tomorrow at 1pm when the remaining 23 players will return. We started the day with 175 poker pros and hopeful amateurs.

1,200/ 2,400 blinds with 300 antes will continue for 25 more minutes when we regroup.

Average chipstack is 152,173.

Top 18 make the money as everyone is playing for a monster $262,500 Total Buy in.

Congratulations to Farhan Madhani who is the tournament chipleader with 349,600.

Get some sleep and we'll see you tomorrow for the conclusion of Event 20.

Event 21: 7th Place - Khavin

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Filipp Khavin (St. Pete's, FL)
$3,616

Filipp Khavin gets Kings cracked in a devastating hand that cripples him to four big blinds.

A-7 shoved pre causing Filipp to snap off with his cowboys.

An ace and a king on the flop but Opponent caught runner runner diamonds for a flush.

With four bigs left Khavin moved in with K-8 and ran into 10-10 and 6-6. Tens held.

Event 19 Recap

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.    

Chris Relock (Atlantic City, NJ) has a very extensive poker resume with more than $1.7 million in reported tournament earnings.  Today the long-time poker pro added yet another title to that list, winning the Borgata Winter Poker Open HORSE tournament and $14,085.

With such extensive poker experience, it was a little surprising that Reslock's toughest opponent at the final table has very little.  Gerard Fabiano wasn't going to play this event, but his friends talked him into it.  "I play Magic the Gathering, I don't really play poker" Fabiano said.  He finished second and collected $7,746.  "I didn't know the rules for Razz, until yesterday" he said.  He obviously picked up the game quickly.

Reslock and Fabiano were both impressed with the play of third-place finisher Ozea 'James' Ingram.  Although Ingram plays mixed cash games, this was his first-ever HORSE tournament.  He collected $4,460 for his solid performance over the past two days.

The first-ever HORSE tournament at Borgata was played during the Borgata Poker Open in September 2011.  It was won by Jeffrey Duvall, who did not play this event.  Barry Levy won the second-ever HORSE tournament during the inaugural Borgata Fall Poker Open series in November 2011. Levy made a run at a repeat title, but was eliminated on day one.

Until Razz was approved for play in New Jersey, they played HOSE and a couple of former HOSE Champions were in this field.  Glenn Engelbert won the HOSE tournament during the 2011 Summer Open and Vincent Basilicata won the HOSE tournament during the 2010 Summer Open.  Engelbert did not survive day one.  Basilicata made it to day two with a below average stack and did not make the money.

A total of 121 players saddled up for this event, bringing total buy-ins to $48,400.  Only the top 18 finishers were in the money.  45 players returned for day two, so it took a while to narrow the field.

After two long days of play, Chris Reslock was ready to call it a night and head home.  Runner-up Gerard Fabiano was ready to head to Hawaii.  "There's a Magic the Gathering convention there in a couple of weeks" he explained.


Final Table Results

1.  Chris Reslock (Atlantic City, NJ)  $14,085

2.  Gerard Fabiano (Belleville, NJ)  $7,746

3.  Ozea 'James' Ingram (Ewing, NJ)  $4,460

4.  Jim Clibanoff (Lower Gwynwood, PA)  $3,756

5.  Jeff Jerome (Springfield, PA)  $2,817

6.  Charles Tessler (Chalfont, PA)  $2,347

7.  Ron 'Schifty' Schiffman (Cherry Hill, NJ)  $1,878

8.  Robert 'Bo' Toft (Yardley, PA)  $1,408

9.  Justin Finberg (Pittsburgh, PA)  $1,056 

Event 20: Fun Table

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Table 3 having the most fun in the room. They've called their table, "the party table" and are making sure Russel Crane, who just joined them, doesn't rain on their parade with his stone cold poker face and serious table image.

Jason Deutsch reminisced about some good times earlier when he opened for 92,000 despite the blinds being 1000 / 2000. I mean he had a monster holding 4-5 off, right?
Ran into 99's and lost that one.

"People do crazy things going after those $500 bounties" said Daniel Buzgon (Marlton, NJ).

Jason claimed he wasn't gonna do that again and apparently he's not. Just woke up to 10-10 and allowed four others into the hand. The board got more and more paralyzing as all five checked down every street.

Board: 2♠ J♦ Q♠ J♠ 9♣

Pre-flop raiser with K 10 off, scooped, tabling the straight.

26 players remain - playing one more level or until the guys (and Jamie) reach 18.

It's a conflict because nobody wants to be the bubble but everyone wants to vacuum in some more bounties.

Event 21: 8th Place - Michael

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Chris Michael (Massapequa, NY)
$2,701

End of the road for Chris Michael who was congratulated by friends sweatin him on the rail.

K-9 vs. 10-3 from Filipp Khavin who spiked a 3 on the river.

Tough way to go but the 5 bounties help ease the pain of not finishing first.

Chris did not re-buy and is a Mortgage broker in NY.

Event 20: Ezrolls Over Quads

$1,500 + $150 + $500 Purple Chip Bounty NLHE

Matt Ezrol (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) - 130,000

Sometimes you just know it's coming and apparently Matt Ezrol knew.

Opponent jams with KK and Ezrol snaps pre with 10-10.

"I got his one" said a confident Ezrol who never doubted.

Dry flop for Matt falling 5-3-8 followed by a ten, and another ten.

"I told you - I wasn't even sweating" uttered Ezrol.

Opponent could only stomach out, "just quads...so sick".

Add another $500 to Matt's stack.

Event 21: Chipcounts

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Breaktime for our elite eight.

1. Lee Sommers.............300,000
2. Chris Michael.............300,000
3. Sri Chebrolu..............1,300,000
4. Harvey Layton...........900,000
5. Linhkhoune Virath.....600,000
6. Dan Weaver.................490,000
7. Filipp Khavin................550,000
8. Michael Gabriel............985,000

Playing this one until conclusion this morning.

Everyone trying to capture first place prize of $24,720.

Total Buy-In was an impressive $94,380.

Don't forget this is a $100 black chip bounty.

Event 21: 9th Place - Lee

$260 + $40 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLHE (Re-Entry)

Charles Lee (Scotch Plains, NJ)
$1,831

Charles Lee ships his last couple hundred thousand on a rainbow flop of 9-K-3 then start chirping big time trying to get Sri Chebrolu to fold.

"C'mon aces, hold up one time...c'mon just give me one more round" begged Lee.

Sriman finally called with only A-10.

Jack on the turn followed by the painful ace on the river.

Sri quickly got up to shake Lee's hand. Charles was gracious in defeat but nonetheless shocked he called and hit.