$1,000 + 90 NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Players are taking a quick break, with Jonas (who had been chipped away quickly by Failla since the last post) doubling up on the last hand prior to the break. It was the two pair of Wexler trumping the lesser two pair of Will, and the players are back to even once more!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Event 10 - Final Table Set
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
The Ladies Event is down to their final ten. Nine will get paid. The final table is as follows:
Seat One: Grace Sun, Merrick, NY 220K
Seat Two: Leanne Rosenblatt, Towns River, NJ 185K
Seat Three: Jeanelle Roberts, Haverstraw, NY 175K
Seat Four: Alyson Parker, Plainsboro, NJ 135K
Seat Five: Dawn Santoli, Staten Island, NY 270K
Seat Six: Mara Mercado, Queens, NY 190K
Seat Seven: Sheree Bykofsky, Atlantic City, NJ 185K
Seat Eight: Gina Saladino, Conshohocken, PA 180K
Seat Nine: Diana Shamshoum, Montreal, Canada 215K
Seat Ten: Holly Raba, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100K
The Ladies Event is down to their final ten. Nine will get paid. The final table is as follows:
Seat One: Grace Sun, Merrick, NY 220K
Seat Two: Leanne Rosenblatt, Towns River, NJ 185K
Seat Three: Jeanelle Roberts, Haverstraw, NY 175K
Seat Four: Alyson Parker, Plainsboro, NJ 135K
Seat Five: Dawn Santoli, Staten Island, NY 270K
Seat Six: Mara Mercado, Queens, NY 190K
Seat Seven: Sheree Bykofsky, Atlantic City, NJ 185K
Seat Eight: Gina Saladino, Conshohocken, PA 180K
Seat Nine: Diana Shamshoum, Montreal, Canada 215K
Seat Ten: Holly Raba, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 100K
Event 6: Even Playing Field
$1,000 + 90 NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)
These two players have been at for two days now, and this is what makes playing in...watching...or covering a tournament so interesting. Jonas has evened things up, and both players are sitting within 20,000 of each other:
Will Failla - 1,570,000
Jonas Wexler - 1,520,000
These two players have been at for two days now, and this is what makes playing in...watching...or covering a tournament so interesting. Jonas has evened things up, and both players are sitting within 20,000 of each other:
Will Failla - 1,570,000
Jonas Wexler - 1,520,000
Event 6: Chumming It Up
$1,000 + 90 NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Wexler And Failla knew each other well long before reaching this point, and there has been a ton of table during during the heads up play. There have been a few sizable pots over the past twenty minutes, with both players coming out on the winning end. Jonas may have creeped a little closer to evening up things, but still has some work to do.
Wexler And Failla knew each other well long before reaching this point, and there has been a ton of table during during the heads up play. There have been a few sizable pots over the past twenty minutes, with both players coming out on the winning end. Jonas may have creeped a little closer to evening up things, but still has some work to do.
Events 8, 9, and 10 updates
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2.5K/5K Antes 500
55 players remain in Event #8. The average stack is 175K (35 big blinds).
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 3K/6K
We're almost down to the final table as 11 players remain. Making the final table doesn't mean cashing though as only 9 will get paid.
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2K/4K Antes 500
There are 15 ladies left meaning they are getting closer to the final table as well. Like the PLO event, only the final 9 will cash.
Blinds 2.5K/5K Antes 500
55 players remain in Event #8. The average stack is 175K (35 big blinds).
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 3K/6K
We're almost down to the final table as 11 players remain. Making the final table doesn't mean cashing though as only 9 will get paid.
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2K/4K Antes 500
There are 15 ladies left meaning they are getting closer to the final table as well. Like the PLO event, only the final 9 will cash.
Event 6: Heads Up For The Trophy
$1,000 + 90 NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)
After taking a short break, Jonas Wexler and Will Failla are seated at the table and ready to play this tournament out. Here are your heads up chip counts:
Will Failla - 1,800,000
Jonas Wexler - 1,300,000
 |
| Wexler And Failla Heads Up |
After taking a short break, Jonas Wexler and Will Failla are seated at the table and ready to play this tournament out. Here are your heads up chip counts:
Will Failla - 1,800,000
Jonas Wexler - 1,300,000
Event 6: 3rd Place - Zinno ($14,652)
$1,000 + 90 NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Anthony would be looking for a spot to double up after losing that critical hand only minutes earlier to Wexler. Zinno would push his remaining 250,000 from the button, and after Jonas folded Will said, "I'm not looking...I call...I saw an ace."
Zinno would table K♥ 3♥ and Will would add some suspense to the moment by squeezing out the second card. He peeled the card off slow, and it would be one of the worst for Anthony, as Failla tabled A K. The flop would come out ace high, and Zinno would be drawing dead on the turn. The three handed stage of this tournament took an exceptionally long time, with the chip lead shifting throughout. Zinno was left to collect his winnings, which would amoung to $14,652.
 |
| Anthony Zinno (Cranston, RI) 3rd Place - $14,652 |
Anthony would be looking for a spot to double up after losing that critical hand only minutes earlier to Wexler. Zinno would push his remaining 250,000 from the button, and after Jonas folded Will said, "I'm not looking...I call...I saw an ace."
Zinno would table K♥ 3♥ and Will would add some suspense to the moment by squeezing out the second card. He peeled the card off slow, and it would be one of the worst for Anthony, as Failla tabled A K. The flop would come out ace high, and Zinno would be drawing dead on the turn. The three handed stage of this tournament took an exceptionally long time, with the chip lead shifting throughout. Zinno was left to collect his winnings, which would amoung to $14,652.
Event 6: Wexler Doubles
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 24: Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
Jonas Wexler opened on the button and Anthony Zinno shoved from the big blind.
After a couple of minutes in the tank, Jonas called all-in for 532k, showing AT off.
Anthony had 96 suited.
The board ran out J 4 3 K Q and Jonas doubled up with Ace-high. He's now back over 1.1 million.
Anthony was left with only about 260k.
Will Failla has the other 1.7 million.
Level 24: Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
Jonas Wexler opened on the button and Anthony Zinno shoved from the big blind.
After a couple of minutes in the tank, Jonas called all-in for 532k, showing AT off.
Anthony had 96 suited.
The board ran out J 4 3 K Q and Jonas doubled up with Ace-high. He's now back over 1.1 million.
Anthony was left with only about 260k.
Will Failla has the other 1.7 million.
Events 8, 9, and 10 Updates
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2K/4K Antes 400
71 players remain in Event #8 with the average stack at 135K (34 big blinds).
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2K/4K
Play has come to a standstill in Event #9 as we still have 15 players meaning we haven't lost anyone since the last update.
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1.5K/3K Antes 400
There are only 20 women left in the event. One of the recently departed is Marguerite Spagnuolo who tweeted about her departure:
Blinds 2K/4K Antes 400
71 players remain in Event #8 with the average stack at 135K (34 big blinds).
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2K/4K
Play has come to a standstill in Event #9 as we still have 15 players meaning we haven't lost anyone since the last update.
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1.5K/3K Antes 400
There are only 20 women left in the event. One of the recently departed is Marguerite Spagnuolo who tweeted about her departure:
Didn't get it. Got my stack up to 40k, picked up AA and lost to 77. #FunGame
— Marguerite Spagnuolo (@mmmmarguerite) September 9, 2013
Event 6: Failla Retakes Lead
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 24: Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
Will Failla and Jonas Wexler tangled in a pot, and Will came out on top.
Jonas opened from the small blind and Will called from the big.
The flop was 6 6 4 with two hearts. Jonas bet 80k and Will called.
Turn was an offsuit 9 and Jonas checked, Will bet 60k, and Jonas called.
River was the 8 of hearts and Will bet. Jonas called, showing a flush, but Will had pocket 8s for the full house.
Will chipped up to 1.47 million, good for the chip lead. Jonas dropped to ~670k.
Level 24: Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
Will Failla and Jonas Wexler tangled in a pot, and Will came out on top.
Jonas opened from the small blind and Will called from the big.
The flop was 6 6 4 with two hearts. Jonas bet 80k and Will called.
Turn was an offsuit 9 and Jonas checked, Will bet 60k, and Jonas called.
River was the 8 of hearts and Will bet. Jonas called, showing a flush, but Will had pocket 8s for the full house.
Will chipped up to 1.47 million, good for the chip lead. Jonas dropped to ~670k.
Event 8 - Always a sweat...
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
It often seems in poker that no matter how far ahead of you, there is always a card that comes that gives your opponent outs to beat you. Such was the case for Anthony Clementi (Blue Bell, PA) when he got it all in pre-flop against two other opponents. Clementi held Aces and was up against Kings and A♥Q♥. The flop came J♣7♣2♥ keeping Clementi solidly in the lead. The turn was that never fails to come scare card... the 7♥ putting a flush draw on the board. The river fortunately was the Q♠ and Clementi tripled up.
It often seems in poker that no matter how far ahead of you, there is always a card that comes that gives your opponent outs to beat you. Such was the case for Anthony Clementi (Blue Bell, PA) when he got it all in pre-flop against two other opponents. Clementi held Aces and was up against Kings and A♥Q♥. The flop came J♣7♣2♥ keeping Clementi solidly in the lead. The turn was that never fails to come scare card... the 7♥ putting a flush draw on the board. The river fortunately was the Q♠ and Clementi tripled up.
Anthony Clementi (Blue Bell, PA) after tripling up
Event 6: Break Time Chip Counts
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
End of level and time for a break, so we got some precise chip counts:
Jonas Wexler 1.244 million
Anthony Zinno 980k
Will Failla 957
This is still anybody's ball game.
End of level and time for a break, so we got some precise chip counts:
Jonas Wexler 1.244 million
Anthony Zinno 980k
Will Failla 957
This is still anybody's ball game.
Events 8, 9 and 10 Updates
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1500/3000 Antes 400
In Event #8 we are now down to 90 players. One player recently busted when his 7's lost a race to A-T. He smiled, wished his fellow competitors good luck, and walked off. It's always refreshing to see a good sport.
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1500/3000
We are getting closer to the money in Event #9. 15 players remain and the final nine will receive some compensation for their efforts.
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1200/2400 Antes 300
In Event #10, the Ladies NLHE event, we are losing players at a fairly rapid pace. We're now down to 26 players. There is still some play left before they make it into the money as only nine will get paid.
Blinds 1500/3000 Antes 400
In Event #8 we are now down to 90 players. One player recently busted when his 7's lost a race to A-T. He smiled, wished his fellow competitors good luck, and walked off. It's always refreshing to see a good sport.
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1500/3000
We are getting closer to the money in Event #9. 15 players remain and the final nine will receive some compensation for their efforts.
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1200/2400 Antes 300
In Event #10, the Ladies NLHE event, we are losing players at a fairly rapid pace. We're now down to 26 players. There is still some play left before they make it into the money as only nine will get paid.
Event 6: Wexler Takes Lead
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Jonas Wexler (button) opened for 40k and Anthony Zinno called from the big blind.
The flop fell J♠4♣2♠. Anthony checked, Jonas bet 60k, and Anthony called.
Turn was the 5♦. Anthony checked, Jonas bet 130k, and Anthony called.
River was the 2♦. Anthony checked, Jonas bet 280k and Anthony gave it some thought, then folded.
With that pot, Jonas chipped up to ~1.57 million, good for the chip lead.
Anthony dropped to ~970k. Will Failla is down to ~640k.
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Jonas Wexler (button) opened for 40k and Anthony Zinno called from the big blind.
The flop fell J♠4♣2♠. Anthony checked, Jonas bet 60k, and Anthony called.
Turn was the 5♦. Anthony checked, Jonas bet 130k, and Anthony called.
River was the 2♦. Anthony checked, Jonas bet 280k and Anthony gave it some thought, then folded.
With that pot, Jonas chipped up to ~1.57 million, good for the chip lead.
Anthony dropped to ~970k. Will Failla is down to ~640k.
Events 9 and 10 updates
$400 Buy-In + $50 Entry Big Stack Pot Limit Omaha High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1500/3000
Players have just returned from dinner break and seats were re-drawn as we are down to two tables of nine players for a total of 18 remaining.
$350 Buy-In + $50 Entry Ladies Deep Stack No Limit Hold'Em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 500/1000 Antes 100
The Ladies event also returned from dinner break and are down to 29 players remaining. There was some smack talk between a gentleman passing by the event and Marguerite Spagnuolo. Marguerite was talking about getting him into a Ladies event and offering odds that he would not win it. "Do you know how hard it is to win a Ladies event," she said. "Stick a needle in your eye. Does it hurt?" The poor guy walked off to go find his Mommy while the women all had a good laugh.
Blinds 1500/3000
Players have just returned from dinner break and seats were re-drawn as we are down to two tables of nine players for a total of 18 remaining.
$350 Buy-In + $50 Entry Ladies Deep Stack No Limit Hold'Em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 500/1000 Antes 100
The Ladies event also returned from dinner break and are down to 29 players remaining. There was some smack talk between a gentleman passing by the event and Marguerite Spagnuolo. Marguerite was talking about getting him into a Ladies event and offering odds that he would not win it. "Do you know how hard it is to win a Ladies event," she said. "Stick a needle in your eye. Does it hurt?" The poor guy walked off to go find his Mommy while the women all had a good laugh.
Event 6: Wexler Doubles Thru Will
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Jonas Wexler opened for 60k in the small blind and Will Failla called from the big.
On the flop of 6♥4♥4♦, Jonas checked, Will bet 45k, Jonas shoved, and Will called.
Jonas: A♥J♦ (two overs)
Will: T♥8♥ (flush draw)
The last two cards fell K♦A♦, and Jonas faded all Will's outs, and paired his Ace on the river to double up.
Rough Chip Counts:
Anthony Zinno 1.2 million
Jonas Wexler 1.16 million
Will Failla 820k
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Jonas Wexler opened for 60k in the small blind and Will Failla called from the big.
On the flop of 6♥4♥4♦, Jonas checked, Will bet 45k, Jonas shoved, and Will called.
Jonas: A♥J♦ (two overs)
Will: T♥8♥ (flush draw)
The last two cards fell K♦A♦, and Jonas faded all Will's outs, and paired his Ace on the river to double up.
Rough Chip Counts:
Anthony Zinno 1.2 million
Jonas Wexler 1.16 million
Will Failla 820k
Event 8: Vacuum Cleaner Misses Suck Out
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Pete Skyllas (New York, NY), who dubbed himself the vacuum cleaner earlier in the day, mixes it up in a huge pot with David Serata (Cherry Hill, NJ) for the chip lead.
On a flop of 6♠ 8♣ 4♣, Skylass calls 22k.
When the Q♠ hits the turn, Serata moves all in for 133k and Skyllas calls.
Skylass: 4♠ 3♠ (pair of 4s, flush draw)
Seratta: A♥ A♠ (over pair)
Syklass, looking for any spade, a 4 or 3, bricks the river and ships the chip lead to Serata who now has more 300k. Skyllas drops to 80k.
Pete Skyllas (New York, NY), who dubbed himself the vacuum cleaner earlier in the day, mixes it up in a huge pot with David Serata (Cherry Hill, NJ) for the chip lead.
On a flop of 6♠ 8♣ 4♣, Skylass calls 22k.
When the Q♠ hits the turn, Serata moves all in for 133k and Skyllas calls.
Skylass: 4♠ 3♠ (pair of 4s, flush draw)
Seratta: A♥ A♠ (over pair)
Syklass, looking for any spade, a 4 or 3, bricks the river and ships the chip lead to Serata who now has more 300k. Skyllas drops to 80k.
Event 9: PLO Payouts
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Entries: 90
Total Buy-In: $36,000
Place - Amount
1st $12,222
2nd $6,635
3rd $4,190
4th $3,143
5th $2,444
6th $2,095
7th $1,746
8th $1,397
9th $ 1,048
Entries: 90
Total Buy-In: $36,000
Place - Amount
1st $12,222
2nd $6,635
3rd $4,190
4th $3,143
5th $2,444
6th $2,095
7th $1,746
8th $1,397
9th $ 1,048
Event 10: Best Foot Forward
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Two women in today's field are helping promote women in poker and will be part of an upcoming instructional seminar at Borgata next year during the Winter Poker Open.
Jamie Kerstetter (Monroe Twp., NJ) and Marguerite Spagnuolo (Staten Island, NY) will be part of the High Heels Poker Tour Academy as the Borgata regulars share some of their tricks of the trade.
They'll be joined by four-time Borgata trophy winner (going for his 5th) and WPT Champion Will "the Thrill" Failla (Commack, NY) who will make a special appearance.
The ladies aren't feeling too good about their game today as Kerstetter busted before dinner break and Spagnuolo says, "don't ask." She's well below the chip average with 19k and less than 10 big blinds.
Stay tuned for seminar details which is scheduled for January 18-19, 2014.
Two women in today's field are helping promote women in poker and will be part of an upcoming instructional seminar at Borgata next year during the Winter Poker Open.
Jamie Kerstetter (Monroe Twp., NJ) and Marguerite Spagnuolo (Staten Island, NY) will be part of the High Heels Poker Tour Academy as the Borgata regulars share some of their tricks of the trade.
They'll be joined by four-time Borgata trophy winner (going for his 5th) and WPT Champion Will "the Thrill" Failla (Commack, NY) who will make a special appearance.
The ladies aren't feeling too good about their game today as Kerstetter busted before dinner break and Spagnuolo says, "don't ask." She's well below the chip average with 19k and less than 10 big blinds.
Stay tuned for seminar details which is scheduled for January 18-19, 2014.
Event 8 - Back from dinner
$500 Buy-In + $60 Entry $500,000 Guaranteed Deeper Stack No Limit Hold'Em (Re-Entry)
Day 1A
Blinds 1200/2400 Antes 300
Players have returned from dinner break. Of the original 320 entrants, there are 100 remaining making the average stack 96K (40 big blinds).
Day 1A
Blinds 1200/2400 Antes 300
Players have returned from dinner break. Of the original 320 entrants, there are 100 remaining making the average stack 96K (40 big blinds).
Event 10: Ladies Payouts
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Entries: 74
Total Buy-In: $25,900
Place - Amount
1st $8,793
2nd $4,773
3rd $3,015
4th $2,261
5th $1,759
6th $1,507
7th $1,256
8th $1,005
9th $754
Entries: 74
Total Buy-In: $25,900
Place - Amount
1st $8,793
2nd $4,773
3rd $3,015
4th $2,261
5th $1,759
6th $1,507
7th $1,256
8th $1,005
9th $754
Event 6: Blinds Up
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
Will Failla opened for 37k on the button.
Anthony Zinno called from the small blind.
Then Jonas Wexler jammed from the big.
Will folded quickly. Anthony took a little longer, but then let it go.
Blinds went up to
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
Will Failla opened for 37k on the button.
Anthony Zinno called from the small blind.
Then Jonas Wexler jammed from the big.
Will folded quickly. Anthony took a little longer, but then let it go.
Blinds went up to
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Event 6: No Change
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
The final three are still trading small pots, with no significant change in their positions.
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
The final three are still trading small pots, with no significant change in their positions.
Event 9: PLO Dinner Break
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Dinner Break, Play Resumes 8:30 pm
19 players remain, just 10 spots from the money.
Mike Zuniga (Fredrick, MD) is the chip leader with 249k, while Gabriel Ohana (Baltimore, MD) is second with 196k.
The average stack is 95k (32 bb) with blinds moving up to 1,500/3k.
Dinner Break, Play Resumes 8:30 pm
Mike Zuniga
19 players remain, just 10 spots from the money.
Mike Zuniga (Fredrick, MD) is the chip leader with 249k, while Gabriel Ohana (Baltimore, MD) is second with 196k.
The average stack is 95k (32 bb) with blinds moving up to 1,500/3k.
Event 10: Ladies Dinner Break
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Dinner Break, Play Resumes 8:22 pm
The 30 remaining players are on dinner break and chip lead belongs to Diana Shamshoum (Montreal, Canada) who is at 150k. Several stacks are in the 100-120k range including Sheree Bykofsky (Atlantic City, NJ), who's on Shamshoum's immediate left.
The average stack is 63k (32 bb) with blinds moving to 1k/2k/300 ante.
Big Stacks
Diana Shamshoum (Montreal, Canada) 150k
Mara Mercado (Ozone Park, NY) 119k
Sheree Bykofsky (Atlantic City, NJ) 114k
Gina Saladino (Conshohocken, PA) 105k
Dinner Break, Play Resumes 8:22 pm
The 30 remaining players are on dinner break and chip lead belongs to Diana Shamshoum (Montreal, Canada) who is at 150k. Several stacks are in the 100-120k range including Sheree Bykofsky (Atlantic City, NJ), who's on Shamshoum's immediate left.
The average stack is 63k (32 bb) with blinds moving to 1k/2k/300 ante.
Big Stacks
Diana Shamshoum (Montreal, Canada) 150k
Mara Mercado (Ozone Park, NY) 119k
Sheree Bykofsky (Atlantic City, NJ) 114k
Gina Saladino (Conshohocken, PA) 105k
Event 6: Stuck At Three
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
These three guys are playing serious poker and with the stacks so deep and sixty minute levels, this could take a while.
They just passing blinds and antes around the felt, so far.
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
These three guys are playing serious poker and with the stacks so deep and sixty minute levels, this could take a while.
They just passing blinds and antes around the felt, so far.
Event 8: Dinner Break Big Stacks
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Dinner Break Until 8:05
Pete "Vaccum" Skyllas continues to lead the chip counts despite dropping from his high point of 301k down to 260k at dinner break.
Second in chips is Jerel Zarra (E. Hanover, NJ), who is at 255k.
102 players remain with an average stack of 94k (39 bb) when blinds resume at 1,200/2,400/300 ante.
Dinner Break Until 8:05
Jerel Zara, Battling for Chip Lead
Pete "Vaccum" Skyllas continues to lead the chip counts despite dropping from his high point of 301k down to 260k at dinner break.
Second in chips is Jerel Zarra (E. Hanover, NJ), who is at 255k.
102 players remain with an average stack of 94k (39 bb) when blinds resume at 1,200/2,400/300 ante.
Event 6: Post-Dinner Play Underway
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
The final three players are back from dinner and resuming the action.
Here's what's at stake:
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
The final three players are back from dinner and resuming the action.
Here's what's at stake:
1: $46,269
2: $25,448
3: $14,652
Event 9: Life's a Beach for Miami John
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
Blinds 800/1,500 (levels now 40 minutes long)
"Miami" John Cernuto (Las Vegas, NV) is all in and at risk against Kori Hunter (Ellicott City, MD) and Mike Zuniga (Fredrick, MD) who has both players covered.
Hunter, while holding two aces, hits a set on the flop and rivers quads to get the knockout and double-up through Zuniga.
Cernuto is on the rail, Hunter chips up to 85k, while Zuniga drops to 100k.
24 players remain with an average stack of 75k (50 bb).
Blinds 800/1,500 (levels now 40 minutes long)
(standing l-r ) Miami John and Hunter Await Their Fate,
Zuniga Sits Between Them
"Miami" John Cernuto (Las Vegas, NV) is all in and at risk against Kori Hunter (Ellicott City, MD) and Mike Zuniga (Fredrick, MD) who has both players covered.
Hunter, while holding two aces, hits a set on the flop and rivers quads to get the knockout and double-up through Zuniga.
Cernuto is on the rail, Hunter chips up to 85k, while Zuniga drops to 100k.
24 players remain with an average stack of 75k (50 bb).
Event 6: Dinner Time Chip Counts
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
At the end of the level, the final three opted to take a 45 minute dinner break.
Play will resume at about 7pm with level 22 (blinds 8k/16k/2k ante).
Approximate chip counts:
Anthony Zinno 1.5 million (94 big blinds)
Will Failla 1 million (63 big blinds)
Jonas Wexler 590k (37 big blinds)
Average stack is about 1 million.
At the end of the level, the final three opted to take a 45 minute dinner break.
Play will resume at about 7pm with level 22 (blinds 8k/16k/2k ante).
Approximate chip counts:
Anthony Zinno 1.5 million (94 big blinds)
Will Failla 1 million (63 big blinds)
Jonas Wexler 590k (37 big blinds)
Average stack is about 1 million.
Event 6: 4th Place - Sneideman
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Will Failla opened and Mike Sneideman jammed his short stack from the big blind.
Will called, showing 54 suited. Mike had AQ.
The board came T 7 6 4 9 and Will paired up on the turn to take the pot.
Mike will take $12,338 for his 4th place finish.
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Mike Sneideman (Newtown, CT)
$12,338
Will Failla opened and Mike Sneideman jammed his short stack from the big blind.
Will called, showing 54 suited. Mike had AQ.
The board came T 7 6 4 9 and Will paired up on the turn to take the pot.
Mike will take $12,338 for his 4th place finish.
Event 10: Borgata Poker Chip Leaders
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Blinds: 500/1k/100 ante
47 players, of 75 entries, remain with an average stack of 40k (40 bb).
Liza Porpiglia (Brookly, NY) is the chip leader with 110k, while Sheree Bykofsky (Atlantic City, NJ) is at 90k.
Nancy McLaughlin (Broomall, PA) sends a shout out to her husband Jim who wasn't able to make the A.C. trip. The McLaughlin's familiar faces at Borgata and have been featured in the blog.
Blinds: 500/1k/100 ante
Liza Porpiglia
Chip Leader
47 players, of 75 entries, remain with an average stack of 40k (40 bb).
Liza Porpiglia (Brookly, NY) is the chip leader with 110k, while Sheree Bykofsky (Atlantic City, NJ) is at 90k.
Nancy McLaughlin (Broomall, PA) sends a shout out to her husband Jim who wasn't able to make the A.C. trip. The McLaughlin's familiar faces at Borgata and have been featured in the blog.
Sheree Bykofsky
Event 6: Zinno Takes Lead
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Will Failla raised on the button and Anthony Zinno called from the small blind.
The flop was K 4 3 and Anthony checked. Will bet 30k and Anthony called.
Turn was a Queen. Anthony checked, Will fired 80k, Anthony raised to 200k, and Will called.
River was a 7. Anthony bet 200k and Will called.
Anthony: KQ for top two pair
Will: K4 flopped two pair
Anthony took the huge pot, chipping up to ~1.5 million and the chip lead.
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Will Failla raised on the button and Anthony Zinno called from the small blind.
The flop was K 4 3 and Anthony checked. Will bet 30k and Anthony called.
Turn was a Queen. Anthony checked, Will fired 80k, Anthony raised to 200k, and Will called.
River was a 7. Anthony bet 200k and Will called.
Anthony: KQ for top two pair
Will: K4 flopped two pair
Anthony took the huge pot, chipping up to ~1.5 million and the chip lead.
Event 6: Sneideman Holding On
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
On the turn with a board of A♦5♦4♦7♠, Jonas Wexler bet 77k and Mike Sneideman (button) called.
River was the 5♣ and Jonas bet 170k (close to what Mike had left).
Mike gave it some thought, then flashed an Ace and folded.
Jonas showed Q♦T♣ for the bluff.
Mike got some back from Will Failla on the next hand when he flopped Aces-up.
Four players remain.
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
On the turn with a board of A♦5♦4♦7♠, Jonas Wexler bet 77k and Mike Sneideman (button) called.
River was the 5♣ and Jonas bet 170k (close to what Mike had left).
Mike gave it some thought, then flashed an Ace and folded.
Jonas showed Q♦T♣ for the bluff.
Mike got some back from Will Failla on the next hand when he flopped Aces-up.
Four players remain.
Event 6: 5th Place - Feldman
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Very soon after the blinds went up:
Mike Sneideman limped utg, Will Failla limped on the button, Anthony Zinno completed the small blind, then Ryan Feldman shoved from the big blind.
Mike called and the other two folded.
Ryan: A7 suited
Mike: TT
Board: Q 6 6 4 2
Mike took the pot with his pocket pair, chipping up to ~450k.
Ryan took 5th place and $9,254.
Down to the final four. Average stack is 795k.
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Ryan Feldman (Plantsville, CT)
$9,254
Very soon after the blinds went up:
Mike Sneideman limped utg, Will Failla limped on the button, Anthony Zinno completed the small blind, then Ryan Feldman shoved from the big blind.
Mike called and the other two folded.
Ryan: A7 suited
Mike: TT
Board: Q 6 6 4 2
Mike took the pot with his pocket pair, chipping up to ~450k.
Ryan took 5th place and $9,254.
Down to the final four. Average stack is 795k.
Event 9: PLOwing Along
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
On Break, Next Blinds: 600/1,200
PLO is down to 35 players of the 90 total entries and the big stack is Nathan Greenwald (Highland Park, NJ) with 195k.
Second in chips is Gabriel Ohana who is at 140k.
The average stack is 54k (43 bb) as the field closes in on the final table and the nine money spots.
Still in the field:
"Miami" John Cernuto
Glenn Engelbert
Anthony Zinno
Nathan Greenwald
Gabriel Ohana
Gil Sacks
Bruce Frank
Robert Melo
Dave Coppola
Gabriel
Kori Hunter
Dan Horan
Jason Rosenberg
Busted:
Allen "Chainsaw" Kessler"
Chris Reslock
Frank Alger
Gabriel Ramos
Nathan Greenwald
Chip Leader
On Break, Next Blinds: 600/1,200
PLO is down to 35 players of the 90 total entries and the big stack is Nathan Greenwald (Highland Park, NJ) with 195k.
Second in chips is Gabriel Ohana who is at 140k.
The average stack is 54k (43 bb) as the field closes in on the final table and the nine money spots.
Still in the field:
"Miami" John Cernuto
Glenn Engelbert
Anthony Zinno
Nathan Greenwald
Gabriel Ohana
Gil Sacks
Bruce Frank
Robert Melo
Dave Coppola
Gabriel
Kori Hunter
Dan Horan
Jason Rosenberg
Busted:
Allen "Chainsaw" Kessler"
Chris Reslock
Frank Alger
Gabriel Ramos
Gabriel Ohana
Event 6: Still Stuck at Five
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Ryan Feldman has been all-in at least three times without getting called.
First, Jonas Wexler opened for 22k, Ryan shoved for 112k, and Jonas folded.
Then Ryan open-shoved utg for 141k and got no callers.
Then three of them paid 45k to see a flop of Q 5 4 -- all clubs -- and Anthony Zinno (bb) led out for 14k. Ryan shoved and everyone folded.
Ryan continues to hold on with about 25 big blinds.
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Ryan Feldman has been all-in at least three times without getting called.
First, Jonas Wexler opened for 22k, Ryan shoved for 112k, and Jonas folded.
Then Ryan open-shoved utg for 141k and got no callers.
Then three of them paid 45k to see a flop of Q 5 4 -- all clubs -- and Anthony Zinno (bb) led out for 14k. Ryan shoved and everyone folded.
Ryan continues to hold on with about 25 big blinds.
Event 8: Re-Entry Closed, Hold'em Big Stacks
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Level 10: Blinds 500/1k/100 ante
More than 300 players are in the Day 1A field with registration closed. Players who bust now can rejoin the tournament 11 am Monday for Day 1B.
Big stacks are up to 150k and includes Pete Skyllas (New York, NY), who when asked how to spell his name says, "v-a-c-u-u-m." The vacuum cleaner sucking up chips.
Also in the 150k range is Susan Deely (Bethlehem, PA), a lawyer turned poker player, who is giving the game a shot and recently landed a $21,000 score.
Pete "Vaccum" Skyllas
Level 10: Blinds 500/1k/100 ante
More than 300 players are in the Day 1A field with registration closed. Players who bust now can rejoin the tournament 11 am Monday for Day 1B.
Big stacks are up to 150k and includes Pete Skyllas (New York, NY), who when asked how to spell his name says, "v-a-c-u-u-m." The vacuum cleaner sucking up chips.
Also in the 150k range is Susan Deely (Bethlehem, PA), a lawyer turned poker player, who is giving the game a shot and recently landed a $21,000 score.
Susan Deely
Event 6: Stuck at Five
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Will Failla opened for 21k, then Ryan Feldman shoved his last 69k over the line.
Will called, showing T9 suited. Ryan had him dominated with KT off.
The board came K K 9 2 5 and Ryan doubled up to ~160k.
Still five players.
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Will Failla opened for 21k, then Ryan Feldman shoved his last 69k over the line.
Will called, showing T9 suited. Ryan had him dominated with KT off.
The board came K K 9 2 5 and Ryan doubled up to ~160k.
Still five players.
Event 6: Break Time Chip Counts
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Play resumed after the break.
Approximate chip counts:
Will Failla 1.1 million
Jonas Wexler 815k
Anthony Zinno 810k
Ryan Feldman 220k
Mike Sneideman 220k
Average stack is 636k.
Here's a reminder what they're playing for:
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Play resumed after the break.
Approximate chip counts:
Will Failla 1.1 million
Jonas Wexler 815k
Anthony Zinno 810k
Ryan Feldman 220k
Mike Sneideman 220k
Average stack is 636k.
Here's a reminder what they're playing for:
1: $46,269
2: $25,448
3: $14,652
4: $12,338
5: $9,254
Event 6: 6th Place - Minxolli
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
On the river with a board of K 4 3 9 5, Jonas Wexler (sb) bet 120k. After some thought, Glen Minxolli called. Jonas showed K2 suited for a pair of Kings (flopped flush draw, but didn't get it). Glen mucked and Jonas took the pot.
A few hands later, Jonas opened for 18k, Anthony Zinno called, then Glen Minxolli shoved for ~180k.
Jonas called; Anthony folded.
Glen: JT suited
Jonas: AK
Board: 8 4 3 6 7
Jonas took the pot with Ace-high. Glen, who started the day as the chip leader, finished in 6th place, earning $7,712.
That was the last hand of the level and players are on break.
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Glen Minxolli (Peabody, MA)
$7,712
On the river with a board of K 4 3 9 5, Jonas Wexler (sb) bet 120k. After some thought, Glen Minxolli called. Jonas showed K2 suited for a pair of Kings (flopped flush draw, but didn't get it). Glen mucked and Jonas took the pot.
A few hands later, Jonas opened for 18k, Anthony Zinno called, then Glen Minxolli shoved for ~180k.
Jonas called; Anthony folded.
Glen: JT suited
Jonas: AK
Board: 8 4 3 6 7
Jonas took the pot with Ace-high. Glen, who started the day as the chip leader, finished in 6th place, earning $7,712.
That was the last hand of the level and players are on break.
Event 6: Feldman Doubles
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Ryan Feldman 3-bet shoved with pocket Jacks and got action from Glen Minxolli, who held A8.
The cards ran out 9 7 5 3 3 and changed nothing. Ryan doubled up to ~265k.
Still six players.
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Ryan Feldman 3-bet shoved with pocket Jacks and got action from Glen Minxolli, who held A8.
The cards ran out 9 7 5 3 3 and changed nothing. Ryan doubled up to ~265k.
Still six players.
Event 10: Wish You Were Here, XOXO
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Beth Russo (Parlin, NJ) can't be with her friends in the women's tournament, but is making sure she's staying close to the action.
Sara Wasch (Philadelphia, PA) is the first to tell us that Russo is a new mom and home with three month old Abby.
Wasch and many players, including Dawn Wilno (Hamilton, NJ) and Nancy Martin (Washington Crossing, PA) send their best to Beth, husband Michael and Abby.
Beth Russo (Parlin, NJ) can't be with her friends in the women's tournament, but is making sure she's staying close to the action.
@TheReader23 @JamieKerstetter @BorgataPoker jelly of you.ladies. Will be following on the blog. Give me a shout out lol.
— Beth Russo (@BethAnnRusso) September 8, 2013
Sara Wasch (Philadelphia, PA) is the first to tell us that Russo is a new mom and home with three month old Abby.
Wasch and many players, including Dawn Wilno (Hamilton, NJ) and Nancy Martin (Washington Crossing, PA) send their best to Beth, husband Michael and Abby.
No Crying Calls for Baby Abby
Event 6: 7th Place - Marshall
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Anthony Zinno doubled through Ryan Feldman when his pocket Kings held up against Ryan's pocket Tens (Anthony turned a set of Kings). Anthony is up to ~770k.
Cary Marshall got all-in for his last 36k and called by Will Failla and Jonas Wexler (bb).
They checked the flop of T 3 3.
When an Ace fell on the turn, Will bet and Jonas folded.
Cary: K6 suited
Will: A7
River: 8
Will took the pot and Cary took 7th place and $6,169.
Six players remain. Average stack is 530k.
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Cary Marshall (King Salmon, AK)
$6,169
Anthony Zinno doubled through Ryan Feldman when his pocket Kings held up against Ryan's pocket Tens (Anthony turned a set of Kings). Anthony is up to ~770k.
Cary Marshall got all-in for his last 36k and called by Will Failla and Jonas Wexler (bb).
They checked the flop of T 3 3.
When an Ace fell on the turn, Will bet and Jonas folded.
Cary: K6 suited
Will: A7
River: 8
Will took the pot and Cary took 7th place and $6,169.
Six players remain. Average stack is 530k.
Event 9: Amazing Miami John
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
"Miami" John Cernuto and Allen Kessler are two successful PLO players who are in from Vegas. Not only do they have to face each other, but the varying skill levels in the game.
Cernuto and Kessler, amazed by the play and have some stories to tell:
"Miami" John Cernuto and Allen Kessler are two successful PLO players who are in from Vegas. Not only do they have to face each other, but the varying skill levels in the game.
Cernuto and Kessler, amazed by the play and have some stories to tell:
Guy on my PLO table said he didnt know how to play. He hit a river 4 out then a 2 outer vs Kessler . Allen said he was writing it down. Lol
— John Cernuto (@MiamiJohnC) September 8, 2013
Event 6: 8th Place - Jennings
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Ryan Feldman opened for 18k in the cutoff and Bill Jennings called from the small blind.
On the flop of J 8 5 rainbow, Ryan bet 25k, and Bill jammed for 150k. Ryan called.
Bill: KJ for top pair
Ryan: QQ for the overpair
The last two fell A 7 and changed nothing. Bill Jennings departed in 8th place, earning $4,627.
Seven players remain. Average stack is 454k.
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Bill Jennings (Darien, CT)
$4,627
Ryan Feldman opened for 18k in the cutoff and Bill Jennings called from the small blind.
On the flop of J 8 5 rainbow, Ryan bet 25k, and Bill jammed for 150k. Ryan called.
Bill: KJ for top pair
Ryan: QQ for the overpair
The last two fell A 7 and changed nothing. Bill Jennings departed in 8th place, earning $4,627.
Seven players remain. Average stack is 454k.
Event 6: Stuck at Eight
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Cary Marshall opened for 14,500. Will Failla called in the cutoff, then Anthony Zinno (button) raised to 36k.
Cary folded and Will called.
The flop fell 8 7 6 rainbow and both players checked.
Turn was a 2 and the second diamond on board. Will bet 40k and Anthony called.
River was an offsuit 5. Will bet 100k and Anthony called.
Will showed QJ of diamonds for a whiffed flush draw and Queen-high.
Anthony rolled over pocket Aces (again) to take the pot.
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Cary Marshall opened for 14,500. Will Failla called in the cutoff, then Anthony Zinno (button) raised to 36k.
Cary folded and Will called.
The flop fell 8 7 6 rainbow and both players checked.
Turn was a 2 and the second diamond on board. Will bet 40k and Anthony called.
River was an offsuit 5. Will bet 100k and Anthony called.
Will showed QJ of diamonds for a whiffed flush draw and Queen-high.
Anthony rolled over pocket Aces (again) to take the pot.
Event 8: Back from Break, Reg Open until ~4:15 pm
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Level 7: Blinds 250/500/50 ante
Day 1A has nearly 300 entries with registration open for three more levels until ~4:15 pm.
Kirron Chan (Yonkers, NY), who just finished 16th place for $2,313 in the $1k has joined the field.
Tweet Counts:
Chris Leong 56k
Chris Farley 50k
Rich Rodrigo 28k
Kevin McColgan 20k
Level 7: Blinds 250/500/50 ante
Day 1A has nearly 300 entries with registration open for three more levels until ~4:15 pm.
Kirron Chan (Yonkers, NY), who just finished 16th place for $2,313 in the $1k has joined the field.
Tweet Counts:
Chris Leong 56k
Chris Farley 50k
Rich Rodrigo 28k
Kevin McColgan 20k
Event 6: 9th Place - Jin
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Jay Jin got all-in on a flop of all low cards holding AQ. Unfortunately for Jay, Mike Sneideman had A5 and had flopped a 5. Jay was left looking for one of three remaining Queens, but none appeared.
Jay finished in 9th place, earning $3,470.
Eight players remain. Average stack is 398k.
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Xin 'Jay' Jin (Herndon, VA)
$3,470
Jay Jin got all-in on a flop of all low cards holding AQ. Unfortunately for Jay, Mike Sneideman had A5 and had flopped a 5. Jay was left looking for one of three remaining Queens, but none appeared.
Jay finished in 9th place, earning $3,470.
Eight players remain. Average stack is 398k.
Event 10: Flopped Nuts Beaten by Royal River
Level 3: Blinds 75/150
(l-r) Rowe, Pat Knoll (Washington Crossing, PA), DuBois & Wilno
Nicole Rowe (New Windsor, NY) and Dawn Wilno (Hamilton, NJ) both flop a straight with J 10, but Rowe's hand, "just kept getting better."
By the river Rowe has a Royal Flush by using the J♥ and gets paid by Wilno with a four flush on board, Rowe is up to 38k.
Wilno builds her stack back to 36k when she hits a set of 8s to cracks the Aces of Miriam DuBois (Teaneck, NJ), who is still at 20k.
Event 6: 11th - Palermo; 10th - Tajalli
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Milad Tajalli got his chips in the middle, then Leonardo Palermo followed suit.
Glen Minxolli had them both well covered and called.
Milad: KK
Leonardo: AT
Glen: AJ
Board: Q T 5 8 9
Glen back-doored the straight to scoop, scoring the double knockout in the process.
Leonardo had the shorter stack, so he finished 11th; Milad finished 10th. Both earned $3,085.
The final nine players drew for seats and moved to the final table.
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Milad Tajalli (Gaithersberg, MD) & Leonardo Palermo (Toms River, NJ)
$3,085
Milad Tajalli got his chips in the middle, then Leonardo Palermo followed suit.
Glen Minxolli had them both well covered and called.
Milad: KK
Leonardo: AT
Glen: AJ
Board: Q T 5 8 9
Glen back-doored the straight to scoop, scoring the double knockout in the process.
Leonardo had the shorter stack, so he finished 11th; Milad finished 10th. Both earned $3,085.
The final nine players drew for seats and moved to the final table.
Event 6: 12th Place - Berger
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Anthony Zinno was all-in pre-flop with pocket Aces against Glen Minxolli's pocket Tens. Anthony flopped a set to seal the deal and doubled up to ~400k.
A couple of hands later, Seth Berger got his short-stack in holding JT, but ran into Anthony Zinno's pocket Kings.
The Kings held and Anthony took the last of Seth's chips. Seth took $3,085 for 12th place.
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Seth Berger (Malvern, PA)
$3,085
Anthony Zinno was all-in pre-flop with pocket Aces against Glen Minxolli's pocket Tens. Anthony flopped a set to seal the deal and doubled up to ~400k.
A couple of hands later, Seth Berger got his short-stack in holding JT, but ran into Anthony Zinno's pocket Kings.
The Kings held and Anthony took the last of Seth's chips. Seth took $3,085 for 12th place.
Event 6: Are You Ready For Some Chip Counts?
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
The final dozen players are back from a break after the conclusion of level 17 and play has resumed.
Here are the approximate chip counts as of the break:
Table 1
1 - Seth Berger - 70k
2 - Glen Minxolli - 700k (117 big blinds)
3 - Milad Tajalli - 90k
4 - Leonardo Palermo - 85k
5 - Will Failla - 600k
6 - Anthony Zinno - 200
Table 2
1 - Jay Jin - 60k (10 big blinds)
2 - Jonas Wexler - 580k
3 - Ryan Feldman - 300k
4 - Cary Marshall - 160k
5 - Mike Sneideman - 140k
6 - Bill Jennings - 160k
Average stack is 265k.
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
The final dozen players are back from a break after the conclusion of level 17 and play has resumed.
Here are the approximate chip counts as of the break:
Table 1
1 - Seth Berger - 70k
2 - Glen Minxolli - 700k (117 big blinds)
3 - Milad Tajalli - 90k
4 - Leonardo Palermo - 85k
5 - Will Failla - 600k
6 - Anthony Zinno - 200
Table 2
1 - Jay Jin - 60k (10 big blinds)
2 - Jonas Wexler - 580k
3 - Ryan Feldman - 300k
4 - Cary Marshall - 160k
5 - Mike Sneideman - 140k
6 - Bill Jennings - 160k
Average stack is 265k.
Event 10: Texas Hold'em Trophy Bonus
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Ladies Event today @BorgataPoker! There's an EXTRA trophy in it for ya girls from the @HHPT_Poker_Tour #ComeAndGetIt pic.twitter.com/qmJ1JXmP40
— Marguerite Spagnuolo (@mmmmarguerite) September 8, 2013
Event 6: 13th Place - Datashvili
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
David Datashvili opened for a raise, got one caller, then Ryan Feldman 3-bet.
David shoved and the caller got out of the pot.
Ryan called all-in showing pocket Queens.
David was racing with AK.
He got no help on the board and Ryan more than doubled up with his Queens.
David was left with only about 6k and Jay Jin got those on the next hand.
David reported to the rail in 13th place, earning $2,699.
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
David Datashvili (Forest Hill, NY)
$2,699
David Datashvili opened for a raise, got one caller, then Ryan Feldman 3-bet.
David shoved and the caller got out of the pot.
Ryan called all-in showing pocket Queens.
David was racing with AK.
He got no help on the board and Ryan more than doubled up with his Queens.
David was left with only about 6k and Jay Jin got those on the next hand.
David reported to the rail in 13th place, earning $2,699.
Event 6: 14th Place - Buzzard
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Ted Buzzard got all-in against two opponents, who got to the river with a board of 7 7 5 3 8.
The hands were tabled:
Ted: A9 (Ace-high)
Anthony Zinno: A8 (pair of 8s)
Glen Minxolli: TT (winner)
Ted busted out in 14th place, earning $2,699.
Thirteen players remain. Average stack is 245k.
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Ted Buzzard (Apex, NC)
$2,699
Ted Buzzard got all-in against two opponents, who got to the river with a board of 7 7 5 3 8.
The hands were tabled:
Ted: A9 (Ace-high)
Anthony Zinno: A8 (pair of 8s)
Glen Minxolli: TT (winner)
Ted busted out in 14th place, earning $2,699.
Thirteen players remain. Average stack is 245k.
Event 9: Are You Ready for Some Football??
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
The first Sunday of the NFL season has players with one eye on their chip stack and the other on the big screens.
Fans are sporting their favorite jerseys, including Dave Coppola (Manalapan, NJ) who reraises his opponent, who folds. Coppola shows a flopped boat on a J-J-8 board.
"I figured the Giants are out of town this week." says the season ticket holder. "So I could sneak down and play a few events and still make it to work by Wednesday," adding that he's in the transportation industry.
Franco Bonacci (Pittsburgh, PA) is in hot water because he's missing his girlfriends daughter's 5th birthday to play PLO. "She's not pleased," says the Steelers fan. "please wish Grace a happy birthday."
And it's a happy day for all NFL fans.
Big Screens for the Big Day
The first Sunday of the NFL season has players with one eye on their chip stack and the other on the big screens.
Fans are sporting their favorite jerseys, including Dave Coppola (Manalapan, NJ) who reraises his opponent, who folds. Coppola shows a flopped boat on a J-J-8 board.
"I figured the Giants are out of town this week." says the season ticket holder. "So I could sneak down and play a few events and still make it to work by Wednesday," adding that he's in the transportation industry.
Franco Bonacci (Pittsburgh, PA) is in hot water because he's missing his girlfriends daughter's 5th birthday to play PLO. "She's not pleased," says the Steelers fan. "please wish Grace a happy birthday."
And it's a happy day for all NFL fans.
Dave Coppola
Giants Fan
Franco Bonacci
Steelers Fan
Event 6: 15th Place - Smith
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Patrick Smith got his short stack in the middle pre-flop holding AK.
Will Failla had him beat, but was racing with pocket Queens.
A King on the flop sent the lead to Patrick, but then a Queen on the river gave Will a set and the pot.
Patrick finished in 15th place, earning $2,699.
Fourteen players remain. Average stack is 227k.
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Patrick Smith (Suwanee, GA)
$2,699
Patrick Smith got his short stack in the middle pre-flop holding AK.
Will Failla had him beat, but was racing with pocket Queens.
A King on the flop sent the lead to Patrick, but then a Queen on the river gave Will a set and the pot.
Patrick finished in 15th place, earning $2,699.
Fourteen players remain. Average stack is 227k.
Event 10: High Heels Hit Borgata Poker Open
$350 + $50 Ladies Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
The Ladies are looking good and underway in the Event Center.
In addition to the cash, Borgata trophy and the framed winner's photo, the 1st place finisher gets an additional trophy from the High Heels Poker tour; Here's last week's High Heels Preview.
The Ladies get 25k chips and levels are 30 minutes each. It's a one day tournament with re-entry and late registration available for the first 6 Levels.
Ladies Night
The Ladies are looking good and underway in the Event Center.
In addition to the cash, Borgata trophy and the framed winner's photo, the 1st place finisher gets an additional trophy from the High Heels Poker tour; Here's last week's High Heels Preview.
The Ladies get 25k chips and levels are 30 minutes each. It's a one day tournament with re-entry and late registration available for the first 6 Levels.
Event 6: 16th Place - Chan
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
On a flop of T 8 5 rainbow, Kirron Chan (utg) bet 36k and after some thought, chip leader Glen Minxolli called from the button.
Turn was a Queen and Kirron took his time, counting out his remaining chips (about 160k) then pushed them forward. Glen snap-called and they tabled their hands:
Kirron: 88 for a set of 8s
Glen: J9 for the straight and the current nuts
Kirron needed the board to pair on the river, but it was a 6. Kirron hit the rail in 15th place ($2,313).
Glen's big stack got bigger.
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Kirron Chan (Yonkers, NY)
$2,313
On a flop of T 8 5 rainbow, Kirron Chan (utg) bet 36k and after some thought, chip leader Glen Minxolli called from the button.
Turn was a Queen and Kirron took his time, counting out his remaining chips (about 160k) then pushed them forward. Glen snap-called and they tabled their hands:
Kirron: 88 for a set of 8s
Glen: J9 for the straight and the current nuts
Kirron needed the board to pair on the river, but it was a 6. Kirron hit the rail in 15th place ($2,313).
Glen's big stack got bigger.
Borgata Leaderboard Update (9/8)
Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard
By participating in any Borgata Poker Open event (September 3-20, 2013), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.
Below are the top scores for the 2013 Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results events: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
350.000: MAKSIM ROZENFELD
306.625: SOHEB PORBANDARWALA
280.000: DANIEL WACH
277.140: ARTUR ZAIKANSKY
270.000: ERIC RAPPAPORT
263.325: ERIC SIEGEL
250.125: THOMAS HOGLUND
249.925: KHALED ALWAN
246.125: ILYA VASSERMAN
231.700: JOHN HOLLEY
218.175: ANTHONY TAVOLINO
217.600: WENDY FREEDMAN
216.000: AVIK MITTAL
212.865: EDWARD HISLOP
211.240: H MICHAEL BOROVETZ
210.400: IRENEUSZ JOZWIAK
201.900: PHILIP NEIMAN
By participating in any Borgata Poker Open event (September 3-20, 2013), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.
Below are the top scores for the 2013 Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results events: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
350.000: MAKSIM ROZENFELD
306.625: SOHEB PORBANDARWALA
280.000: DANIEL WACH
277.140: ARTUR ZAIKANSKY
270.000: ERIC RAPPAPORT
263.325: ERIC SIEGEL
250.125: THOMAS HOGLUND
249.925: KHALED ALWAN
246.125: ILYA VASSERMAN
231.700: JOHN HOLLEY
218.175: ANTHONY TAVOLINO
217.600: WENDY FREEDMAN
216.000: AVIK MITTAL
212.865: EDWARD HISLOP
211.240: H MICHAEL BOROVETZ
210.400: IRENEUSZ JOZWIAK
201.900: PHILIP NEIMAN
Event 6: 17th Place - Dentale
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Mike Dentale (bb) got all his chips in the middle with KQ off.
Patrick Smith (button) was ahead with A5 suited.
The board ran out 9 8 5 5 Q giving Patrick trip 5s. The Queen on the river was too little, too late, for Mike. "Story of my life...story of my life" Mike lamented, as he walked away from the table.
Mike finished in 17th place, earning $2,313.
Level 17: Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY)
$2,313
Mike Dentale (bb) got all his chips in the middle with KQ off.
Patrick Smith (button) was ahead with A5 suited.
The board ran out 9 8 5 5 Q giving Patrick trip 5s. The Queen on the river was too little, too late, for Mike. "Story of my life...story of my life" Mike lamented, as he walked away from the table.
Mike finished in 17th place, earning $2,313.
Event 8: Leong Chips Up, Gives Back
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
1st Break, Next Blinds: 100/200 (Level 4)
Chris Leong (New York, NY) hit a set of 4s early and ran his stack to 77k, but has since given some chips back.
On the last hand before the break, Leong and Alan Kraut (Doylestown, PA) see a board of 3♦ 7♠ 10♠ 2♦ Q♥. Leong, who's been betting the entire way, leads for 5,500 and Kraut moves all in for 11k more.
The hand goes 5 minutes into the break before Leong tank-folds.
Kraut is up to 25k, while Leong drops to 51k.
Leong (left) Bets the Turn as Larry Sobin (Pine Brook, NJ)
Waits for Kraut (right)
1st Break, Next Blinds: 100/200 (Level 4)
Chris Leong (New York, NY) hit a set of 4s early and ran his stack to 77k, but has since given some chips back.
On the last hand before the break, Leong and Alan Kraut (Doylestown, PA) see a board of 3♦ 7♠ 10♠ 2♦ Q♥. Leong, who's been betting the entire way, leads for 5,500 and Kraut moves all in for 11k more.
The hand goes 5 minutes into the break before Leong tank-folds.
Kraut is up to 25k, while Leong drops to 51k.
Event 6: 18th Place - Taranto
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Mark Taranto was the first player to be eliminated in early action. He earned $2,313.
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Mark Taranto (Annapolois, MD)
$2,313
Mark Taranto was the first player to be eliminated in early action. He earned $2,313.
Event 6: Day Two Underway
$1000 + $90 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Eighteen players are back in action on day two.
Average stack is 177k.
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Eighteen players are back in action on day two.
Average stack is 177k.
Event 9: PLO Set for Noon
$400 + $50 Big Stack PLO High (Re-Entry)
The Event Center will be buzzing with activity as four Main Events will be going simultaneously.
At high noon the third Omaha tournament of the Borgata Poker Open gets underway, along with the
$1k restart where 18 players return to play for the $46,269 top prize.
The Ladies jump into action at 1 pm, joining the 11 am Day 1A $500,000 Guaranteed 11 am field.
PLO begins with 20k in chips and start with 30 minutes levels before moving to 40 minutes for Levels 11+.
It's a one day tournament with re-entries and late registration open for the first 6 Levels.
The Event Center will be buzzing with activity as four Main Events will be going simultaneously.
At high noon the third Omaha tournament of the Borgata Poker Open gets underway, along with the
$1k restart where 18 players return to play for the $46,269 top prize.
The Ladies jump into action at 1 pm, joining the 11 am Day 1A $500,000 Guaranteed 11 am field.
PLO begins with 20k in chips and start with 30 minutes levels before moving to 40 minutes for Levels 11+.
It's a one day tournament with re-entries and late registration open for the first 6 Levels.
Event 8: Great Poker....Guaranteed!
$500 + $60 Deeper Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
The fourth guarantee of the Borgata Poker Open is underway and after going three-for-three, players are looking to make it four in a row with the $500,000 GUARANTEED 11 am event.
This is Day 1A of two starting days and features 30k chips and 30 minute levels to start.
Re-entry and late registration is open for the first 9 Levels and the two end of night big stacks receive bonuses: $2,000 for chip leader, $1,000 for second place.
The guarantee joins the $2 Million Guarantee opening event, the $150,000 Guarantee $1k tournament, which resumes at noon and the $100,000 Guarantee which was won by Avik Mittal (New York, NY) early this morning.
The fourth guarantee of the Borgata Poker Open is underway and after going three-for-three, players are looking to make it four in a row with the $500,000 GUARANTEED 11 am event.
This is Day 1A of two starting days and features 30k chips and 30 minute levels to start.
Re-entry and late registration is open for the first 9 Levels and the two end of night big stacks receive bonuses: $2,000 for chip leader, $1,000 for second place.
The guarantee joins the $2 Million Guarantee opening event, the $150,000 Guarantee $1k tournament, which resumes at noon and the $100,000 Guarantee which was won by Avik Mittal (New York, NY) early this morning.
Event 7 Recap
2013 Borgata Poker Open
$350 Buy-In + $50 Entry $100,000 Guaranteed Big Stack No Limit Hold'Em (Re-Entry)
Entrants: 544
Prize pool: $184,688
No Limit Hold'Em tournament poker is beautiful in it's simplicity at times. The best player doesn't always win. At times, it can even seem like it is destiny that a player will come out on top. Such was the case today at the 2013 Borgata Poker Open when Avik Mittal defeated a tough opponent in Wendy Freedman to win Event #7 and the $45,987 first place prize money. Why was it destiny? Because Avik is getting married next month. After scoring by far his biggest tournament cash ever, Avik explained "I am going to use this money to help pay for the wedding." Talk about getting married on the right foot.
When we started play at the final table, our final ten players were as follows:
Seat One: Paul Shedaker (Croydon, PA) - 580K
Seat Two: Danny Aharoni (Forrest Hills, NY) - 1.5 million
Seat Three: Adam Taplinger (New York, NY) - 650K
Seat Four: Wayne Mernone (Hamilton, NJ) - 900K
Seat Five: Wendy Freedman (Las Vegas, NV) - 1.025 million
Seat Six: Max Digilov (Staten Island, NY) - 275K
Seat Seven: Dadong Yan (New York, NY) - 275K
Seat Eight: Trish Heller (Woodstock, NY) - 325K
Seat Nine: Martino Scaturro (Westfield, NJ) - 1.225 million
Seat Ten: Avik Mittal (New York, NY) - 1.4 million
The blinds were at 20K/40K with a 4K ante and the action would be fast and furious at the onset of the final table as we would see the first five players eliminated in less than an hour. It started when Trish Heller moved all in for her last 280K with the A♦T♦ and was called by Wendy Freedman who held pocket tens. The dealer made Wendy sweat by putting out a diamond flush draw on the turn but no diamond or ace arrived on the river and we had our first elimination of the final table.
Dadony Yan was now the shortest stack at the table and facing a raise from Danny Aharoni and a call from Adam Taplinger, Yan took the opportunity to pull a squeeze play by moving all in for his last 212K. It was only another 132 to call for Aharoni and Taplinger and they both made the call. When the flop came K♣6♥4♠, Taplinger moved all in after a Aharoni check. Danny folded and the cards were turned over - K♦Q♦ for Taplinger and a lowly Q♠J♠ for Yan. The turn and river would come 7♥T♠ and just like that we were down to eight.
Entrants: 544
Prize pool: $184,688
No Limit Hold'Em tournament poker is beautiful in it's simplicity at times. The best player doesn't always win. At times, it can even seem like it is destiny that a player will come out on top. Such was the case today at the 2013 Borgata Poker Open when Avik Mittal defeated a tough opponent in Wendy Freedman to win Event #7 and the $45,987 first place prize money. Why was it destiny? Because Avik is getting married next month. After scoring by far his biggest tournament cash ever, Avik explained "I am going to use this money to help pay for the wedding." Talk about getting married on the right foot.
Avik Mittal, Event #7 Champion
When we started play at the final table, our final ten players were as follows:
Seat One: Paul Shedaker (Croydon, PA) - 580K
Seat Two: Danny Aharoni (Forrest Hills, NY) - 1.5 million
Seat Three: Adam Taplinger (New York, NY) - 650K
Seat Four: Wayne Mernone (Hamilton, NJ) - 900K
Seat Five: Wendy Freedman (Las Vegas, NV) - 1.025 million
Seat Six: Max Digilov (Staten Island, NY) - 275K
Seat Seven: Dadong Yan (New York, NY) - 275K
Seat Eight: Trish Heller (Woodstock, NY) - 325K
Seat Nine: Martino Scaturro (Westfield, NJ) - 1.225 million
Seat Ten: Avik Mittal (New York, NY) - 1.4 million
The blinds were at 20K/40K with a 4K ante and the action would be fast and furious at the onset of the final table as we would see the first five players eliminated in less than an hour. It started when Trish Heller moved all in for her last 280K with the A♦T♦ and was called by Wendy Freedman who held pocket tens. The dealer made Wendy sweat by putting out a diamond flush draw on the turn but no diamond or ace arrived on the river and we had our first elimination of the final table.
Trish Heller (Woodstock, NY) - 10th place - $2,401
Dadony Yan was now the shortest stack at the table and facing a raise from Danny Aharoni and a call from Adam Taplinger, Yan took the opportunity to pull a squeeze play by moving all in for his last 212K. It was only another 132 to call for Aharoni and Taplinger and they both made the call. When the flop came K♣6♥4♠, Taplinger moved all in after a Aharoni check. Danny folded and the cards were turned over - K♦Q♦ for Taplinger and a lowly Q♠J♠ for Yan. The turn and river would come 7♥T♠ and just like that we were down to eight.
Dadong Yan (New York, NY) - 9th place - $3,694
Only a few hands would be dealt before the next elimination took place. With the flop reading 8♦8♣6♣ Martino Scaturro led out for 95K. Paul Shedaker liked his spot and decided to move all in for an additional 439K. This caused Martino to get out of his chair and stand up. He played with his stack deliberately, unsure of what to do. He knew he was behind but Martino had some gamble to him. "I call," he announced and turned over the 5♣3♣ for a baby flush draw. Shedaker had pocket 7's and was in good shape to double up and move over the one million chip mark. The 5♠ improved Martino's hand slightly but he was still behind the two pair that Shedaker held. That would change when the Q♣ came on the river to give Martino his flush. "Yes!" exclaimed Scaturro, clapping his hands together with joy. A stunned Shedaker could only give a quiet wave to the rest of the table as he made his way to the payout line.
Paul Shedaker (Croydon, PA) - 8th place - $5,264
Having the chip lead now, Martino asked the rest of the table if they wanted to make a deal. It was something he had suggested earlier. Again he was shot down, most notably by professional poker player Wendy Freedman who said "I want to play it out." Wendy showed she had game a few moments later. She opened the action for a min-raise to 80K only to get re-raised by Danny Aharoni to 265K. Wendy shot Danny a look out of the corner of her eye, hesitated for a moment, and then announced that she was all in. Aharoni tossed his cards high into the air and they landed face down in the middle of the table.
The blinds moved up to 25K/50K with a 5K ante when a desperate and short-stacked Max Digilov decided it was time to make a stand. Digilov moved all in for 150K with the Q♠9♥ and would be in need of some assistance when he was called by Martino and his pocket jacks. Digilov would get some hope when a 9 came on the flop but that would be all the kindness he would receive from the poker Gods as Martino's jacks would hold up.
Max Digilov (Staten Island, NY) - 7th place - $6,741
Martino again asks if the others want to make a deal. Wendy again shoots it down saying "I don't want to do anything." And again Wendy takes down another pot after eying Adam Taplinger and deciding his 50K bet was weak. She raises the bet, Adam folds telling her "good hand" as he does so. Wendy thanks him and adds to her ever increasing stack.
In the meantime, Danny Aharoni's tough final table run continues when he raises Avik Mittal's 175K bet to 410K and has to fold to Avik's all in shove. The fold leaves Aharoni with just 610K - a far cry from the chip lead he had held entering final table play. Perhaps frustrated, Aharoni would move all in with the A♦3♥ from the button. It was again bad timing as this time Wayne Mernone woke up with a big hand with the A♥K♦. Mernone would hit a king on the turn and Aharoni's riches to rags story was complete.
Danny Aharoni (Forrest Park, NY) - 6th place - $8,496
Martino yet again proposes a deal. This time Wendy responds "I'm just going to pretend that you're not talking" - obviously tired of the fact that Martino has not clued into the fact that there will be no deal made tonight. Adam Taplinger picks up a nice pot off of Wayne Mernone when he bets 100K on a 9♥6♦4♠ board and then moves all in over the top of Mernone's 250K raise prompting a fold from the bigger stack.
The blinds move up to 30K/60K with a 5K ante and Wendy picks up two small pots to chip her up even more. The turning point of the final table then takes place. Martino opened the action to 120K and was called by Avik. The flop came J♠8♥3♥ and Martino led out for 225K. Avik calls yet again. The turn is the A♠ and Martino checks this time. Avik thinks for a moment before placing out a large bet of 500K. Martino moves all in putting Avik to the test. "Are you on a draw?" he asks, adding "I thought we were friends." Avik looks again at his hand and then announces a call, turning over A♣8♣ for a turned two pair. "F***ing hit the ace on the f***ing turn," groaned an upset Martino. The river was the 3♠ and Avik doubled up taking the chip lead in the process. Martino was still alive but was now down to just 600K.
Martino would put himself back into contention moments later when he would move his last 525K into the middle with an all in pre-flop shove with J♣T♠ and would get lucky against the A♥Q♦ of Adam Taplinger when a ten would hit on the turn. Thrilled with the turn of events, Martino would again clap his hands. Adam in the meantime could only wring his hands over his head whispering to himself "wow... this game can be maddening."
A short-stacked Wayne Mernone would move all in for 480K with A♣8♣ and would find action in the form of Avik who re-raised to one million. Avik had queens and was looking good for the knockout on the J♣J♥9♥8♠ board until the miracle ace hit on the river to double Mernone up. Mernone asked the dealer with a grin on his face "wait, he raised to a million. Don't I get a million?"
Wendy Freedman completed her small blind and Martino checked his option from the big blind. The flop came T♣6♣5♠ and Freedman led out for 65K which Martino quickly called. The turn was the A♥ and Freedman bet again, this time for 125K. Again Martino called. The river was the 6♠ causing Freedman to slow down and check. Martino wasted no time in announcing that he was all in. Just as quickly, Freedman grabbed a stack of chips and pushed them into the middle announcing a call. Martino turned over 6♦3♣ for rivered trips but unfortunately for him, Freedman also held a 6 and her kicker was way better... a king.
Martino Scaturro (Westfield, NJ) - 5th place - $10,343
Once Martino is out of earshot, Wayne Mernone can't help himself. "Want to chop now?" The rest of the table laughs, including Wendy Freedman who proclaims "now that was funny." With the blinds now at 40K/80K and a 10K ante, a now short stacked Adam Taplinger moves all in over the top of Avik's 240K opener. Avik makes the call with a wimpy K♣4♣ which is surprisingly ahead of the K♠3♠ that Taplinger holds. The board comes out A♣9♥J♦J♥ and we are one card away from an inevitable chopped pot. The river being the cruel mistress that she is though brings the only card in the deck that can eliminate Taplinger and it's the 4♦ that does the deed this time.
Adam Taplinger (New York, NY) - 4th place - $13,205
Wendy Freedman who mentioned that she had moved to Las Vegas two years ago from Houston, Texas opened the action to 180K. Avik made it a million more to call. "Did you really just make it a million?" she asked, incredulous. "That's only half my stack," she said, making a fake sad face as she folded her hand. Avik continued to apply the pressure, raising to 300K a few minutes later. "These big bets are driving me crazy," Wendy said before tossing out a call. The flop comes 7 high and Avik moves all in causing more laughter to come from Wendy. "How do you decide what you are betting?" she asks. Avik just shrugs and says "I'm not a pro." Wendy does manage to get about 400K off of Avik when she catches him bluffing with fourth pair and her top pair is good enough to scoop the pot. And even though it might have been frustrating to have to deal with Avik's big bets Wendy proclaimed "even though this is the middle of the night and I'm dog tired, I'm having a lot of fun guys."
The players decided to take a 10 minute break. The chip counts as they went on break were:
Wayne 1.5 million
Wendy 2.365 million
Avik 4.3 million
When they returned from the break the blinds were increased to 50K/100K with a 10K ante. With only 15 big blinds left in his stack, Wayne Mernone felt A♣9♠ was as good a hand as he was going to get and moved all in over the top of the min raise that Avik had placed out. Avik made the quick call with pocket jacks and would eliminate Mernone when the board ran out ragged. We were now heads up with Avik holding nearly a 3:1 chip advantage.
Wayne Mernone (Hamilton, NJ) - 3rd place - $16,622
Wendy and Avik would exchange a few chips when probably the critical hand of the heads up match went down. Avik opened the action for a min-raise and was called by Wendy. The flop came Q♦5♣3♦ and Avik led out for 200K after Wendy checked. Wendy put Avik to the test, making it 575K to go. There was some music playing in the background and Avik's head was moving in time to the beat. Wendy was staring off into space, shuffling a large stack of chips. Avik studies the board and then puts out the chips to make the call. The turn is the 3♥ and Wendy checks. Avik eyes Wendy's stack and places out a bet of 600K. Wendy is still shuffling the large stack of chips. She looks back at her cards and quietly moves them into the middle of the table, folding, leaving herself with 1.3 million in chips.
Wendy (left) and Avik (right) playing heads up for the trophy
Wendy moves all in first to act for her last 1.1 million and is instantly called by Avik who holds the dream heads up hand - pocket Aces. Wendy has T♣4♠ and gets some help when a ten flops. No dream ten or miracle four comes on the turn and river and we have our winner! Wendy is a poker professional living in Las Vegas, Nevada who has really
burst onto the scene over the last two years with tournament cashes
totaling (with this cash included) $295,733. This includes a 6th place finish in a $500 Borgata Poker Open event in September 2012 that was good for $75,519 and a 103rd place cash in the 2012 WPT Main Event that was good for another $7,070.
Wendy Freedman (Las Vegas, NV) - 2nd place - 25,856
Avik Mittal is our 1st place winner, collecting $45,987, a beautiful Borgata Poker Open trophy, and a customized 16 x 20 framed photo with Borgata chip and event information plaque.
As the money bubble approached, Avik Mittal was just hoping to survive
long enough to make the money. He only had two tournament cashes to his
credit for a total of $1,400 so the $739 he would receive for just
making the money would have been a big deal to him. Then something
happened on the way to making the money... Avik started accumulating
chips. He won a huge pot with top two pair against a smaller two pair to
bring his stack to 700K and he never looked back after that. Using a
combination of good cards and large bets to put the pressure on his
opponents, Mittal was in control from start to finish of the final
table.
Avik first started playing poker around 10 years ago when he saw it on television while living in India. No one played poker in India so Avik would teach his friends how to play just so he would have someone to play with. He came to the United States in 2008 where he took 4th in a small tournament for $400. "That was awesome," he said, a smile coming over his face as he thought back to that first small cash. "My other tournament cash was for $1,000. This is like a dream come true."
Avik first started playing poker around 10 years ago when he saw it on television while living in India. No one played poker in India so Avik would teach his friends how to play just so he would have someone to play with. He came to the United States in 2008 where he took 4th in a small tournament for $400. "That was awesome," he said, a smile coming over his face as he thought back to that first small cash. "My other tournament cash was for $1,000. This is like a dream come true."
Avik almost didn't make it into the tournament today. He decided at the last minute to play and caught a bus at 10:30 and didn't get to the Borgata until about 30 minutes before registration closed. "I was short for a long time but got lucky a couple times and then started to get chips," Avik explained. When asked why he was making such large overbets Avik answered "I was trying to see what their risk appetite was. There wasn't anyone willing to take a chance so I was just pushing people knowing I had the chips to do it."
When asked what he was going to do with the money, Avik responded "I'm
getting married in October in India so this will help with the costs of
the wedding and gifts." Avik closed by saying how much he loves the
Borgata. "I usually play 1-2 No Limit cash games. The Borgata is
convenient, has a big poker room, and the staff and people here are
great."
Congratulations on your victory Avik!
Congratulations on your victory Avik!
Avik Mittal (New York, NY) - 1st place - $45,987
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)