Greg Mueller - Live Updates

Level 15 Hour 2 Update: Mueller's Third Bracelet Will Have to Wait

Jul 11, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000 with a 500 ante

Players Remaining: 659 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Bertrand Grospellier – 1,600,000
2. Benjamin Jensen – 1,100,000
3. Ludovic Lacay – 925,000
4. Jason Brice – 858,500
5. Jordan Morgan – 811,000
6. Eli Adler – 810,000
7. Kasper Cordes – 796,000
8. James Akenhead – 794,000
9. Billy Kopp – 792,000
10. Tyler Patterson – 784,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 160,000
Phil Hellmuth – 240,000

Average Chip Count: 283,581

Notable Eliminations:

Greg Mueller
J.C. Alvarado
Brian Lemke
Hevad Khan

Big Hands:
Greg Mueller Eliminated

On the turn with the board reading 78810, Greg Mueller bet 18,000 and was called by Nichoel Peppe. They both watched the J fall on the river and now Mueller checked and Peppe took the initiative and bet 25,000. Mueller called and mucked his hand when Peppe showed him J10. That hand left him with 39,000.

Shortly after, he was in the big blind and it folded around to Jeff Norman in the small blind, who limped in. Mueller shoved all in and Norman called instantly. Norman tabled AA and Mueller held 66. The board didn’t improve Mueller and his quest for a third bracelet will have to wait until next year.

Tom Schneider Doubles Up

Tom Schneider found a way to get all of his 136,000 into the middle preflop and was called by Thai Tran. Tran held AQ and was in dire straights against Schneider’s AA.

Tran never picked up anything resembling outs as the board ran out 7583J, and Schneider would double up.

A few hands later, Tom Schneider raised to 12,000 from the cutoff and the small blind made the call. The flop came 1023 and the action was checked to Schneider and he fired 18,000. The small blind called and the turn was the 4. Action was checked again to Schneider and he bet 40,000. That was enough to chase away the small blind and Schneider took the pot. He was at 400,000.

Dan Harrington Makes a Big Raise, Takes the Pot

After some heavy preflop action that ended up with about 50,000 in the middle, there was a flop taken heads-up between Dan Harrington and Paren Arzoomanian. The flop was QJ7 and Arzoomanian led out for 20,000. Harrington made a huge raise to 135,000, leaving himself with just 84,000 behind.

Arzoomanian tanked for a few moments before letting his hand go and Harrington chipped up to 295,000.

J.C. Tran Gets Rolling

J.C. Tran doubled up again, this time through Lou Diamond Phillips. Tran moved in preflop with pocket queens and Phillips called with pocket tens. The board held Tran’s ladies and he doubled to 190,000.

A few hands later, the player in seat 2 raised to 10,500 preflop and Tran made the call from the small blind. The flop came down 10105 and both players checked. The turn was the 9 and Tran led out with 11,000. Seat 2 made the call and the river was the 8. Both players checked again and Tran showed 33 and it was good for the pot. He was up to 205,000.

Brian Lemke Eliminated

On a flop of A95, Brian Lemke shoved all in at his opponent. His opponent, who had less chips than Lemke, called and showed A5, good for two pair. Lemke had 23 needed a 4 to fill his gutshot straight. Lemke missed and was down to just 50,000 in chips.

Just a few hands later Lemke committed his last 50,000 with AQ and was called by another player who showed KK. Lemke flopped top pair, but never improved as the board ran out Q57102 and another bracelet winner was sent to the rail.

Left In The Deck:

One of the tournament directors has just gotten on the microphone to announce that the spectators that are on the rail, need to move to another area, as hand-for-hand play is going to start soon. With 670 players remaining, 22 players need to be eliminated and then the money bubble will burst.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   Dan Harrington,   Greg Mueller,   Tom Schneider

Level 8 Hour 1 Update: Mike Matusow, Gavin Smith Eliminated

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 400-800 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 828 out of 1476

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 325,000
2. Greg Mueller – 275,000
3. Andy Black – 164,000
4. Chris Ferguson – 145,000
5. Tom Schneider – 140,000
6. Mike Sexton – 136,000
7. Jani Sointula – 135,000
8. Juha Helppi – 133,000
9. Vitaly Lunkin – 121,000
10. Greg Raymer – 118,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Ciaran O’Leary – 33,400

Average Chip Count Day 2A: 66,595

Notable Eliminations:

Mike Gracz
Todd Brunson
Alex Kravchenko
Mike Matusow
Gavin Smith

Big Hands:

Mike Matusow Eliminated

Mike Matusow committed the last of his short stack (about 6,000) preflop from early position and was reraised by another opponent, who made it 15,000 to go. Everyone else at the table mucked and Matusow tabled the KQ but was up against the worst possible hand, the pocket kings of his opponent. The board bricked out for Matusow and he was sent to the rail a year after a deep run in the 2008 main event.

Jim Bechtel Doubles Up

Jim Bechtel saw a disaster flop of J107 and got all his money in. Bechtel was called quickly by an opponent who tabled the AA. Bechtel was way behind with the KJ and needed get lucky to survive. The turn was the 3, giving Bechtel a backdoor flush draw and a lot of extra outs to survive. One of them came as the 9 fell on the river, giving Bechtel a big double up to 71,000 chips.

Brad Garrett Knocks Out Opponent

TV star Brad Garrett held the AA and called the all in bet of another player with the 77. The all-in bet was for 19,700 after Garrett made it 1,600 preflop. The board ran out 653Q8 and Garrett eliminated his opponent, building his stack to 78,000.

Greg Mueller Building a Huge Stack

After the two-time bracelet winner from this summer made it 2,200 preflop, a player on the button moved all in for 10,200. The small blind smooth called and Mueller elected to call as well. Three players saw a flop of K54. The small blind checked to Mueller who wasn’t content with just checking it down. Mueller threw out a bet of 10,000 and the small blind folded. Mueller exposed the 89 for nine-high while the all-in player exposed the A10 for ace-high and the lead. The J hit the turn as Mueller still remained live to hit one of his cards. The pair got there as the 9 fell on the river. Mueller knocked out his opponent and is up to 275,000 in chips.

Gavin Smith Eliminated

Gavin Smith got the rest of his stack into the middle in a coin flip situation. Smith held the AQ and was up against the pocket eights of an unknown opponent. The flop came 765, giving Smith the nut flush draw to go along with his two overs, while his opponent flopped an open ended straight draw. The board bricked out for Smith as it came 7J, as he was sent to the rail late on day two.

Grant Levy Doubles Up

Grant Levy moved all in from middle position after a raising battle with the big blind. The big blind tabled the AK and was flipping against the QQ of Levy. The queens held as the board ran out 87396. Levy is now at 98,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Gavin Smith,   Brad Garrett,   Grant Levy,   Jim Bechtel

Level 15 Hour 2 Update: Mueller's Third Bracelet Will Have to Wait

Jul 11, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000 with a 500 ante

Players Remaining: 659 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Bertrand Grospellier – 1,600,000
2. Benjamin Jensen – 1,100,000
3. Ludovic Lacay – 925,000
4. Jason Brice – 858,500
5. Jordan Morgan – 811,000
6. Eli Adler – 810,000
7. Kasper Cordes – 796,000
8. James Akenhead – 794,000
9. Billy Kopp – 792,000
10. Tyler Patterson – 784,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 160,000
Phil Hellmuth – 240,000

Average Chip Count: 283,581

Notable Eliminations:

Greg Mueller
J.C. Alvarado
Brian Lemke
Hevad Khan

Big Hands:
Greg Mueller Eliminated

On the turn with the board reading 78810, Greg Mueller bet 18,000 and was called by Nichoel Peppe. They both watched the J fall on the river and now Mueller checked and Peppe took the initiative and bet 25,000. Mueller called and mucked his hand when Peppe showed him J10. That hand left him with 39,000.

Shortly after, he was in the big blind and it folded around to Jeff Norman in the small blind, who limped in. Mueller shoved all in and Norman called instantly. Norman tabled AA and Mueller held 66. The board didn’t improve Mueller and his quest for a third bracelet will have to wait until next year.

Tom Schneider Doubles Up

Tom Schneider found a way to get all of his 136,000 into the middle preflop and was called by Thai Tran. Tran held AQ and was in dire straights against Schneider’s AA.

Tran never picked up anything resembling outs as the board ran out 7583J, and Schneider would double up.

A few hands later, Tom Schneider raised to 12,000 from the cutoff and the small blind made the call. The flop came 1023 and the action was checked to Schneider and he fired 18,000. The small blind called and the turn was the 4. Action was checked again to Schneider and he bet 40,000. That was enough to chase away the small blind and Schneider took the pot. He was at 400,000.

Dan Harrington Makes a Big Raise, Takes the Pot

After some heavy preflop action that ended up with about 50,000 in the middle, there was a flop taken heads-up between Dan Harrington and Paren Arzoomanian. The flop was QJ7 and Arzoomanian led out for 20,000. Harrington made a huge raise to 135,000, leaving himself with just 84,000 behind.

Arzoomanian tanked for a few moments before letting his hand go and Harrington chipped up to 295,000.

J.C. Tran Gets Rolling

J.C. Tran doubled up again, this time through Lou Diamond Phillips. Tran moved in preflop with pocket queens and Phillips called with pocket tens. The board held Tran’s ladies and he doubled to 190,000.

A few hands later, the player in seat 2 raised to 10,500 preflop and Tran made the call from the small blind. The flop came down 10105 and both players checked. The turn was the 9 and Tran led out with 11,000. Seat 2 made the call and the river was the 8. Both players checked again and Tran showed 33 and it was good for the pot. He was up to 205,000.

Brian Lemke Eliminated

On a flop of A95, Brian Lemke shoved all in at his opponent. His opponent, who had less chips than Lemke, called and showed A5, good for two pair. Lemke had 23 needed a 4 to fill his gutshot straight. Lemke missed and was down to just 50,000 in chips.

Just a few hands later Lemke committed his last 50,000 with AQ and was called by another player who showed KK. Lemke flopped top pair, but never improved as the board ran out Q57102 and another bracelet winner was sent to the rail.

Left In The Deck:

One of the tournament directors has just gotten on the microphone to announce that the spectators that are on the rail, need to move to another area, as hand-for-hand play is going to start soon. With 670 players remaining, 22 players need to be eliminated and then the money bubble will burst.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   Dan Harrington,   Greg Mueller,   Tom Schneider

Level 8 Hour 1 Update: Mike Matusow, Gavin Smith Eliminated

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 400-800 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 828 out of 1476

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 325,000
2. Greg Mueller – 275,000
3. Andy Black – 164,000
4. Chris Ferguson – 145,000
5. Tom Schneider – 140,000
6. Mike Sexton – 136,000
7. Jani Sointula – 135,000
8. Juha Helppi – 133,000
9. Vitaly Lunkin – 121,000
10. Greg Raymer – 118,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Ciaran O’Leary – 33,400

Average Chip Count Day 2A: 66,595

Notable Eliminations:

Mike Gracz
Todd Brunson
Alex Kravchenko
Mike Matusow
Gavin Smith

Big Hands:

Mike Matusow Eliminated

Mike Matusow committed the last of his short stack (about 6,000) preflop from early position and was reraised by another opponent, who made it 15,000 to go. Everyone else at the table mucked and Matusow tabled the KQ but was up against the worst possible hand, the pocket kings of his opponent. The board bricked out for Matusow and he was sent to the rail a year after a deep run in the 2008 main event.

Jim Bechtel Doubles Up

Jim Bechtel saw a disaster flop of J107 and got all his money in. Bechtel was called quickly by an opponent who tabled the AA. Bechtel was way behind with the KJ and needed get lucky to survive. The turn was the 3, giving Bechtel a backdoor flush draw and a lot of extra outs to survive. One of them came as the 9 fell on the river, giving Bechtel a big double up to 71,000 chips.

Brad Garrett Knocks Out Opponent

TV star Brad Garrett held the AA and called the all in bet of another player with the 77. The all-in bet was for 19,700 after Garrett made it 1,600 preflop. The board ran out 653Q8 and Garrett eliminated his opponent, building his stack to 78,000.

Greg Mueller Building a Huge Stack

After the two-time bracelet winner from this summer made it 2,200 preflop, a player on the button moved all in for 10,200. The small blind smooth called and Mueller elected to call as well. Three players saw a flop of K54. The small blind checked to Mueller who wasn’t content with just checking it down. Mueller threw out a bet of 10,000 and the small blind folded. Mueller exposed the 89 for nine-high while the all-in player exposed the A10 for ace-high and the lead. The J hit the turn as Mueller still remained live to hit one of his cards. The pair got there as the 9 fell on the river. Mueller knocked out his opponent and is up to 275,000 in chips.

Gavin Smith Eliminated

Gavin Smith got the rest of his stack into the middle in a coin flip situation. Smith held the AQ and was up against the pocket eights of an unknown opponent. The flop came 765, giving Smith the nut flush draw to go along with his two overs, while his opponent flopped an open ended straight draw. The board bricked out for Smith as it came 7J, as he was sent to the rail late on day two.

Grant Levy Doubles Up

Grant Levy moved all in from middle position after a raising battle with the big blind. The big blind tabled the AK and was flipping against the QQ of Levy. The queens held as the board ran out 87396. Levy is now at 98,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Gavin Smith,   Brad Garrett,   Grant Levy,   Jim Bechtel

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 50

Jun 28, '09

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 50($194,854), Marc Naalden Finishes In Second Place($120,614)

It was a seesaw battle between Marc Naalden and Greg Mueller as both men traded the chip lead throughout their heads-up match. Both men were going for their second bracelet of the 2008 WSOP and Mueller was able to gain the upper hand late into the night and finish off Naalden.

Naalden raised to 80,000 from the button and Mueller made the call. The flop came down 1043 and Mueller check-called Naalden’s 40,000 bet. The turn was the K and Mueller checked again. Naalden fired 80,000 and Mueller pounced, raising to 160,000. Naalden raised one more time, putting himself all in and Mueller made the call.

Mueller showed K5 for top pair and Naalden showed K2 for the same hand with a weaker kicker. The river was the J and Mueller’s kicker played, giving him the hand and his second bracelet at this year’s WSOP. Mueller pocketed $194,854 for the win and he added his name to the list of double bracelet winners in 2009.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Marcus Naalden

Final Table Update: Jose Barbero Eliminated in 8th Place ($13,655)

Jun 28, '09

Blinds: 5,000-10,000, Limits: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 7 out of 572

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Mueller — 725,000
2. David Williams — 705,000
3. Marc Naalden — 655,000
4. Millie Shiu — 525,000
5. Matthew Sterling — 510,000
6. Joep Van Den Bijgaart — 400,000
7. Flaminio Malaguti — 285,000

Average Chip Count: 367,714

Notable Eliminations:

8. Jose Baebero – $13,655

Big Hands

Jose Barbero Eliminated in 8th Place ($13,655)

Greg Mueller raises before the flop and Jose Barbero calls from the big blind.

The flop comes A107, Barbero bets out, Mueller raises, Barbero three-bets, and Mueller four-bets him all in.

Barbero: K2
Mueller: A10

Mueller flops top two pair while Barbero flops the nut flush draw. The turn and river are the 6 and the J, no help to Jose Barbero who is eliminated in 8th place ($13,655).

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Jose Barbero

Final Day Begins At 2:00 pm PDT

Jun 28, '09

The final table of Event no. 50 – $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout begins at 2:00 pm PDT. David Williams, Marcus Naalden and Greg Mueller are looking to score their second bracelets here, Mueller and Naalden going for their second of the series. Here is a look at the final table…

David Williams
Greg Mueller
Flamingo Malaguti
Joep Van Den Bijgaart
Jose Barbero
Marc Naalden
Matthew Sterling
Millie Shiu

The final eight players will return at 2:00 pm PDT, and will each start with 360,000 in chips. All of the finalists have guaranteed themselves a payout of at least $13,655 (8th) while one of them will walk away with a shiny new bracelet and the $194,854 grand prize.

Be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com for all of the action.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   David Williams

End of Day 2; Final Table Set

Jun 28, '09

Day 2 of Event no. 50 – $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout has come to end with the final eight-handed table now set. Both David Williams, Marcus Naalden and Greg Mueller look to score their second bracelets here, Mueller and Naalden going for their second of the series. Here is a look at the final table…

David Williams
Greg Mueller
Flamingo Malaguti
Joep Van Den Bijgaart
Jose Barbero
Marc Naalden
Matthew Sterling
Millie Shiu

The final eight players will return at 2:00 pm PDT, and will each start with 360,000 in chips. All of the finalists have guaranteed themselves a payout of at least $13,655 (8th) while one of them will walk away with a shiny new bracelet and the $194,854 grand prize.

Be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com for all of the action.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   David Williams

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 50

Jun 28, '09

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 50($194,854), Marc Naalden Finishes In Second Place($120,614)

It was a seesaw battle between Marc Naalden and Greg Mueller as both men traded the chip lead throughout their heads-up match. Both men were going for their second bracelet of the 2008 WSOP and Mueller was able to gain the upper hand late into the night and finish off Naalden.

Naalden raised to 80,000 from the button and Mueller made the call. The flop came down 1043 and Mueller check-called Naalden’s 40,000 bet. The turn was the K and Mueller checked again. Naalden fired 80,000 and Mueller pounced, raising to 160,000. Naalden raised one more time, putting himself all in and Mueller made the call.

Mueller showed K5 for top pair and Naalden showed K2 for the same hand with a weaker kicker. The river was the J and Mueller’s kicker played, giving him the hand and his second bracelet at this year’s WSOP. Mueller pocketed $194,854 for the win and he added his name to the list of double bracelet winners in 2009.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Marcus Naalden

Final Table Update: Jose Barbero Eliminated in 8th Place ($13,655)

Jun 28, '09

Blinds: 5,000-10,000, Limits: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 7 out of 572

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Mueller — 725,000
2. David Williams — 705,000
3. Marc Naalden — 655,000
4. Millie Shiu — 525,000
5. Matthew Sterling — 510,000
6. Joep Van Den Bijgaart — 400,000
7. Flaminio Malaguti — 285,000

Average Chip Count: 367,714

Notable Eliminations:

8. Jose Baebero – $13,655

Big Hands

Jose Barbero Eliminated in 8th Place ($13,655)

Greg Mueller raises before the flop and Jose Barbero calls from the big blind.

The flop comes A107, Barbero bets out, Mueller raises, Barbero three-bets, and Mueller four-bets him all in.

Barbero: K2
Mueller: A10

Mueller flops top two pair while Barbero flops the nut flush draw. The turn and river are the 6 and the J, no help to Jose Barbero who is eliminated in 8th place ($13,655).

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Jose Barbero

Final Day Begins At 2:00 pm PDT

Jun 28, '09

The final table of Event no. 50 – $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout begins at 2:00 pm PDT. David Williams, Marcus Naalden and Greg Mueller are looking to score their second bracelets here, Mueller and Naalden going for their second of the series. Here is a look at the final table…

David Williams
Greg Mueller
Flamingo Malaguti
Joep Van Den Bijgaart
Jose Barbero
Marc Naalden
Matthew Sterling
Millie Shiu

The final eight players will return at 2:00 pm PDT, and will each start with 360,000 in chips. All of the finalists have guaranteed themselves a payout of at least $13,655 (8th) while one of them will walk away with a shiny new bracelet and the $194,854 grand prize.

Be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com for all of the action.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   David Williams

End of Day 2; Final Table Set

Jun 28, '09

Day 2 of Event no. 50 – $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout has come to end with the final eight-handed table now set. Both David Williams, Marcus Naalden and Greg Mueller look to score their second bracelets here, Mueller and Naalden going for their second of the series. Here is a look at the final table…

David Williams
Greg Mueller
Flamingo Malaguti
Joep Van Den Bijgaart
Jose Barbero
Marc Naalden
Matthew Sterling
Millie Shiu

The final eight players will return at 2:00 pm PDT, and will each start with 360,000 in chips. All of the finalists have guaranteed themselves a payout of at least $13,655 (8th) while one of them will walk away with a shiny new bracelet and the $194,854 grand prize.

Be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com for all of the action.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   David Williams

Final Table Update: Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 33 ($460,836)

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 1 out of 185

Notable Eliminations:

3. Chad Brown – $188,855
2. Pat Pezzin $285,196

Big Hands:

Chad Brown Finishes in Third Place ($188,855)

Completing his fall from chip leader to bust, Chad Brown raised on the button and Greg Mueller put in another bet from the small blind. Brown moved all in for his fourth bet, Mueller made the call and the cards were exposed.

Brown showed the Q10, but was behind the A9 that Mueller held. The board bricked off for Brown, and was eliminated in third place. Brown took home just shy of $190,000 for his impressive run through this tough field.

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 33 ($460,836)

After starting with a big lead at the beginning of heads up play, Mueller had chopped away at Pezzin’s stack, when the final hand came up.

Mueller raised from the button and Pezzin called from the big blind. On a flop of K23, Pezzin bet out and was raised by Mueller. Pezzin called and that meant that he had committed all of his chips.

Mueller showed 55, which was ahead of Pezzins 108. The turn was the Q and the river was the K, which meant that Greg Mueller will take home the bracelet and $460,836 along with it.

For his second place finish, Pat Pezzin will pocket $285,196.

Player Tags: Chad Brown,   Greg Mueller,   Pat Pezzin

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

Note: Players went on a 20 minute break and will return to play hand-for-hand until the money bubble bursts.

Chip Counts:

1. Mark Klecan – 610,000
2. Matt Hawrilenko – 585,000
3. Soheil Shamseddin – 475,000
4. Chad Brown – 420,000
5. Henny Hsiung – 400,000
6. Matt Glantz – 315,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 300,000
8. Howard Lederer – 278,000
9. Ralph Perry – 275,000
10. Jody Garaventa – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

Greg Mueller raised to 16,000 and Daniel Alaei made the call. The flop came A64 and Alaei checked. Mueller fired 8,000 and Alaei raised to 16,000. Mueller made the call and the A fell on the turn. Both players checked and the 10 came on the river. Mueller fired 16,000 and Alaei called. Mueller then tabled A6 for a full house and Alaei mucked. Mueller was up to 160,000 while Alaei was at 200,000.

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

Joe McGowan raised to 16,000 and Phil Tom made the call. Farzad Bonyadi came along as well and the flop came 854 and Bonyadi led out for 8,000. McGowan raised to 16,000 and Tom mucked. Bonyadi then raised all in and McGowan called.

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

Bonyadi hit top pair on the board but needed help against the overpair of his opponent. The turn was the Q and the river was the A and Bonyadi was eliminated.

Exit The Mustache

Steve Zolotow’s stack was all in against Kenny Shei preflop.

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

Zolotow took the lead briefly on the flop but he was drawing dead after Shei made the nut flush on the turn and the best moustache in poker was sent packing.

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

Jody Garaventa raised to 16,000 from the cutoff and Maria Ho three-bet to 24,000 from the small blind. Garaventa called and the flop came down KQ9. Ho fired 8,000 and was called. The turn was the 5 and Ho checked. Garaventa bet 16,000 and she called. The river was the 3 and Ho checked again. Garaventa bet another 16,000 and Ho called. She then tabled KQ for top two pair and Garaventa mucked. Ho improved her stack to 240,000

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   Greg Mueller,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Joe McGowan,   Jody Garaventa,   Farzad Bonyadi,   Kenny Shei

Level 13 Update: Scotty Nguyen, Annie Duke, Erik Seidel Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000

Players Remaining: 42 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 272,000
2. Ralph Perry – 180,000
3. Mario Ho – 178,000
4. Josh Arieh – 165,000
5. Jen Harman – 160,000
6. Pat Pezzin – 155,000
7. Steve Zolotow – 150,000
8. Ville Wahlbeck – 135,000
9. Greg Mueller – 135,000
10. Chad Brown – 120,000

Average Chip Count: 132,241

Notable Eliminations:

Scotty Nguyen
Shaun Deeb
Annie Duke
Erik Seidel

Big Hands:

Scotty Nguyen Eliminated

Scotty Nguyen and Greg Mueller were locked up in a pot with the former Main Event champion holding pocket queens against the four-five of Mueller. The former hockey player nailed a straight with his connectors, eliminating Nguyen in the middle the day.

Annie Duke Eliminated

Severely short stacked with only 3,500, Annie Duke bet the last of her remaining chips with the 99 and ran into the JJ of Kenny Hsiung. Duke failed to catch anything and was eliminated early.

Mimi Tran Hits Miracle, Criples Eli Elezra

On a board of AJ92, Eli Elezra checked to Mimi Tran who bet 8,000. Elezra check-raised to 16,000, enough to cover Tran. Tran looked disgusted and threw the last of her chips into the middle. Elezra tabled the A2, while Tran exposed the dominated KQ for a gutshot straight draw. Tran picked up her bag, got up, tucked her chair in and began walking away from the table. However, her exit was halted when the 10 fell on the river, giving her broadway. Tran doubled up to 50,000 and crippled Elezra, leaving him with 21,000.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Mimi Tran,   Greg Mueller,   Eli Elezra

Level 7 Update: Ho Continues To Roll

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000

Players Remaining: 141 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Josh Arieh – 103,000
2. Greg Mueller – 95,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
5. Markus Golser – 74,000
6. Mike Sowers – 72,500
7. Maria Ho – 70,000
8. Peter Gould – 60,000
9. Dario Minieri – 58,000
10. Jennifer Harman – 57,000

Average Stack: 37,248

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Newhouse
Phil Hellmuth
Phil Ivey

Big Hands:

Hawrilenko Takes One Off Mueller

Matt Hawrilenko and Greg Mueller were in for 2,000 preflop. The flop then came down A73 and Hawrilenko bet 1,000. Mueller made the call and the 8 fell on the turn. Hawrilenko bet 2,000 and Mueller called again. The K came on the river and Hawrilenko fired another 2,000 into the pot. Mueller called again and Hawrilenko showed A10 for top pair. Mueller flashed QQ and then threw it into the muck. Mueller dropped the pot but he was still around 100,000 in chips.

Dario Blasts Boeken

On a board reading J10910, Dario Minieri bet 2,000 and Noah Boeken made the call. The 10 came on the river and Minieri bet another 2,000. Boeken made the call and Minieri showed down the bullets, AA. Boeken mucked his hand and he was down to 40,000. Minieri was at 74,000 after the hand.

Ho’s Boat On The River Sinks Opponent

Mario Ho raised to 2,000 preflop and the players in seat 1 and 2 made the call. The flop came A94 and action was checked to Ho. She fired 1,000 and seat 1 raised to 2,000. Seat 2 mucked and Ho three-bet to 3,000. Seat 1 then raised himself all in and Ho made the call.

Ho: A10
Seat 1: AJ

Ho was trailing and the case A came on the turn, giving each player a set. But the 10 dropped on the river, giving Ho a full house and sending her opponent to the rail. She raked in the pot and she was at 80,000.

Matusow Struggling

Mike Matusow raised to 2,000 and the player in seat 9 three-bet to 3,000. Matusow made the call and the flop came AJ5. Seat 9 bet 1,000 and Matusow called. The turn was the 6 and seat 9 bet 2,000. Matusow had enough and mucked his hand. He was at 14,200 after dropping that pot.

Set Of Sailboats Flushed For Doyle

Josh Arieh raised to 2,000 preflop and four players called, including David Pham and Doyle Brunson. The flop came 854 and Pham led out with 1,000. Everyone called and the turn was the 4. Pham bet 2,000 and then Brunson raised to 4,000. Arieh got out of the way but Pham called as did seat 1. The river was the Q and Pham bet 4,000. Seat 1 called and Brunson quickly mucked A4 face up. Pham then showed down J8 for a flush, but seat 1 showed A5 for the nut flush. Pham was down to 12,000 while Brunson was down to 20,000.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Josh Arieh,   Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Doyle Brunson,   Noah Boeken,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Dario Minieri

Final Table Update: Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 33 ($460,836)

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 1 out of 185

Notable Eliminations:

3. Chad Brown – $188,855
2. Pat Pezzin $285,196

Big Hands:

Chad Brown Finishes in Third Place ($188,855)

Completing his fall from chip leader to bust, Chad Brown raised on the button and Greg Mueller put in another bet from the small blind. Brown moved all in for his fourth bet, Mueller made the call and the cards were exposed.

Brown showed the Q10, but was behind the A9 that Mueller held. The board bricked off for Brown, and was eliminated in third place. Brown took home just shy of $190,000 for his impressive run through this tough field.

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 33 ($460,836)

After starting with a big lead at the beginning of heads up play, Mueller had chopped away at Pezzin’s stack, when the final hand came up.

Mueller raised from the button and Pezzin called from the big blind. On a flop of K23, Pezzin bet out and was raised by Mueller. Pezzin called and that meant that he had committed all of his chips.

Mueller showed 55, which was ahead of Pezzins 108. The turn was the Q and the river was the K, which meant that Greg Mueller will take home the bracelet and $460,836 along with it.

For his second place finish, Pat Pezzin will pocket $285,196.

Player Tags: Chad Brown,   Greg Mueller,   Pat Pezzin

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

Note: Players went on a 20 minute break and will return to play hand-for-hand until the money bubble bursts.

Chip Counts:

1. Mark Klecan – 610,000
2. Matt Hawrilenko – 585,000
3. Soheil Shamseddin – 475,000
4. Chad Brown – 420,000
5. Henny Hsiung – 400,000
6. Matt Glantz – 315,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 300,000
8. Howard Lederer – 278,000
9. Ralph Perry – 275,000
10. Jody Garaventa – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

Greg Mueller raised to 16,000 and Daniel Alaei made the call. The flop came A64 and Alaei checked. Mueller fired 8,000 and Alaei raised to 16,000. Mueller made the call and the A fell on the turn. Both players checked and the 10 came on the river. Mueller fired 16,000 and Alaei called. Mueller then tabled A6 for a full house and Alaei mucked. Mueller was up to 160,000 while Alaei was at 200,000.

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

Joe McGowan raised to 16,000 and Phil Tom made the call. Farzad Bonyadi came along as well and the flop came 854 and Bonyadi led out for 8,000. McGowan raised to 16,000 and Tom mucked. Bonyadi then raised all in and McGowan called.

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

Bonyadi hit top pair on the board but needed help against the overpair of his opponent. The turn was the Q and the river was the A and Bonyadi was eliminated.

Exit The Mustache

Steve Zolotow’s stack was all in against Kenny Shei preflop.

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

Zolotow took the lead briefly on the flop but he was drawing dead after Shei made the nut flush on the turn and the best moustache in poker was sent packing.

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

Jody Garaventa raised to 16,000 from the cutoff and Maria Ho three-bet to 24,000 from the small blind. Garaventa called and the flop came down KQ9. Ho fired 8,000 and was called. The turn was the 5 and Ho checked. Garaventa bet 16,000 and she called. The river was the 3 and Ho checked again. Garaventa bet another 16,000 and Ho called. She then tabled KQ for top two pair and Garaventa mucked. Ho improved her stack to 240,000

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   Greg Mueller,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Joe McGowan,   Jody Garaventa,   Farzad Bonyadi,   Kenny Shei

Level 13 Update: Scotty Nguyen, Annie Duke, Erik Seidel Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000

Players Remaining: 42 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 272,000
2. Ralph Perry – 180,000
3. Mario Ho – 178,000
4. Josh Arieh – 165,000
5. Jen Harman – 160,000
6. Pat Pezzin – 155,000
7. Steve Zolotow – 150,000
8. Ville Wahlbeck – 135,000
9. Greg Mueller – 135,000
10. Chad Brown – 120,000

Average Chip Count: 132,241

Notable Eliminations:

Scotty Nguyen
Shaun Deeb
Annie Duke
Erik Seidel

Big Hands:

Scotty Nguyen Eliminated

Scotty Nguyen and Greg Mueller were locked up in a pot with the former Main Event champion holding pocket queens against the four-five of Mueller. The former hockey player nailed a straight with his connectors, eliminating Nguyen in the middle the day.

Annie Duke Eliminated

Severely short stacked with only 3,500, Annie Duke bet the last of her remaining chips with the 99 and ran into the JJ of Kenny Hsiung. Duke failed to catch anything and was eliminated early.

Mimi Tran Hits Miracle, Criples Eli Elezra

On a board of AJ92, Eli Elezra checked to Mimi Tran who bet 8,000. Elezra check-raised to 16,000, enough to cover Tran. Tran looked disgusted and threw the last of her chips into the middle. Elezra tabled the A2, while Tran exposed the dominated KQ for a gutshot straight draw. Tran picked up her bag, got up, tucked her chair in and began walking away from the table. However, her exit was halted when the 10 fell on the river, giving her broadway. Tran doubled up to 50,000 and crippled Elezra, leaving him with 21,000.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Mimi Tran,   Greg Mueller,   Eli Elezra

Level 7 Update: Ho Continues To Roll

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000

Players Remaining: 141 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Josh Arieh – 103,000
2. Greg Mueller – 95,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
5. Markus Golser – 74,000
6. Mike Sowers – 72,500
7. Maria Ho – 70,000
8. Peter Gould – 60,000
9. Dario Minieri – 58,000
10. Jennifer Harman – 57,000

Average Stack: 37,248

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Newhouse
Phil Hellmuth
Phil Ivey

Big Hands:

Hawrilenko Takes One Off Mueller

Matt Hawrilenko and Greg Mueller were in for 2,000 preflop. The flop then came down A73 and Hawrilenko bet 1,000. Mueller made the call and the 8 fell on the turn. Hawrilenko bet 2,000 and Mueller called again. The K came on the river and Hawrilenko fired another 2,000 into the pot. Mueller called again and Hawrilenko showed A10 for top pair. Mueller flashed QQ and then threw it into the muck. Mueller dropped the pot but he was still around 100,000 in chips.

Dario Blasts Boeken

On a board reading J10910, Dario Minieri bet 2,000 and Noah Boeken made the call. The 10 came on the river and Minieri bet another 2,000. Boeken made the call and Minieri showed down the bullets, AA. Boeken mucked his hand and he was down to 40,000. Minieri was at 74,000 after the hand.

Ho’s Boat On The River Sinks Opponent

Mario Ho raised to 2,000 preflop and the players in seat 1 and 2 made the call. The flop came A94 and action was checked to Ho. She fired 1,000 and seat 1 raised to 2,000. Seat 2 mucked and Ho three-bet to 3,000. Seat 1 then raised himself all in and Ho made the call.

Ho: A10
Seat 1: AJ

Ho was trailing and the case A came on the turn, giving each player a set. But the 10 dropped on the river, giving Ho a full house and sending her opponent to the rail. She raked in the pot and she was at 80,000.

Matusow Struggling

Mike Matusow raised to 2,000 and the player in seat 9 three-bet to 3,000. Matusow made the call and the flop came AJ5. Seat 9 bet 1,000 and Matusow called. The turn was the 6 and seat 9 bet 2,000. Matusow had enough and mucked his hand. He was at 14,200 after dropping that pot.

Set Of Sailboats Flushed For Doyle

Josh Arieh raised to 2,000 preflop and four players called, including David Pham and Doyle Brunson. The flop came 854 and Pham led out with 1,000. Everyone called and the turn was the 4. Pham bet 2,000 and then Brunson raised to 4,000. Arieh got out of the way but Pham called as did seat 1. The river was the Q and Pham bet 4,000. Seat 1 called and Brunson quickly mucked A4 face up. Pham then showed down J8 for a flush, but seat 1 showed A5 for the nut flush. Pham was down to 12,000 while Brunson was down to 20,000.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Josh Arieh,   Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Doyle Brunson,   Noah Boeken,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Dario Minieri

Final Table Update: Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 33 ($460,836)

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 1 out of 185

Notable Eliminations:

3. Chad Brown – $188,855
2. Pat Pezzin $285,196

Big Hands:

Chad Brown Finishes in Third Place ($188,855)

Completing his fall from chip leader to bust, Chad Brown raised on the button and Greg Mueller put in another bet from the small blind. Brown moved all in for his fourth bet, Mueller made the call and the cards were exposed.

Brown showed the Q10, but was behind the A9 that Mueller held. The board bricked off for Brown, and was eliminated in third place. Brown took home just shy of $190,000 for his impressive run through this tough field.

Greg Mueller Wins Event No. 33 ($460,836)

After starting with a big lead at the beginning of heads up play, Mueller had chopped away at Pezzin’s stack, when the final hand came up.

Mueller raised from the button and Pezzin called from the big blind. On a flop of K23, Pezzin bet out and was raised by Mueller. Pezzin called and that meant that he had committed all of his chips.

Mueller showed 55, which was ahead of Pezzins 108. The turn was the Q and the river was the K, which meant that Greg Mueller will take home the bracelet and $460,836 along with it.

For his second place finish, Pat Pezzin will pocket $285,196.

Player Tags: Chad Brown,   Greg Mueller,   Pat Pezzin

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

Note: Players went on a 20 minute break and will return to play hand-for-hand until the money bubble bursts.

Chip Counts:

1. Mark Klecan – 610,000
2. Matt Hawrilenko – 585,000
3. Soheil Shamseddin – 475,000
4. Chad Brown – 420,000
5. Henny Hsiung – 400,000
6. Matt Glantz – 315,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 300,000
8. Howard Lederer – 278,000
9. Ralph Perry – 275,000
10. Jody Garaventa – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

Greg Mueller raised to 16,000 and Daniel Alaei made the call. The flop came A64 and Alaei checked. Mueller fired 8,000 and Alaei raised to 16,000. Mueller made the call and the A fell on the turn. Both players checked and the 10 came on the river. Mueller fired 16,000 and Alaei called. Mueller then tabled A6 for a full house and Alaei mucked. Mueller was up to 160,000 while Alaei was at 200,000.

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

Joe McGowan raised to 16,000 and Phil Tom made the call. Farzad Bonyadi came along as well and the flop came 854 and Bonyadi led out for 8,000. McGowan raised to 16,000 and Tom mucked. Bonyadi then raised all in and McGowan called.

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

Bonyadi hit top pair on the board but needed help against the overpair of his opponent. The turn was the Q and the river was the A and Bonyadi was eliminated.

Exit The Mustache

Steve Zolotow’s stack was all in against Kenny Shei preflop.

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

Zolotow took the lead briefly on the flop but he was drawing dead after Shei made the nut flush on the turn and the best moustache in poker was sent packing.

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

Jody Garaventa raised to 16,000 from the cutoff and Maria Ho three-bet to 24,000 from the small blind. Garaventa called and the flop came down KQ9. Ho fired 8,000 and was called. The turn was the 5 and Ho checked. Garaventa bet 16,000 and she called. The river was the 3 and Ho checked again. Garaventa bet another 16,000 and Ho called. She then tabled KQ for top two pair and Garaventa mucked. Ho improved her stack to 240,000

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   Greg Mueller,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Joe McGowan,   Jody Garaventa,   Farzad Bonyadi,   Kenny Shei

Level 13 Update: Scotty Nguyen, Annie Duke, Erik Seidel Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000

Players Remaining: 42 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 272,000
2. Ralph Perry – 180,000
3. Mario Ho – 178,000
4. Josh Arieh – 165,000
5. Jen Harman – 160,000
6. Pat Pezzin – 155,000
7. Steve Zolotow – 150,000
8. Ville Wahlbeck – 135,000
9. Greg Mueller – 135,000
10. Chad Brown – 120,000

Average Chip Count: 132,241

Notable Eliminations:

Scotty Nguyen
Shaun Deeb
Annie Duke
Erik Seidel

Big Hands:

Scotty Nguyen Eliminated

Scotty Nguyen and Greg Mueller were locked up in a pot with the former Main Event champion holding pocket queens against the four-five of Mueller. The former hockey player nailed a straight with his connectors, eliminating Nguyen in the middle the day.

Annie Duke Eliminated

Severely short stacked with only 3,500, Annie Duke bet the last of her remaining chips with the 99 and ran into the JJ of Kenny Hsiung. Duke failed to catch anything and was eliminated early.

Mimi Tran Hits Miracle, Criples Eli Elezra

On a board of AJ92, Eli Elezra checked to Mimi Tran who bet 8,000. Elezra check-raised to 16,000, enough to cover Tran. Tran looked disgusted and threw the last of her chips into the middle. Elezra tabled the A2, while Tran exposed the dominated KQ for a gutshot straight draw. Tran picked up her bag, got up, tucked her chair in and began walking away from the table. However, her exit was halted when the 10 fell on the river, giving her broadway. Tran doubled up to 50,000 and crippled Elezra, leaving him with 21,000.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Mimi Tran,   Greg Mueller,   Eli Elezra

Level 7 Update: Ho Continues To Roll

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000

Players Remaining: 141 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Josh Arieh – 103,000
2. Greg Mueller – 95,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
5. Markus Golser – 74,000
6. Mike Sowers – 72,500
7. Maria Ho – 70,000
8. Peter Gould – 60,000
9. Dario Minieri – 58,000
10. Jennifer Harman – 57,000

Average Stack: 37,248

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Newhouse
Phil Hellmuth
Phil Ivey

Big Hands:

Hawrilenko Takes One Off Mueller

Matt Hawrilenko and Greg Mueller were in for 2,000 preflop. The flop then came down A73 and Hawrilenko bet 1,000. Mueller made the call and the 8 fell on the turn. Hawrilenko bet 2,000 and Mueller called again. The K came on the river and Hawrilenko fired another 2,000 into the pot. Mueller called again and Hawrilenko showed A10 for top pair. Mueller flashed QQ and then threw it into the muck. Mueller dropped the pot but he was still around 100,000 in chips.

Dario Blasts Boeken

On a board reading J10910, Dario Minieri bet 2,000 and Noah Boeken made the call. The 10 came on the river and Minieri bet another 2,000. Boeken made the call and Minieri showed down the bullets, AA. Boeken mucked his hand and he was down to 40,000. Minieri was at 74,000 after the hand.

Ho’s Boat On The River Sinks Opponent

Mario Ho raised to 2,000 preflop and the players in seat 1 and 2 made the call. The flop came A94 and action was checked to Ho. She fired 1,000 and seat 1 raised to 2,000. Seat 2 mucked and Ho three-bet to 3,000. Seat 1 then raised himself all in and Ho made the call.

Ho: A10
Seat 1: AJ

Ho was trailing and the case A came on the turn, giving each player a set. But the 10 dropped on the river, giving Ho a full house and sending her opponent to the rail. She raked in the pot and she was at 80,000.

Matusow Struggling

Mike Matusow raised to 2,000 and the player in seat 9 three-bet to 3,000. Matusow made the call and the flop came AJ5. Seat 9 bet 1,000 and Matusow called. The turn was the 6 and seat 9 bet 2,000. Matusow had enough and mucked his hand. He was at 14,200 after dropping that pot.

Set Of Sailboats Flushed For Doyle

Josh Arieh raised to 2,000 preflop and four players called, including David Pham and Doyle Brunson. The flop came 854 and Pham led out with 1,000. Everyone called and the turn was the 4. Pham bet 2,000 and then Brunson raised to 4,000. Arieh got out of the way but Pham called as did seat 1. The river was the Q and Pham bet 4,000. Seat 1 called and Brunson quickly mucked A4 face up. Pham then showed down J8 for a flush, but seat 1 showed A5 for the nut flush. Pham was down to 12,000 while Brunson was down to 20,000.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Josh Arieh,   Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Doyle Brunson,   Noah Boeken,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Dario Minieri

Level 10 Update: Appleman Breaks 100k

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 35 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Roland de Wolfe – 200,000
2. John Juanda – 165,000
3. Vince Musso – 165,000
4. Eliyahu Levy – 105,000
5. Mickey Appleman – 105,000
6. Anton Allemann – 90,000
7. Bruno Fitoussi – 90,000
8. Doug Booth – 88,000
9. Farzad Bonyadi – 87,000
10. Mike Matusow – 81,000

Average Chip Count: 66,977

Notable Eliminations:

Daniel Alaei
Gus Hansen
Sam Grizzle
Andy Black
Eli Elezra
Shawn Buchanan
Shawn Sheikhan

Big Hands:

Buchanan Takes Some Off Juanda, Then Goes Bust

Shawn Buchanan raised to 3,400 before the draw and action folded to John Juanda in the big blind. He made the call and it was time to draw.

Draw: Juanda draws 1 card, Buchanan draws 1 card

Juanda checked after receiving his card and Buchanan fired another 3,400 into the pot. Juanda decided to call and Buchanan tabled 10-9-8-4-2. Juanda mucked and was down to 170,000 while Buchanan was at 56,000. Those chips would not last Buchanan long, however, as he would go bust later in the level.

Mueller Flexes The Muscle

The player in seat 4 raised to 3,800 and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call from the button. Greg Mueller was next to act in the small blind and he counted out some chips. He finally raised to 14,500 and everyone mucked. Mueller took the pot and he was around 80,000 while Bellande was at 124,000.

The Apple Falls On Elezra

Mickey Appleman raised to 3,600 before the draw and action folded around to Eli Elezra in the big blind. He elected to call and it was time to draw.

Draw: Elezra draws 1 card, Appleman draws 1 card

Elezra received his card and decided to check. Appleman quickly fired another 5,000 into the pot and Elezra mucked. He was down to 19,000 and would later be eliminated. Appleman was around 100,000.

Bueno Bests Pescatori

After the draw and with 10,000 already in the pot, Patrick Bueno fired 8,000 into the pot. Max Pescatori went into the tank but finally mucked. He was down to 48,000 while Bueno was up to 83,000.

Blackout

Andrew Black moved all in for his final 15,000 and Justin Smith was next to act. He repopped to 41,000 and everyone else folded. Smith took his change back and it was time to draw.

Draw: Black stands pat, Smith stands pat

Both players were happy with their holdings and Black showed an 8-7 low. Black’s happiness turned to sorrow, however, as Smith turned 8-6-5-3-2 for a better low and Black made his exit.

Player Tags: Mickey Appleman,   John Juanda,   Max Pescatori,   Greg Mueller,   Eli Elezra,   Shawn Buchanan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Andy Black,   Patrick Bueno,   Justin Smith

Level 9 Update: Sung And Mizzi Double Up

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 46 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Roland De Wolfe – 180,300
2. Stanislav Alehkin – 121,000
3. Vince Musso – 118,000
4. John Juanda – 111,800
5. Tim Phan – 98,500
6. Justin Smith – 83,500
7. Daniel Harmetz – 83,000
8. Anton Allemann – 76,100
9. Doug Booth – 74,000
10. David Benyamine – 69,500

Average Chip Count: 58,776

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Doyle Brunson
Brett Richey
Jeff Lisandro
Freddy Deeb
Amnon Filippi
Jacobo Fernandez

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Doubles Up Through Freddy Deeb

Steve Sung was all in before the draw for his last 6,000 in chips. Freddy Deeb was the only caller and it was time to draw.

Draw: Sung draws 1 card, Deeb’s draw unknown

After the draw, Deeb announced he had a King-low. Sung then turned over his holding, showing 10-7-3-2 before he flipped over his drawn card. It was the 4 and Sung made a 10-low, good enough for the pot and he survived to fight another day.

Zolotow With An Early Pot, Busts Out Later

With 5,600 in the pot and the draw already completed, Steve Zolotow fired 3,000 into the pot and the action was on Chris Bjorin. He thought for a few moments but decided to muck his hand and surrender the pot. Zolotow raked it in and was around 32,000 in chips. Those chips did not last long, however, as he busted out shortly after.

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Michael Binger

Before the draw, Mizzi was all in for his last 10,400 and the action was on Binger. He tanked for a long time and then finally decided to throw in the call.

Draw: Mizzi draws 1 card, Binger draws 1 card

When Mizzi drew his card, Binger had a look of frustration on his face as he drew his card. Before even looking at his card, Binger said to Mizzi, “You win.” Mizzi turned over a K-10-8-6-2 and Binger mucked. He was down to 51,000 while Mizzi doubled up to 22,000.

Mueller Loves The Three-Way Action

Prior to the draw, Tim Phan raised and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call from the button. Greg Mueller followed suit from the small blind and the onus was now on the players to draw.

Draw: Mueller stands pat, Phan draws 2 cards, Bellande draws 1 card

Everyone checked and Mueller turned over a Jack-low, good enough to take the pot as his opponents mucked. Mueller was at 60,000 while Bellande was down to 50,000 and Phan was at 86,000.

So Long Freddy

Freddy Deeb moved all in for his last 13,700 and action folded around to David Benyamine in the big blind. He thought for a few moments and then made the call.

Draw: Benyamine draws 1 card, Deeb draws 1 card

Before they received their cards, both players turned over their hands. Benyamine showed 8-7-5-2 while Deeb revealed 9-6-5-3. Deeb was the first to turn his card and it was the 10, giving him a 10-low. Benyamine then broke Deeb’s heart as he turned over the 3, making his 8-low and Deeb was eliminated.

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   David Benyamine,   Greg Mueller,   Tim Phan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Steve Sung,   Michael Binger,   Freddy Deeb,   Sorel Mizzi

Level 4 Update: Negreanu Busts

Jun 10, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 75 ante

Players Remaining: 92 of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Jon Turner – 65,000
2. Freddy Deeb – 62,000
3. Phil Ivey – 51,000
4. Chino Rheem – 48,000
5. Johnny Chan – 48,000
6. Mark Weitzman – 46,000
7. Dario Minieri – 44,000
8. Farzad Bonyadi – 43,000
9. Jean-Robert Bellande – 43,000
10. Sam Grizzle – 43,000

Average Chip Count: 30,968

Notable Eliminations:

Daniel Negreanu

Big Hands:

Rousso’s King Good Enough

The player in seat 4 raised to 1,000 and only Vanessa Rousso made the call from the small blind.

Draw: Seat 4 draws 1 card, Rousso draws 1 card

Seat 4 checked and Rousso did the same behind her. “King,” Rousso announced as she tabled K-J-9-7-3. Seat 4 mucked and Rousso took the pot, improving to 35,000.

He’s Supposed To Win

With 1,500 in the pot, it was time for David Grey and Phil Ivey to draw cards.

Draw: Grey draws 1 card, Ivey stands pat

“It’s okay,” Grey said as he was dealt his card. “He’s supposed to beat me.” Grey looked down at his hand and then bet 2,000. Ivey then tanked for a bit and elected to muck. Grey said a few words to Ivey and he just laughed. Grey was up to 28,000 and Ivey was down to 42,000.

Nice Catch

After all of the pre-draw action between Greg Mueller and Huck Seed, it was time for both players to draw.

Draw: Seed draws 1 card, Mueller draws 1 card

Both players checked and Seed showed the A. Mueller then showed K-J-6-5-3. “Nice catch,” Seed joked. Mueller smiled and raked in the pot. His stack was at 38,000 while Seed was down to 33,500.

Sung Takes Another Pot

After Steve Sung and his opponent had drawn their cards, both players checked the action and Sung showed down 9-7-5-3-2 and his opponent mucked. Sung raked in the pot and he was up to almost 50,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

Players have gone on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Greg Mueller,   David Grey,   Phil Ivey,   Vanessa Rousso

Level 10 Update: Appleman Breaks 100k

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 35 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Roland de Wolfe – 200,000
2. John Juanda – 165,000
3. Vince Musso – 165,000
4. Eliyahu Levy – 105,000
5. Mickey Appleman – 105,000
6. Anton Allemann – 90,000
7. Bruno Fitoussi – 90,000
8. Doug Booth – 88,000
9. Farzad Bonyadi – 87,000
10. Mike Matusow – 81,000

Average Chip Count: 66,977

Notable Eliminations:

Daniel Alaei
Gus Hansen
Sam Grizzle
Andy Black
Eli Elezra
Shawn Buchanan
Shawn Sheikhan

Big Hands:

Buchanan Takes Some Off Juanda, Then Goes Bust

Shawn Buchanan raised to 3,400 before the draw and action folded to John Juanda in the big blind. He made the call and it was time to draw.

Draw: Juanda draws 1 card, Buchanan draws 1 card

Juanda checked after receiving his card and Buchanan fired another 3,400 into the pot. Juanda decided to call and Buchanan tabled 10-9-8-4-2. Juanda mucked and was down to 170,000 while Buchanan was at 56,000. Those chips would not last Buchanan long, however, as he would go bust later in the level.

Mueller Flexes The Muscle

The player in seat 4 raised to 3,800 and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call from the button. Greg Mueller was next to act in the small blind and he counted out some chips. He finally raised to 14,500 and everyone mucked. Mueller took the pot and he was around 80,000 while Bellande was at 124,000.

The Apple Falls On Elezra

Mickey Appleman raised to 3,600 before the draw and action folded around to Eli Elezra in the big blind. He elected to call and it was time to draw.

Draw: Elezra draws 1 card, Appleman draws 1 card

Elezra received his card and decided to check. Appleman quickly fired another 5,000 into the pot and Elezra mucked. He was down to 19,000 and would later be eliminated. Appleman was around 100,000.

Bueno Bests Pescatori

After the draw and with 10,000 already in the pot, Patrick Bueno fired 8,000 into the pot. Max Pescatori went into the tank but finally mucked. He was down to 48,000 while Bueno was up to 83,000.

Blackout

Andrew Black moved all in for his final 15,000 and Justin Smith was next to act. He repopped to 41,000 and everyone else folded. Smith took his change back and it was time to draw.

Draw: Black stands pat, Smith stands pat

Both players were happy with their holdings and Black showed an 8-7 low. Black’s happiness turned to sorrow, however, as Smith turned 8-6-5-3-2 for a better low and Black made his exit.

Player Tags: Mickey Appleman,   John Juanda,   Max Pescatori,   Greg Mueller,   Eli Elezra,   Shawn Buchanan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Andy Black,   Patrick Bueno,   Justin Smith

Level 9 Update: Sung And Mizzi Double Up

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 46 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Roland De Wolfe – 180,300
2. Stanislav Alehkin – 121,000
3. Vince Musso – 118,000
4. John Juanda – 111,800
5. Tim Phan – 98,500
6. Justin Smith – 83,500
7. Daniel Harmetz – 83,000
8. Anton Allemann – 76,100
9. Doug Booth – 74,000
10. David Benyamine – 69,500

Average Chip Count: 58,776

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Doyle Brunson
Brett Richey
Jeff Lisandro
Freddy Deeb
Amnon Filippi
Jacobo Fernandez

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Doubles Up Through Freddy Deeb

Steve Sung was all in before the draw for his last 6,000 in chips. Freddy Deeb was the only caller and it was time to draw.

Draw: Sung draws 1 card, Deeb’s draw unknown

After the draw, Deeb announced he had a King-low. Sung then turned over his holding, showing 10-7-3-2 before he flipped over his drawn card. It was the 4 and Sung made a 10-low, good enough for the pot and he survived to fight another day.

Zolotow With An Early Pot, Busts Out Later

With 5,600 in the pot and the draw already completed, Steve Zolotow fired 3,000 into the pot and the action was on Chris Bjorin. He thought for a few moments but decided to muck his hand and surrender the pot. Zolotow raked it in and was around 32,000 in chips. Those chips did not last long, however, as he busted out shortly after.

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Michael Binger

Before the draw, Mizzi was all in for his last 10,400 and the action was on Binger. He tanked for a long time and then finally decided to throw in the call.

Draw: Mizzi draws 1 card, Binger draws 1 card

When Mizzi drew his card, Binger had a look of frustration on his face as he drew his card. Before even looking at his card, Binger said to Mizzi, “You win.” Mizzi turned over a K-10-8-6-2 and Binger mucked. He was down to 51,000 while Mizzi doubled up to 22,000.

Mueller Loves The Three-Way Action

Prior to the draw, Tim Phan raised and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call from the button. Greg Mueller followed suit from the small blind and the onus was now on the players to draw.

Draw: Mueller stands pat, Phan draws 2 cards, Bellande draws 1 card

Everyone checked and Mueller turned over a Jack-low, good enough to take the pot as his opponents mucked. Mueller was at 60,000 while Bellande was down to 50,000 and Phan was at 86,000.

So Long Freddy

Freddy Deeb moved all in for his last 13,700 and action folded around to David Benyamine in the big blind. He thought for a few moments and then made the call.

Draw: Benyamine draws 1 card, Deeb draws 1 card

Before they received their cards, both players turned over their hands. Benyamine showed 8-7-5-2 while Deeb revealed 9-6-5-3. Deeb was the first to turn his card and it was the 10, giving him a 10-low. Benyamine then broke Deeb’s heart as he turned over the 3, making his 8-low and Deeb was eliminated.

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   David Benyamine,   Greg Mueller,   Tim Phan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Steve Sung,   Michael Binger,   Freddy Deeb,   Sorel Mizzi

Level 4 Update: Negreanu Busts

Jun 10, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 75 ante

Players Remaining: 92 of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Jon Turner – 65,000
2. Freddy Deeb – 62,000
3. Phil Ivey – 51,000
4. Chino Rheem – 48,000
5. Johnny Chan – 48,000
6. Mark Weitzman – 46,000
7. Dario Minieri – 44,000
8. Farzad Bonyadi – 43,000
9. Jean-Robert Bellande – 43,000
10. Sam Grizzle – 43,000

Average Chip Count: 30,968

Notable Eliminations:

Daniel Negreanu

Big Hands:

Rousso’s King Good Enough

The player in seat 4 raised to 1,000 and only Vanessa Rousso made the call from the small blind.

Draw: Seat 4 draws 1 card, Rousso draws 1 card

Seat 4 checked and Rousso did the same behind her. “King,” Rousso announced as she tabled K-J-9-7-3. Seat 4 mucked and Rousso took the pot, improving to 35,000.

He’s Supposed To Win

With 1,500 in the pot, it was time for David Grey and Phil Ivey to draw cards.

Draw: Grey draws 1 card, Ivey stands pat

“It’s okay,” Grey said as he was dealt his card. “He’s supposed to beat me.” Grey looked down at his hand and then bet 2,000. Ivey then tanked for a bit and elected to muck. Grey said a few words to Ivey and he just laughed. Grey was up to 28,000 and Ivey was down to 42,000.

Nice Catch

After all of the pre-draw action between Greg Mueller and Huck Seed, it was time for both players to draw.

Draw: Seed draws 1 card, Mueller draws 1 card

Both players checked and Seed showed the A. Mueller then showed K-J-6-5-3. “Nice catch,” Seed joked. Mueller smiled and raked in the pot. His stack was at 38,000 while Seed was down to 33,500.

Sung Takes Another Pot

After Steve Sung and his opponent had drawn their cards, both players checked the action and Sung showed down 9-7-5-3-2 and his opponent mucked. Sung raked in the pot and he was up to almost 50,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

Players have gone on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Greg Mueller,   David Grey,   Phil Ivey,   Vanessa Rousso

Level 9 Update: Greg Mueller Eliminated (Stud)

Jun 05, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 800-1,500 blinds and 1,500-3,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 300 ante, 500 bring-in, with a 1,500 completion and 1,500-3,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 400-800 blinds with a 200 ante

NOTES: Games change every eight hands. Two players will be forced to sit out during 2-7 triple draw each hand.

Players Remaining: 120 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson — 172,000
2. David Oppenheim — 143,000
3. Daniel Negreanu — 121,300
4. Jimmy Fricke — 108,200
5. Eric Froehlich — 100,100
6. Brandon Adams — 96,200
7. Doyle Brunson — 95,000
8. Patrick Bueno — 93,400
9. Tommy Hang — 92,900
10. Alexandre Gomes — 92,500

Average Chip Count: XXX

Notable Eliminations:
Greg Mueller

Big Hands:

STUD
Greg Mueller; Busted by Hennigan, Eliminated by Miami John

Greg Mueller got involved in a huge pot with with a board of X-X-K284 against John Hennigan and a board of X-X-K8Q8. There is a series of bets and raises on the river, Mueller ultimately deciding just to call Hennnigan’s raise, leaving himself with just 200 behind. Hennigan turns over QQA for a full-house and Mueller mucks, claiming to have trips. Hennigan rakes the pot and brings his chip count up to 75,000 this hand while Mueller is left with just 200.

The very next hand and Mickey Appleman opens the pot for 500 with the 2. Greg Mueller calls all in for 200 with the 8, Nick Schulman completes the bet to 1,500 with the K and Miami John Cernuto calls with the 10.

Cernuto hits the J and bets 1,500 as Schulman folds the 7. Cernuto rakes the side pot and both him and Mueller turn over their cards.

Mueller: 478364-X
Cernuto: 10J55A73

Mueller tells the dealer to deal his last card face-down as he wants “…to squeeze it”, he says. He turns over a Q for a pair of fours, not to be outdone by Cernuto’s pair of fives. Mueller is eliminated from the tournament as Cernuto climbs up to 50,000 in chips after this hand.

Chau Giang vs. Gavin Griffin

Chino Rheem opens the pot for 500 with the 4 and Gavin Griffin completes the bet to 1,500 with the 9. Chau Giang raises to 3,000 with the 4, Rheem folds and Griffin calls.

Giang: X-X-410
Griffin: X-X-95

Giang checks, Griffin bets 1,500, Giang calls.

Giang: X-X-4102
Griffin: X-X-956

Giang bets 3,000 and Griffin calls.

Giang: X-X-41028
Griffin: X-X-956Q

Giang bets 3,000 on sixth street and Griffin calls. Giang bets another 3,000 on the river and Griffin calls. Giang turns over AA8 for two pair and Griffin mucks. Giang rakes the pot and is up to 40,000 this hand while Griffin falls down to just 12,000.

STUD/8

David Chiu vs. Jeff Madsen

David Gray opens the pot for 500 with the 5 and Jeff Madsen completes the bet to 1,500 with the 6. David Chiu raises to 3,000 with the K, Gray folds and Madsen calls.

Madsen: X-X-62
Chiu: X-XKQ

Chiu bets 1,500 and Madsen calls.

Madsen: X-X-629
Chiu: X-XKQA

Chiu bets 3,000 and Madsen folds. Chiu turns over AK for a pair of kings. Chiu is up to 34,000 this hand while Madsen drops down to just 15,000.

Player Tags: John Cernuto,   Greg Mueller,   David Chiu,   Chau Giang,   Gavin Griffin,   Jeff Madsen