Richard Ashby Poker Tournament Updates

Level 23: Hellmuth Leads Juanda Heads-Up; Ashby 3rd

Jun 11, '11

Blinds: 12,000-24,000 with a 6,000 ante

Players Remaining: 2 out of 126

Average Chip Count: 1,890,000

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Hellmuth – 2,200,000
2. John Juanda – 1,600,000

Eliminations:

3rd. Richard Ashby – $143,833

Richard Ashby Eliminated in 3rd Place ($143,833)

Shortly after returning from the dinner break, John Juanda doubled through Richard Ashby after getting it all in with 10 – 5 – 4 – 2 against Ashby’s 10 – 5 – 4 – 3. Both players drew one card each. Juanda drew a 6 for a made ten-low while Ashby paired his three. Juanda doubled up, leaving Ashby on the short stack with just about 200,000. Ashby got it all in shortly after in this final hand of his tournament.

Richard Ashby open-shoved the short stack for around 200,000 from the small blind and Phil Hellmuth called from the big blind.

Hellmuth was ahead before the draw with 8 – 6 – 3 – 2 against Ashby’s Q – 10 – 4 – 3.

Hellmuth drew a 10 for a made ten-low while Ashby drew a 6 for a queen-high. Richard Ashby was eliminated in 3rd place ($143,833).

NOTE: With the elimination of Richard Ashby in 3rd place ($143,833), heads-up play began shortly thereafter. Phil Hellmuth led going into the final match with roughly 2.8 million to John Juanda’s 1 million.

Juanda Gets Even

John Juanda came back from the dinner break as the short stack and doubled through Richard Ashby early on. Hellmuth finished him shortly after and took a 2.8 million to 1 million chip lead against Juanda to the final match. Hellmuth managed to chip away at Juanda’s stack a few times, but Juanda bounced back, finally chipping up to about even after raking a big pot with a pat-jack.

Hellmuth however managed to once again widen his lead with some aggressive pre-draw raising, ending the level with roughly 2.2 million to Juanda’s 1.6 million.

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Phil Hellmuth,   Richard Ashby

Level 22: Hellmuth Leads On Dinner Break; Sung 4th, Schulman 5th, Baker 6th

Jun 11, '11

NOTE: The remaining three players went on a one hour dinner break at the conclusion of Level 22, and will return at approximately 9:00pm to resume play.

Blinds: 10,000-20,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 126

Average Chip Count: 1,260,000

Chip Counts:

1. Phill Hellmuth – 2,662,000
2. Richard Ashby – 700,000
3. John Juanda – 409,000

Eliminations:

4th. Steve Sung – $97,416
5th. Nick Schulman – $69,216
6th. David Baker – $51,485

Defending Champion David Baker Eliminated in 6th Place ($51,485)

Defending Champion David Baker had a tough level. He started the level as one of the short stacks and cemented that role about halfway through the level after doubling up Steve Sung when Sung stood pat with a J – 7 and Baker drew one, pairing eights with 8 – 4 – 3 – 2.

Baker was down to less than full big blind after that hand and found some relief in a quick quadruple up after drawing a 10 – 7 low against Richard Ashby’s J -10 in a four-way pot. Soon thereafter and David Baker would get it all in again against Steve Sung, Sung getting the best of it again.

Steve Sung raised to 50,000 before the draw, David Baker moved all in for about 10,000 more and both Phil Hellmuth and Sung called the raise.

Sung and Baker each drew one card while Hellmuth drew two. Hellmuth bet 50,000 at the side pot and Sung folded.

Hellmuth showed 10 – 9 – 8 – 3 – 2 while baker showed 9 – 7 – 5 – 4 – A. Hellmuth raked the pot with a ten-low and the defending champion, David Baker was eliminated in 6th place ($51,485).

Nick Schulman Eliminated in 5th Place ($69,216)

Nick Schulman raised to 50,000 before the draw, Phil Hellmuth raised to 340,000 and Schulman called all in for around 250,000.

Hellmuth stood pat with J – 6 – 5 – 4 – 2 while Schulman drew one card with 8 – 6 – 4 – 2. Schulman drew another 8, pairing his hand, and was eliminated in 5th place ($69,216) while Hellmuth secured a monster chiplead with 2.4 million.

Steve Sung Eliminated in 4th Place ($97,416)

John Juanda raised to 52,000 from under the gun, Steve Sung moved all in for 270,000 from the small blind and Juanda called.

Sung stood pat with J – 9 – 7 – 6 – 3 while Juanda drew one card with 10 – 6 – 4 – 3. Juanda turned over a five for a made ten-low and Steve Sung was eliminated in 4th place ($97,416).

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Phil Hellmuth,   Richard Ashby,   Steve Sung,   Nick Schulman,   David Baker

Level 20: Raymer Eliminated 9th, Unofficial Final Table Now Underway

Jun 11, '11

NOTE: Play ended last night with 9 players spread out over two tables and resumed today at 3:00pm. John Juanda started the day as the short stack and managed to double up through Greg Raymer early on with a pat 9 against Raymer’s pat 10. Juanda then made a run at the chip lead amassing over 500,000 at one point before surrendering a huge pot to Richard Ashby which put Ashby on top and dropped Juanda down to about 350,000.

Raymer on the other hand wouldn’t be so lucky as he was eliminated in 9th place ($27,928) after Raymer paired jacks against Juanda’s made ten. With Raymer’s 9th place elimination, the final eight players have consolidated to one table where one more player will need to be eliminated before the official seven-handed final table is set.

Blinds: 6,000-12,000 with a 3,000 ante

Players Remaining: 8 out of 126

Average Chip Count: 472,500

Chip Counts:

1. Richard Ashby – 835,000
2. Joe Cassidy – 530,000
3. Hasan Habib – 475,000
4. John Juanda – 475,000
5. Steve Sung – 420,000
6. Phil Hellmuth – 400,000
7. David Baker – 370,000
8. Nick Schulman – 295,000

Payouts:

1st. $367,170
2nd. $226,907
3rd. $143,833
4th. $97,416
5th. $69,216
6th. $51,485
7th. $40,020
8th. $32,440

Eliminations:

9th. Greg Raymer – $27,928

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates until a champion is crowned.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Hasan Habib,   Phil Hellmuth,   Joe Cassidy,   Greg Raymer,   Richard Ashby,   Steve Sung,   David Baker

Level 28: End of Day 3; Lind Leads Final Three

Jun 09, '11

NOTE: Day 3 ended with three players still remaining as a result of the ten-level rule and play will resume at 3:00pm where the day will continue until a winner is determined.

Blinds: 50,000-100,000

Limits: 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 202

Average Chip Count: 3,030,000

Chip Counts:

1. George Lind – 2,860,000
2. Vyacheslav Zhukov – 2,465,000
3. Steve Billirakis- 740,000

Eliminations:

4th. Richard Ashby – $161,379
5th. Mack Lee – $122,054

Mack Lee Eliminated in 5th Place ($122,054)

Steve Billirakis raised from the button, Mack Lee called from the small blind and Richard Ashby called from the big blind.

The flop came J 7 4, it was checked around to Billirakis who bet, Lee called and Ashby folded.

The turn was the K, Lee bet, Billirakis raised enough to put him all in and Lee called.

Lee showed A K 8 5 for top pair and an inside straight draw while Billirakis turned over A J 5 4 for top two pair.

The river was the Q, no low and no help for Mack Lee who was eliminated in 5th place ($122,054).

Richard Ashby Eliminated in 4th Place ($161,379)

Steve Billirakis raised the button, Richard Ashby three-bet the big blind and Billirakis called.

The flop came 8 7 2, Ashby bet and Billirakis called.

The turn was the 4, Ashby bet, Billirakis raised enough to put him all in and Ashby called.

Ashby showed A Q 5 2 for a made low while Billirakis turned over 6 5 4 2 for a made straight (high) and a low draw.

The river was the A, giving Billirakis a better low to scoop the pot and eliminate Richard Ashby in 4th place ($161,379).

Be sure to check back at 3:00pm for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Steve Billirakis,   Mack Lee,   Richard Ashby,   George Lind

Level 27: George Lind Takes Chip Lead

Jun 09, '11

Blinds: 40,000-80,000

Limits: 80,000-160,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 202

Average Chip Count: 1,212,000

Chip Counts:
1. George Lind – 2,650,000
2. Richard Ashby – 1,150,000
3. Mack Lee – 820,000
4. Vyacheslav Zhukov – 800,000
5. Steve Billirakis – 490,000

George Lind Takes the Chip Lead From Ashby

George Lind ended the previous level with just under a million chips, only to dwindle down to about half that midway through the level before doubling through then chip leader Richard Ashby to get back to the million mark. Lind then went on to scoop another big pot from Ashby and Vyacheslav Zhukov, putting himself over the 2 million mark and in contention for the chip lead. By the end of the level, Lind had clashed with Ashby one last time, this time taking the chip lead for himself.

Richard Ashby raised from the small blind and George Lind called from the big blind.

The flop came 9 6 5, Ashby bet and Lind called.

The turn was the 6, Ashby checked, Lind bet, Ashby check-raised and Lind called.

The river was the 7, Ashby checked, Lind bet and Ashby called.

Lind showed 10 8 6 2 and scooped the pot. Lind moved up to about 2.65 million this hand, taking the chip lead for the first time tonight.

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Richard Ashby,   George Lind

Level 26: Guillaume Rivet Eliminated in 6th Place ($92,908)

Jun 09, '11

Blinds: 30,000-60,000

Limits: 60,000-120,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 202

Average Chip Count: 1,212,000

Chip Counts:

1. Richard Ashby – 2,400,000
2. Vyacheslav Zhukov – 1,300,000
3. Mack Lee – 1,150,000
4. Steve Billirakis – 650,000
5. George Lind – 530,000

Eliminations;

6th. Guillaume Rivet – $92,908

Guillaume Rivet Eliminated in 6th Place ($92,908)

Mack Lee opened for raise and both Richard Ashby and Guillaume Rivet called.

The flop came 10 7 2, Rivet bet, Lee called, Ashby raised, Rivet three-bet all in, and both players called.

The turn was the 9, Lee checked the side pot, Ashby bet and Lee called.

The river was the K, Lee checked, Ashby bet and Lee folded. Ashby turned over A K 7 3 for top two pair and the nut low while Rivet mucked A – Q – 6 – 5. Guillaume Rivet was eliminated in 6th place ($92,908).

Player Tags: Mack Lee,   Richard Ashby,   Guillaume Rivet

Level 25: Six Remain; Steinberg 7th, Thuritz 8th

Jun 09, '11

Blinds: 25,000-50,000

Limits: 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 202

Average Chip Count: 1,010,000

Chip Counts:

1. Richard Ashby – 1,485,000
2. Vyacheslav Zhukov – 1,200,000
3. Mack Lee – 1,025,000
4. Steve Billirakis – 1,005,000
5. George Lind – 990,000
6. Guillaume Rivet – 310,000

Eliminations:

7th. Jason Steinberg – $71,148
8th. Mikael Thuritz – $54,837

Mikael Thuritz Eliminated in 8th Place ($54,837)

Steve Billirakis raised from early position, Mikael Thuritz called all in with the short stack from the small blind and Richard Ashby called fromn the big blind.

The flop came K 8 7, Ashby bet and Billirakis called.

The turn was the 2, Ashby checked, Billirakis bet and Ashby called.

The river was the 3, Ashby checked, Billirakis bet and Ashby called.

Billirakis turned over A K 4 3 for a high hand of top two pair and a low. Ashby showed A 7 4 4, for the same low hand. Billirakis took three-quarters of the pot while Ashby raked one quarter and Mikael Thuritz was eliminated in 8th place ($54,837).

Jason Steinberg Eliminated in 7th Place ($71,148)

Richard Ashby raised from the cutoff and Jason Steinberg called from the big blind.

The flop came 10 10 9, Steinberg checked, Ashby bet, Steinberg check-raised and Ashby called.

The turn was the 3, Steiberg bet, Ashby raised and Steinberg called all in.

Ashby turned over A 9 4 3 for the lead while Steinberg showed Q 9 5 4. Both players flopped top two pair, but Ashby was ahead with the ace-kicker. There was no qualifying low hand.

The river was the 4, no help for Jason Steinberg who was eliminated in 7th place ($71,148).

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Steve Billirakis,   Jason Steinberg,   Richard Ashby,   Mikael Thuritz

Level 24: Barlow Eliminated 10th, Final Table Now Underway

Jun 08, '11

NOTE: Play ended last night with 22 players and resumed today at 3:00pm. The final 10 players consolidated to one table, and with the elimination of Todd Barlow in 10th place ($33,172), the official nine-handed final table is now underway.

Blinds: 20,000-40,000

Limits: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 9 out of 202

Average Chip Count: 673,333

Chip Counts:

1. Vyacheslav Zhukov – 1,190,000
2. Josh Arieh – 835,000
3. Mack Lee – 725,000
4. Richard Asby – 695,000
5. George Lind – 650,000
6. Mikael Thuritz – 600,000
7. Guillaume Rivet – 515,000
8. Jason Steinberg – 490,000
9. Steve Billirakis – 360,000

Payouts:

1st. $465,216
2nd. $287,554
3rd. $214,697
4th. $161,379
5th. $122,054
6th. $92,908
7th. $71,148
8th. $54,837
9th. $42,514

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Josh Arieh,   Steve Billirakis,   Mack Lee,   Jason Steinberg,   Richard Ashby,   Mikael Thuritz,   Guillaume Rivet,   George Lind

Level 29 Update: Ian Gordon Wins

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 120,000-240,000 limits
Stud Games: 30,000 ante, 30,000 bring-in, 120,000-240,000 limits

Players Remaining: 1 out of 241

Notable Eliminations:

3. Eugene Katchalov – $378,024
2. Richard Ashby – $611,666

Big Hands:

Katchalov Crippled

Stud

This hand happened right before the break at the end of the last level.

Eugene Katchalov completed and Ian Gordon made the call. Gordon led on forth and fifth before checking sixth street. Katchalov bet and Gordon check-raised and their boards looked like this.

Katchalov: (X-X)-A-9-3-7
Gordon: (X-X)-Q-A-4-8

Gordon fired one more bullet on the river and Katchalov angrily mucked his cards, leaving him with just 365,000 in chips.

Eugene Katchalov Eliminated

Hold’em

Eugene Katchalov raised from the button, Ian Gordon made it three bets from the small blind, Katchalov made it four bets and Gordon called.

The flop came 1083 and the rest of Katchalov’s chips got into the middle and Gordon made the call.

Katchalov held 77, but was drawing to runners when Gordon turned over the KJ, for the second nut flush. The 3 on the turn gave Katchalov hope, but the Q on the river sealed the deal for Gordon, giving him the pot and Katchalov was eliminated in third place.

Katchalov will take home $248,831 for his finish and Ian Gordon and Richard Ashby will go heads-up for the bracelet.

Richard Ashby Eliminated in Second, Ian Gordon Wins Event No. 43

Hold’em

After Katchalov was eliminated, heads-up play was as short as it could possibly be. Just one hand later after Katchalov left the tournament area, this hand took place.

Richard Ashby raised from the button and Ian Gordon three-bet from the big blind. Ashby made it four bets and Gordon made the call.

The flop was 6108 and Gordon check-raised a bet from Ashby. Ashby thought for a moment and then tossed in a call.

The turn was the 10 and Gordon fired another shell.

“I think you’ve got me, but I have to go all-in,” said Ashby as he moved his chips into the middle.

Gordon made the call and showed 99 and was ahead of Ashby’s AJ. The river was the K and Gordon’s nines held up to take home the title and $611,666.

Ashby will take home a consolation prize of $378,027.

Player Tags: Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Ian Gordon

Level 28: Down to Three

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 100,000-200,000 limits
Stud Games: 20,000 ante, 30,000 bring-in, 100,000-200,000 limits

Players Remaining: 3 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 2,410,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Ian Gordon – 3,600,000
2. Richard Ashby – 1,800,000
3. Eugene Katchalov – 1,600,000

Notable Eliminations:

4. Marco Johnson – $181,503

Big Hands:

Marco Johnson Eliminated

Stud 8

Marco Johnson was all-in for his last 350,000 on third street against Ian Gordon.

Johnson: (A-6)-7-K-2-Q-(J)
Gordon: (A-4)-6-J-8-A-(5)

Gordon made a pair of aces and a low to scoop the pot and send Johnson home in fourth place, leaving us with the final three players. Johnson will take home $181,503 for his finish.

Gordon Pulling Ahead

Hold’em

Eugene Katchalov raised from the small blind and Ian Gordon three-bet from the big blind. Katchalov called to see the flop of 642. Katchalov then check-raised Gordon, Gordon put in a third bet and Katchalov put in a fourth bet.

Gordon called and called bets from Katchalov on the Q turn card and the 8 river card. Katchalov showed pocket nines, but Gordon held pocket tens to take the pot and shoot up to 4,000,000. Katchalov fell to 2,400,000 in chips.

!(left){height:255px;width:170px;margin:3px 10px;border:3px solid;}(Richard Ashby)!Ashby Doubles

Ian Gordon raised from the small blind and Richard Ashby made the call from the big blind.

The flop was 7Q2 and Gordon bet, which was called by Ashby. The turn was the 2 and Gordon bet again, and this time Ashby moved in for another 140,000. Gordon made the call and showed K9J10 and Ashby showed the QJ103.

The river was the 6 to double Ashby up to 1,400,000 and Gordon slipped to 3,500,000.

Player Tags: Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Marco Johnson,   Ian Gordon

Level 26 Update: Glantz Runs Huge Bluff

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 60,000-120,000 limits
Stud Games: 15,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, 60,000-120,000 limits

Players Remaining: 5 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,446,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Richard Ashby – 2,100,000
2. Eugene Katchalov – 1,900,000
3. Ian Gordon - 1,300,000
4. Matt Glantz – 1,000,000
5. Marco Johnson – 870,000

Notable Eliminations:

none

Big Hands:

Gordon Moving Chips

Razz

Ian Gordon was down to 300,000 after losing back to back omaha 8 or better hands. Then this razz hand came along.

Gordon: (X-X)-4-K-9
Ashby: (X-X)-2-J-2

Ian Gordon was the bring-in with a four and Richard Ashby completed and was called by Gordon. Ashby bet out on fourth and was called by Gordon. Ashby bet on fifth even though he open paired and Gordon moved all-in for just 35,000 more. Ashby called and showed 9-6 in the hole and Gordon showed 8-5 and was in the lead.

Ashby caught on ace on sixth and Gordon caught a 7. Ashby squeezed his last card, but turned up a pair of sixes, meaning that Gordon’s K on the river was meaningless and he wold double up to 600,000.

Razz is Rough on Crazy Marco

Marco Johnson was in two razz hands that left him fairly short. In a hand against Eugene Katchalov, he completed and bet fourth street, before calling fifth and sixth street, but had to fold the river.

Then he completed and was raised by Ian Gordon, but Johnson made the call. Gordon bet every street the rest of the way and their boards looked like this.

Gordon: (X-X)-A-6-5-10-(X)
Johnson: (X-X)-8-J-7-J-(X)

On the river, Johnson was talking to himself before eventually convincing himself to call. Gordon turned over the 7-6-4 in the hole to make a 7-6 low and take the pot. Johnson was left with just 430,000.

Johnson Doubles

Marco Johnson: (X-X)-5-10-9-5-(X)
Richard Ashby: (X-X)-J-10-A-K-(X)

Johnson completed and Ashby called. Ashby checked and called a bet from Johnson on fourth and fifth street, but wanted to lead out into Johnson on sixth until Matt Glantz stopped him to tell him that Johnson had paired his five and acts first.

Johnson bet and was left with just 35,000. Ashby seemed confused and eventually called. Johnson bet his last 35,000 in the dark and Ashby tossed in a call in the dark.

Johnson showed K67 giving him a king-high flush and the pot. He doubles up to 870,000 and got a golf clap from his cheering section of David Baker and Jon Aguiar.

Glantz Runs a Bluff

Stud

Marco Johnson completed and Matt Glantz made the call. Johnson bet fourth and Glantz called. Johnson led again on fifth and Glantz announced a raise. Johnson made the call and led into Glantz on sixth street. Glantz just called and they saw the river with their boards looking like this.

Johnson: (X-X)-Q-6-J-2-(X)
Glantz: (X-X)-7-3-4-9-(X)

Johnson checked and Glantz appeared to squeeze his river card and then fired out a bet. Johnson then went deep in the tank and eventually folded after six minutes of thinking, leaving himself with just 250,000.

“I haven’t looked,” said Glantz as he was being pushed the pot. “Do you want to see, it’s up to you.”

After Johnson nodded yes, Glantz showed the 5710, giving him just a pair of sevens. Johnson stormed away in disgust, knowing he’d been bluffed off the best hand.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Marco Johnson,   Ian Gordon

Level 25 Update: Mortensen Eliminated

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 50,000-100,000 limits
Stud Games: 10,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, 50,000-100,000 limits

Players Remaining: 5 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,446,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Ian Gordon – 2,350,000
2. Eugene Katchalov – 2,050,000
3. Matt Glantz – 1,150,000
4. Richard Ashby – 1,050,000
5. Marco Johnson – 950,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Carlos Mortensen – $102,237

Big Hands:

Carlos Mortensen Eliminated

Razz

Carlos Mortensen completed and Eugene Katchalov was the only caller and he was the player who brought it in.

Mortensen bet fourth and was called and the last of his chips were committed on fifth street.

Katchalov: (2-6)-Q-8-4-5-(6)
Mortensen: (A-3)-7-5-7-8-(Q)

Mortesen was way ahead on fourth street, but Katchalov caught good and made a better eight low than Mortenesen. Mortensen was eliminated from the tournament with an extra $102,237 to his name.

Battle of the Big Stacks

Stud

Eugene Katchalov: (X-X)-10-A103-(X)
Ian Gordon: (X-X)-10-K-3-9-(X)

Katchalov completed and Gordon called. Katchalov checked and called a bet from Gordon on fourth street and then bet fifth and sixth street, getting calls from Gordon both times.

Katchalov bet one more time on the river and this time Gordon let his hand go after a grimace.

Gordon Gets Aces, Knocks Ashby Back Down

Stud

Eugene Katchalov brought it in and Ian Gordon completed. Richard Ashby made the call and so did Katchalov. Gordon bet on fourth street and was raised by Ashby. Katchalov folded and Gordon made the call.

Gordon check-called fifth and both players checked sixth and seventh.

Gordon: (A-7-10)-A-6-3-4
Ashby: (X-X)-J-9-2-K-(X)

Gordon’s aces were enough to take the pot. Gordon moved up to 2,600,000 and Ashby fell to 800,000.

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Ian Gordon

Level 24 Update: Schulman Gone

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 40,000-80,000 limits
Stud Games: 10,000 ante, 10,000 bring-in, 40,000-80,000 limits

Players Remaining: 6 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,205,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Matt Glantz – 2,400,000
2. Ian Gordon – 1,600,000
3. Eugene Katchalov – 1,500,000
4. Marco Johnson – 1,250,000
5. Richard Ashby – 600,000
6. Carlos Mortensen – 380,000

Notable Eliminations:

7. Nick Schulman – $78,654

Big Hands:

Nick Schulman Eliminated

Hold’em

Marco Johnson raised from middle position and was three-bet all-in by Nick Schulman from the button. Johnson made the call and showed AK and was ahead of Schulman’s AJ

Schulman just dropped his head as the board ran out A394K and Johnson eliminated Schulman in seventh. Schulman will take home $78,654 for seventh place.

Ashby Makes a Comeback

Hold’em

Shortly after doubling up with 108 against Marco Johnson’s AK, Richard Ashby three-bet Matt Glantz. The fop was 10J7 and Ashby fired and was called by Glantz. Glantz also called a bet on the 7 turn card but gave up when Ashby fired another bullet on the 6 river card.

Ashby is now up to 600,000 and while still short, in much better shape than where he was just a few hands ago.

Gordon Takes a Pot

Matt Glantz raised and Ian Gordon three-bet from the small blind. The fop was Q77 and Gordon bet out. Glantz opted to raise and Gordon flat-called.

The turn was the 5 and both players checked to see the 3 river. Gordon bet and was called by Glatnz. Glantz mucked when he saw Gordon’s pocket tens.

Mortensen Slips

Omaha 8

Action folded to Eugene Katchalov in the small blind and raised. Carlos Mortensen made the call from the big blind and the flop came A42.

Katchalov bet and was called by Mortensen. The turn was the 9 and Katchalov quickly bet again and was called by Mortensen. The river was the 9 and Katchalov bet again. Mortensen sighed and open-folded the 2-3-4-10, but was already way bheind as Katchalov showed A-A-2-K for a full house.

Mortensen slipped to 380,000 in chips and Katchalov is up to 1,500,000.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Richard Ashby,   Nick Schulman

Level 15: Mortensen New Chip Leader

Jun 24, '10

Flop Games: 3,000-6,000 blinds
Stud Games: 1,500 ante, 2,000 bring-in, 6,000-12,000 limits

Players Remaining: 41 out of 241

Average Chip Stack: 176,341

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Carlos Mortensen – 540,000
2. Brian Townsend – 411,000
3. Steve Billirakis – 333,000
4. Brandon Adams – 320,000
5. Todd Brunson – 300,000
6. Tommy Hang – 248,000
7. Ray Dehkharghani – 235,000
8. Marco Traniello – 230,000
9. Scott Seiver – 225,000
10. Robert Mizrachi – 221,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jordan Smith

Big Hands:

Stud

Alioto The Ladies Man

Picking up the action on fourth street, Dario Alioto bet 6,000 and Nick Schulman made the call. Alioto then bet 12,000 on fifth street and Schulman called again.

Both players checked on sixth and seventh and Alioto tabled QQQ. Schulman was showing 91078 but couldn’t find any help in his hole cards and mucked.

Alioto was at 140,000 while Schulman was at 106,000.

Razz

Violette Takes One

Richard Ashby completed to 6,000 and Cyndy Violette raised to 12,000. Ashby made the call and Violette fired 6,000 on fourth street. Ashby called once more and Violette led on fifth and sixth for 12,000 each time, despite pairing up on both streets.

Ashby called both bets before both players checked the river. Despite having two pair, Violette managed to make a 9-8 low and Ashby could not beat it. Ashby mucked and Violette took in the pot, improving to 160,000.

Brunson Hits 300k

Todd Brunson, Matt Glantz and Al Barbieri were all involved in a hand. Here is how their boards looked:

Brunson: (XXX)5-9-6-4
Glantz: (XX)5-K-mucked
Barbieri: (XXX)5-8-4-9

Brunson completed to 6,000 and both opponents called. On fourth street, Glantz led out with 6,000 and both opponents called. Barbieri led for 12,000 on fifth street and only Brunson stuck around. Brunson led for 12,000 on sixth street and Barbieri made the call.

On seventh, Brunson led out again for 12,000 and Barbieri released his hand, leaving himself with 50,000. Brunson took in the pot and was at 300,000.

Stud/8

Mortensen Takes The Chip Lead

Carlos Mortensen, Jordan Smith and Dario Alioto all got involved in a hand. Each player saw it to the river with chips going into the middle on every street.

Mortensen turned over a spade flush to go with an 8-7 low and both opponents mucked. Mortensen scooped the pot and he was at 540,000 which was good for the overall chip lead.

Smith was crippled and was eliminated later in the level.

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Todd Brunson,   Cyndy Violette,   Al Barbieri,   Richard Ashby,   Jordan Smith

Level Seven: Ashby Scoops

Jun 24, '10

Flop Games: 500-1,000 blinds
Stud Games: 200 ante, 300 bring-in, 1,000-2,000 limits

Players Remaining: 198 out of 241

Average Chip Stack: 36,515

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Matt Glantz – 125,000
2. Thor Hansen – 87,500
3. Greg Raymer – 81,000
4. Marco Johnson – 70,000
5. Jason Lester – 68,000
6. Chris Ferguson – 67,000
7. Allen Kessler – 64,500
8. Scott Seiver – 60,000
9. Annie Duke – 60,000
10. Scotty Nguyen – 60,000

Notable Eliminations:

David Williams

Big Hands:

Omaha/8

Ashby Scoops

Four players limped in preflop and the flop came down 982. David Oppenheim bet 1,000 and Richard Ashby made the call, as did another player.

The turn was the 4 and the other player bet 2,000. Ashby called and Oppenheim mucked. The A came on the river and the other player bet 2,000. Ashby popped it to 4,000 and the call was made.

Ashby tabled 10533 for the wheel and his opponent mucked. Ashby scooped the pot and was at 40,000.

Mosseri Crippled

Abe Mosseri raised preflop to 2,000 and the player in seat 4 three-bet to 3,000. Mosseri made the call and the flop came down KQ9.

Mosseri led out with 1,000 and seat 4 called. The turn was the 5 and Mosseri bet 2,000. Seat 4 raised to 4,000 and Mosseri called. The river was the J.

Both players checked and seat 4 turned over KKA4 for a set of kings and Mosseri mucked. He was down to 9,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Abe Mosseri,   Richard Ashby

Level 29 Update: Ian Gordon Wins

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 120,000-240,000 limits
Stud Games: 30,000 ante, 30,000 bring-in, 120,000-240,000 limits

Players Remaining: 1 out of 241

Notable Eliminations:

3. Eugene Katchalov – $378,024
2. Richard Ashby – $611,666

Big Hands:

Katchalov Crippled

Stud

This hand happened right before the break at the end of the last level.

Eugene Katchalov completed and Ian Gordon made the call. Gordon led on forth and fifth before checking sixth street. Katchalov bet and Gordon check-raised and their boards looked like this.

Katchalov: (X-X)-A-9-3-7
Gordon: (X-X)-Q-A-4-8

Gordon fired one more bullet on the river and Katchalov angrily mucked his cards, leaving him with just 365,000 in chips.

Eugene Katchalov Eliminated

Hold’em

Eugene Katchalov raised from the button, Ian Gordon made it three bets from the small blind, Katchalov made it four bets and Gordon called.

The flop came 1083 and the rest of Katchalov’s chips got into the middle and Gordon made the call.

Katchalov held 77, but was drawing to runners when Gordon turned over the KJ, for the second nut flush. The 3 on the turn gave Katchalov hope, but the Q on the river sealed the deal for Gordon, giving him the pot and Katchalov was eliminated in third place.

Katchalov will take home $248,831 for his finish and Ian Gordon and Richard Ashby will go heads-up for the bracelet.

Richard Ashby Eliminated in Second, Ian Gordon Wins Event No. 43

Hold’em

After Katchalov was eliminated, heads-up play was as short as it could possibly be. Just one hand later after Katchalov left the tournament area, this hand took place.

Richard Ashby raised from the button and Ian Gordon three-bet from the big blind. Ashby made it four bets and Gordon made the call.

The flop was 6108 and Gordon check-raised a bet from Ashby. Ashby thought for a moment and then tossed in a call.

The turn was the 10 and Gordon fired another shell.

“I think you’ve got me, but I have to go all-in,” said Ashby as he moved his chips into the middle.

Gordon made the call and showed 99 and was ahead of Ashby’s AJ. The river was the K and Gordon’s nines held up to take home the title and $611,666.

Ashby will take home a consolation prize of $378,027.

Player Tags: Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Ian Gordon

Level 28: Down to Three

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 100,000-200,000 limits
Stud Games: 20,000 ante, 30,000 bring-in, 100,000-200,000 limits

Players Remaining: 3 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 2,410,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Ian Gordon – 3,600,000
2. Richard Ashby – 1,800,000
3. Eugene Katchalov – 1,600,000

Notable Eliminations:

4. Marco Johnson – $181,503

Big Hands:

Marco Johnson Eliminated

Stud 8

Marco Johnson was all-in for his last 350,000 on third street against Ian Gordon.

Johnson: (A-6)-7-K-2-Q-(J)
Gordon: (A-4)-6-J-8-A-(5)

Gordon made a pair of aces and a low to scoop the pot and send Johnson home in fourth place, leaving us with the final three players. Johnson will take home $181,503 for his finish.

Gordon Pulling Ahead

Hold’em

Eugene Katchalov raised from the small blind and Ian Gordon three-bet from the big blind. Katchalov called to see the flop of 642. Katchalov then check-raised Gordon, Gordon put in a third bet and Katchalov put in a fourth bet.

Gordon called and called bets from Katchalov on the Q turn card and the 8 river card. Katchalov showed pocket nines, but Gordon held pocket tens to take the pot and shoot up to 4,000,000. Katchalov fell to 2,400,000 in chips.

!(left){height:255px;width:170px;margin:3px 10px;border:3px solid;}(Richard Ashby)!Ashby Doubles

Ian Gordon raised from the small blind and Richard Ashby made the call from the big blind.

The flop was 7Q2 and Gordon bet, which was called by Ashby. The turn was the 2 and Gordon bet again, and this time Ashby moved in for another 140,000. Gordon made the call and showed K9J10 and Ashby showed the QJ103.

The river was the 6 to double Ashby up to 1,400,000 and Gordon slipped to 3,500,000.

Player Tags: Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Marco Johnson,   Ian Gordon

Level 26 Update: Glantz Runs Huge Bluff

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 60,000-120,000 limits
Stud Games: 15,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, 60,000-120,000 limits

Players Remaining: 5 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,446,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Richard Ashby – 2,100,000
2. Eugene Katchalov – 1,900,000
3. Ian Gordon - 1,300,000
4. Matt Glantz – 1,000,000
5. Marco Johnson – 870,000

Notable Eliminations:

none

Big Hands:

Gordon Moving Chips

Razz

Ian Gordon was down to 300,000 after losing back to back omaha 8 or better hands. Then this razz hand came along.

Gordon: (X-X)-4-K-9
Ashby: (X-X)-2-J-2

Ian Gordon was the bring-in with a four and Richard Ashby completed and was called by Gordon. Ashby bet out on fourth and was called by Gordon. Ashby bet on fifth even though he open paired and Gordon moved all-in for just 35,000 more. Ashby called and showed 9-6 in the hole and Gordon showed 8-5 and was in the lead.

Ashby caught on ace on sixth and Gordon caught a 7. Ashby squeezed his last card, but turned up a pair of sixes, meaning that Gordon’s K on the river was meaningless and he wold double up to 600,000.

Razz is Rough on Crazy Marco

Marco Johnson was in two razz hands that left him fairly short. In a hand against Eugene Katchalov, he completed and bet fourth street, before calling fifth and sixth street, but had to fold the river.

Then he completed and was raised by Ian Gordon, but Johnson made the call. Gordon bet every street the rest of the way and their boards looked like this.

Gordon: (X-X)-A-6-5-10-(X)
Johnson: (X-X)-8-J-7-J-(X)

On the river, Johnson was talking to himself before eventually convincing himself to call. Gordon turned over the 7-6-4 in the hole to make a 7-6 low and take the pot. Johnson was left with just 430,000.

Johnson Doubles

Marco Johnson: (X-X)-5-10-9-5-(X)
Richard Ashby: (X-X)-J-10-A-K-(X)

Johnson completed and Ashby called. Ashby checked and called a bet from Johnson on fourth and fifth street, but wanted to lead out into Johnson on sixth until Matt Glantz stopped him to tell him that Johnson had paired his five and acts first.

Johnson bet and was left with just 35,000. Ashby seemed confused and eventually called. Johnson bet his last 35,000 in the dark and Ashby tossed in a call in the dark.

Johnson showed K67 giving him a king-high flush and the pot. He doubles up to 870,000 and got a golf clap from his cheering section of David Baker and Jon Aguiar.

Glantz Runs a Bluff

Stud

Marco Johnson completed and Matt Glantz made the call. Johnson bet fourth and Glantz called. Johnson led again on fifth and Glantz announced a raise. Johnson made the call and led into Glantz on sixth street. Glantz just called and they saw the river with their boards looking like this.

Johnson: (X-X)-Q-6-J-2-(X)
Glantz: (X-X)-7-3-4-9-(X)

Johnson checked and Glantz appeared to squeeze his river card and then fired out a bet. Johnson then went deep in the tank and eventually folded after six minutes of thinking, leaving himself with just 250,000.

“I haven’t looked,” said Glantz as he was being pushed the pot. “Do you want to see, it’s up to you.”

After Johnson nodded yes, Glantz showed the 5710, giving him just a pair of sevens. Johnson stormed away in disgust, knowing he’d been bluffed off the best hand.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Marco Johnson,   Ian Gordon

Level 25 Update: Mortensen Eliminated

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 50,000-100,000 limits
Stud Games: 10,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, 50,000-100,000 limits

Players Remaining: 5 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,446,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Ian Gordon – 2,350,000
2. Eugene Katchalov – 2,050,000
3. Matt Glantz – 1,150,000
4. Richard Ashby – 1,050,000
5. Marco Johnson – 950,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Carlos Mortensen – $102,237

Big Hands:

Carlos Mortensen Eliminated

Razz

Carlos Mortensen completed and Eugene Katchalov was the only caller and he was the player who brought it in.

Mortensen bet fourth and was called and the last of his chips were committed on fifth street.

Katchalov: (2-6)-Q-8-4-5-(6)
Mortensen: (A-3)-7-5-7-8-(Q)

Mortesen was way ahead on fourth street, but Katchalov caught good and made a better eight low than Mortenesen. Mortensen was eliminated from the tournament with an extra $102,237 to his name.

Battle of the Big Stacks

Stud

Eugene Katchalov: (X-X)-10-A103-(X)
Ian Gordon: (X-X)-10-K-3-9-(X)

Katchalov completed and Gordon called. Katchalov checked and called a bet from Gordon on fourth street and then bet fifth and sixth street, getting calls from Gordon both times.

Katchalov bet one more time on the river and this time Gordon let his hand go after a grimace.

Gordon Gets Aces, Knocks Ashby Back Down

Stud

Eugene Katchalov brought it in and Ian Gordon completed. Richard Ashby made the call and so did Katchalov. Gordon bet on fourth street and was raised by Ashby. Katchalov folded and Gordon made the call.

Gordon check-called fifth and both players checked sixth and seventh.

Gordon: (A-7-10)-A-6-3-4
Ashby: (X-X)-J-9-2-K-(X)

Gordon’s aces were enough to take the pot. Gordon moved up to 2,600,000 and Ashby fell to 800,000.

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Ian Gordon

Level 24 Update: Schulman Gone

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 40,000-80,000 limits
Stud Games: 10,000 ante, 10,000 bring-in, 40,000-80,000 limits

Players Remaining: 6 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,205,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Matt Glantz – 2,400,000
2. Ian Gordon – 1,600,000
3. Eugene Katchalov – 1,500,000
4. Marco Johnson – 1,250,000
5. Richard Ashby – 600,000
6. Carlos Mortensen – 380,000

Notable Eliminations:

7. Nick Schulman – $78,654

Big Hands:

Nick Schulman Eliminated

Hold’em

Marco Johnson raised from middle position and was three-bet all-in by Nick Schulman from the button. Johnson made the call and showed AK and was ahead of Schulman’s AJ

Schulman just dropped his head as the board ran out A394K and Johnson eliminated Schulman in seventh. Schulman will take home $78,654 for seventh place.

Ashby Makes a Comeback

Hold’em

Shortly after doubling up with 108 against Marco Johnson’s AK, Richard Ashby three-bet Matt Glantz. The fop was 10J7 and Ashby fired and was called by Glantz. Glantz also called a bet on the 7 turn card but gave up when Ashby fired another bullet on the 6 river card.

Ashby is now up to 600,000 and while still short, in much better shape than where he was just a few hands ago.

Gordon Takes a Pot

Matt Glantz raised and Ian Gordon three-bet from the small blind. The fop was Q77 and Gordon bet out. Glantz opted to raise and Gordon flat-called.

The turn was the 5 and both players checked to see the 3 river. Gordon bet and was called by Glatnz. Glantz mucked when he saw Gordon’s pocket tens.

Mortensen Slips

Omaha 8

Action folded to Eugene Katchalov in the small blind and raised. Carlos Mortensen made the call from the big blind and the flop came A42.

Katchalov bet and was called by Mortensen. The turn was the 9 and Katchalov quickly bet again and was called by Mortensen. The river was the 9 and Katchalov bet again. Mortensen sighed and open-folded the 2-3-4-10, but was already way bheind as Katchalov showed A-A-2-K for a full house.

Mortensen slipped to 380,000 in chips and Katchalov is up to 1,500,000.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Richard Ashby,   Nick Schulman

Level 15: Mortensen New Chip Leader

Jun 24, '10

Flop Games: 3,000-6,000 blinds
Stud Games: 1,500 ante, 2,000 bring-in, 6,000-12,000 limits

Players Remaining: 41 out of 241

Average Chip Stack: 176,341

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Carlos Mortensen – 540,000
2. Brian Townsend – 411,000
3. Steve Billirakis – 333,000
4. Brandon Adams – 320,000
5. Todd Brunson – 300,000
6. Tommy Hang – 248,000
7. Ray Dehkharghani – 235,000
8. Marco Traniello – 230,000
9. Scott Seiver – 225,000
10. Robert Mizrachi – 221,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jordan Smith

Big Hands:

Stud

Alioto The Ladies Man

Picking up the action on fourth street, Dario Alioto bet 6,000 and Nick Schulman made the call. Alioto then bet 12,000 on fifth street and Schulman called again.

Both players checked on sixth and seventh and Alioto tabled QQQ. Schulman was showing 91078 but couldn’t find any help in his hole cards and mucked.

Alioto was at 140,000 while Schulman was at 106,000.

Razz

Violette Takes One

Richard Ashby completed to 6,000 and Cyndy Violette raised to 12,000. Ashby made the call and Violette fired 6,000 on fourth street. Ashby called once more and Violette led on fifth and sixth for 12,000 each time, despite pairing up on both streets.

Ashby called both bets before both players checked the river. Despite having two pair, Violette managed to make a 9-8 low and Ashby could not beat it. Ashby mucked and Violette took in the pot, improving to 160,000.

Brunson Hits 300k

Todd Brunson, Matt Glantz and Al Barbieri were all involved in a hand. Here is how their boards looked:

Brunson: (XXX)5-9-6-4
Glantz: (XX)5-K-mucked
Barbieri: (XXX)5-8-4-9

Brunson completed to 6,000 and both opponents called. On fourth street, Glantz led out with 6,000 and both opponents called. Barbieri led for 12,000 on fifth street and only Brunson stuck around. Brunson led for 12,000 on sixth street and Barbieri made the call.

On seventh, Brunson led out again for 12,000 and Barbieri released his hand, leaving himself with 50,000. Brunson took in the pot and was at 300,000.

Stud/8

Mortensen Takes The Chip Lead

Carlos Mortensen, Jordan Smith and Dario Alioto all got involved in a hand. Each player saw it to the river with chips going into the middle on every street.

Mortensen turned over a spade flush to go with an 8-7 low and both opponents mucked. Mortensen scooped the pot and he was at 540,000 which was good for the overall chip lead.

Smith was crippled and was eliminated later in the level.

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Todd Brunson,   Cyndy Violette,   Al Barbieri,   Richard Ashby,   Jordan Smith

Level Seven: Ashby Scoops

Jun 24, '10

Flop Games: 500-1,000 blinds
Stud Games: 200 ante, 300 bring-in, 1,000-2,000 limits

Players Remaining: 198 out of 241

Average Chip Stack: 36,515

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Matt Glantz – 125,000
2. Thor Hansen – 87,500
3. Greg Raymer – 81,000
4. Marco Johnson – 70,000
5. Jason Lester – 68,000
6. Chris Ferguson – 67,000
7. Allen Kessler – 64,500
8. Scott Seiver – 60,000
9. Annie Duke – 60,000
10. Scotty Nguyen – 60,000

Notable Eliminations:

David Williams

Big Hands:

Omaha/8

Ashby Scoops

Four players limped in preflop and the flop came down 982. David Oppenheim bet 1,000 and Richard Ashby made the call, as did another player.

The turn was the 4 and the other player bet 2,000. Ashby called and Oppenheim mucked. The A came on the river and the other player bet 2,000. Ashby popped it to 4,000 and the call was made.

Ashby tabled 10533 for the wheel and his opponent mucked. Ashby scooped the pot and was at 40,000.

Mosseri Crippled

Abe Mosseri raised preflop to 2,000 and the player in seat 4 three-bet to 3,000. Mosseri made the call and the flop came down KQ9.

Mosseri led out with 1,000 and seat 4 called. The turn was the 5 and Mosseri bet 2,000. Seat 4 raised to 4,000 and Mosseri called. The river was the J.

Both players checked and seat 4 turned over KKA4 for a set of kings and Mosseri mucked. He was down to 9,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Abe Mosseri,   Richard Ashby

Level 29 Update: Ian Gordon Wins

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 120,000-240,000 limits
Stud Games: 30,000 ante, 30,000 bring-in, 120,000-240,000 limits

Players Remaining: 1 out of 241

Notable Eliminations:

3. Eugene Katchalov – $378,024
2. Richard Ashby – $611,666

Big Hands:

Katchalov Crippled

Stud

This hand happened right before the break at the end of the last level.

Eugene Katchalov completed and Ian Gordon made the call. Gordon led on forth and fifth before checking sixth street. Katchalov bet and Gordon check-raised and their boards looked like this.

Katchalov: (X-X)-A-9-3-7
Gordon: (X-X)-Q-A-4-8

Gordon fired one more bullet on the river and Katchalov angrily mucked his cards, leaving him with just 365,000 in chips.

Eugene Katchalov Eliminated

Hold’em

Eugene Katchalov raised from the button, Ian Gordon made it three bets from the small blind, Katchalov made it four bets and Gordon called.

The flop came 1083 and the rest of Katchalov’s chips got into the middle and Gordon made the call.

Katchalov held 77, but was drawing to runners when Gordon turned over the KJ, for the second nut flush. The 3 on the turn gave Katchalov hope, but the Q on the river sealed the deal for Gordon, giving him the pot and Katchalov was eliminated in third place.

Katchalov will take home $248,831 for his finish and Ian Gordon and Richard Ashby will go heads-up for the bracelet.

Richard Ashby Eliminated in Second, Ian Gordon Wins Event No. 43

Hold’em

After Katchalov was eliminated, heads-up play was as short as it could possibly be. Just one hand later after Katchalov left the tournament area, this hand took place.

Richard Ashby raised from the button and Ian Gordon three-bet from the big blind. Ashby made it four bets and Gordon made the call.

The flop was 6108 and Gordon check-raised a bet from Ashby. Ashby thought for a moment and then tossed in a call.

The turn was the 10 and Gordon fired another shell.

“I think you’ve got me, but I have to go all-in,” said Ashby as he moved his chips into the middle.

Gordon made the call and showed 99 and was ahead of Ashby’s AJ. The river was the K and Gordon’s nines held up to take home the title and $611,666.

Ashby will take home a consolation prize of $378,027.

Player Tags: Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Ian Gordon

Level 28: Down to Three

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 100,000-200,000 limits
Stud Games: 20,000 ante, 30,000 bring-in, 100,000-200,000 limits

Players Remaining: 3 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 2,410,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Ian Gordon – 3,600,000
2. Richard Ashby – 1,800,000
3. Eugene Katchalov – 1,600,000

Notable Eliminations:

4. Marco Johnson – $181,503

Big Hands:

Marco Johnson Eliminated

Stud 8

Marco Johnson was all-in for his last 350,000 on third street against Ian Gordon.

Johnson: (A-6)-7-K-2-Q-(J)
Gordon: (A-4)-6-J-8-A-(5)

Gordon made a pair of aces and a low to scoop the pot and send Johnson home in fourth place, leaving us with the final three players. Johnson will take home $181,503 for his finish.

Gordon Pulling Ahead

Hold’em

Eugene Katchalov raised from the small blind and Ian Gordon three-bet from the big blind. Katchalov called to see the flop of 642. Katchalov then check-raised Gordon, Gordon put in a third bet and Katchalov put in a fourth bet.

Gordon called and called bets from Katchalov on the Q turn card and the 8 river card. Katchalov showed pocket nines, but Gordon held pocket tens to take the pot and shoot up to 4,000,000. Katchalov fell to 2,400,000 in chips.

!(left){height:255px;width:170px;margin:3px 10px;border:3px solid;}(Richard Ashby)!Ashby Doubles

Ian Gordon raised from the small blind and Richard Ashby made the call from the big blind.

The flop was 7Q2 and Gordon bet, which was called by Ashby. The turn was the 2 and Gordon bet again, and this time Ashby moved in for another 140,000. Gordon made the call and showed K9J10 and Ashby showed the QJ103.

The river was the 6 to double Ashby up to 1,400,000 and Gordon slipped to 3,500,000.

Player Tags: Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Marco Johnson,   Ian Gordon

Level 26 Update: Glantz Runs Huge Bluff

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 60,000-120,000 limits
Stud Games: 15,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, 60,000-120,000 limits

Players Remaining: 5 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,446,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Richard Ashby – 2,100,000
2. Eugene Katchalov – 1,900,000
3. Ian Gordon - 1,300,000
4. Matt Glantz – 1,000,000
5. Marco Johnson – 870,000

Notable Eliminations:

none

Big Hands:

Gordon Moving Chips

Razz

Ian Gordon was down to 300,000 after losing back to back omaha 8 or better hands. Then this razz hand came along.

Gordon: (X-X)-4-K-9
Ashby: (X-X)-2-J-2

Ian Gordon was the bring-in with a four and Richard Ashby completed and was called by Gordon. Ashby bet out on fourth and was called by Gordon. Ashby bet on fifth even though he open paired and Gordon moved all-in for just 35,000 more. Ashby called and showed 9-6 in the hole and Gordon showed 8-5 and was in the lead.

Ashby caught on ace on sixth and Gordon caught a 7. Ashby squeezed his last card, but turned up a pair of sixes, meaning that Gordon’s K on the river was meaningless and he wold double up to 600,000.

Razz is Rough on Crazy Marco

Marco Johnson was in two razz hands that left him fairly short. In a hand against Eugene Katchalov, he completed and bet fourth street, before calling fifth and sixth street, but had to fold the river.

Then he completed and was raised by Ian Gordon, but Johnson made the call. Gordon bet every street the rest of the way and their boards looked like this.

Gordon: (X-X)-A-6-5-10-(X)
Johnson: (X-X)-8-J-7-J-(X)

On the river, Johnson was talking to himself before eventually convincing himself to call. Gordon turned over the 7-6-4 in the hole to make a 7-6 low and take the pot. Johnson was left with just 430,000.

Johnson Doubles

Marco Johnson: (X-X)-5-10-9-5-(X)
Richard Ashby: (X-X)-J-10-A-K-(X)

Johnson completed and Ashby called. Ashby checked and called a bet from Johnson on fourth and fifth street, but wanted to lead out into Johnson on sixth until Matt Glantz stopped him to tell him that Johnson had paired his five and acts first.

Johnson bet and was left with just 35,000. Ashby seemed confused and eventually called. Johnson bet his last 35,000 in the dark and Ashby tossed in a call in the dark.

Johnson showed K67 giving him a king-high flush and the pot. He doubles up to 870,000 and got a golf clap from his cheering section of David Baker and Jon Aguiar.

Glantz Runs a Bluff

Stud

Marco Johnson completed and Matt Glantz made the call. Johnson bet fourth and Glantz called. Johnson led again on fifth and Glantz announced a raise. Johnson made the call and led into Glantz on sixth street. Glantz just called and they saw the river with their boards looking like this.

Johnson: (X-X)-Q-6-J-2-(X)
Glantz: (X-X)-7-3-4-9-(X)

Johnson checked and Glantz appeared to squeeze his river card and then fired out a bet. Johnson then went deep in the tank and eventually folded after six minutes of thinking, leaving himself with just 250,000.

“I haven’t looked,” said Glantz as he was being pushed the pot. “Do you want to see, it’s up to you.”

After Johnson nodded yes, Glantz showed the 5710, giving him just a pair of sevens. Johnson stormed away in disgust, knowing he’d been bluffed off the best hand.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Marco Johnson,   Ian Gordon

Level 25 Update: Mortensen Eliminated

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 50,000-100,000 limits
Stud Games: 10,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, 50,000-100,000 limits

Players Remaining: 5 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,446,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Ian Gordon – 2,350,000
2. Eugene Katchalov – 2,050,000
3. Matt Glantz – 1,150,000
4. Richard Ashby – 1,050,000
5. Marco Johnson – 950,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Carlos Mortensen – $102,237

Big Hands:

Carlos Mortensen Eliminated

Razz

Carlos Mortensen completed and Eugene Katchalov was the only caller and he was the player who brought it in.

Mortensen bet fourth and was called and the last of his chips were committed on fifth street.

Katchalov: (2-6)-Q-8-4-5-(6)
Mortensen: (A-3)-7-5-7-8-(Q)

Mortesen was way ahead on fourth street, but Katchalov caught good and made a better eight low than Mortenesen. Mortensen was eliminated from the tournament with an extra $102,237 to his name.

Battle of the Big Stacks

Stud

Eugene Katchalov: (X-X)-10-A103-(X)
Ian Gordon: (X-X)-10-K-3-9-(X)

Katchalov completed and Gordon called. Katchalov checked and called a bet from Gordon on fourth street and then bet fifth and sixth street, getting calls from Gordon both times.

Katchalov bet one more time on the river and this time Gordon let his hand go after a grimace.

Gordon Gets Aces, Knocks Ashby Back Down

Stud

Eugene Katchalov brought it in and Ian Gordon completed. Richard Ashby made the call and so did Katchalov. Gordon bet on fourth street and was raised by Ashby. Katchalov folded and Gordon made the call.

Gordon check-called fifth and both players checked sixth and seventh.

Gordon: (A-7-10)-A-6-3-4
Ashby: (X-X)-J-9-2-K-(X)

Gordon’s aces were enough to take the pot. Gordon moved up to 2,600,000 and Ashby fell to 800,000.

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Eugene Katchalov,   Richard Ashby,   Ian Gordon

Level 24 Update: Schulman Gone

Jun 26, '10

Blinds:

Flop Games: 40,000-80,000 limits
Stud Games: 10,000 ante, 10,000 bring-in, 40,000-80,000 limits

Players Remaining: 6 out of 241

Average Chip Count: 1,205,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Matt Glantz – 2,400,000
2. Ian Gordon – 1,600,000
3. Eugene Katchalov – 1,500,000
4. Marco Johnson – 1,250,000
5. Richard Ashby – 600,000
6. Carlos Mortensen – 380,000

Notable Eliminations:

7. Nick Schulman – $78,654

Big Hands:

Nick Schulman Eliminated

Hold’em

Marco Johnson raised from middle position and was three-bet all-in by Nick Schulman from the button. Johnson made the call and showed AK and was ahead of Schulman’s AJ

Schulman just dropped his head as the board ran out A394K and Johnson eliminated Schulman in seventh. Schulman will take home $78,654 for seventh place.

Ashby Makes a Comeback

Hold’em

Shortly after doubling up with 108 against Marco Johnson’s AK, Richard Ashby three-bet Matt Glantz. The fop was 10J7 and Ashby fired and was called by Glantz. Glantz also called a bet on the 7 turn card but gave up when Ashby fired another bullet on the 6 river card.

Ashby is now up to 600,000 and while still short, in much better shape than where he was just a few hands ago.

Gordon Takes a Pot

Matt Glantz raised and Ian Gordon three-bet from the small blind. The fop was Q77 and Gordon bet out. Glantz opted to raise and Gordon flat-called.

The turn was the 5 and both players checked to see the 3 river. Gordon bet and was called by Glatnz. Glantz mucked when he saw Gordon’s pocket tens.

Mortensen Slips

Omaha 8

Action folded to Eugene Katchalov in the small blind and raised. Carlos Mortensen made the call from the big blind and the flop came A42.

Katchalov bet and was called by Mortensen. The turn was the 9 and Katchalov quickly bet again and was called by Mortensen. The river was the 9 and Katchalov bet again. Mortensen sighed and open-folded the 2-3-4-10, but was already way bheind as Katchalov showed A-A-2-K for a full house.

Mortensen slipped to 380,000 in chips and Katchalov is up to 1,500,000.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Richard Ashby,   Nick Schulman

Level 15: Mortensen New Chip Leader

Jun 24, '10

Flop Games: 3,000-6,000 blinds
Stud Games: 1,500 ante, 2,000 bring-in, 6,000-12,000 limits

Players Remaining: 41 out of 241

Average Chip Stack: 176,341

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Carlos Mortensen – 540,000
2. Brian Townsend – 411,000
3. Steve Billirakis – 333,000
4. Brandon Adams – 320,000
5. Todd Brunson – 300,000
6. Tommy Hang – 248,000
7. Ray Dehkharghani – 235,000
8. Marco Traniello – 230,000
9. Scott Seiver – 225,000
10. Robert Mizrachi – 221,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jordan Smith

Big Hands:

Stud

Alioto The Ladies Man

Picking up the action on fourth street, Dario Alioto bet 6,000 and Nick Schulman made the call. Alioto then bet 12,000 on fifth street and Schulman called again.

Both players checked on sixth and seventh and Alioto tabled QQQ. Schulman was showing 91078 but couldn’t find any help in his hole cards and mucked.

Alioto was at 140,000 while Schulman was at 106,000.

Razz

Violette Takes One

Richard Ashby completed to 6,000 and Cyndy Violette raised to 12,000. Ashby made the call and Violette fired 6,000 on fourth street. Ashby called once more and Violette led on fifth and sixth for 12,000 each time, despite pairing up on both streets.

Ashby called both bets before both players checked the river. Despite having two pair, Violette managed to make a 9-8 low and Ashby could not beat it. Ashby mucked and Violette took in the pot, improving to 160,000.

Brunson Hits 300k

Todd Brunson, Matt Glantz and Al Barbieri were all involved in a hand. Here is how their boards looked:

Brunson: (XXX)5-9-6-4
Glantz: (XX)5-K-mucked
Barbieri: (XXX)5-8-4-9

Brunson completed to 6,000 and both opponents called. On fourth street, Glantz led out with 6,000 and both opponents called. Barbieri led for 12,000 on fifth street and only Brunson stuck around. Brunson led for 12,000 on sixth street and Barbieri made the call.

On seventh, Brunson led out again for 12,000 and Barbieri released his hand, leaving himself with 50,000. Brunson took in the pot and was at 300,000.

Stud/8

Mortensen Takes The Chip Lead

Carlos Mortensen, Jordan Smith and Dario Alioto all got involved in a hand. Each player saw it to the river with chips going into the middle on every street.

Mortensen turned over a spade flush to go with an 8-7 low and both opponents mucked. Mortensen scooped the pot and he was at 540,000 which was good for the overall chip lead.

Smith was crippled and was eliminated later in the level.

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Todd Brunson,   Cyndy Violette,   Al Barbieri,   Richard Ashby,   Jordan Smith

Level Seven: Ashby Scoops

Jun 24, '10

Flop Games: 500-1,000 blinds
Stud Games: 200 ante, 300 bring-in, 1,000-2,000 limits

Players Remaining: 198 out of 241

Average Chip Stack: 36,515

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Matt Glantz – 125,000
2. Thor Hansen – 87,500
3. Greg Raymer – 81,000
4. Marco Johnson – 70,000
5. Jason Lester – 68,000
6. Chris Ferguson – 67,000
7. Allen Kessler – 64,500
8. Scott Seiver – 60,000
9. Annie Duke – 60,000
10. Scotty Nguyen – 60,000

Notable Eliminations:

David Williams

Big Hands:

Omaha/8

Ashby Scoops

Four players limped in preflop and the flop came down 982. David Oppenheim bet 1,000 and Richard Ashby made the call, as did another player.

The turn was the 4 and the other player bet 2,000. Ashby called and Oppenheim mucked. The A came on the river and the other player bet 2,000. Ashby popped it to 4,000 and the call was made.

Ashby tabled 10533 for the wheel and his opponent mucked. Ashby scooped the pot and was at 40,000.

Mosseri Crippled

Abe Mosseri raised preflop to 2,000 and the player in seat 4 three-bet to 3,000. Mosseri made the call and the flop came down KQ9.

Mosseri led out with 1,000 and seat 4 called. The turn was the 5 and Mosseri bet 2,000. Seat 4 raised to 4,000 and Mosseri called. The river was the J.

Both players checked and seat 4 turned over KKA4 for a set of kings and Mosseri mucked. He was down to 9,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Abe Mosseri,   Richard Ashby

Day 2 Begins at 2:30 PST

Jun 16, '10

105 players remain out of the 596 that began the tournament yesterday. The players still left with play toward a final table on day 2.

The average chip stack is 42,571.

The winner of the event will walk away with $315,311 in prize money. The top 54 finishers will make the money, with 54th receiving $5,304.

Notables left include Tex Barch, T.J. Cloutier, Bertrand Grospellier, Frank Kassela, Christian Harder, Shannon Shorr, Adam Junglen and Richard Ashby.

Richard Ashby is near the top of the chip counts at the moment. Ashby and Barch are each going for their second bracelet of the series.

Player Twitter Accounts:

Christian Harder
Shannon Shorr
Adam Junglen

Stay tuned to Card Player for action from the Rio!

Here are the chip counts heading to day 2:

Loren Klein	187,300
Eric Rabl	154,200
Richard Ashby	137,700
Jeffrey Schnettler	114,100
Justin Gardenhire	97,700
Norman Collingsworth	94,400
Bryce Yockey	93,200
Carter Gill	90,900
Randy Propson	85,300
Patrick Hanoteau	79,900
Eoghan Odea	76,400
David Iammarino	76,000
John Barch	72,600
TJ Cloutier	70,400
Matthew Reed	69,200
Sean Getzwiller	69,000
Dmitrii Valouev	68,800
Joshua Tieman	68,300
Don Nguyen	64,800
Taylor Mcfarland	64,500
Michael Greco	60,400
Miguel Proulx	60,000
Chau Giang	59,800
Scott Clements	58,200
Dilyan Kovachev	58,000
Joe Serock	57,000
Scott Armstrong	56,600
Kirill Gerasimov	55,200
Jonathan Depa	55,100
Mikko Pispala	54,700
Jerome Bradpiece	52,500
Trevor Pope	51,500
Daniel Horowitz	51,500
Richard Geyer	50,800
Suleiman Abueid	50,200
Ashkan Razavi	49,700
Jeremy Dresch	47,700
Adam Junglen	46,000
Richard Tucker	46,000
Tommy Le	46,000
Shannon Shorr	44,500
Seth Anirudh	43,800
Emanuel Failla	42,600
Bertrand Grospellier	41,300
Thomas Bichon	40,000
Karl Gal	39,600
Philippa Flanders	38,600
David Ashby	38,400
Christian Harder	38,000
Tyson Christensen	37,700
Louis Abronson	37,600
Hilbert Shirey	37,400
Daniel Hindin	35,500
Shane Howeth	34,100
John Shipley	34,100
Michael Binger	33,900
Roger McDow	33,300
Hendrik Vogeling	33,000
Tad Jurgens	33,000
Pete Vilandos	32,400
Klaus Pautrot	32,000
Lucas Greenwood	31,800
Daniel Smith	31,000
Jared Ingles	30,800
Alessandro Dalbello	28,700
Tim West	27,100
Jordan Smith	27,000
John Feder	26,600
Magnus Edengren	25,300
Kevin Iacofano	25,000
Brian Powell	24,800
Eric Cloutier	24,300
X ENGELS	24,000
Stephane Tayar	23,900
Joseph Hachem	23,700
Richard Tatalovich	23,700
Harold Mcdonald	23,600
Daniel Hirschberg	23,500
Ilya Briskin	23,500
Calvin Habern	21,100
Aaron Jones	21,100
Chris Viox	19,900
Sandra Naujoks	17,200
William Durkee	16,500
James Meehan	16,200
Ben Keiley	16,200
Armando Munoz-Calero	15,100
Donald Vann	14,500
Lee Grove	14,000
Jose Brenes	13,700
Karen Longfellow	13,300
Rory Rees Brennan	13,200
Thomas Pettersson	13,100
Anthony Cousineau	12,300
Anthony Zinno	11,800
Michael Shook	10,600
Frank Kassela	10,500
Chase Steely	10,300
Brent Wolgamott	10,200
Jose Obadia	10,100
Jeffrey Bliss	7,900
Robert Kula	7,300

Player Tags: John Barch,   Richard Ashby

End of Day 1

Jun 16, '10

105 players remain out of the 596 that began the tournament today.

The average chip stack is 42,571.

The winner of the event will walk away with $315,311 in prize money. The top 54 finishers will make the money, with 54th receiving $5,304.

Notables left include Tex Barch, T.J. Cloutier, Bertrand Grospellier, Frank Kassela, Christian Harder, Shannon Shorr, Adam Junglen and Richard Ashby.

Richard Ashby is near the top of the chip counts at the moment. Ashby and Barch are each going for their second bracelet of the series.

Notables eliminated from the tournament include Greg Raymer, Mike Sexton, Sorel Mizzi, Chris Ferguson, Matt Stout, Gavin Griffin, Isaac Haxton, Andy Bloch, Jonathan Little, Carlos Mortensen, Scott Seiver, Robert Williamson, Scotty Nguyen, Scott Montgomery, Josh Arieh, Eugene Todd, Tom McEvoy, Phil Ivey and defending champion J.C. Tran.

Player Twitter Accounts:

Christian Harder
Shannon Shorr
Adam Junglen

Players will return tomorrow at 2:30 PST to resume action.

Player Tags: John Barch,   Richard Ashby

Day 2 Begins at 2:30 PST

Jun 16, '10

105 players remain out of the 596 that began the tournament yesterday. The players still left with play toward a final table on day 2.

The average chip stack is 42,571.

The winner of the event will walk away with $315,311 in prize money. The top 54 finishers will make the money, with 54th receiving $5,304.

Notables left include Tex Barch, T.J. Cloutier, Bertrand Grospellier, Frank Kassela, Christian Harder, Shannon Shorr, Adam Junglen and Richard Ashby.

Richard Ashby is near the top of the chip counts at the moment. Ashby and Barch are each going for their second bracelet of the series.

Player Twitter Accounts:

Christian Harder
Shannon Shorr
Adam Junglen

Stay tuned to Card Player for action from the Rio!

Here are the chip counts heading to day 2:

Loren Klein	187,300
Eric Rabl	154,200
Richard Ashby	137,700
Jeffrey Schnettler	114,100
Justin Gardenhire	97,700
Norman Collingsworth	94,400
Bryce Yockey	93,200
Carter Gill	90,900
Randy Propson	85,300
Patrick Hanoteau	79,900
Eoghan Odea	76,400
David Iammarino	76,000
John Barch	72,600
TJ Cloutier	70,400
Matthew Reed	69,200
Sean Getzwiller	69,000
Dmitrii Valouev	68,800
Joshua Tieman	68,300
Don Nguyen	64,800
Taylor Mcfarland	64,500
Michael Greco	60,400
Miguel Proulx	60,000
Chau Giang	59,800
Scott Clements	58,200
Dilyan Kovachev	58,000
Joe Serock	57,000
Scott Armstrong	56,600
Kirill Gerasimov	55,200
Jonathan Depa	55,100
Mikko Pispala	54,700
Jerome Bradpiece	52,500
Trevor Pope	51,500
Daniel Horowitz	51,500
Richard Geyer	50,800
Suleiman Abueid	50,200
Ashkan Razavi	49,700
Jeremy Dresch	47,700
Adam Junglen	46,000
Richard Tucker	46,000
Tommy Le	46,000
Shannon Shorr	44,500
Seth Anirudh	43,800
Emanuel Failla	42,600
Bertrand Grospellier	41,300
Thomas Bichon	40,000
Karl Gal	39,600
Philippa Flanders	38,600
David Ashby	38,400
Christian Harder	38,000
Tyson Christensen	37,700
Louis Abronson	37,600
Hilbert Shirey	37,400
Daniel Hindin	35,500
Shane Howeth	34,100
John Shipley	34,100
Michael Binger	33,900
Roger McDow	33,300
Hendrik Vogeling	33,000
Tad Jurgens	33,000
Pete Vilandos	32,400
Klaus Pautrot	32,000
Lucas Greenwood	31,800
Daniel Smith	31,000
Jared Ingles	30,800
Alessandro Dalbello	28,700
Tim West	27,100
Jordan Smith	27,000
John Feder	26,600
Magnus Edengren	25,300
Kevin Iacofano	25,000
Brian Powell	24,800
Eric Cloutier	24,300
X ENGELS	24,000
Stephane Tayar	23,900
Joseph Hachem	23,700
Richard Tatalovich	23,700
Harold Mcdonald	23,600
Daniel Hirschberg	23,500
Ilya Briskin	23,500
Calvin Habern	21,100
Aaron Jones	21,100
Chris Viox	19,900
Sandra Naujoks	17,200
William Durkee	16,500
James Meehan	16,200
Ben Keiley	16,200
Armando Munoz-Calero	15,100
Donald Vann	14,500
Lee Grove	14,000
Jose Brenes	13,700
Karen Longfellow	13,300
Rory Rees Brennan	13,200
Thomas Pettersson	13,100
Anthony Cousineau	12,300
Anthony Zinno	11,800
Michael Shook	10,600
Frank Kassela	10,500
Chase Steely	10,300
Brent Wolgamott	10,200
Jose Obadia	10,100
Jeffrey Bliss	7,900
Robert Kula	7,300

Player Tags: John Barch,   Richard Ashby

End of Day 1

Jun 16, '10

105 players remain out of the 596 that began the tournament today.

The average chip stack is 42,571.

The winner of the event will walk away with $315,311 in prize money. The top 54 finishers will make the money, with 54th receiving $5,304.

Notables left include Tex Barch, T.J. Cloutier, Bertrand Grospellier, Frank Kassela, Christian Harder, Shannon Shorr, Adam Junglen and Richard Ashby.

Richard Ashby is near the top of the chip counts at the moment. Ashby and Barch are each going for their second bracelet of the series.

Notables eliminated from the tournament include Greg Raymer, Mike Sexton, Sorel Mizzi, Chris Ferguson, Matt Stout, Gavin Griffin, Isaac Haxton, Andy Bloch, Jonathan Little, Carlos Mortensen, Scott Seiver, Robert Williamson, Scotty Nguyen, Scott Montgomery, Josh Arieh, Eugene Todd, Tom McEvoy, Phil Ivey and defending champion J.C. Tran.

Player Twitter Accounts:

Christian Harder
Shannon Shorr
Adam Junglen

Players will return tomorrow at 2:30 PST to resume action.

Player Tags: John Barch,   Richard Ashby

Level 25 Update: Richard Ashby Wins

Jun 13, '10

Blinds: Ante: 10,000 Stakes: 40,000 – 80,000 Bringin: 10,000 Completion: 40,000

Players Remaining: 1 out of 408

Average Chip Count: 1,800,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Richard Ashby — 1,800,000

Eliminations:

2. Christine Pietsch — $86,756

Big Hands:

Christine Pietsch Eliminated in 2nd Place ($86,756), Richard Ashby Wins Event No. 21 ($140,467)

Richard Ashby brought in and called the completion of Christine Pietsch. Pietsch bet on fourth street, Ashby raised and Pietsch reraised all in.

Richard Ashby: (Q-Q)-3-7-9-7-(J)
Christine Pietsch: (K-10)-J-8-10-A-(2)

Pietsch was not able to overcome Ashby’s queens in the hole (and his improvement to two pair) and was eliminated in second place.

Player Tags: Richard Ashby,   Christine Pietsch

Level 24 Update: Dan Heimiller and Darren Shebell Eliminated

Jun 12, '10

Blinds: Ante: 7,000 Stakes: 30,000 – 60,000 Bringin: 10,000 Completion: 30,000

Players Remaining: 2 out of 408

Average Chip Count: 887,500

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Christine Pietsch — 1,170,000
2. Richard Ashby — 605,000

Eliminations:

4. Dan Heimiller — $40,544
3. Darren Shebell — $55,955

Big Hands:

Dan Heimiller Eliminated in 4th Place ($40,544)

Dan Heimiller and Richard Ashby were tangled up in a hand. Both players checked on fourth street before. Ashby bet fifth and Heimiller called for his tournament life.

Heimiller: (4-3)-4-7--10-(X)

Ashby: (9-7)-A-10-6-2-(8)

Heimiller’s pair of fours were ahead up until seventh street. Ashby squeezed and hit his gutshot to send Heimiller to the rail. Ashby was at 260,000 after the hand.

Darren Shebell Eliminated in Third Place ($55,955)

Darren Shebell was all in on fifth street against Richard Ashby.

Shebell: (6-6)-9-A-J-6-(8)

Ashby: (8-8)-K-2-K-3-(K)

Ashby had two pair versus Shebell’s pair and flush draw. Shebell hit a third six on sixth street. However, Ashby filled up on seventh street, eliminating his opponent. Ashby was at 605,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Richard Ashby,   Darren Shebell

Level 23 Update: Owais Ahmed Eliminated

Jun 12, '10

Blinds: Ante: 5,000 Stakes: 20,000 – 40,000 Bringin: 5,000 Completion: 20,000

Players Remaining: 4 out of 408

Average Chip Count: 459,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Christine Pietsch — 1,000,000
2. Darren Shebell — 470,000
3. Dan Heimiller — 200,000
4. Richard Ashby — 170,000

Eliminations:

5. Owais Ahmed — $29,809

Big Hands:

Owais Ahmed Eliminated in 5th Place ($29,809)

Rich Ashby had the bring and was called by Owais Ahmed and Darren Shebell. Christine Pietsch completed. Ashby folded while the other two players called.

Pietsch: (Q-J)-K39A-(10)

Ahmed: (8-4)-5JQ2-(10)

Shebell: (X-X)-K39K-(X)

Pietsch led out on fourth street and Shebell raised. Ahmed called and Pietsch did as well. Shebell bet on fifth street and was called by both of his opponents. The same action occurred on sixth street but Ahmed called all in for his tournament life.

Shebell checked in the dark on seventh street. Pietsh bet and Shebell called.

Ahmed was was unable to catch up and was eliminated. Shebell mucked.

Player Tags: Richard Ashby,   Owais Ahmed,   Darren Shebell

Level 1 Hour 1 Update: Day 1d Sold To Capacity

Jul 06, '09

Blinds: 50-100

Big Hands:

Ivey Takes An Early Pot

Picking up the action on the flop of 1063, Phil Ivey bet 300 and his opponent in seat 3 made the call. The turn then brought the K and Ivey led out again, this time for 600.

The player in seat 3 decided to muck his hand and Ivey took down an early pot. He was around 31,000.

G.I. Joe In The House

Star of the upcoming movie G.I. Joe Marlon Wayans has decided to take in some poker today during day 1d. He got involved early in the level against the player in seat 7.

The flop came down A79 and Wayans led out with 1,000. Seat 7 called and the turn was the 10. Wayans bet again and seat 7 called again. The river was the A and Wayans bet 3,200. Seat 7 called and tabled AK and Wayans mucked his cards. He was down to 22,000.

John Salley Making An Appearance

Former NBA star John Salley tangled with his opponent in seat 7. With the board showing Q752, seat 7 bet 200 and Salley made the call. The river brought the 9 and seat 7 bet 500.

Salley called again and seat 7 tabled KQ and Salley mucked. He was at 28,000 after the hand.

Brown Bests Big Slick

With the board reading 6107K, Chad Brown bet 1,600 on the button after his opponent checked. His opponent quickly put his chips in the pot for a call and they watch a 7 fall on the river.

Brown’s opponent checked one more time and Brown thought for a few seconds before checking behind on the river. Brown’s opponent confidently turned up AK and Brown just shrugged and turned up K10, good for top two pair and the pot.

Left In The Deck:

The Day 1d field has been sold to capacity. The Rio staff has even added tables to accomodate the massive amount of entrants that have registered for the final day 1 flight of the main event. Despite this, there are still 200 people lined up to register for the event. The tournament staff has indicated that these people will not be accommodated due to the sellout. This notice has fallen on deaf ears, however, as the people have refused to leave until they are allowed to register.

While there are 200 people still in line, there were many more who just left after receiving the news that the event was sold to capacity. Mickey Appleman and Richard Ashby are among the players who have been shutout of the event. Appleman has said that he has not missed the main event for 30 years. The people who have stuck around tend to be people who have flown in from the U.K., Austrailia and other places strictly to play this event.

These people could be accepted if the WSOP accepted alternates as there have already been over 30 bust-outs early in day 1d. If these people were allowed to register as alternates, they could have filled those empty seats. However, the WSOP staff has a policy not to accept alternates. It will be interesting to see how long the people hold their protest in line. Stay tuned to CardPlayer.com as we will have a full story on this later in the day.

Player Tags: Mickey Appleman,   Phil Ivey,   Richard Ashby

Richard Ashby Eliminated in Seventh Place ($150,000 AUD)

Jan 23, '09

Rajkumar Ramakrishnan raised to 90,000 preflop and Elliot Smith made the call. Richard Ashby moved all in and both opponents made the call. The flop fell 422 and both Smith and Ramakrishnan checked. The turn fell 10 and the river 9 as the two live players conitnued to check. Ramakrishnan flipped over A-K, which was enough to win the pot over the A-Q held by both Smith and Ashby. Ashby was eliminated on the hand in seventh place and he will take home $150,000 AUD.











 

Player Tags: Richard Ashby,   Elliot Smith,   Rajkumar Ramakrishnan

Patrik Antonius Eliminated in 41st Place ($20,000 AUD)

Jan 21, '09

Patrik Antonius bet 22,000 on a board of JJ83 and both Elliot Smith and Richard Ashby called him down. The river fell 5 and Antonius bet 70,000. Smith mucked and Ashby made the call. Their cards:

Ashby: J5
Antonius: KJ

Ashby won the hand with trip jacks and Antonius was eliminated in 41st place. He will take home $20,000 AUD in prize money.








 

Player Tags: Patrik Antonius,   Richard Ashby,   Elliot Smith