Jordan Smith - Live Updates

Level 33 Hour 2 Update: Jordan Smith Eliminated, November Nine Reached

Jul 15, '09

Blinds: 120,000-240,000 with a 30,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Darvin Moon – 58,930,000
2. Eric Buchman – 34,800,000
3. Steven Begleiter – 29,885,000
4. Jeff Shulman – 19,580,000
5. Joe Cada – 13,215,000
6. Kevin Schaffel – 12,390,000
7. Phil Ivey – 9,765,000
8. Antoine Saout – 9,500,000
9. James Akenhead – 6,800,000

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 19,580,000

Average Chip Count: 21,646,666

Eliminations:

12. Billy Kopp – $896,730
11. Jamie Robbins – $896,730
10. Jordan Smith – $896,730

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 19,580,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 9,765,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands:

Billy Kopp Eliminated in 12th Place ($896,730)

Billy Kopp raised to 600,000 preflop in early position and Darvin Moon called from the small blind. The flop came K92 and Moon checked. Kopp bet 750,000 and Moon called. The 2 on the turn prompted Moon to once again check. Kopp bet 2,000,000 and Moon check-raised to 6,000,000. Kopp didn’t take long before moving all in for 20,000,000. Moon made the call and exposed the QJ for the second nut flush. Kopp exposed the 53 and was drawing stone cold dead. His stack of over 100 big blinds was handed over to Moon when the meaningless 7 fell on the river. Kopp was eliminated and Moon built his stack to 40,500,000 after the monster hand.

Jamie Robbins Eliminated in 11th Place ($896,730)

Jamie Robbins open-shoved for 2,350,000 and Phil Ivey called. Robbins exposed the KQ and Ivey tabled the A10. Ivey was a slight favorite and held as the board ran out 83335. Ivey was at 9,610,000 after the hand.

Joe Cada Wins First Pot at Table of 10

Joe Cada bet 600,000 from early position and Darvin Moon called from the button. The two players checked down a board of J106QQ. Cada exposed pocket nines to take the small pot while Moon tabled pocket deuces.

Jeff Shulman Wins a Pot

Eric Buchman bet 650,000 preflop. Jeff Shulman, Jordan Smith, and Phil Ivey all called. The flop came A98 and action was checked to Shulman. He fired out 1,500,000 and won the pot as everyone else folded. Shulman was at 20,510,000 after the hand.

Akenhead Playing Snug

Jordan Smith bet 650,000 preflop and James Akenhead called. The flop came 632 and Smith checked. Akenhead checked behind. The K hit the turn and both players checked again. The 4 fell on the river and both checked for a third time. Akenhead, the short stack at the table, exposed the 77 and was good. He took the pot and was up to 6,400,000 after the hand.

November Nine Reached

Jordan Smith Eliminated in 10th Place ($896,730)

Eric Buchman raised preflop to 650,000. Darvin Moon called from the button. Jordan Smith reraised to 2,600,000 total from the small blind. Buchman folded and Moon smooth called. The flop came 842 and Smith checked to Moon on the button. Moon bet 4,000,000 and Smith check-raised all in. Moon instantly called and exposed top set with the 88 and was up against the AA of Smith. Smith was in bad shape to double up and stay alive in the tournament. The turn brought the 5, adding a wheel draw for Smith. The river brought none of his outs as the 10 landed on the felt. Smith was eliminated and Moon is up to 58,930,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Phil Ivey,   Jamie Robbins,   Jordan Smith,   Billy Kopp

Level 32 Hour 1 Update: Nick Maimone Eliminated In 15th Place

Jul 15, '09

Blinds: 100,000-200,000 with a 30,000 ante

Players Remaining: 14 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Steven Begleiter – 27,890,000
2. Eric Buchman – 25,280,000
3. Darvin Moon – 23,500,000
4. Billy Kopp – 16,520,000
5. Joseph Cada – 14,850,000
6. Jeff Shulman – 14,200,000
7. Kevin Schaffel – 13,485,000
8. James Akenhead – 9,460,000
9. Jamie Robbins – 7,950,000
10. Antoine Saout – 7,100,000

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 14,200,000

Average Chip Count: 12,988,000

Eliminations:

15. Nick Maimone — $633,022

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 14,200,000 (twitter feed)
Billy Kopp at 16,520,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 5,600,000 (twitter feed)
Nick Maimone at 9,350,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands:

Cada Flushes Maimone

Joe Cada raised to 500,000 preflop and Nick Maimone made the call. The flop came down KQ6 and Cada bet 850,000. Maimone made the call again and the turn was the 8. Cada checked this time and Maimone bet 1.2 million. Cada made the call and the two players saw the 5 fall on the river.

Both players checked and Cada tabled A7 for the nut flush and he took down the pot. His stack was at 15.5 million.

Begleiter Adds To His Chip Lead

Joe Cada raised to 500,000 and Steven Begleiter repopped to 1.25 million. Cada made the call and the flop came down J88. Both players checked and the turn was the K. Begleiter fired 2.25 million into the pot and Cada gave up his hand.

Begleiter took in the pot and he was closing in on 30 million in chips.

Shulman Takes A Pot

Jordan Smith raised to 525,000 and Jeff Shulman made the call. Both players saw a flop of 433 and Smith bet 775,000. Shulman raised to 2,000,000 and Smith mucked his hand.

Shulman raked in the pot and was over 14 million after the hand.

Maimone Gets Outkicked

Eric Buchman raised to 525,000 and Nick Maimone called from the big blind. The flop came down K38 and both players checked. The turn was the 6 and Maimone bet 750,000. Buchman came along for the ride and the river was the 8.

Maimone bet 1.25 million and Buchman made the call. Maimone tabled K4 for two pair, but Buchman showed K7 for the same hand and his kicker played, giving Buchman the pot.

Lamb With A Pot

Ben Lamb raised to 515,000 preflop and Kevin Schaffel made the call. The flop came down K53 and Lamb fired 625,000. Schaffel called and the turn was the J.

Lamb bet 1.35 million and Schaffel mucked, giving the pot over to Lamb.

Nick Maimone Eliminated In 15th Place($633,022)

Nick Maimone raised to 450,000 preflop and Eric Buchman made the call from the small blind. The flop came down J810 and Buchman checked. Maimone bet 900,000 and Buchman moved all in, having Maimone covered. Maimone made the quick call and tabled AQ for a double gutter straight draw.

Buchman tabled J9 for top pair and a straight draw. The turn was the J, eliminating a nine as one of Maimone’s outs and he could only survive with a king on the river. The river was paint, but it was the Q and Maimone was eliminated in 15th place.

Player Tags: Jeff Shulman,   Eric Buchman,   Jordan Smith,   Ben Lamb,   Nick Maimone,   Joseph Cada

Level 31 Hour 2 Update: Vedes 19th, Lichtenberger 18th, Tavelli 17th, Lacay 16th

Jul 15, '09

Blinds: 80,000-160,000 with a 20,000 ante

Players Remaining: 15 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Steven Begleiter – 27,890,000
2. Darvin Moon – 24,600,000
3. Billy Kopp – 17,200,000
4. Eric Buchman – 16,000,000
5. Jordan Smith – 15,800,000
6. Joseph Cada – 13,600,000
7. Kevin Schaffel – 13,600,000
8. Jeff Shluman – 12,800,000
9. James Akenhead – 10,100,000
10. Nick Maimone – 10,000,000

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 12,800,000

Average Chip Count: 12,988,000

Eliminations:

19. Tommy Vedes — $352,832
18. Andrew Lichtenberger — $500,557
17. Ian Tavelli — $500,557
16. Ludovic Lacay — $500,557

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 12,800,000 (twitter feed)
Billy Kopp at 17,200,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 6,800,000 (twitter feed)
Nick Maimone at 9,350,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands:

Tommy Vedes Eliminated In 19th Place($352,832)

Eric Buchman raised to 425,000 preflop and Tommy Vedes moved in for his last 1.9 million. Buchman made the call with 77, dominating Vedes’ 33.

The flop brought something for everyone as it fell 1073, giving each player a set. The turn was the Q and Vedes needed the case three to stay alive. But the river was the 2 and Vedes was ousted in 19th place.

Lamb’s Aces Taken Out To Slaughter

Steven Begleiter raised to 425,000 preflop from the hijack and Benjamin Lamb repopped to 1.1 million from the cutoff. Begleiter made the call and the two players saw a flop of J95. Begleiter checked to Lamb who fired a bet into the pot. Begleiter then moved all in for over 7 million. Lamb made the call after some thought and tabled AA.

The aces were officially cracked, however, as Begleiter tabled J9 for top two pair on the flop. The turn was the 3 and the river was the 8 and Begleiter doubled to over 16 million. Lamb was down to just over 4 million in chips.

Not So Happy…

Jeff Shulman raised to 420,000 preflop and Joe Cada repopped it to 1.2 million. Shulman made the call and the flop came down K25. Cada checked to Shulman who bet 1.4 million. Cada made the call and the turn was the 5. Both players checked and the river was the K.

Cada then led out for 2 million and Shulman threw his hand in the muck. Cada raked in the pot and was over 9 million while Shulman dropped to 8 million.

Jordan Smith Takes One On The Turn

Billy Kopp raised to 375,000 and Ben Lamb made the call from the button. Jordan Smith also came along from the big blind and the flop came down 986. Everyone checked and the turn was the Q.

Smith led out for 700,000 and his two opponents mucked. Smith raked in the pot and was over 7 million.

Begleiter Takes One Off Maimone

Steven Begleiter raised to 425,000 and Nick Maimone made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J72 and both players checked. The turn was the 7 and Maimone took a shot with 400,000. Begleiter made the call and the river was the 9. Maimone bet 800,000 and Begleiter made the call.

Maimone tabled KJ for top pair, but Begleiter showed AJ for the same hand with a better kicker. Begleiter raked the pot and was at 18 million while Maimone was at 10 million.

Andrew Lichtenberger Eliminated In 18th Place($500,557)

Andrew Lichtenberger raised to 400,000 and Darvin Moon made the call. The flop came down 633 and Lichtenberger bet 680,000. Moon raised to 1.5 million and Lichtenberger moved all in, getting a quick call from Moon.

Lichtenberger showed JJ, but Moon tabled KK. The turn was the 6 and the river was the 7 and Moon knocked out Lichtenberger, moving his stack to 25 million.

Ivey Takes A Pot

Phil Ivey raised to 420,000 and Steven Begleiter made the call. The flop came down 864 and Ivey led out with 600,000. Begleiter made the call and the 4 fell on the turn. Both players checked.

They did the same when the K came on the river and Begleiter showed down 109 for a bunch of busted draws. Ivey showed 99 for the best hand and took the pot. He was at 6.8 million.

…But Let’s Put A Smile On That Face

Jeff Shulman raised to 450,000 preflop from the hijack and James Calderaro called from the button. The flop came down 1054 and Shulman bet 750,000 and Calderaro made the call. The turn was the K and Shulman kept the pressure on, betting 1.1 million.

Calderaro decided to muck his hand and Shulman took it down, improving his stack to 9 million.

Jordan Smith Doubles Through Billy Kopp

Billy Kopp had been strolling through the day with a nice chip lead, but he just took his first big hit of the day courtesy of Jordan Smith.

Smith raised to 420,000 under the gun and Kopp raised to 1.5 million from the cutoff. Action folded back around to Smith who shoved for 7.73 million. Kopp made the call and here were their hands.

Kopp: AK
Smith: QQ

Board: JJ988

Smith’s pocket ladies held up and he doubled to 15.8 million while Kopp was knocked off the chip lead, his stack at 17.2 million.

Ian Tavelli Eliminated In 17th Place($500,557)

Steven Begleiter raised to 1.35 million after Ian Tavelli had opened for 450,000 from under the gun. Tavelli made the call and the flop came down 642 and Begleiter fired 3.5 million. Tavelli moved in for almost 8 million and Begleiter snapped him off, tabling KK. Tavelli showed down 99 and Tavelli was in trouble.

The turn was the Q and the river was the 10 and Tavelli was out while Begleiter catapulted to the chip lead.

Ludovic Lacay Eliminated In 16th Place($500,557)

Jeff Shulman raised to 450,000 preflop and Ludovic Lacay came over the top for the rest of his stack of just over 3 million. Shulman made the call and here were there hands.

Shulman: AK
Lacay: 77

It was a classic race and the flop came K95, putting Shulman ahead. The turn was the 9 and the river was the 6 and Lacay was ousted from the main event. Shulman was up to 12.8 million after the hand.

Player Tags: Jeff Shulman,   Phil Ivey,   Tommy Vedes,   Jordan Smith,   Ben Lamb,   Billy Kopp,   Ludovic Lacay,   Andrew Lichtenberger,   Nick Maimone

Level 29 Hour 2 Update: Final 27 Reached

Jul 14, '09

Blinds: 50,000-100,000 with a 10,000 ante

Players Remaining: 27 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Darvin Moon – 20,160,000
2. Billy Kopp – 15,970,000
3. Steve Begleiter – 11,885,000
4. Phil Ivey – 11,350,000
5. Kevin Schaffel – 11,240,000
6. Antoine Saout – 11,135,000
7. Jeff Shulman – 10,170,000
8. Eric Buchman – 10,005,000
9. Jamie Robbins – 9,795,000
10. Ben Lamb – 9,410,000

Average Chip Count: 7,215,555

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 10,170,000

Eliminations:

28. Joe Ward Eliminated – $253,941

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 10,170,000 (twitter feed)
Billy Kopp at 15,970,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 11,350,000 (twitter feed)
Nick Maimone at 1,545,000 (twitter feed)
Ludovic Lacay at 5,610,000 (twitter feed)
Francois Balmigere at 1,440,000 (twitter feed)
Jesse Haabak at 2,750,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands

Antonio Esfandiari Doubles Up

Francois Balmigere raised to 250,000 preflop and Antonio Esfandiari reraised to 700,000 from the big blind. Balmigere went into the tank before finally moving all in. Esfandiari snap called with the AA and was in great shape against the JJ of his opponent. The board ran out 75376 and Esfandiari doubled to 4,400,000 after the hand. Balmigere was at just 730,000 after the hand.

Steven Begleiter Doubles

Tommy Vedes bet 290,000 from the cutoff. Steven Begleiter was on the button and reraised to 650,000. Vedes put in another bet to 1,490,000. Begleiter moved in for 5,265,000. Vedes called with the KK while Begleiter exposed the AQ. The flop came J73 but the A on the turn gave Begleiter the massive lead. The Q fell on the river and Gegleiter doubled to 10,750,000. Vedes was down to 5,520,000 after the hand.

Jordan Smith Doubles

Jordan Smith went all in on the button for 1,250,000. Ben Lamb called. Lamb exposed the A7 but was in horrible shape against the AA of his opponent. The flop was ugly for Smith as it came J94, giving Lamb a flush draw. The 7 fell on the turn and the 9 hit on the river, allowing the aces to hold. Smith was at 2,800,000 after the hand.

Joe Ward Eliminated in 28th Place ($253,941)

All the chips went into the middle preflop with Jamie Robbins holding the AQ and Joe Ward tabling the AK. Robbins had his opponent covered by 200,000 and the flop came A108. The turn brought the 2 and Ward needed to dodge just a queen in order to double up. However, the Q on the river ended his main event in heartbreaking fashion. Robbins was at 8,700,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Antonio Esfandiari,   Jordan Smith,   Francois Balmigere

Level 33 Hour 2 Update: Jordan Smith Eliminated, November Nine Reached

Jul 15, '09

Blinds: 120,000-240,000 with a 30,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Darvin Moon – 58,930,000
2. Eric Buchman – 34,800,000
3. Steven Begleiter – 29,885,000
4. Jeff Shulman – 19,580,000
5. Joe Cada – 13,215,000
6. Kevin Schaffel – 12,390,000
7. Phil Ivey – 9,765,000
8. Antoine Saout – 9,500,000
9. James Akenhead – 6,800,000

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 19,580,000

Average Chip Count: 21,646,666

Eliminations:

12. Billy Kopp – $896,730
11. Jamie Robbins – $896,730
10. Jordan Smith – $896,730

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 19,580,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 9,765,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands:

Billy Kopp Eliminated in 12th Place ($896,730)

Billy Kopp raised to 600,000 preflop in early position and Darvin Moon called from the small blind. The flop came K92 and Moon checked. Kopp bet 750,000 and Moon called. The 2 on the turn prompted Moon to once again check. Kopp bet 2,000,000 and Moon check-raised to 6,000,000. Kopp didn’t take long before moving all in for 20,000,000. Moon made the call and exposed the QJ for the second nut flush. Kopp exposed the 53 and was drawing stone cold dead. His stack of over 100 big blinds was handed over to Moon when the meaningless 7 fell on the river. Kopp was eliminated and Moon built his stack to 40,500,000 after the monster hand.

Jamie Robbins Eliminated in 11th Place ($896,730)

Jamie Robbins open-shoved for 2,350,000 and Phil Ivey called. Robbins exposed the KQ and Ivey tabled the A10. Ivey was a slight favorite and held as the board ran out 83335. Ivey was at 9,610,000 after the hand.

Joe Cada Wins First Pot at Table of 10

Joe Cada bet 600,000 from early position and Darvin Moon called from the button. The two players checked down a board of J106QQ. Cada exposed pocket nines to take the small pot while Moon tabled pocket deuces.

Jeff Shulman Wins a Pot

Eric Buchman bet 650,000 preflop. Jeff Shulman, Jordan Smith, and Phil Ivey all called. The flop came A98 and action was checked to Shulman. He fired out 1,500,000 and won the pot as everyone else folded. Shulman was at 20,510,000 after the hand.

Akenhead Playing Snug

Jordan Smith bet 650,000 preflop and James Akenhead called. The flop came 632 and Smith checked. Akenhead checked behind. The K hit the turn and both players checked again. The 4 fell on the river and both checked for a third time. Akenhead, the short stack at the table, exposed the 77 and was good. He took the pot and was up to 6,400,000 after the hand.

November Nine Reached

Jordan Smith Eliminated in 10th Place ($896,730)

Eric Buchman raised preflop to 650,000. Darvin Moon called from the button. Jordan Smith reraised to 2,600,000 total from the small blind. Buchman folded and Moon smooth called. The flop came 842 and Smith checked to Moon on the button. Moon bet 4,000,000 and Smith check-raised all in. Moon instantly called and exposed top set with the 88 and was up against the AA of Smith. Smith was in bad shape to double up and stay alive in the tournament. The turn brought the 5, adding a wheel draw for Smith. The river brought none of his outs as the 10 landed on the felt. Smith was eliminated and Moon is up to 58,930,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Phil Ivey,   Jamie Robbins,   Jordan Smith,   Billy Kopp

Level 32 Hour 1 Update: Nick Maimone Eliminated In 15th Place

Jul 15, '09

Blinds: 100,000-200,000 with a 30,000 ante

Players Remaining: 14 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Steven Begleiter – 27,890,000
2. Eric Buchman – 25,280,000
3. Darvin Moon – 23,500,000
4. Billy Kopp – 16,520,000
5. Joseph Cada – 14,850,000
6. Jeff Shulman – 14,200,000
7. Kevin Schaffel – 13,485,000
8. James Akenhead – 9,460,000
9. Jamie Robbins – 7,950,000
10. Antoine Saout – 7,100,000

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 14,200,000

Average Chip Count: 12,988,000

Eliminations:

15. Nick Maimone — $633,022

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 14,200,000 (twitter feed)
Billy Kopp at 16,520,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 5,600,000 (twitter feed)
Nick Maimone at 9,350,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands:

Cada Flushes Maimone

Joe Cada raised to 500,000 preflop and Nick Maimone made the call. The flop came down KQ6 and Cada bet 850,000. Maimone made the call again and the turn was the 8. Cada checked this time and Maimone bet 1.2 million. Cada made the call and the two players saw the 5 fall on the river.

Both players checked and Cada tabled A7 for the nut flush and he took down the pot. His stack was at 15.5 million.

Begleiter Adds To His Chip Lead

Joe Cada raised to 500,000 and Steven Begleiter repopped to 1.25 million. Cada made the call and the flop came down J88. Both players checked and the turn was the K. Begleiter fired 2.25 million into the pot and Cada gave up his hand.

Begleiter took in the pot and he was closing in on 30 million in chips.

Shulman Takes A Pot

Jordan Smith raised to 525,000 and Jeff Shulman made the call. Both players saw a flop of 433 and Smith bet 775,000. Shulman raised to 2,000,000 and Smith mucked his hand.

Shulman raked in the pot and was over 14 million after the hand.

Maimone Gets Outkicked

Eric Buchman raised to 525,000 and Nick Maimone called from the big blind. The flop came down K38 and both players checked. The turn was the 6 and Maimone bet 750,000. Buchman came along for the ride and the river was the 8.

Maimone bet 1.25 million and Buchman made the call. Maimone tabled K4 for two pair, but Buchman showed K7 for the same hand and his kicker played, giving Buchman the pot.

Lamb With A Pot

Ben Lamb raised to 515,000 preflop and Kevin Schaffel made the call. The flop came down K53 and Lamb fired 625,000. Schaffel called and the turn was the J.

Lamb bet 1.35 million and Schaffel mucked, giving the pot over to Lamb.

Nick Maimone Eliminated In 15th Place($633,022)

Nick Maimone raised to 450,000 preflop and Eric Buchman made the call from the small blind. The flop came down J810 and Buchman checked. Maimone bet 900,000 and Buchman moved all in, having Maimone covered. Maimone made the quick call and tabled AQ for a double gutter straight draw.

Buchman tabled J9 for top pair and a straight draw. The turn was the J, eliminating a nine as one of Maimone’s outs and he could only survive with a king on the river. The river was paint, but it was the Q and Maimone was eliminated in 15th place.

Player Tags: Jeff Shulman,   Eric Buchman,   Jordan Smith,   Ben Lamb,   Nick Maimone,   Joseph Cada

Level 31 Hour 2 Update: Vedes 19th, Lichtenberger 18th, Tavelli 17th, Lacay 16th

Jul 15, '09

Blinds: 80,000-160,000 with a 20,000 ante

Players Remaining: 15 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Steven Begleiter – 27,890,000
2. Darvin Moon – 24,600,000
3. Billy Kopp – 17,200,000
4. Eric Buchman – 16,000,000
5. Jordan Smith – 15,800,000
6. Joseph Cada – 13,600,000
7. Kevin Schaffel – 13,600,000
8. Jeff Shluman – 12,800,000
9. James Akenhead – 10,100,000
10. Nick Maimone – 10,000,000

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 12,800,000

Average Chip Count: 12,988,000

Eliminations:

19. Tommy Vedes — $352,832
18. Andrew Lichtenberger — $500,557
17. Ian Tavelli — $500,557
16. Ludovic Lacay — $500,557

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 12,800,000 (twitter feed)
Billy Kopp at 17,200,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 6,800,000 (twitter feed)
Nick Maimone at 9,350,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands:

Tommy Vedes Eliminated In 19th Place($352,832)

Eric Buchman raised to 425,000 preflop and Tommy Vedes moved in for his last 1.9 million. Buchman made the call with 77, dominating Vedes’ 33.

The flop brought something for everyone as it fell 1073, giving each player a set. The turn was the Q and Vedes needed the case three to stay alive. But the river was the 2 and Vedes was ousted in 19th place.

Lamb’s Aces Taken Out To Slaughter

Steven Begleiter raised to 425,000 preflop from the hijack and Benjamin Lamb repopped to 1.1 million from the cutoff. Begleiter made the call and the two players saw a flop of J95. Begleiter checked to Lamb who fired a bet into the pot. Begleiter then moved all in for over 7 million. Lamb made the call after some thought and tabled AA.

The aces were officially cracked, however, as Begleiter tabled J9 for top two pair on the flop. The turn was the 3 and the river was the 8 and Begleiter doubled to over 16 million. Lamb was down to just over 4 million in chips.

Not So Happy…

Jeff Shulman raised to 420,000 preflop and Joe Cada repopped it to 1.2 million. Shulman made the call and the flop came down K25. Cada checked to Shulman who bet 1.4 million. Cada made the call and the turn was the 5. Both players checked and the river was the K.

Cada then led out for 2 million and Shulman threw his hand in the muck. Cada raked in the pot and was over 9 million while Shulman dropped to 8 million.

Jordan Smith Takes One On The Turn

Billy Kopp raised to 375,000 and Ben Lamb made the call from the button. Jordan Smith also came along from the big blind and the flop came down 986. Everyone checked and the turn was the Q.

Smith led out for 700,000 and his two opponents mucked. Smith raked in the pot and was over 7 million.

Begleiter Takes One Off Maimone

Steven Begleiter raised to 425,000 and Nick Maimone made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J72 and both players checked. The turn was the 7 and Maimone took a shot with 400,000. Begleiter made the call and the river was the 9. Maimone bet 800,000 and Begleiter made the call.

Maimone tabled KJ for top pair, but Begleiter showed AJ for the same hand with a better kicker. Begleiter raked the pot and was at 18 million while Maimone was at 10 million.

Andrew Lichtenberger Eliminated In 18th Place($500,557)

Andrew Lichtenberger raised to 400,000 and Darvin Moon made the call. The flop came down 633 and Lichtenberger bet 680,000. Moon raised to 1.5 million and Lichtenberger moved all in, getting a quick call from Moon.

Lichtenberger showed JJ, but Moon tabled KK. The turn was the 6 and the river was the 7 and Moon knocked out Lichtenberger, moving his stack to 25 million.

Ivey Takes A Pot

Phil Ivey raised to 420,000 and Steven Begleiter made the call. The flop came down 864 and Ivey led out with 600,000. Begleiter made the call and the 4 fell on the turn. Both players checked.

They did the same when the K came on the river and Begleiter showed down 109 for a bunch of busted draws. Ivey showed 99 for the best hand and took the pot. He was at 6.8 million.

…But Let’s Put A Smile On That Face

Jeff Shulman raised to 450,000 preflop from the hijack and James Calderaro called from the button. The flop came down 1054 and Shulman bet 750,000 and Calderaro made the call. The turn was the K and Shulman kept the pressure on, betting 1.1 million.

Calderaro decided to muck his hand and Shulman took it down, improving his stack to 9 million.

Jordan Smith Doubles Through Billy Kopp

Billy Kopp had been strolling through the day with a nice chip lead, but he just took his first big hit of the day courtesy of Jordan Smith.

Smith raised to 420,000 under the gun and Kopp raised to 1.5 million from the cutoff. Action folded back around to Smith who shoved for 7.73 million. Kopp made the call and here were their hands.

Kopp: AK
Smith: QQ

Board: JJ988

Smith’s pocket ladies held up and he doubled to 15.8 million while Kopp was knocked off the chip lead, his stack at 17.2 million.

Ian Tavelli Eliminated In 17th Place($500,557)

Steven Begleiter raised to 1.35 million after Ian Tavelli had opened for 450,000 from under the gun. Tavelli made the call and the flop came down 642 and Begleiter fired 3.5 million. Tavelli moved in for almost 8 million and Begleiter snapped him off, tabling KK. Tavelli showed down 99 and Tavelli was in trouble.

The turn was the Q and the river was the 10 and Tavelli was out while Begleiter catapulted to the chip lead.

Ludovic Lacay Eliminated In 16th Place($500,557)

Jeff Shulman raised to 450,000 preflop and Ludovic Lacay came over the top for the rest of his stack of just over 3 million. Shulman made the call and here were there hands.

Shulman: AK
Lacay: 77

It was a classic race and the flop came K95, putting Shulman ahead. The turn was the 9 and the river was the 6 and Lacay was ousted from the main event. Shulman was up to 12.8 million after the hand.

Player Tags: Jeff Shulman,   Phil Ivey,   Tommy Vedes,   Jordan Smith,   Ben Lamb,   Billy Kopp,   Ludovic Lacay,   Andrew Lichtenberger,   Nick Maimone

Level 29 Hour 2 Update: Final 27 Reached

Jul 14, '09

Blinds: 50,000-100,000 with a 10,000 ante

Players Remaining: 27 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Darvin Moon – 20,160,000
2. Billy Kopp – 15,970,000
3. Steve Begleiter – 11,885,000
4. Phil Ivey – 11,350,000
5. Kevin Schaffel – 11,240,000
6. Antoine Saout – 11,135,000
7. Jeff Shulman – 10,170,000
8. Eric Buchman – 10,005,000
9. Jamie Robbins – 9,795,000
10. Ben Lamb – 9,410,000

Average Chip Count: 7,215,555

Card Player Chip Count:

Jeff Shulman – 10,170,000

Eliminations:

28. Joe Ward Eliminated – $253,941

Twitter Updates:

Jeff Shulman at 10,170,000 (twitter feed)
Billy Kopp at 15,970,000 (twitter feed)
Phil Ivey at 11,350,000 (twitter feed)
Nick Maimone at 1,545,000 (twitter feed)
Ludovic Lacay at 5,610,000 (twitter feed)
Francois Balmigere at 1,440,000 (twitter feed)
Jesse Haabak at 2,750,000 (twitter feed)

Big Hands

Antonio Esfandiari Doubles Up

Francois Balmigere raised to 250,000 preflop and Antonio Esfandiari reraised to 700,000 from the big blind. Balmigere went into the tank before finally moving all in. Esfandiari snap called with the AA and was in great shape against the JJ of his opponent. The board ran out 75376 and Esfandiari doubled to 4,400,000 after the hand. Balmigere was at just 730,000 after the hand.

Steven Begleiter Doubles

Tommy Vedes bet 290,000 from the cutoff. Steven Begleiter was on the button and reraised to 650,000. Vedes put in another bet to 1,490,000. Begleiter moved in for 5,265,000. Vedes called with the KK while Begleiter exposed the AQ. The flop came J73 but the A on the turn gave Begleiter the massive lead. The Q fell on the river and Gegleiter doubled to 10,750,000. Vedes was down to 5,520,000 after the hand.

Jordan Smith Doubles

Jordan Smith went all in on the button for 1,250,000. Ben Lamb called. Lamb exposed the A7 but was in horrible shape against the AA of his opponent. The flop was ugly for Smith as it came J94, giving Lamb a flush draw. The 7 fell on the turn and the 9 hit on the river, allowing the aces to hold. Smith was at 2,800,000 after the hand.

Joe Ward Eliminated in 28th Place ($253,941)

All the chips went into the middle preflop with Jamie Robbins holding the AQ and Joe Ward tabling the AK. Robbins had his opponent covered by 200,000 and the flop came A108. The turn brought the 2 and Ward needed to dodge just a queen in order to double up. However, the Q on the river ended his main event in heartbreaking fashion. Robbins was at 8,700,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Antonio Esfandiari,   Jordan Smith,   Francois Balmigere

Level 17 Update: In The Money!

Jun 24, '09

Blinds: 5,000-10,000

Players Remaining: 27 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Bryn Kenney — 980,000
2. Isaac Haxton — 525,000
3. John Kabbaj — 440,000
4. J.C. Alvarado — 435,000
5. Eric Baldwin — 430,000
6. Darryll Fish — 420,000
7. Michael Brummelhuis — 420,000
8. Kevin Stammen — 385,000
9. Ken Lenaard — 358,000
10. Jason Lester — 327,000

Average Chip Count: 305,555

Notable Eliminations:

Thiago Nishijima
Jordan Smith
Michael Pesek

Big Hands:

Florian Langmann Doubles Jordan Smith, Leaves Him Crippled…

Kevin Stammen raises to 25,000 from middle position and Jordan Smith moves all in for 86,000 from the button. Florian Langmann calls all in for 66,000 from the small blind and Stammen folds.

Langmann: AQ
Smith: AK

Board: AJ62

Langmann gets it in behind but spikes a queen on the flop to double up to 175,000 this hand, leaving Smith was just two big blinds.

Jordan Smith Eliminated by Kevin Stammen

Just a few hands after being crippled by Florian Langmann, Jordan Smith moves all in for 20,000 total from the big blind after Kevin Stammen already makes it in the pot before him.

Smith: A3
Stammen: Q10

Board: Q62KJ

Stammen flopped top pair, eliminating Jordan Smith in 29th place, just one spot off the bubble.

In The Money; Pesek Bubbles 28th

Bryn Kenney raises to 26,000 from the button and Michael Pesek calls from the big blind.

The flop comes 963, and Pesek checks to Kenney who bets 33,000. Pesek tanks for several minutes before reraising the size of the pot. Kenney re-pots and puts Pesek all in.

Pesek: K10
Kenney: K6

Kenney flopped middle pair. The turn and river are the 5 and the K, no help for Michael Pesek who is eliminated on the bubble in 29th place as Bryn Kenney adds to his chiplead.

Left in the Deck

Players hit the money with about 15 minutes left in Level 17, and as a result the remaining 27 players re-drew for new seat assignments at the final three tables.

Player Tags: Jordan Smith,   Keven Stammen,   Michael Pesek,   Bryn Kenney,   Florian Langmann

Jordan Smith Wins!

Jun 21, '09

Jordan Smith Wins Event No. 36 ($586,212) Ken Lennaard Eliminated in Second Place ($360,439)

Ken Lennard raised to 300,000 and Jordan Smith made the call. The flop came out 843 and Lennaard bet 350,000.

Smith moved all in and Lennaard called for his tournament life with J8. Smith showed 97 for the flopped flush and need to avoid any more diamonds to take the tournament.

The turn and river came 36 and Lennaard was eliminated, earning $360,439. Smith picked up his first gold bracelet and $586,212.

Player Tags: Ken Lennaard,   Jordan Smith

Final Table Update: Jonathan Plens (9th) and Andrew Seden (8th) Eliminated

Jun 20, '09

Blinds: 15,000-30,000 with a 4,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 1,695

NOTE: The players are on dinner break and they will return at 7:10 p.m.

Chip Counts:

1. Joe Morneau — 2,450,000
2. Pat Atchison — 2,210,000
3. Anthony Roux — 1,450,000
4. Ken Lennaard — 1,100,000
5. Jordan Smith — 1,025,000
6. Laurence Grondin — 975,000
7. Almira Skripchenko — 590,000

Average Chip Count: 1,017,000

Notable Eliminations:

9. Jonathan Plens – $61,081
8. Andrew Seden – $67,867

Elimination Hands

Jonathan Plens Eliminated in Ninth Place ($61,081)

Joe Morneau raised to 70,000 from the cutoff and Jonathan Plens reraised all in for 400,000. Mourneau made the call and they flipped over their cards:

Morneau: A7
Plens: J8

K10756

Plens was eliminated in ninth place.

Andrew Seden Eliminated in Eighth Place ($67,867)

Jordan Smith raised to 80,000 from the cutoff and Andrew Seden reraised all in for 365,000. Smith made the call and they flipped up their cards:

Smith: A6
Seden: KJ

Board: AK87Q

Seden was eliminated in eighth place.

Player Tags: Jordan Smith,   Andrew Seden,   Joe Morneau,   Jonathan Plens

Final Table Decided

Jun 23, '07

Gioi Luong bet out $32,000 before the flop and Jordan Smith reraised all in for about $100,000. Luong thought about it for a few moments and decided to call. Luong showed A 10 and Smith had pushed with J J. The board came 7 6 2 10 A and Luong picked up another $100,000 in chips. Smith was eliminated in 10th place and earned $10,902. Smith's elimination established the final table and the final nine players and their chip counts are as follows:

Seat 1 - David Zarrin ($238,000)
Seat 2 - Ray Coburn ($100,000)
Seat 3 - Pete Lawson ($198,000)
Seat 4 - Gioi Luong ($240,000)
Seat 5 - Yuval Bronshtein ($516,000)
Seat 6 - Bryan O'Connell ($179,000)
Seat 7 - Bob Collison ($197,000)
Seat 8 - Jason Newburger ($278,000)
Seat 9 - Greg Hopkins ($454,000)

The final table will begin tomorrow at 3 p.m. and the final nine players will battle as long as it takes to establish a winner. Come back tomorrow to CardPlayer.com to follow all the action and see who will take home the World Series of Poker bracelet.

Player Tags: Gioi Luong,   Greg Hopkins,   Pete Lawson,   Jordan Smith,   Jason Newburger,   David Zarrin,   Raymond Coburn,   Yuval Bronshtein,   Brian O'Connell