Steve Sung - Live Updates

Steve Sung Eliminated in 16th Place ($9,146) in Two Acts

Oct 29, '09

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “There are no second acts in American lives.” Contrary to that opinion, Steve Sung just experienced his tournament demise in two acts. The second was short lived, but at least it was interesting.

Act I

Adam Levy moved all in preflop for 83,000 and Steve Sung made the call. Their cards:

Levy: 10 10
Sung: A K

Board: 10 8 6 J 9

Sung was crippled after the hand with just 11,000 remaining, and he got that all in quickly…

Act II

Kathy Liebert raised to 16,000 and Alex Keating made the call from the small blind. Sung was all in for 9,000 in the big blind and the flop was dealt J 9 9. Keating checked, Liebert bet 25,000, and Keating check-raised all in for 185,000. Liebert mucked and the final two players turned up their cards:

Keating: A 9
Sung: 10 5

Turn and River: A 4

Sung needed two clubs to make his flush, which he received, but one of them was the ace that Keating needed to make a full house. Sung was eliminated from the tournament in 16th place.

Player Tags: Kathy Liebert,   Steve Sung,   Adam Levy,   Alex Keating

Level 8 Update -- Defending Champion Michael Martin Out

Oct 03, '09

Blinds: 400-800 with a 75 ante

Players Remaining: 215 out of 426

Average Chip Count:

59,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jason Mercier
Amnon Filippi
Joe Ebanks
Jonas Molander
Ruben Visser
Michael Martin

Big Hands:

Jason Mercier Ends His Day

Things just never got going for Jason Mercier today and yes we realize how odd of a statement that is. After a player opened in the cutoff, Mercier made his all-in move on the short stack with A-Q.

His plan may have worked, had the big blind not woken up with A-K and moved all-in to isolate. The original raiser folded and the board offered no help to the man who does so well here in Europe.

A disappointing day to be sure, but we have a feeling that Mercier will ultimately feel pretty good about his time here in London, thanks to a very profitable WSOP Europe Main Event.

Amnon Filippi Heads For The Door

A short-stacked Amnon Filippi found the rest of his stack all-in holding A-Q against an opponent’s pocket tens.

A ten on the flop all but sealed his fate and Filippi was eliminated. Earlier, he joked about entering the ongoing £1,000 pot-limit Omaha eight-or-better event, but now, it’s definitely an option.

Steve Sung Takes a Hit

Steve Sung and his opponent got a stack of 14,275 all-in preflop, racing against AQ.

Sung’s pocket nines looked good until the turn on a board reading 4227, but the river Qs gave the pot to his opponent.

Tis but a flesh wound, however, since Sung is still healthily stacked with over 95,000 in chips.

Defending Champion Eliminated

We don’t know why or how it happened, but defending EPT London winner Michael Martin has been eliminated.

Left In The Deck

Prize Pool Information

Here’s a look at what these guys and girls are playing for:

1. £850,000
2. £530,000
3. £285,000
4. £227,000
5. £173,000
6. £124,000
7. £87,000
8. £50,100
9-10. £38,000
11-12. £28,000
13-14. £23,000
15-16. £19,000
17-24. £17,000
25-32. £15,600
33-40. £14,200
41-48. £12,800
49-56. £11,600
57-64. £10,600
65-72. £9,900
73-80. £9,200
81-88. £8,500
89-96. £7,900
97-104. £7,500

Total £3,540,500

Player Tags: Amnon Filippi,   Steve Sung,   Michael Martin,   Jason Mercier

Level 3 Hour 2 Update: Grospellier And Ivey Very Healthy

Jul 06, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Loic Bellabarba – 110,000
2. Nicolas Levi – 103,000
3. Adam Schoenfeld – 97,200
4. Jacob Avital – 90,000
5. Dutch Boyd – 85,000
6. Blair Hinkle – 78,800
7. Brice Cournut – 76,000
8. Chad Brown – 72,500
9. Matthew Hilger – 71,000
10. Tom “durrrr” Dwan – 71,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 62,000
Matthew Hilger – 71,000

Notable Eliminations:

Roy Winston
Peter Feldman
Jeff Madsen
Phil Galfond

Big Hands:

Seiver Turns A Set

Scott Seiver raised to 900 from early position. Seat 4 was next to act and he raised to 2,600. Seiver made the call and the flop came 722. Both players checked and they did the same after the 9 fell on the turn.

The river was the 3 and Seiver led out with 5,100. Seat 4 tanked and then made the call. Seiver tabled 99 for a set on the turn and he took down the pot. He was at 44,000 after the hand.

Tran Takes A Pot

J.C. Tran raised to 800 from the button and the small blind made the call. The big blind mucked and the flop came down 972. Both players checked and the turn was the 5.

The action was checked to Tran and he bet 1,200. The small blind mucked and Tran showed 87 for second pair. He was at 31,000.

Mark Seif Getting Low

Five players, including Steve Sung and and Mark Seif, limped in preflop. The flop fell KJ8 and everyone checked. The turn was the 7 and Sung led out for 1,100. Seif called and then seat 9 raised it to 4,500 and only Seif stuck around.

The river was the Q and Seif checked. Seat 9 fired 8,000 and Seif mucked his hand after plenty of thought. He was down to 12,000.

Marlon Wayans Wins A Pot

Picking up the action on the turn, the board read A76Q and Marlon Wayans bet 1,500. His opponent in seat 7 made the call and the river was the J. Wayans bet another 1,500 and seat 7 called again.

Wayans tabled A6 for two pair and it was good for the pot. He was at 22,000.

Alaei Dropping More Chips

On a flop of K82, the big blind checked and seat 2 bet 1,350 from under the gun. Daniel Alaei made the call from the button and the big blind called as well. The turn was the 6 and action was checked to Alaei. He bet 3,400 and only the big blind stuck around.

The river was the 9 and both players checked. The big blind then tabled 88 for a set and Alaei mucked. He was down to 17,000.

Big Slick For Ivey

With 2,850 in the pot, three players saw a flop of AJ3. Phil Ivey led out with 1,700 and only the player in seat 1 called. The turn was the 2 and both players checked. They did the same after the 9 fell on the river.

Ivey then tabled AK for top pair and seat 1 mucked. Ivey was at 58,000.

Elky Gets A Knockout

After a flop of KQ8, Bertrand Grospellier led out with 1,100. His opponent in seat 1 raised all in for 14,000 total. Grospellier quickly called and table QQ for a set. Seat 1 showed AK for top pair.

The turn was the A, giving seat 1 two pair and a few more outs. But the river was the J and seat 1 was eliminated. Grospellier took the pot and was at 57,000.

Left In The Deck:

Players have gone on a 90 minute dinner break and will return at 8:20 p.m.

It was briefly displayed on the tournament clock that the total number of entrants at the WSOP is 6,493. The number was taken down prior to the dinner break so it is still unofficial. The official numbers should be in after players return from dinner.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   J.C. Tran,   Daniel Alaei,   Phil Ivey,   Steve Sung,   Bertrand Grospellier

Final Table Update: Steve Sung Eliminated in Third Place

Jun 12, '09

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

Players Remaining: 2 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Nick Schulman — 1,916,000
2. Ville Wahlbeck — 964,000

Average Chip Count: 1,440,000

Notable Eliminations:

3. Steve Sung – $112,042

Elimination Hands:

Steve Sung Eliminated in Third Place ($112,042)

Nick Schulmand raised to 60,000 from the button and Steve Sung reraised to 170,000 from the small blind. Schulman reraised all in and Sung made the all-in call after going into the tank for a few minutes.

Both players stood pat and Schulman flipped over 10-7-5-4-3. Sung revealed 10-8-5-4-3. Sung was eliminated in third place.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Final Table Update: Quickly Down to Four

Jun 12, '09

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

Players Remaining: 4 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Ville Wahlbeck — 740,000
2. John Juanda — 650,000
3. Steve Sung — 420,000
4. Nick Schulman — 295,000

Average Chip Count: 720,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Michael Binger – $24,545
7. David Benyamine – $30,492
6. Vince Musso – $39,697
5. Archie Karas – $53,783

Big Hands:

Michael Binger Eliminated in Eighth Place ($24,545)

Michael Binger moved all in from early position to open the action and John Juanda made the call.

Binger chose to draw two and Juanda stood pat. Juanda turned over a 10-8-6-4-2 and Binger turned over 9-9-K-7-2. Binger was eliminated in eighth place.

David Benyamine Eliminated in Seventh Place ($30,492)

Steve Sung raised to 32,000 from the cutoff and David Benyamine reraised all in for 86,000 from the button.

Sung stood pat and Benyamine drew one card. Sung turned over J-8-7-3-2 and Benyamine conjured 9-6-5-4. He was drawing live but he paired his 9 and was eliminated in seventh place.

Vince Musso Eliminated in Sixth Place ($39,697)

Ville Wahlbeck raised to 35,000 and Vince Musso reraised all in. Wahlbeck called him and stood pat. Musso drew one card.

Wahlbeck turned up 7-5-4-3-2 for the nuts and Musso was eliminated before he received his draw card with a 9-5-4-2. Musso was eliminated in sixth place.

Archie Karas Eliminated in Fifth Place ($53,783)

Archie Karas moved all in for 86,000 under the gun and Steve Sung made the call. Both players stood pat and Sung turned up 10-9-8-7-3. Karas held J-10-8-5-2 and he was eliminated in fifth place.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   David Benyamine,   Archie Karas,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Steve Sung,   Michael Binger,   Vince Musso

Level 17 Update: Jason Gray Eliminated in 14th Place ($17,885)

Jun 12, '09

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 with a 1,500 ante

Players Remaining: 13 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Vince Musso — 480,000
2. Ville Wahlbeck — 360,000
3. Nick Schulman — 310,000
4. Roland de Wolfe — 300,000
5. John Juanda — 247,000
6. Steve Sung — 240,000
7. Michael Binger — 180,000
8. Justin Smith — 160,000
9. Max Pescatori — 150,000
10. David Benyamine — 140,000

Average Chip Count: 221,538

Notable Eliminations:

14. Jason Gray — $17,885

Big Hands:

Jason Gray Eliminated in 14th Place ($17,885)

Steve Sung raises to 16,000 before the draw, Nick Schulman calls and Jason Gray calls all in for 12,000.

Sung and Schulman both draw one card each as Gray draws two.

Sung bets 20,000 at the side pot and Schulman folds. Sung shows a 9-8 low, besting Gray’s 10-8. Sung rakes the pot as Jason Gray is eliminated in 14th place ($17,885).

Pescatori vs. Harmetz

Pescatori Doubles Through Harmetz

Max Pescatori raises to 17,500 from the cutoff and Dan Harmetz moves all in from the big blind. Pescatori calls all in for a total of 87,000, Harmetz has him covered.

Harmetz draws one card while Pescatori stands pat.

Pescatori turns over 109832 while Harmetz shows 8762 with one card to go. Harmetz turns over the K and Pescatori rakes the pot. Pescatori doubles up to 200,000 this hand while Harmetz is left with just 25,000 in chips.

Harmetz Doubles Through Pescatori

A few hands later and Harmetz gets some of those chips back by taking his turn to double through Pescatori.

Pescatori raises to 13,000 from under the gun, Harmetz moves all in from the cutoff and Pescatori calls.

Both players stand pat as Harmetz turns over 9-8-5-3-2 and rakes the pot. Harmetz doubles up to 70,000 this hand while Pescatori takes a slight hit down to 155,000.

Player Tags: Max Pescatori,   Jason Gray,   Steve Sung,   Nick Schulman,   Dan Harmetz

Level 11 Update: Ivey And Tran Ousted

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 800-1,600 with a 400 ante

Players Remaining: 31 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Vince Musso – 222,000
2. Roland de Wolfe – 195,000
3. Jean-Robert Bellande – 160,000
4. David Benyamine – 160,000
5. Justin Smith – 140,000
6. Patrick Bueno – 140,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 140,000
8. Tim Phan – 126,000
9. Nick Schulman – 120,000
10. John Juanda – 110,000

Average Chip Count: 80,000

Notable Eliminations:

Phil Ivey
Kenny Tran
Sorel Mizzi
Greg Mueller

Big Hands:

Phil Ivey Eliminated By Steve Sung

Ivey moved all in and was called by Steve Sung. After all was said and done, Ivey showed down a Jack-low. It was not good enough, however, as Sung showed a 10-low and Ivey was knocked out of the tournament. Sung’s stack improved to just over 60,000 in chips.

Phan Chips Up

The player in seat 1 raised to 5,500 from the small blind and Tim Phan made the call from the big blind.

Draw: Seat 1 draws 1 card, Tim Phan draws 1 card

After the draw, seat 1 checked and Phan fired 13,000. Seat 1 mucked and Phan took in the pot, improving to 118,000.

Juanda Drops Some Chips

Mark Weitzman raised before the draw and action folded around to John Juanda. He then repopped it to 100,000 straight. Weitzman went into the tank for a very long time before finally sticking his remaining 40,000 into the middle. It was then time for the players to decide how many cards to draw.

Draw: Juanda stands pat, Weitzman stands pat

Juanda revealed 10-8-5-4-2, but Weitzman tabled 8-7-6-5-3 and he doubled up to almost 90,000. Juanda dropped down to 134,000 after the hand.

Gin!

The player in seat 4 raised to 5,200 and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call.

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

After the draw, seat 4 checked and Bellande fired 16,000 into the pot. Seat 4 tanked for a long time and then decided to call. “Gin!” Bellande announced after he turned over 7-5-4-3-2 for the absolute nuts. Seat 4 mucked and Bellande collected the pot and he was at 140,000.

Oh My God! They Killed Kenny!

Kenny Tran’s tournament life is now over. After a raise to 4,300 and a call prior to the draw, Justin Smith popped it to 21,000 to go. Tran then looked down at his hand and moved in for just 2,000 more. The original raiser and caller folded but Smith put in the extra two yellow chips.

Draw: Smith Draws 1 card, Tran stands pat

Tran tabled his 9-7-5-4-2 low and awaited to see what Smith drew. The bad news was revealed as Smith showed 8-6-5-3-2 and Tran was shown the door. Smith improved his stack to 140,000 in chips.

Lady Luck On Benyamine’s Side

Erica Schoenberg stopped by earlier to show some support to her significant other David Benyamine. That visit put some luck on his side as Benyamine took a nice pot off John Juanda.

Juanda raised to 14,500 before the draw and Benyamine made the call from the button.

Draw: Juanda stands pat, Benyamine draws 1 card

Juanda checked after the draw and Benyamine fired 18,000 into the pot. Juanda made the call and Benyamine showed 9-8-6-3-2. Juanda mucked his hand and Benyamine was up to 160,000 while Juanda was down to 110,000.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   David Benyamine,   Phil Ivey,   Kenny Tran,   Mark Weitzman,   Tim Phan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Steve Sung,   Erica Schoenberg,   Justin Smith

Level 9 Update: Sung And Mizzi Double Up

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 46 out of 96

Chip Counts:

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

Average Chip Count: 58,776

Notable Eliminations:

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

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Doubles Up Through Freddy Deeb

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

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

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

Zolotow With An Early Pot, Busts Out Later

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

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Michael Binger

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

Draw: Mizzi draws 1 card, Binger draws 1 card

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

Mueller Loves The Three-Way Action

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

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

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

So Long Freddy

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

Draw: Benyamine draws 1 card, Deeb draws 1 card

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

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

Final Table Update: Steve Sung Eliminated in Third Place

Jun 12, '09

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

Players Remaining: 2 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Nick Schulman — 1,916,000
2. Ville Wahlbeck — 964,000

Average Chip Count: 1,440,000

Notable Eliminations:

3. Steve Sung – $112,042

Elimination Hands:

Steve Sung Eliminated in Third Place ($112,042)

Nick Schulmand raised to 60,000 from the button and Steve Sung reraised to 170,000 from the small blind. Schulman reraised all in and Sung made the all-in call after going into the tank for a few minutes.

Both players stood pat and Schulman flipped over 10-7-5-4-3. Sung revealed 10-8-5-4-3. Sung was eliminated in third place.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Final Table Update: Quickly Down to Four

Jun 12, '09

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

Players Remaining: 4 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Ville Wahlbeck — 740,000
2. John Juanda — 650,000
3. Steve Sung — 420,000
4. Nick Schulman — 295,000

Average Chip Count: 720,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Michael Binger – $24,545
7. David Benyamine – $30,492
6. Vince Musso – $39,697
5. Archie Karas – $53,783

Big Hands:

Michael Binger Eliminated in Eighth Place ($24,545)

Michael Binger moved all in from early position to open the action and John Juanda made the call.

Binger chose to draw two and Juanda stood pat. Juanda turned over a 10-8-6-4-2 and Binger turned over 9-9-K-7-2. Binger was eliminated in eighth place.

David Benyamine Eliminated in Seventh Place ($30,492)

Steve Sung raised to 32,000 from the cutoff and David Benyamine reraised all in for 86,000 from the button.

Sung stood pat and Benyamine drew one card. Sung turned over J-8-7-3-2 and Benyamine conjured 9-6-5-4. He was drawing live but he paired his 9 and was eliminated in seventh place.

Vince Musso Eliminated in Sixth Place ($39,697)

Ville Wahlbeck raised to 35,000 and Vince Musso reraised all in. Wahlbeck called him and stood pat. Musso drew one card.

Wahlbeck turned up 7-5-4-3-2 for the nuts and Musso was eliminated before he received his draw card with a 9-5-4-2. Musso was eliminated in sixth place.

Archie Karas Eliminated in Fifth Place ($53,783)

Archie Karas moved all in for 86,000 under the gun and Steve Sung made the call. Both players stood pat and Sung turned up 10-9-8-7-3. Karas held J-10-8-5-2 and he was eliminated in fifth place.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   David Benyamine,   Archie Karas,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Steve Sung,   Michael Binger,   Vince Musso

Level 17 Update: Jason Gray Eliminated in 14th Place ($17,885)

Jun 12, '09

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 with a 1,500 ante

Players Remaining: 13 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Vince Musso — 480,000
2. Ville Wahlbeck — 360,000
3. Nick Schulman — 310,000
4. Roland de Wolfe — 300,000
5. John Juanda — 247,000
6. Steve Sung — 240,000
7. Michael Binger — 180,000
8. Justin Smith — 160,000
9. Max Pescatori — 150,000
10. David Benyamine — 140,000

Average Chip Count: 221,538

Notable Eliminations:

14. Jason Gray — $17,885

Big Hands:

Jason Gray Eliminated in 14th Place ($17,885)

Steve Sung raises to 16,000 before the draw, Nick Schulman calls and Jason Gray calls all in for 12,000.

Sung and Schulman both draw one card each as Gray draws two.

Sung bets 20,000 at the side pot and Schulman folds. Sung shows a 9-8 low, besting Gray’s 10-8. Sung rakes the pot as Jason Gray is eliminated in 14th place ($17,885).

Pescatori vs. Harmetz

Pescatori Doubles Through Harmetz

Max Pescatori raises to 17,500 from the cutoff and Dan Harmetz moves all in from the big blind. Pescatori calls all in for a total of 87,000, Harmetz has him covered.

Harmetz draws one card while Pescatori stands pat.

Pescatori turns over 109832 while Harmetz shows 8762 with one card to go. Harmetz turns over the K and Pescatori rakes the pot. Pescatori doubles up to 200,000 this hand while Harmetz is left with just 25,000 in chips.

Harmetz Doubles Through Pescatori

A few hands later and Harmetz gets some of those chips back by taking his turn to double through Pescatori.

Pescatori raises to 13,000 from under the gun, Harmetz moves all in from the cutoff and Pescatori calls.

Both players stand pat as Harmetz turns over 9-8-5-3-2 and rakes the pot. Harmetz doubles up to 70,000 this hand while Pescatori takes a slight hit down to 155,000.

Player Tags: Max Pescatori,   Jason Gray,   Steve Sung,   Nick Schulman,   Dan Harmetz

Level 11 Update: Ivey And Tran Ousted

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 800-1,600 with a 400 ante

Players Remaining: 31 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Vince Musso – 222,000
2. Roland de Wolfe – 195,000
3. Jean-Robert Bellande – 160,000
4. David Benyamine – 160,000
5. Justin Smith – 140,000
6. Patrick Bueno – 140,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 140,000
8. Tim Phan – 126,000
9. Nick Schulman – 120,000
10. John Juanda – 110,000

Average Chip Count: 80,000

Notable Eliminations:

Phil Ivey
Kenny Tran
Sorel Mizzi
Greg Mueller

Big Hands:

Phil Ivey Eliminated By Steve Sung

Ivey moved all in and was called by Steve Sung. After all was said and done, Ivey showed down a Jack-low. It was not good enough, however, as Sung showed a 10-low and Ivey was knocked out of the tournament. Sung’s stack improved to just over 60,000 in chips.

Phan Chips Up

The player in seat 1 raised to 5,500 from the small blind and Tim Phan made the call from the big blind.

Draw: Seat 1 draws 1 card, Tim Phan draws 1 card

After the draw, seat 1 checked and Phan fired 13,000. Seat 1 mucked and Phan took in the pot, improving to 118,000.

Juanda Drops Some Chips

Mark Weitzman raised before the draw and action folded around to John Juanda. He then repopped it to 100,000 straight. Weitzman went into the tank for a very long time before finally sticking his remaining 40,000 into the middle. It was then time for the players to decide how many cards to draw.

Draw: Juanda stands pat, Weitzman stands pat

Juanda revealed 10-8-5-4-2, but Weitzman tabled 8-7-6-5-3 and he doubled up to almost 90,000. Juanda dropped down to 134,000 after the hand.

Gin!

The player in seat 4 raised to 5,200 and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call.

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

After the draw, seat 4 checked and Bellande fired 16,000 into the pot. Seat 4 tanked for a long time and then decided to call. “Gin!” Bellande announced after he turned over 7-5-4-3-2 for the absolute nuts. Seat 4 mucked and Bellande collected the pot and he was at 140,000.

Oh My God! They Killed Kenny!

Kenny Tran’s tournament life is now over. After a raise to 4,300 and a call prior to the draw, Justin Smith popped it to 21,000 to go. Tran then looked down at his hand and moved in for just 2,000 more. The original raiser and caller folded but Smith put in the extra two yellow chips.

Draw: Smith Draws 1 card, Tran stands pat

Tran tabled his 9-7-5-4-2 low and awaited to see what Smith drew. The bad news was revealed as Smith showed 8-6-5-3-2 and Tran was shown the door. Smith improved his stack to 140,000 in chips.

Lady Luck On Benyamine’s Side

Erica Schoenberg stopped by earlier to show some support to her significant other David Benyamine. That visit put some luck on his side as Benyamine took a nice pot off John Juanda.

Juanda raised to 14,500 before the draw and Benyamine made the call from the button.

Draw: Juanda stands pat, Benyamine draws 1 card

Juanda checked after the draw and Benyamine fired 18,000 into the pot. Juanda made the call and Benyamine showed 9-8-6-3-2. Juanda mucked his hand and Benyamine was up to 160,000 while Juanda was down to 110,000.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   David Benyamine,   Phil Ivey,   Kenny Tran,   Mark Weitzman,   Tim Phan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Steve Sung,   Erica Schoenberg,   Justin Smith

Level 9 Update: Sung And Mizzi Double Up

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 46 out of 96

Chip Counts:

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

Average Chip Count: 58,776

Notable Eliminations:

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

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Doubles Up Through Freddy Deeb

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

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

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

Zolotow With An Early Pot, Busts Out Later

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

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Michael Binger

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

Draw: Mizzi draws 1 card, Binger draws 1 card

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

Mueller Loves The Three-Way Action

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

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

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

So Long Freddy

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

Draw: Benyamine draws 1 card, Deeb draws 1 card

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

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

Level 17 Update: Sung Ousted, We're In The Money

Jun 06, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 5,000-10,000 blinds and 10,000-20,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 2,000 ante, 3,000 bring-in, with a 10,000 completion and 10,000-20,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 2,500-5,000 blinds with a 1,500 ante

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

Players Remaining: 24 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. Adam Friedman – 526,000
2. Joe Serock – 500,000
3. John Cernuto – 387,000
4. Soheil Shamseddin – 362,000
5. Doyle Brunson – 355,000
6. Todd Brunson – 319,500
7. Brian Powell – 314,000
8. Brian Mizok – 269,000
9. Ville Wahlbeck – 267,000
10. Roman Yitzhaki – 262,000

Average Chip Count: 166,256

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Sung
Alexander Jung
Brandon Adams
Marc Karam

Big Hands:

Limit HE

Sung Knocked Out

Before the flop, the player under the gun, the small blind and Steve Sung had all their money in the pot. After everything was sorted out, the players showed down their hands:

Sung: 76
UTG: 99
Small Blind: Q10

Sung had the worst of it as he had no over cards to his opponent’s pair of nines. The flop came Q64 giving the under the gun player top pair and Sung middle pair with backdoor straight possibilities. The turn was the 2 eliminating the hopes for a straight and Sung needed help badly. The river was the 4 and Sung was eliminated from the tournament along with the player under the gun in seat 3.

Tehan Likes Them Cowboys

Joe Tehan raised to 20,000 from the cutoff and the player in the small blind was the only caller. The flop came 1076. Action was checked to Tehan who fired 10,000 into the pot. His opponent quickly mucked, giving the pot to Tehan. “Come on,” pleaded Tehan. “What did you have?” He turned over pocket kings and took in the pot, although he would have liked to make a little more money with that hand. His stack was at 90,000.

Stud

Hawrilenko Fights Back, Takes Pot Off Wahlbeck

Vitaly Lunkin: X-X-3
Matt Hawrilenko: X-X-A
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-6

Lunkin brought in for 3,000 and Wahlbeck completed to 10,000. Matt Hawrilenko called as did Lunkin.

Vitaly Lunkin: X-X-3folded
Matt Hawrilenko: X-X-AQ
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-64

Wahlbeck applied more pressure, betting 10,000. Lunkin mucked his hand but Hawrilenko stuck around.

Matt Hawrilenko: X-X-AQ10
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-642

Hawrilenko took the initiative on fifth street as he led out with 20,000. Wahlbeck lost his nerve and mucked his hand. He was down to 235,000 while Hawrilenko was at 255,000.

Wahlbeck Gets Some Back Against Lunkin

Lunkin: X-X-67
Wahlbeck: X-X-K5

Wahlbeck bet to 10,000 and Lunkin made the call.

Lunkin: X-X-679
Wahlbeck: X-X-K52

Wahlbeck checked and Lunkin bet 20,000. Wahlbeck made the call.

Lunkin: X-X-6796
Wahlbeck: X-X-K52A

Both players checked and saw the river. On the river, Lunkin checked and Wahlbeck fired 20,000. Lunkin made the call and Wahlbeck turned over KK4 for a set of kings. Lunkin mucked and was down to 200,000 while Wahlbeck improved to 300,000.

NLHE

Froehlich Avoids Being Bubble Boy, Doubles Through Joe Serock

Preflop, Eric Froehlich moved in for 70,000 and Serock made the call. Both players tabled their hands.

Froehlich: AK
Serock: A9

Froehlich had Serock dominated and the flop came 773. The turn was the A and only a nine would eliminate Froehlich. The river was the 4 and Froehlich doubled through Serock to almost 150,000.

Perfect Timing

Peter Gelenceser moved all in and was called by Joe Serock. Both men tabled their hands.

Serock: QQ
Gelenceser: AK
Board: JJ4102

The board offered no help to Gelenceser and he was the bubble boy, busting in 25th place just as the clock hit zero for level 17.

Player Tags: Ville Wahlbeck,   Joe Tehan,   Eric Froehlich,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Steve Sung,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 16 Update: Mizrachi Rakes In A Pot

Jun 05, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 4,000-8,000 blinds and 8,000-16,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 2,000 ante, 2,000 bring-in, with a 8,000 completion and 8,000-16,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 2,000-4,000 blinds with a 1,000 ante

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

Players Remaining: 33 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. Soheil Shamseddin – 338,000
2. Ville Wahlbeck – 320,000
3. Adam Friedman – 305,000
4. Eric Froehlich – 290,000
5. Steve Sung – 278,000
6. Todd Brunson – 256,000
7. Brian Powell – 243,000
8. Brian Mizok – 240,000
9. Doyle Brunson – 237,000
10. Huck Seed – 234,000

Average Chip Count: 166,256

Notable Eliminations:

Erick Lindgren

Big Hands:

PLO

Mizrachi Gets The Best Of Adams

Robert Mizrachi bet the pot preflop and Brandon Adams made the call. The flop came down J54 and both players checked. The turn was the 3 and Mizrachi checked again. Adams had enough checking and fired the pot, 22,000. Mizrachi called and the river brought the 2. Both players checked and Mizrachi showed down J4107 for two pair, jacks and fours. Adams mucked his cards and his stack was down to 40,000 while Mizrachi improved to 150,000.

NLHE

Sung Wounded By Bullets

Preflop, the player in seat 1 raised to 11,500 and the action was on Steve Sung. He made the call and everyone else got out of the way. The flop came Q10J and both players played it cautiously electing to check. The turn was the 3 and both players checked again. The river brought the 6 and seat 1 finally led out with a bet, firing 15,000. Sung thought for a few moments and made the call. Seat 1 then showed down AA and Sung mucked his hand. Sung was around 170,000 after the hand.

2-7 Triple Draw

Lindgren Drops Some Chips, Busts Later

The player in seat 5 raised to 12,000 before the first draw. The player in seat 7 called from the small blind and Erick Lindgren followed suit in the big blind.

First Draw: Seat 7 draws 2 cards, Lindgren draws 2 cards, seat 5 draws 1 card.

Seat 5 fired another 6,000 into the pot and seat 7 called, as did Lindgren.

Second Draw: Seat 7 draws 2 cards, Lindgren draws 2 cards, seat 5 stands pat.

Seat 5 fired 12,000 into the pot and seat 7 folded. Lindgren followed suit and his stack was down to 30,400. He was eliminated by David Chiu moments later.

Lunkin Doubles His Opponent’s Stack

Prior to the first draw, the player in seat 8 moved all in for his last 24,000. Vitaly Lunkin made the call and Michael Binger took a long tank session before he mucked his hand. Mark Gregorich followed suit and the first draw was on.

First Draw: Lunkin draws 1 card, seat 8 draws 1 card

Second Draw: Lunkin draws 1 card, seat 8 draws 1 card

Third Draw: Lunkin stands pat, seat 8 draws 1 card

After seat 8 requested his card, Lunkin showed down 106542 for a 10 low. Seat 8 turned over his four cards, 5432 and needed something lower than a 10 without pairing up to double up. He flipped over the 8 and he took down the pot. Lunkin was down to 120,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Robert Mizrachi,   Erick Lindgren,   Steve Sung,   Brandon Adams,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 32 Update: Steve Sung Wins Event 4

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 1 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 18,036,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 0

Eliminations:

2. Panayote Vilandos – ($473,283)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Wins Event 4 ($771,106)

Steve Sung raised pre-flop to 500,000 and Panayote Vilandos re-raised 1,700,000 more. Sung thought about it briefly before moving all-in for about 10,000,000, having his opponent covered by only about 2,000,000. Vilandos called the additional 6,300,000 and exposed the 88. He wasn’t in a race as Sung tabled the KK. The board ran out A7267 and Sung won the huge pot, the $771,106 first place prize and a gold bracelet in the largest non-main event field in history. Vilandos took home $474,283 for his efforts.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 31: James Matz Eliminated, Heads Up Play Begins

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 2 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 13,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000

Average Chip Count: 9,018,000

Eliminations:

3. James Matz – ($313,826)

Big Hands:

Panayote Vilandos Gives Scotty Nguyen Impersonation

Steve Sung raised on the button and Panayote Vilandos called from the small blind. The flop came 26Q and Vilandos checked. Sung opted to check behind and the 8 hit the turn. Vilandos checked to Sung, who quickly fired out 520,000. Vilandos thought briefly before moving all-in and Sung instantly folded. Vilandos yelled out, “7 high, 7 high baby!” Sung started talking back to Vilandos, taunting him to show his hand. Vilandos mucked and took the small pot.

James Matz Eliminated In 3rd Place ($313,826)

James Matz was in the small blind when he threw out an additional 60,000 to complete the big blind. Steve Sung wasn’t willing to see a cheap flop as he fired out a 400,000 chip bet. Matz quickly called the raise from Sung and both players saw a flop of 105Q. Matz quickly led out for 475,000 and Sung went into the tank before raising to 1,100,000 total. Matz almost beat him into the pot by announcing he was all-in. Sung went into the tank once again and eventually made the call. Matz announced he had a pair when he flipped over the 54 for bottom pair, and was almost a coin flip against the KJ of Sung. Sung had plenty of outs to bust his opponent but none of them came on the turn as it brought the 8. Sung needed an ace or nine for a staight, or a jack or king to make a higher pair than the fives of Matz. The A fell on the river, giving him the nuts, and Sung added another final table elimination to his belt and entered heads up play with a substantial chip lead of 13,000,000 to just under the 5 million of Panayote Vilandos.

Left In The Deck:

At the start of the heads up match, Steve Sung asked Panayote Vilandos if he wanted to play a winner-takes-all match. Vilandos didn’t oblige.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 30 Update: Nathan Mullen And Larry Sidebotham Eliminated, Steve Sung With Majority Of Chips In Play

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 60,000-120,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 10,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000
3. James Matz — 3,200,000

Average Chip Count: 6,021,000

Eliminations:

5. Nathan Mullen – ($175,851)
4. Larry Sidebotham – ($227,254)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Eliminates Nathan Mullen In 5th Place ($175,851)

On the first hand of the level, James Matz went all-in pre-flop and everyone folded. On the second hand, Nathan Mullen went all-in and everyone folded. The third time was a charm for an elimination, as on the third hand of play in level 30, Mullen moved all-in pre-flop for 1,580,000 and was called by Steve Sung. Larry Sidebotham went into the tank in the big blind before eventually folding. Mullen tabled the J10 and was about even money against the A7 of Sung. The flop was a beauty for Mullen as it came KQJ, putting him out in front with a pair of jacks. Sung needed to catch one of the remaining tens in the deck to make broad way, or risk doubling up an opponent at the start of the level. The 6 hit the turn and Nathan needed to dodge one more card to double up. The dealer burned and the 10 slid off the deck onto the felt, giving Sung the nuts, and eliminating Mullen in 5th. Sung is now up to 11,500,000.

Larry Sidebotham Eliminated In 4th Place ($227,254)

From the button, Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 925,000 with QJ and was called by James Matz in the small blind with the A7. The flop was ugly for Sidebotham as it came 239, eliminating some of his outs. The turn brought the 3 and Sidebotham and his cheering section were down to their last card to avoid elimination. The 9 fell on the river and Sidebotham was the 4th place finisher in the massive field.

Left In The Deck:

The final three players are now on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 29 Update: Steve Sung Rolling, Dan Heimiller Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 5 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 9,400,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,000,000
3. Larry Sidebotham — 2,300,000
4. James Matz — 1,300,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,200,000

Average Chip Count: 3,612,600

Eliminations:

6. Dan Heimiller ($145,009)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Takes Another Pot Off Of Dan Heimiller

Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller both checked a flop of 4J8. The 5 hit the turn and Heimiller bet out 350,000. Sung contemplated briefly before announcing that he was all-in. Heimiller made another lay down to Sung who is picking up steam and looks poised to play heads up for the bracelet with one of the other remaining players. This was the second time Sung has made a huge all-in bet against Heimiller.

Dan Heimiller Eliminated In 6th Place ($145,009)

After limping in, Dan Heimiller was faced with a raise of 350,000 by Steve Sung and a call from Panayote Vilandos. Heimiller elected to go all-in over the top of Sung’s raise and try to double up to a stack closer to what he entered the final table with. Sung called the all-in bet and Vilandos folded. Heimiller exposed the AK and had Sung’s AQ dominated. The crowd gathered in anticipation as the flop of 3Q6 was magical for Sung, giving him a huge lead in the hand. Heimiller failed to catch up as the turn brought the 3 and the 2 hit the river. Heimiller was looking strong going into the final table but has now gone out in 6th place. Sung is now in command with 9,400,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 28 Update: Steve Sung Takes Out Jeff Oakes

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000 with a 10,000 ante

Players Remaining: 6 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 6,350,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 5,450,000
3. James Matz — 3,400,000
4. Dan Heimiller — 1,900,000
5. Larry Sidebotham — 1,530,000
6. Nathan Mullen — 1,500,000

Average Chip Count: 3,010,500

Notable Eliminations:

7. Jeff Oakes ($126,613)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Rebounds, Takes Out Jeff Oakes In 7th Place ($126,613)

Steve Sung made it 220,000 to go pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Jeff Oakes. Oakes only had 465,000 total and Sung made the easy call with the AQ. Oakes tabled the 55 and the players were off to a race. The flop came AK4, giving Sung top pair and leaving Oakes with a runner-runner straight draw or the board bringing a five to avoid elimination. The 10 hit the turn and the A fell on the river to give Sung trips and send Oakes home in 7th placce. Sung has rebounded back up to 1,620,000 after falling below a million.

Larry Sidebotham Doubles Up

James Matz raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 465,000 more. Matz went into the tank before finally calling with 76, and Sidebotham saw about the best he could hope for as he turned over his 109. The board ran out 3AAJJ and Sidebotham doubled up to 1,530,000 to the delight of his loud cheering section.

Steve Sung takes Over The Chip Lead

Dan Heimiller raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung called from the big blind. Both players saw a flop of 8A10 and Sung bet out 300,000 into Heimiller. The former chip leader made the call and the turn brought the J. Sung fired out again, this time turning up the heat with a 650,000 chip bet. Heimiller announced raise and put out 1,500,000 total, for a raise of 850,000. Sung went into the tank before shoving the remainder of his chips into the middle. It didn’t take too long for Heimiller to fold, and Sung took down the huge pot. He is now the chip leader with 6,350,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 27 Update: Phong Huynh Eliminated, Steve Sung Falters

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Panayote Vilandos — 5,800,000
2. James Matz — 4,400,000
3. Dan Heimiller — 3,100,000
4. Steve Sung — 1,600,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,300,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,080,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 670,000

Average Chip Count: 2,580,428

Notable Eliminations:

8. Phong Huynh – $117,414

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Runs Into Set Over Set, Eliminated In 8th Place

Larry Sidebotham, James Matz and Phong Huynh all saw a board of J437. Sidebotham fired out 370,000 on the turn and Huynh smooth called before James Matz moved all-in for 1,250,000. Sidebotham folded and Huynh thought briefly before calling off the remaining of his chips. Matz turned over the JJ for top set and Huynh exposed 33 for bottom set. Huynh was down to just two outs after eliminating an opponent earlier. The A fell on the river and Huynh was eliminated in 8th place.

Steve Sung Loses Big Pot

Steve Sung limped in from late position and Panayote Vilandos raised to 150,000. Sung made the call and the flop came 854. Sung bet out 250,000 and Vilandos min-raised to 500,000. Sung threw in another limit like bet and Vilandos made the additional 250,000 chip call. The 8 hit the turn and Sung led out for just 700,000, prompting Vilandos to move all-in. Sung quickly folded and is rapidly going down the chip counts. He is now at 1,600,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26: Final Table Begins, Danny Fuhs Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 8 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 4,200,000
2. Dan Heimiller — 4,050,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. Phong Huynh — 1,900,000
5. James Matz — 1,885,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000

Average Chip Count: 2,257,875

Eliminations:

9. Danny Fuhs ($114,168)

Big Hands:

Danny Fuhs Eliminated In 9th Place ($114,168)

On the third hand of play, Danny Fuhs raised to 120,000 pre-flop and was called by Phong Huynh on the button. The flop came 10AJ and Fuhs fired out a continuation bet of 180,000 into Huynh. Phong contemplated briefly before making the call. The 2 hit the turn and Fuhs led out again, this time for 400,000, the majority of his remaining chips. Huynh quickly announced he was all-in and Fuhs instantly called. Huynh exposed the 1010 for a set and Fuhs tabled the dominated AJ for top two pair. Fuhs still had outs to stay alive and avoid being the ninth place finisher in the 6,021 player event. The 5 hit the river however, and Fuhs was sent packing with a payday of over $100,000. Huynh is now up to 2,250,000 in chips.

Steve Sung Builds Stack

Phong Huynh raised pre-flop from the cut-off and was re-raised to 275,000 by Steve Sung from the big blind. Huynh called and both players saw a flop of 8K4. Sung checked over to Huynh who checked behind. The turn was the 9 and Steve Sung fired out a bet of 500,000. Huynh folded. Sung is now up to 4,200,000 and is the chip leader.

Left In The Deck:

The players are now on a short 10 minute break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26 Update: Final 9 Set

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller — 4,115,000
2. Steve Sung — 3,395,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. James Matz — 1,885,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
6. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
7. Phong Huynh — 1,310,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000
9. Danny Fuhs — 965,000

Average Chip Count: 2,007,000

Eliminations:

10. Eric Chhor — $80,567

Big Hands:

Eric Chhor Eliminated in 10th Place ($80,567)

On a flop of A64, Eric Chhor bet 125,000 and Steve Sung raised to 425,000. Chhor then moved all in for about 1 million more and Sung made the call with A6 and two pair. Chhor showed AJ and needed help, but the turn and river came Q to send him to the rail on the final table bubble.

Left In The Deck:

The final nine have now finished bagging and tagging their chips for the evening. The final table will resume at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 360. Card Player will be there to bring you all the updates from the final table.

Player Tags: Eric Chhor,   Steve Sung

Level 25 Update: Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller Continue To Surge

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 3,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos – 2,600,000
3. Danny Fuhs – 2,250,000
4. Steve Sung – 2,200,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,800,000
6. Eric Chhor – 1,600,000
7. Nathan Mullen – 1,500,000
8. Larry Sidebotham 1,250,000
9. James Matz III – 1,200,000
10. Phong Huynh – 900,000

Average Chip Count: 1,806,300

Eliminations:

13. Josh Mammon ($56,651)
12. Michael Scalise ($80,567)
11. Toni Ojala ($80,567)

Big Hands:

Dan Heimiller Knocks Out Opponent

Dan Heimiller called the all-in of Michael Scalise with the AK and was well ahead of Scalise’s A6. The board ran out 937QJ and Heimiller has once again claimed the chip lead with over 3,000,000.

Steve Sung Doubles Up

Phong Huynh raised to 100,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung popped it to 300,000. Huynh made the call and both players saw a flop of JQ2. Huynh checked to Sung, who moved all-in. Huynh went into the tank and eventually made a good call with the AJ. Sung turned over the AK, and was well behind after Huynh paired his kicker. Sung needed a king or a ten for a straight to stay alive. The 4 hit the turn and Sung was down to his last card of the 6,021 player tournament. The 10 fell on the river and Sung hit his gut-shot to double up to 2,200,000.

Left In The Deck

The players are on a 30 minute break and will play down to 9 handed before pausing action to play the final table tomorrow. Stay tuned for the final elimination as well as chip counts from the final nine players.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 24 Update: Phong Huynh Catches Miracle

Jun 02, '09

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

Players Remaining: 13 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 1,800,000
2. Phong Huynh – 1,400,000
3. Panayote Vilandos – 1,250,000
4. Danny Fuhs – 1,100,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,100,000
6. Steve Sung – 1,040,000
7. Toni Ojala – 1,020,000
8. Jamie Armstrong – 1,000,000
9. Eric Chhor – 900,000
10. Nathan Mullen – 860,000

Average Chip Count: 1,128,937

Notable Eliminations:

17. Kevin McColgan ($44,801)
16. Shawn Reed ($44,801)
15. Steve Ma ($56,651)
14. Andrew Oddo ($56,651)

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Triples Up, Kevin McColgan Eliminated in 17th Place ($ 44,801)

Phone Huynh moved all-in from the cut-off with the 33 after a pre-flop raise from Kevin McColgan. Steve Ma, in the big blind, went into the tank. He eventually made the call of 394,000, leaving only 40,000 behind. Action was folded over to McColgan, who contemplated for awhile before shipping the last of his chips into the pot as well. Ma instantly called, having his other opponent covered by about 35,000. Ma flipped over the AA and McColgan sheepishly tabled AK. Huynh was far behind, as he was the last to expose his hole cards of 33.

The flop was a beauty for Ma, as it came 5J7, keeping his aces well out in front and providing no back door flush draws for his opponents. Huynh needed runner-runner straight or a three to take the lead. The 2 fell on the turn and Ma was poised to knock out two opponents and take down a pot of 1,400,000. The miracle came for Huynh as the 3 slid off the top of the deck and onto the felt, erupting the table into gasps and Huynh into a loud celebration. Huynh is up to 1,400,000 and Ma is down to 73,000.

Daniel Heimiller Doubles Up Toni Ojala

Dan Heilmiller raised pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Toni Ojala. Heimiller made the call of 496,000 more with the KJ and was behind the QQ of Ojala. The board ran out A952J and Heimiller doubled up his opponent to over 1,000,000 in chips. Heimiller is down to around 1,800,000.

Steve Sung Hovering Around Chip Average

Steve Sung bet out on a flop of 885 and was called by Nathan Mullen. The turn brought the 6 and Sung checked. Mullen quickly checked behind and the Q hit the river. Sung once again checked and Mullen fired out a small 60,000 chip bet. Sung went into the tank before finally making the call. Mullen announced king-high and Sung turned over the K to go along with the 5 for bottom pair. Sung is now back up to 1,040,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 32 Update: Steve Sung Wins Event 4

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 1 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 18,036,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 0

Eliminations:

2. Panayote Vilandos – ($473,283)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Wins Event 4 ($771,106)

Steve Sung raised pre-flop to 500,000 and Panayote Vilandos re-raised 1,700,000 more. Sung thought about it briefly before moving all-in for about 10,000,000, having his opponent covered by only about 2,000,000. Vilandos called the additional 6,300,000 and exposed the 88. He wasn’t in a race as Sung tabled the KK. The board ran out A7267 and Sung won the huge pot, the $771,106 first place prize and a gold bracelet in the largest non-main event field in history. Vilandos took home $474,283 for his efforts.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 31: James Matz Eliminated, Heads Up Play Begins

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 2 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 13,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000

Average Chip Count: 9,018,000

Eliminations:

3. James Matz – ($313,826)

Big Hands:

Panayote Vilandos Gives Scotty Nguyen Impersonation

Steve Sung raised on the button and Panayote Vilandos called from the small blind. The flop came 26Q and Vilandos checked. Sung opted to check behind and the 8 hit the turn. Vilandos checked to Sung, who quickly fired out 520,000. Vilandos thought briefly before moving all-in and Sung instantly folded. Vilandos yelled out, “7 high, 7 high baby!” Sung started talking back to Vilandos, taunting him to show his hand. Vilandos mucked and took the small pot.

James Matz Eliminated In 3rd Place ($313,826)

James Matz was in the small blind when he threw out an additional 60,000 to complete the big blind. Steve Sung wasn’t willing to see a cheap flop as he fired out a 400,000 chip bet. Matz quickly called the raise from Sung and both players saw a flop of 105Q. Matz quickly led out for 475,000 and Sung went into the tank before raising to 1,100,000 total. Matz almost beat him into the pot by announcing he was all-in. Sung went into the tank once again and eventually made the call. Matz announced he had a pair when he flipped over the 54 for bottom pair, and was almost a coin flip against the KJ of Sung. Sung had plenty of outs to bust his opponent but none of them came on the turn as it brought the 8. Sung needed an ace or nine for a staight, or a jack or king to make a higher pair than the fives of Matz. The A fell on the river, giving him the nuts, and Sung added another final table elimination to his belt and entered heads up play with a substantial chip lead of 13,000,000 to just under the 5 million of Panayote Vilandos.

Left In The Deck:

At the start of the heads up match, Steve Sung asked Panayote Vilandos if he wanted to play a winner-takes-all match. Vilandos didn’t oblige.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 30 Update: Nathan Mullen And Larry Sidebotham Eliminated, Steve Sung With Majority Of Chips In Play

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 60,000-120,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 10,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000
3. James Matz — 3,200,000

Average Chip Count: 6,021,000

Eliminations:

5. Nathan Mullen – ($175,851)
4. Larry Sidebotham – ($227,254)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Eliminates Nathan Mullen In 5th Place ($175,851)

On the first hand of the level, James Matz went all-in pre-flop and everyone folded. On the second hand, Nathan Mullen went all-in and everyone folded. The third time was a charm for an elimination, as on the third hand of play in level 30, Mullen moved all-in pre-flop for 1,580,000 and was called by Steve Sung. Larry Sidebotham went into the tank in the big blind before eventually folding. Mullen tabled the J10 and was about even money against the A7 of Sung. The flop was a beauty for Mullen as it came KQJ, putting him out in front with a pair of jacks. Sung needed to catch one of the remaining tens in the deck to make broad way, or risk doubling up an opponent at the start of the level. The 6 hit the turn and Nathan needed to dodge one more card to double up. The dealer burned and the 10 slid off the deck onto the felt, giving Sung the nuts, and eliminating Mullen in 5th. Sung is now up to 11,500,000.

Larry Sidebotham Eliminated In 4th Place ($227,254)

From the button, Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 925,000 with QJ and was called by James Matz in the small blind with the A7. The flop was ugly for Sidebotham as it came 239, eliminating some of his outs. The turn brought the 3 and Sidebotham and his cheering section were down to their last card to avoid elimination. The 9 fell on the river and Sidebotham was the 4th place finisher in the massive field.

Left In The Deck:

The final three players are now on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 29 Update: Steve Sung Rolling, Dan Heimiller Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 5 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 9,400,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,000,000
3. Larry Sidebotham — 2,300,000
4. James Matz — 1,300,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,200,000

Average Chip Count: 3,612,600

Eliminations:

6. Dan Heimiller ($145,009)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Takes Another Pot Off Of Dan Heimiller

Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller both checked a flop of 4J8. The 5 hit the turn and Heimiller bet out 350,000. Sung contemplated briefly before announcing that he was all-in. Heimiller made another lay down to Sung who is picking up steam and looks poised to play heads up for the bracelet with one of the other remaining players. This was the second time Sung has made a huge all-in bet against Heimiller.

Dan Heimiller Eliminated In 6th Place ($145,009)

After limping in, Dan Heimiller was faced with a raise of 350,000 by Steve Sung and a call from Panayote Vilandos. Heimiller elected to go all-in over the top of Sung’s raise and try to double up to a stack closer to what he entered the final table with. Sung called the all-in bet and Vilandos folded. Heimiller exposed the AK and had Sung’s AQ dominated. The crowd gathered in anticipation as the flop of 3Q6 was magical for Sung, giving him a huge lead in the hand. Heimiller failed to catch up as the turn brought the 3 and the 2 hit the river. Heimiller was looking strong going into the final table but has now gone out in 6th place. Sung is now in command with 9,400,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 28 Update: Steve Sung Takes Out Jeff Oakes

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000 with a 10,000 ante

Players Remaining: 6 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 6,350,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 5,450,000
3. James Matz — 3,400,000
4. Dan Heimiller — 1,900,000
5. Larry Sidebotham — 1,530,000
6. Nathan Mullen — 1,500,000

Average Chip Count: 3,010,500

Notable Eliminations:

7. Jeff Oakes ($126,613)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Rebounds, Takes Out Jeff Oakes In 7th Place ($126,613)

Steve Sung made it 220,000 to go pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Jeff Oakes. Oakes only had 465,000 total and Sung made the easy call with the AQ. Oakes tabled the 55 and the players were off to a race. The flop came AK4, giving Sung top pair and leaving Oakes with a runner-runner straight draw or the board bringing a five to avoid elimination. The 10 hit the turn and the A fell on the river to give Sung trips and send Oakes home in 7th placce. Sung has rebounded back up to 1,620,000 after falling below a million.

Larry Sidebotham Doubles Up

James Matz raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 465,000 more. Matz went into the tank before finally calling with 76, and Sidebotham saw about the best he could hope for as he turned over his 109. The board ran out 3AAJJ and Sidebotham doubled up to 1,530,000 to the delight of his loud cheering section.

Steve Sung takes Over The Chip Lead

Dan Heimiller raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung called from the big blind. Both players saw a flop of 8A10 and Sung bet out 300,000 into Heimiller. The former chip leader made the call and the turn brought the J. Sung fired out again, this time turning up the heat with a 650,000 chip bet. Heimiller announced raise and put out 1,500,000 total, for a raise of 850,000. Sung went into the tank before shoving the remainder of his chips into the middle. It didn’t take too long for Heimiller to fold, and Sung took down the huge pot. He is now the chip leader with 6,350,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 27 Update: Phong Huynh Eliminated, Steve Sung Falters

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Panayote Vilandos — 5,800,000
2. James Matz — 4,400,000
3. Dan Heimiller — 3,100,000
4. Steve Sung — 1,600,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,300,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,080,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 670,000

Average Chip Count: 2,580,428

Notable Eliminations:

8. Phong Huynh – $117,414

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Runs Into Set Over Set, Eliminated In 8th Place

Larry Sidebotham, James Matz and Phong Huynh all saw a board of J437. Sidebotham fired out 370,000 on the turn and Huynh smooth called before James Matz moved all-in for 1,250,000. Sidebotham folded and Huynh thought briefly before calling off the remaining of his chips. Matz turned over the JJ for top set and Huynh exposed 33 for bottom set. Huynh was down to just two outs after eliminating an opponent earlier. The A fell on the river and Huynh was eliminated in 8th place.

Steve Sung Loses Big Pot

Steve Sung limped in from late position and Panayote Vilandos raised to 150,000. Sung made the call and the flop came 854. Sung bet out 250,000 and Vilandos min-raised to 500,000. Sung threw in another limit like bet and Vilandos made the additional 250,000 chip call. The 8 hit the turn and Sung led out for just 700,000, prompting Vilandos to move all-in. Sung quickly folded and is rapidly going down the chip counts. He is now at 1,600,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26: Final Table Begins, Danny Fuhs Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 8 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 4,200,000
2. Dan Heimiller — 4,050,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. Phong Huynh — 1,900,000
5. James Matz — 1,885,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000

Average Chip Count: 2,257,875

Eliminations:

9. Danny Fuhs ($114,168)

Big Hands:

Danny Fuhs Eliminated In 9th Place ($114,168)

On the third hand of play, Danny Fuhs raised to 120,000 pre-flop and was called by Phong Huynh on the button. The flop came 10AJ and Fuhs fired out a continuation bet of 180,000 into Huynh. Phong contemplated briefly before making the call. The 2 hit the turn and Fuhs led out again, this time for 400,000, the majority of his remaining chips. Huynh quickly announced he was all-in and Fuhs instantly called. Huynh exposed the 1010 for a set and Fuhs tabled the dominated AJ for top two pair. Fuhs still had outs to stay alive and avoid being the ninth place finisher in the 6,021 player event. The 5 hit the river however, and Fuhs was sent packing with a payday of over $100,000. Huynh is now up to 2,250,000 in chips.

Steve Sung Builds Stack

Phong Huynh raised pre-flop from the cut-off and was re-raised to 275,000 by Steve Sung from the big blind. Huynh called and both players saw a flop of 8K4. Sung checked over to Huynh who checked behind. The turn was the 9 and Steve Sung fired out a bet of 500,000. Huynh folded. Sung is now up to 4,200,000 and is the chip leader.

Left In The Deck:

The players are now on a short 10 minute break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26 Update: Final 9 Set

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller — 4,115,000
2. Steve Sung — 3,395,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. James Matz — 1,885,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
6. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
7. Phong Huynh — 1,310,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000
9. Danny Fuhs — 965,000

Average Chip Count: 2,007,000

Eliminations:

10. Eric Chhor — $80,567

Big Hands:

Eric Chhor Eliminated in 10th Place ($80,567)

On a flop of A64, Eric Chhor bet 125,000 and Steve Sung raised to 425,000. Chhor then moved all in for about 1 million more and Sung made the call with A6 and two pair. Chhor showed AJ and needed help, but the turn and river came Q to send him to the rail on the final table bubble.

Left In The Deck:

The final nine have now finished bagging and tagging their chips for the evening. The final table will resume at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 360. Card Player will be there to bring you all the updates from the final table.

Player Tags: Eric Chhor,   Steve Sung

Level 25 Update: Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller Continue To Surge

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 3,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos – 2,600,000
3. Danny Fuhs – 2,250,000
4. Steve Sung – 2,200,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,800,000
6. Eric Chhor – 1,600,000
7. Nathan Mullen – 1,500,000
8. Larry Sidebotham 1,250,000
9. James Matz III – 1,200,000
10. Phong Huynh – 900,000

Average Chip Count: 1,806,300

Eliminations:

13. Josh Mammon ($56,651)
12. Michael Scalise ($80,567)
11. Toni Ojala ($80,567)

Big Hands:

Dan Heimiller Knocks Out Opponent

Dan Heimiller called the all-in of Michael Scalise with the AK and was well ahead of Scalise’s A6. The board ran out 937QJ and Heimiller has once again claimed the chip lead with over 3,000,000.

Steve Sung Doubles Up

Phong Huynh raised to 100,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung popped it to 300,000. Huynh made the call and both players saw a flop of JQ2. Huynh checked to Sung, who moved all-in. Huynh went into the tank and eventually made a good call with the AJ. Sung turned over the AK, and was well behind after Huynh paired his kicker. Sung needed a king or a ten for a straight to stay alive. The 4 hit the turn and Sung was down to his last card of the 6,021 player tournament. The 10 fell on the river and Sung hit his gut-shot to double up to 2,200,000.

Left In The Deck

The players are on a 30 minute break and will play down to 9 handed before pausing action to play the final table tomorrow. Stay tuned for the final elimination as well as chip counts from the final nine players.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 24 Update: Phong Huynh Catches Miracle

Jun 02, '09

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

Players Remaining: 13 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 1,800,000
2. Phong Huynh – 1,400,000
3. Panayote Vilandos – 1,250,000
4. Danny Fuhs – 1,100,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,100,000
6. Steve Sung – 1,040,000
7. Toni Ojala – 1,020,000
8. Jamie Armstrong – 1,000,000
9. Eric Chhor – 900,000
10. Nathan Mullen – 860,000

Average Chip Count: 1,128,937

Notable Eliminations:

17. Kevin McColgan ($44,801)
16. Shawn Reed ($44,801)
15. Steve Ma ($56,651)
14. Andrew Oddo ($56,651)

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Triples Up, Kevin McColgan Eliminated in 17th Place ($ 44,801)

Phone Huynh moved all-in from the cut-off with the 33 after a pre-flop raise from Kevin McColgan. Steve Ma, in the big blind, went into the tank. He eventually made the call of 394,000, leaving only 40,000 behind. Action was folded over to McColgan, who contemplated for awhile before shipping the last of his chips into the pot as well. Ma instantly called, having his other opponent covered by about 35,000. Ma flipped over the AA and McColgan sheepishly tabled AK. Huynh was far behind, as he was the last to expose his hole cards of 33.

The flop was a beauty for Ma, as it came 5J7, keeping his aces well out in front and providing no back door flush draws for his opponents. Huynh needed runner-runner straight or a three to take the lead. The 2 fell on the turn and Ma was poised to knock out two opponents and take down a pot of 1,400,000. The miracle came for Huynh as the 3 slid off the top of the deck and onto the felt, erupting the table into gasps and Huynh into a loud celebration. Huynh is up to 1,400,000 and Ma is down to 73,000.

Daniel Heimiller Doubles Up Toni Ojala

Dan Heilmiller raised pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Toni Ojala. Heimiller made the call of 496,000 more with the KJ and was behind the QQ of Ojala. The board ran out A952J and Heimiller doubled up his opponent to over 1,000,000 in chips. Heimiller is down to around 1,800,000.

Steve Sung Hovering Around Chip Average

Steve Sung bet out on a flop of 885 and was called by Nathan Mullen. The turn brought the 6 and Sung checked. Mullen quickly checked behind and the Q hit the river. Sung once again checked and Mullen fired out a small 60,000 chip bet. Sung went into the tank before finally making the call. Mullen announced king-high and Sung turned over the K to go along with the 5 for bottom pair. Sung is now back up to 1,040,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 32 Update: Steve Sung Wins Event 4

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 1 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 18,036,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 0

Eliminations:

2. Panayote Vilandos – ($473,283)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Wins Event 4 ($771,106)

Steve Sung raised pre-flop to 500,000 and Panayote Vilandos re-raised 1,700,000 more. Sung thought about it briefly before moving all-in for about 10,000,000, having his opponent covered by only about 2,000,000. Vilandos called the additional 6,300,000 and exposed the 88. He wasn’t in a race as Sung tabled the KK. The board ran out A7267 and Sung won the huge pot, the $771,106 first place prize and a gold bracelet in the largest non-main event field in history. Vilandos took home $474,283 for his efforts.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 31: James Matz Eliminated, Heads Up Play Begins

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 2 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 13,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000

Average Chip Count: 9,018,000

Eliminations:

3. James Matz – ($313,826)

Big Hands:

Panayote Vilandos Gives Scotty Nguyen Impersonation

Steve Sung raised on the button and Panayote Vilandos called from the small blind. The flop came 26Q and Vilandos checked. Sung opted to check behind and the 8 hit the turn. Vilandos checked to Sung, who quickly fired out 520,000. Vilandos thought briefly before moving all-in and Sung instantly folded. Vilandos yelled out, “7 high, 7 high baby!” Sung started talking back to Vilandos, taunting him to show his hand. Vilandos mucked and took the small pot.

James Matz Eliminated In 3rd Place ($313,826)

James Matz was in the small blind when he threw out an additional 60,000 to complete the big blind. Steve Sung wasn’t willing to see a cheap flop as he fired out a 400,000 chip bet. Matz quickly called the raise from Sung and both players saw a flop of 105Q. Matz quickly led out for 475,000 and Sung went into the tank before raising to 1,100,000 total. Matz almost beat him into the pot by announcing he was all-in. Sung went into the tank once again and eventually made the call. Matz announced he had a pair when he flipped over the 54 for bottom pair, and was almost a coin flip against the KJ of Sung. Sung had plenty of outs to bust his opponent but none of them came on the turn as it brought the 8. Sung needed an ace or nine for a staight, or a jack or king to make a higher pair than the fives of Matz. The A fell on the river, giving him the nuts, and Sung added another final table elimination to his belt and entered heads up play with a substantial chip lead of 13,000,000 to just under the 5 million of Panayote Vilandos.

Left In The Deck:

At the start of the heads up match, Steve Sung asked Panayote Vilandos if he wanted to play a winner-takes-all match. Vilandos didn’t oblige.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 30 Update: Nathan Mullen And Larry Sidebotham Eliminated, Steve Sung With Majority Of Chips In Play

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 60,000-120,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 10,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000
3. James Matz — 3,200,000

Average Chip Count: 6,021,000

Eliminations:

5. Nathan Mullen – ($175,851)
4. Larry Sidebotham – ($227,254)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Eliminates Nathan Mullen In 5th Place ($175,851)

On the first hand of the level, James Matz went all-in pre-flop and everyone folded. On the second hand, Nathan Mullen went all-in and everyone folded. The third time was a charm for an elimination, as on the third hand of play in level 30, Mullen moved all-in pre-flop for 1,580,000 and was called by Steve Sung. Larry Sidebotham went into the tank in the big blind before eventually folding. Mullen tabled the J10 and was about even money against the A7 of Sung. The flop was a beauty for Mullen as it came KQJ, putting him out in front with a pair of jacks. Sung needed to catch one of the remaining tens in the deck to make broad way, or risk doubling up an opponent at the start of the level. The 6 hit the turn and Nathan needed to dodge one more card to double up. The dealer burned and the 10 slid off the deck onto the felt, giving Sung the nuts, and eliminating Mullen in 5th. Sung is now up to 11,500,000.

Larry Sidebotham Eliminated In 4th Place ($227,254)

From the button, Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 925,000 with QJ and was called by James Matz in the small blind with the A7. The flop was ugly for Sidebotham as it came 239, eliminating some of his outs. The turn brought the 3 and Sidebotham and his cheering section were down to their last card to avoid elimination. The 9 fell on the river and Sidebotham was the 4th place finisher in the massive field.

Left In The Deck:

The final three players are now on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 29 Update: Steve Sung Rolling, Dan Heimiller Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 5 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 9,400,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,000,000
3. Larry Sidebotham — 2,300,000
4. James Matz — 1,300,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,200,000

Average Chip Count: 3,612,600

Eliminations:

6. Dan Heimiller ($145,009)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Takes Another Pot Off Of Dan Heimiller

Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller both checked a flop of 4J8. The 5 hit the turn and Heimiller bet out 350,000. Sung contemplated briefly before announcing that he was all-in. Heimiller made another lay down to Sung who is picking up steam and looks poised to play heads up for the bracelet with one of the other remaining players. This was the second time Sung has made a huge all-in bet against Heimiller.

Dan Heimiller Eliminated In 6th Place ($145,009)

After limping in, Dan Heimiller was faced with a raise of 350,000 by Steve Sung and a call from Panayote Vilandos. Heimiller elected to go all-in over the top of Sung’s raise and try to double up to a stack closer to what he entered the final table with. Sung called the all-in bet and Vilandos folded. Heimiller exposed the AK and had Sung’s AQ dominated. The crowd gathered in anticipation as the flop of 3Q6 was magical for Sung, giving him a huge lead in the hand. Heimiller failed to catch up as the turn brought the 3 and the 2 hit the river. Heimiller was looking strong going into the final table but has now gone out in 6th place. Sung is now in command with 9,400,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 28 Update: Steve Sung Takes Out Jeff Oakes

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000 with a 10,000 ante

Players Remaining: 6 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 6,350,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 5,450,000
3. James Matz — 3,400,000
4. Dan Heimiller — 1,900,000
5. Larry Sidebotham — 1,530,000
6. Nathan Mullen — 1,500,000

Average Chip Count: 3,010,500

Notable Eliminations:

7. Jeff Oakes ($126,613)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Rebounds, Takes Out Jeff Oakes In 7th Place ($126,613)

Steve Sung made it 220,000 to go pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Jeff Oakes. Oakes only had 465,000 total and Sung made the easy call with the AQ. Oakes tabled the 55 and the players were off to a race. The flop came AK4, giving Sung top pair and leaving Oakes with a runner-runner straight draw or the board bringing a five to avoid elimination. The 10 hit the turn and the A fell on the river to give Sung trips and send Oakes home in 7th placce. Sung has rebounded back up to 1,620,000 after falling below a million.

Larry Sidebotham Doubles Up

James Matz raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 465,000 more. Matz went into the tank before finally calling with 76, and Sidebotham saw about the best he could hope for as he turned over his 109. The board ran out 3AAJJ and Sidebotham doubled up to 1,530,000 to the delight of his loud cheering section.

Steve Sung takes Over The Chip Lead

Dan Heimiller raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung called from the big blind. Both players saw a flop of 8A10 and Sung bet out 300,000 into Heimiller. The former chip leader made the call and the turn brought the J. Sung fired out again, this time turning up the heat with a 650,000 chip bet. Heimiller announced raise and put out 1,500,000 total, for a raise of 850,000. Sung went into the tank before shoving the remainder of his chips into the middle. It didn’t take too long for Heimiller to fold, and Sung took down the huge pot. He is now the chip leader with 6,350,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 27 Update: Phong Huynh Eliminated, Steve Sung Falters

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Panayote Vilandos — 5,800,000
2. James Matz — 4,400,000
3. Dan Heimiller — 3,100,000
4. Steve Sung — 1,600,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,300,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,080,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 670,000

Average Chip Count: 2,580,428

Notable Eliminations:

8. Phong Huynh – $117,414

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Runs Into Set Over Set, Eliminated In 8th Place

Larry Sidebotham, James Matz and Phong Huynh all saw a board of J437. Sidebotham fired out 370,000 on the turn and Huynh smooth called before James Matz moved all-in for 1,250,000. Sidebotham folded and Huynh thought briefly before calling off the remaining of his chips. Matz turned over the JJ for top set and Huynh exposed 33 for bottom set. Huynh was down to just two outs after eliminating an opponent earlier. The A fell on the river and Huynh was eliminated in 8th place.

Steve Sung Loses Big Pot

Steve Sung limped in from late position and Panayote Vilandos raised to 150,000. Sung made the call and the flop came 854. Sung bet out 250,000 and Vilandos min-raised to 500,000. Sung threw in another limit like bet and Vilandos made the additional 250,000 chip call. The 8 hit the turn and Sung led out for just 700,000, prompting Vilandos to move all-in. Sung quickly folded and is rapidly going down the chip counts. He is now at 1,600,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26: Final Table Begins, Danny Fuhs Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 8 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 4,200,000
2. Dan Heimiller — 4,050,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. Phong Huynh — 1,900,000
5. James Matz — 1,885,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000

Average Chip Count: 2,257,875

Eliminations:

9. Danny Fuhs ($114,168)

Big Hands:

Danny Fuhs Eliminated In 9th Place ($114,168)

On the third hand of play, Danny Fuhs raised to 120,000 pre-flop and was called by Phong Huynh on the button. The flop came 10AJ and Fuhs fired out a continuation bet of 180,000 into Huynh. Phong contemplated briefly before making the call. The 2 hit the turn and Fuhs led out again, this time for 400,000, the majority of his remaining chips. Huynh quickly announced he was all-in and Fuhs instantly called. Huynh exposed the 1010 for a set and Fuhs tabled the dominated AJ for top two pair. Fuhs still had outs to stay alive and avoid being the ninth place finisher in the 6,021 player event. The 5 hit the river however, and Fuhs was sent packing with a payday of over $100,000. Huynh is now up to 2,250,000 in chips.

Steve Sung Builds Stack

Phong Huynh raised pre-flop from the cut-off and was re-raised to 275,000 by Steve Sung from the big blind. Huynh called and both players saw a flop of 8K4. Sung checked over to Huynh who checked behind. The turn was the 9 and Steve Sung fired out a bet of 500,000. Huynh folded. Sung is now up to 4,200,000 and is the chip leader.

Left In The Deck:

The players are now on a short 10 minute break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26 Update: Final 9 Set

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller — 4,115,000
2. Steve Sung — 3,395,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. James Matz — 1,885,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
6. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
7. Phong Huynh — 1,310,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000
9. Danny Fuhs — 965,000

Average Chip Count: 2,007,000

Eliminations:

10. Eric Chhor — $80,567

Big Hands:

Eric Chhor Eliminated in 10th Place ($80,567)

On a flop of A64, Eric Chhor bet 125,000 and Steve Sung raised to 425,000. Chhor then moved all in for about 1 million more and Sung made the call with A6 and two pair. Chhor showed AJ and needed help, but the turn and river came Q to send him to the rail on the final table bubble.

Left In The Deck:

The final nine have now finished bagging and tagging their chips for the evening. The final table will resume at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 360. Card Player will be there to bring you all the updates from the final table.

Player Tags: Eric Chhor,   Steve Sung

Level 25 Update: Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller Continue To Surge

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 3,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos – 2,600,000
3. Danny Fuhs – 2,250,000
4. Steve Sung – 2,200,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,800,000
6. Eric Chhor – 1,600,000
7. Nathan Mullen – 1,500,000
8. Larry Sidebotham 1,250,000
9. James Matz III – 1,200,000
10. Phong Huynh – 900,000

Average Chip Count: 1,806,300

Eliminations:

13. Josh Mammon ($56,651)
12. Michael Scalise ($80,567)
11. Toni Ojala ($80,567)

Big Hands:

Dan Heimiller Knocks Out Opponent

Dan Heimiller called the all-in of Michael Scalise with the AK and was well ahead of Scalise’s A6. The board ran out 937QJ and Heimiller has once again claimed the chip lead with over 3,000,000.

Steve Sung Doubles Up

Phong Huynh raised to 100,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung popped it to 300,000. Huynh made the call and both players saw a flop of JQ2. Huynh checked to Sung, who moved all-in. Huynh went into the tank and eventually made a good call with the AJ. Sung turned over the AK, and was well behind after Huynh paired his kicker. Sung needed a king or a ten for a straight to stay alive. The 4 hit the turn and Sung was down to his last card of the 6,021 player tournament. The 10 fell on the river and Sung hit his gut-shot to double up to 2,200,000.

Left In The Deck

The players are on a 30 minute break and will play down to 9 handed before pausing action to play the final table tomorrow. Stay tuned for the final elimination as well as chip counts from the final nine players.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 24 Update: Phong Huynh Catches Miracle

Jun 02, '09

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

Players Remaining: 13 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 1,800,000
2. Phong Huynh – 1,400,000
3. Panayote Vilandos – 1,250,000
4. Danny Fuhs – 1,100,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,100,000
6. Steve Sung – 1,040,000
7. Toni Ojala – 1,020,000
8. Jamie Armstrong – 1,000,000
9. Eric Chhor – 900,000
10. Nathan Mullen – 860,000

Average Chip Count: 1,128,937

Notable Eliminations:

17. Kevin McColgan ($44,801)
16. Shawn Reed ($44,801)
15. Steve Ma ($56,651)
14. Andrew Oddo ($56,651)

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Triples Up, Kevin McColgan Eliminated in 17th Place ($ 44,801)

Phone Huynh moved all-in from the cut-off with the 33 after a pre-flop raise from Kevin McColgan. Steve Ma, in the big blind, went into the tank. He eventually made the call of 394,000, leaving only 40,000 behind. Action was folded over to McColgan, who contemplated for awhile before shipping the last of his chips into the pot as well. Ma instantly called, having his other opponent covered by about 35,000. Ma flipped over the AA and McColgan sheepishly tabled AK. Huynh was far behind, as he was the last to expose his hole cards of 33.

The flop was a beauty for Ma, as it came 5J7, keeping his aces well out in front and providing no back door flush draws for his opponents. Huynh needed runner-runner straight or a three to take the lead. The 2 fell on the turn and Ma was poised to knock out two opponents and take down a pot of 1,400,000. The miracle came for Huynh as the 3 slid off the top of the deck and onto the felt, erupting the table into gasps and Huynh into a loud celebration. Huynh is up to 1,400,000 and Ma is down to 73,000.

Daniel Heimiller Doubles Up Toni Ojala

Dan Heilmiller raised pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Toni Ojala. Heimiller made the call of 496,000 more with the KJ and was behind the QQ of Ojala. The board ran out A952J and Heimiller doubled up his opponent to over 1,000,000 in chips. Heimiller is down to around 1,800,000.

Steve Sung Hovering Around Chip Average

Steve Sung bet out on a flop of 885 and was called by Nathan Mullen. The turn brought the 6 and Sung checked. Mullen quickly checked behind and the Q hit the river. Sung once again checked and Mullen fired out a small 60,000 chip bet. Sung went into the tank before finally making the call. Mullen announced king-high and Sung turned over the K to go along with the 5 for bottom pair. Sung is now back up to 1,040,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 32 Update: Steve Sung Wins Event 4

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 1 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 18,036,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 0

Eliminations:

2. Panayote Vilandos – ($473,283)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Wins Event 4 ($771,106)

Steve Sung raised pre-flop to 500,000 and Panayote Vilandos re-raised 1,700,000 more. Sung thought about it briefly before moving all-in for about 10,000,000, having his opponent covered by only about 2,000,000. Vilandos called the additional 6,300,000 and exposed the 88. He wasn’t in a race as Sung tabled the KK. The board ran out A7267 and Sung won the huge pot, the $771,106 first place prize and a gold bracelet in the largest non-main event field in history. Vilandos took home $474,283 for his efforts.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 31: James Matz Eliminated, Heads Up Play Begins

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 2 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 13,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000

Average Chip Count: 9,018,000

Eliminations:

3. James Matz – ($313,826)

Big Hands:

Panayote Vilandos Gives Scotty Nguyen Impersonation

Steve Sung raised on the button and Panayote Vilandos called from the small blind. The flop came 26Q and Vilandos checked. Sung opted to check behind and the 8 hit the turn. Vilandos checked to Sung, who quickly fired out 520,000. Vilandos thought briefly before moving all-in and Sung instantly folded. Vilandos yelled out, “7 high, 7 high baby!” Sung started talking back to Vilandos, taunting him to show his hand. Vilandos mucked and took the small pot.

James Matz Eliminated In 3rd Place ($313,826)

James Matz was in the small blind when he threw out an additional 60,000 to complete the big blind. Steve Sung wasn’t willing to see a cheap flop as he fired out a 400,000 chip bet. Matz quickly called the raise from Sung and both players saw a flop of 105Q. Matz quickly led out for 475,000 and Sung went into the tank before raising to 1,100,000 total. Matz almost beat him into the pot by announcing he was all-in. Sung went into the tank once again and eventually made the call. Matz announced he had a pair when he flipped over the 54 for bottom pair, and was almost a coin flip against the KJ of Sung. Sung had plenty of outs to bust his opponent but none of them came on the turn as it brought the 8. Sung needed an ace or nine for a staight, or a jack or king to make a higher pair than the fives of Matz. The A fell on the river, giving him the nuts, and Sung added another final table elimination to his belt and entered heads up play with a substantial chip lead of 13,000,000 to just under the 5 million of Panayote Vilandos.

Left In The Deck:

At the start of the heads up match, Steve Sung asked Panayote Vilandos if he wanted to play a winner-takes-all match. Vilandos didn’t oblige.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 30 Update: Nathan Mullen And Larry Sidebotham Eliminated, Steve Sung With Majority Of Chips In Play

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 60,000-120,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 10,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,800,000
3. James Matz — 3,200,000

Average Chip Count: 6,021,000

Eliminations:

5. Nathan Mullen – ($175,851)
4. Larry Sidebotham – ($227,254)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Eliminates Nathan Mullen In 5th Place ($175,851)

On the first hand of the level, James Matz went all-in pre-flop and everyone folded. On the second hand, Nathan Mullen went all-in and everyone folded. The third time was a charm for an elimination, as on the third hand of play in level 30, Mullen moved all-in pre-flop for 1,580,000 and was called by Steve Sung. Larry Sidebotham went into the tank in the big blind before eventually folding. Mullen tabled the J10 and was about even money against the A7 of Sung. The flop was a beauty for Mullen as it came KQJ, putting him out in front with a pair of jacks. Sung needed to catch one of the remaining tens in the deck to make broad way, or risk doubling up an opponent at the start of the level. The 6 hit the turn and Nathan needed to dodge one more card to double up. The dealer burned and the 10 slid off the deck onto the felt, giving Sung the nuts, and eliminating Mullen in 5th. Sung is now up to 11,500,000.

Larry Sidebotham Eliminated In 4th Place ($227,254)

From the button, Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 925,000 with QJ and was called by James Matz in the small blind with the A7. The flop was ugly for Sidebotham as it came 239, eliminating some of his outs. The turn brought the 3 and Sidebotham and his cheering section were down to their last card to avoid elimination. The 9 fell on the river and Sidebotham was the 4th place finisher in the massive field.

Left In The Deck:

The final three players are now on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 29 Update: Steve Sung Rolling, Dan Heimiller Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

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

Players Remaining: 5 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 9,400,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 4,000,000
3. Larry Sidebotham — 2,300,000
4. James Matz — 1,300,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,200,000

Average Chip Count: 3,612,600

Eliminations:

6. Dan Heimiller ($145,009)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Takes Another Pot Off Of Dan Heimiller

Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller both checked a flop of 4J8. The 5 hit the turn and Heimiller bet out 350,000. Sung contemplated briefly before announcing that he was all-in. Heimiller made another lay down to Sung who is picking up steam and looks poised to play heads up for the bracelet with one of the other remaining players. This was the second time Sung has made a huge all-in bet against Heimiller.

Dan Heimiller Eliminated In 6th Place ($145,009)

After limping in, Dan Heimiller was faced with a raise of 350,000 by Steve Sung and a call from Panayote Vilandos. Heimiller elected to go all-in over the top of Sung’s raise and try to double up to a stack closer to what he entered the final table with. Sung called the all-in bet and Vilandos folded. Heimiller exposed the AK and had Sung’s AQ dominated. The crowd gathered in anticipation as the flop of 3Q6 was magical for Sung, giving him a huge lead in the hand. Heimiller failed to catch up as the turn brought the 3 and the 2 hit the river. Heimiller was looking strong going into the final table but has now gone out in 6th place. Sung is now in command with 9,400,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 28 Update: Steve Sung Takes Out Jeff Oakes

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000 with a 10,000 ante

Players Remaining: 6 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 6,350,000
2. Panayote Vilandos — 5,450,000
3. James Matz — 3,400,000
4. Dan Heimiller — 1,900,000
5. Larry Sidebotham — 1,530,000
6. Nathan Mullen — 1,500,000

Average Chip Count: 3,010,500

Notable Eliminations:

7. Jeff Oakes ($126,613)

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Rebounds, Takes Out Jeff Oakes In 7th Place ($126,613)

Steve Sung made it 220,000 to go pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Jeff Oakes. Oakes only had 465,000 total and Sung made the easy call with the AQ. Oakes tabled the 55 and the players were off to a race. The flop came AK4, giving Sung top pair and leaving Oakes with a runner-runner straight draw or the board bringing a five to avoid elimination. The 10 hit the turn and the A fell on the river to give Sung trips and send Oakes home in 7th placce. Sung has rebounded back up to 1,620,000 after falling below a million.

Larry Sidebotham Doubles Up

James Matz raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Larry Sidebotham moved all-in for 465,000 more. Matz went into the tank before finally calling with 76, and Sidebotham saw about the best he could hope for as he turned over his 109. The board ran out 3AAJJ and Sidebotham doubled up to 1,530,000 to the delight of his loud cheering section.

Steve Sung takes Over The Chip Lead

Dan Heimiller raised to 210,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung called from the big blind. Both players saw a flop of 8A10 and Sung bet out 300,000 into Heimiller. The former chip leader made the call and the turn brought the J. Sung fired out again, this time turning up the heat with a 650,000 chip bet. Heimiller announced raise and put out 1,500,000 total, for a raise of 850,000. Sung went into the tank before shoving the remainder of his chips into the middle. It didn’t take too long for Heimiller to fold, and Sung took down the huge pot. He is now the chip leader with 6,350,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 27 Update: Phong Huynh Eliminated, Steve Sung Falters

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Panayote Vilandos — 5,800,000
2. James Matz — 4,400,000
3. Dan Heimiller — 3,100,000
4. Steve Sung — 1,600,000
5. Nathan Mullen — 1,300,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,080,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 670,000

Average Chip Count: 2,580,428

Notable Eliminations:

8. Phong Huynh – $117,414

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Runs Into Set Over Set, Eliminated In 8th Place

Larry Sidebotham, James Matz and Phong Huynh all saw a board of J437. Sidebotham fired out 370,000 on the turn and Huynh smooth called before James Matz moved all-in for 1,250,000. Sidebotham folded and Huynh thought briefly before calling off the remaining of his chips. Matz turned over the JJ for top set and Huynh exposed 33 for bottom set. Huynh was down to just two outs after eliminating an opponent earlier. The A fell on the river and Huynh was eliminated in 8th place.

Steve Sung Loses Big Pot

Steve Sung limped in from late position and Panayote Vilandos raised to 150,000. Sung made the call and the flop came 854. Sung bet out 250,000 and Vilandos min-raised to 500,000. Sung threw in another limit like bet and Vilandos made the additional 250,000 chip call. The 8 hit the turn and Sung led out for just 700,000, prompting Vilandos to move all-in. Sung quickly folded and is rapidly going down the chip counts. He is now at 1,600,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26: Final Table Begins, Danny Fuhs Eliminated

Jun 03, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 8 out of 6,012

Chip Counts:

1. Steve Sung — 4,200,000
2. Dan Heimiller — 4,050,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. Phong Huynh — 1,900,000
5. James Matz — 1,885,000
6. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
7. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000

Average Chip Count: 2,257,875

Eliminations:

9. Danny Fuhs ($114,168)

Big Hands:

Danny Fuhs Eliminated In 9th Place ($114,168)

On the third hand of play, Danny Fuhs raised to 120,000 pre-flop and was called by Phong Huynh on the button. The flop came 10AJ and Fuhs fired out a continuation bet of 180,000 into Huynh. Phong contemplated briefly before making the call. The 2 hit the turn and Fuhs led out again, this time for 400,000, the majority of his remaining chips. Huynh quickly announced he was all-in and Fuhs instantly called. Huynh exposed the 1010 for a set and Fuhs tabled the dominated AJ for top two pair. Fuhs still had outs to stay alive and avoid being the ninth place finisher in the 6,021 player event. The 5 hit the river however, and Fuhs was sent packing with a payday of over $100,000. Huynh is now up to 2,250,000 in chips.

Steve Sung Builds Stack

Phong Huynh raised pre-flop from the cut-off and was re-raised to 275,000 by Steve Sung from the big blind. Huynh called and both players saw a flop of 8K4. Sung checked over to Huynh who checked behind. The turn was the 9 and Steve Sung fired out a bet of 500,000. Huynh folded. Sung is now up to 4,200,000 and is the chip leader.

Left In The Deck:

The players are now on a short 10 minute break.

Player Tags: Steve Sung

Level 26 Update: Final 9 Set

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller — 4,115,000
2. Steve Sung — 3,395,000
3. Panayote Vilandos — 1,940,000
4. James Matz — 1,885,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,680,000
6. Larry Sidebotham — 1,500,000
7. Phong Huynh — 1,310,000
8. Nathan Mullen — 1,210,000
9. Danny Fuhs — 965,000

Average Chip Count: 2,007,000

Eliminations:

10. Eric Chhor — $80,567

Big Hands:

Eric Chhor Eliminated in 10th Place ($80,567)

On a flop of A64, Eric Chhor bet 125,000 and Steve Sung raised to 425,000. Chhor then moved all in for about 1 million more and Sung made the call with A6 and two pair. Chhor showed AJ and needed help, but the turn and river came Q to send him to the rail on the final table bubble.

Left In The Deck:

The final nine have now finished bagging and tagging their chips for the evening. The final table will resume at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 360. Card Player will be there to bring you all the updates from the final table.

Player Tags: Eric Chhor,   Steve Sung

Level 25 Update: Steve Sung and Dan Heimiller Continue To Surge

Jun 02, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 3,000,000
2. Panayote Vilandos – 2,600,000
3. Danny Fuhs – 2,250,000
4. Steve Sung – 2,200,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,800,000
6. Eric Chhor – 1,600,000
7. Nathan Mullen – 1,500,000
8. Larry Sidebotham 1,250,000
9. James Matz III – 1,200,000
10. Phong Huynh – 900,000

Average Chip Count: 1,806,300

Eliminations:

13. Josh Mammon ($56,651)
12. Michael Scalise ($80,567)
11. Toni Ojala ($80,567)

Big Hands:

Dan Heimiller Knocks Out Opponent

Dan Heimiller called the all-in of Michael Scalise with the AK and was well ahead of Scalise’s A6. The board ran out 937QJ and Heimiller has once again claimed the chip lead with over 3,000,000.

Steve Sung Doubles Up

Phong Huynh raised to 100,000 pre-flop and Steve Sung popped it to 300,000. Huynh made the call and both players saw a flop of JQ2. Huynh checked to Sung, who moved all-in. Huynh went into the tank and eventually made a good call with the AJ. Sung turned over the AK, and was well behind after Huynh paired his kicker. Sung needed a king or a ten for a straight to stay alive. The 4 hit the turn and Sung was down to his last card of the 6,021 player tournament. The 10 fell on the river and Sung hit his gut-shot to double up to 2,200,000.

Left In The Deck

The players are on a 30 minute break and will play down to 9 handed before pausing action to play the final table tomorrow. Stay tuned for the final elimination as well as chip counts from the final nine players.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung

Level 24 Update: Phong Huynh Catches Miracle

Jun 02, '09

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

Players Remaining: 13 out of 6,021

Chip Counts:

1. Dan Heimiller – 1,800,000
2. Phong Huynh – 1,400,000
3. Panayote Vilandos – 1,250,000
4. Danny Fuhs – 1,100,000
5. Jeff Oakes – 1,100,000
6. Steve Sung – 1,040,000
7. Toni Ojala – 1,020,000
8. Jamie Armstrong – 1,000,000
9. Eric Chhor – 900,000
10. Nathan Mullen – 860,000

Average Chip Count: 1,128,937

Notable Eliminations:

17. Kevin McColgan ($44,801)
16. Shawn Reed ($44,801)
15. Steve Ma ($56,651)
14. Andrew Oddo ($56,651)

Big Hands:

Phong Huynh Triples Up, Kevin McColgan Eliminated in 17th Place ($ 44,801)

Phone Huynh moved all-in from the cut-off with the 33 after a pre-flop raise from Kevin McColgan. Steve Ma, in the big blind, went into the tank. He eventually made the call of 394,000, leaving only 40,000 behind. Action was folded over to McColgan, who contemplated for awhile before shipping the last of his chips into the pot as well. Ma instantly called, having his other opponent covered by about 35,000. Ma flipped over the AA and McColgan sheepishly tabled AK. Huynh was far behind, as he was the last to expose his hole cards of 33.

The flop was a beauty for Ma, as it came 5J7, keeping his aces well out in front and providing no back door flush draws for his opponents. Huynh needed runner-runner straight or a three to take the lead. The 2 fell on the turn and Ma was poised to knock out two opponents and take down a pot of 1,400,000. The miracle came for Huynh as the 3 slid off the top of the deck and onto the felt, erupting the table into gasps and Huynh into a loud celebration. Huynh is up to 1,400,000 and Ma is down to 73,000.

Daniel Heimiller Doubles Up Toni Ojala

Dan Heilmiller raised pre-flop and was moved in on by the short stack of Toni Ojala. Heimiller made the call of 496,000 more with the KJ and was behind the QQ of Ojala. The board ran out A952J and Heimiller doubled up his opponent to over 1,000,000 in chips. Heimiller is down to around 1,800,000.

Steve Sung Hovering Around Chip Average

Steve Sung bet out on a flop of 885 and was called by Nathan Mullen. The turn brought the 6 and Sung checked. Mullen quickly checked behind and the Q hit the river. Sung once again checked and Mullen fired out a small 60,000 chip bet. Sung went into the tank before finally making the call. Mullen announced king-high and Sung turned over the K to go along with the 5 for bottom pair. Sung is now back up to 1,040,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Heimiller,   Steve Sung