Daniel Alaei - Live Updates

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

Level 2 Hour 2 Update: Alaei Struggling

Jul 06, '09

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Counts:

1. Jacob Avital – 90,000
2. Blair Hinkle – 75,400
3. Chad Brown – 72,500
4. Phil Ivey – 71,300
5. Matthew Hilger – 71,000
6. John Kellman – 70,000
7. Theo Tran – 65,000
8. Dennis Payton – 64,000
9. Josh Arieh – 64,000
10. Paul Snead – 61,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Matthew Hilger – 71,000
Jeff Shulman – 30,000

Spade Club Qualifier Chip Counts:

Harry Robertson – Did Not Report
Patrick Snipper – 35,000
Raymond Webb – Did not Report
Jeff Miller – 25,000
George Ali – 32,400

Notable Eliminations:

John Salley
Scott Montgomery
Lyle Berman

Big Hands:

Alaei Tumbling

Picking up the action on the turn, the board read 3227. Daniel Alaei bet 3,600 from the small blind and the big blind raised to 11,000. The player in seat 5 mucked and the action was back on Alaei. He tanked for a few moments before finally releasing his hand. He was back to 30,000 at that point.

Later, the board ran out J42Q8 and there was 17,000 in the pot. Alaei checked from the big blind and seat 5 bet 5,000. Alaei tanked a little more and mucked his hand again. Alaei was down to 22,000 after that hand.

Kostritsyn Takes A Pot, Still Short Stacked

The player in seat 9 raised to 600 from middle position and Alexander Kostritsyn made the call from the big blind. The flop came down 984 and both players checked. The turn was the 8 and Kostritsyn led out with 1,000. Seat 9 mucked and Kostritsyn took the small pot, but he was still short with 4,500.

Straight Flush For Parker

Picking up the action on the turn, the board read J763 and the player in seat 8 bet 800. Brock Parker made the call and the 4 fell on the river. Parker led out this time with 1,500 and seat 9 mucked.

Parker then showed 75 for a straight flush and raked in the pot. He was at 34,000.

John Salley Eliminated

John Salley was down to his last 1,050 and was all in preflop with 103 and was up against his opponent’s KK.

The board ran out 6A839 and Salley was sent to the rail early on day 1.

Elky Gets Rivered

On a flop of JJ7, Bertrand “Elky” Grospellier raised to 2,700 after an under-the-gun player bet 1,000. Elky was met with another raise, as the under-the-gun player raised to 5,250, and Elky made the call.

The turn was the K and the player checked and called Elky’s 5,250. The river was the 10 and both players checked. It was a good check by Elky since his opponent turned over AQ. Elky was in shock and got up from the table to blow off some steam.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   Brock Parker,   Alexander Kostritsyn

Level 5 Update: The Comic Relief Arrives

Jun 18, '09

Ante: 100
Low Card: 200
Completion: 600
Limits: 600-1,200

Players Remaining: 155 out of 164

Chip Counts:

1. Jeff Lisandro – 87,000
2. Dario Minieri – 58,000
3. David Benyamine – 58,000
4. Frank Kassela – 56,000
5. Tuan Le – 54,000
6. Daniel Alaei – 48,000
7. John Hennigan – 48,000
8. Tom Koral – 48,000
9. Marco Traniello – 47,000
10. Soheil Shamseddin – 45,000

Average Chip Count: 31,337

Notable Eliminations:

David Levi
Justin Bonomo
Carlos Mortensen

Big Hands:

Juanda Takes One Off Alaei

Daniel Alaei: X-X-103J4
John Juanda: X-X-8545

With 6,000 in the pot, John Juanda bet another 1,200 and Daniel Alaei took some time to make a decision. Eventually, Alaei made the call and Juanda showed (978) for two pair and Alaei mucked. Juanda was at 36,000 while Alaei was still well-off at 65,000.

The Legend Of Drunken Master

Daniel Negreanu just showed up to the tournament and took his seat at the same table as his friend Mike Matusow. He also brought two other friends to the table, “Miller” and “Lite.” Negreanu had two beers, one in his hand and one on the table in waiting. If there was any doubt to Negreanu’s condition, he confirmed it to the room when he said, “I’m wasted, hardcore!” Negreanu didn’t waste any time getting involved in a hand either.

Negreanu: X-X-A5
Seat 4: X-X-KQ
Mike Matusow: X-X-A4

Negreanu led out with 600 and both Mike Matusow called as did seat 4, or as Negreanu affectionately called him, “Russian.”

Negreanu: X-X-A5A
Seat 4: X-X-KQJ
Mike Matusow: X-X-A46

“I bet it,” Negreanu announced as he tossed in 1,200. Seat 4 called and Matusow thought for a bit before mucking.

Negreanu: X-X-A5A7
Seat 4: X-X-KQJ2

Negreanu kept his betting up with 1,200 and seat 4 called. “Do you have a flush?” Negreanu kindly asked, beer still in his hand. He then bet another 1,200 and said, “I have nothing.” Seat 4 called and Negreanu announced, “Aces.” He turned over (92X) and everyone sweating the table on the rail laughed and seat 4 showed (1010Q) for two pair and the pot. Negreanu then shook the “russian’s” hand and a good time was had by all. Negreanu was down to 12,000.

Clements Scoops

Scott Clements: X-X-3
Seat 2: X-X-8

Seat 2 completed to 600 and Clements raised to 1,200. His opponent made the call.

Scott Clements: X-X-34
Seat 2: X-X-8J

Clements bet 600 and seat 2 made the call.

Scott Clements: X-X-347
Seat 2: X-X-8J5

Clements bet 1,200 and his opponent called again.

Scott Clements: X-X-347K
Seat 2: X-X-8J55

Seat 2 checked to Clements who fired another 1,200. Seat 2 made the call and the river was dealt. Clements bet again and was called. He then showed (AA4) and his opponent mucked. Clements was up to 42,000.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Daniel Negreanu,   Mike Matusow,   Daniel Alaei,   Scott Clements

Final Table Update: Daniel Alaei Eliminated in Fourth Place ($134,733)

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Chad Brown — 3,500,000
2. Greg Mueller — 1,150,000
3. Pat Pezzin — 700,000

Average Chip Count: 1,861,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Daniel Alaei – $134,733

Big Hands:

Daniel Alaei Eliminated in Fourth Place ($134,733)

Daniel Alaei raised from the button and Greg Mueller called from the big blind. They took a flop of Q106 and they got in three bets, which was enough to commit the rest of Alaei’s chips.

The cards were turned up and Alaei showed A8 and Mueller showed the 108. Alaei would need an ace to keep his hopes of a second bracelet this series alive.

The turn card was the 7 and the river card was the 10, making trips for Mueller, while Alaei was left heading for the exits.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei

Level 18 Update: Perry And Brunson Bust

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 780,000
2. Kenny Hsuing – 730,000
3. Mark Klecan – 660,000
4. Chad Brown – 490,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 490,000
6. Maria Ho – 475,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 400,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 350,000
9. Daniel Alaei – 330,000
10. Greg Mueller – 305,000

Average Chip Count: 426,923

Notable Eliminations:

15. Ralph Perry — $32,693
14. Todd Brunson — $32,693
13. Mark Teltscher — $32,693

Big Hands:

Ralph Perry Is Outta Here

Mark Klecan raised to 24,000 and Daniel Alaei three-bet to 36,000. Ralph Perry then moved his entire stack into the middle and both opponents called. The flop came down 632 and Klecan bet 12,000. Alaei stuck around and the turn was the 4. Klecan bet 24,000 and Alaei let his hand go, leaving Klecan alone with Perry.

Perry: A10
Klecan: A6

Klecan flopped top pair and had Perry on the ropes. The river was the K and Perry was ousted from the tournament.

Hawrilenko Makes Push Toward The Top

Michiel Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 preflop and Matt Hawrilenko made the call from the big blind. The flop came 887 and Hawrilenko led out for 12,000. Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 and Hawrilenko three-bet to 36,000. After Brummelhuis called the raise, the 6 showed up on the turn and things slowed down as both players checked. The 9 came on the river and Hawrilenko bet 24,000 and was called. He turned over 107 for the straight on the river and he took down the pot, improving his stack to 780,000.

Todd Brunson Rides Out Courtesy Of Ho

Soheil Shamseddin raised preflop to 24,000 and Todd Brunson called. Maria Ho then raised to 24,000 and both opponents called. The flop came K46 and Ho bet 12,000. Shamseddin got out of the way but Brunson raised to 24,000. Ho then repopped it to 36,000 and Brunson called all in.

Ho: 86
Brunson: 97

Ho had the lead but Brunson had her heart draw covered. The turn was red, but not the suit Brunson wanted as it was the A. The J missed Brunson and he was eliminated. Ho was at 480,000

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

Jennifer Harman raised to 24,000 under the gun and Soheil Shamseddin made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q83 and Harman bet 12,000. Shamseddin raised to 24,000 and Harman called. The turn was the A and Harman put the rest of her stack in the middle. Shamseddin made the call and Harman showed AK. She was in trouble though, as her opponent showed Q8 for two pair. Harman needed help and got it when the 4 gave her a flush. Harman doubled to 130,000 and she was very much alive after having one foot in the grave.

Player Tags: Todd Brunson,   Jennifer Harman,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Soheil Shamseddin,   Ralph Perry,   Michiel Brummelhuis,   Mark Klecan

Level 17 Update: Money Bubble Bursts

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 5,000-10,000

Players Remaining: 15 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Kenny Hsuing – 640,000
2. Mark Klecan – 620,000
3. Matt Hawrilenko – 500,000
4. Chad Brown – 490,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 490,000
6. Michiel Brummelhuis – 370,000
7. Matt Glantz – 340,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 310,000
9. Maria Ho – 300,000
10. Daniel Alaei – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 308,333

Notable Eliminations:

18. Steve Kim — $27,824
17. Howard Lederer — $27,824
16. Philip Tom — $27,824

Big Hands:

Jody Garaventa Is The Bubble Boy

Garaventa raised to 20,000 from the cutoff and Daniel Alaei three-bet from the button. Garaventa called and the flop came AA7. Garaventa moved the remainder of his stack into the middle and Alaei quickly called. Garaventa then showed A-Q and was ahead of Alaei’s A-10. The turn, however, brought the 10 giving Alaei a full house and the K sent Garaventa to the rail with nothing but the lint in his pocket.

Alaei’s Ladies Smack Perry

Daniel Alaei raised to 20,000 from the cutoff and Ralph Perry made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J72 and Perry checked. Alaei bet 10,000 and Perry raised to 20,000. Alaei made the call and the K fell on the turn. Perry led out this time with 20,000 and Alaei popped it to 40,000. Perry made the call and the river was the 9. Perry check-called Alaei’s 20,000 bet and Alaei tabled QQ. Perry mucked and was down to 75,000 while Alaei was at 250,000.

Perry Taken For A Ride On Teltscher’s Boat

Mark Teltscher raised to 20,000 preflop and Ralph Perry called from the big blind. The flop came down AA4 and both players checked. The turn was the 4 and Teltscher bet 20,000. Perry made the call and the 6 completed the board. Teltscher bet 20,000 again and Perry called again. Teltscher showed AK for a full house and Perry mucked. Perry’s stack shrank to just 60,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   Jody Garaventa,   Ralph Perry

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

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

Chip Counts:

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

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

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

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

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

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

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

Exit The Mustache

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

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

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

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

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

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

Level 14 Update: Mimi Tran, Doyle Brunson Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 2,500-5,000

Players Remaining: 41 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Chad Brown – 376,000
2. Kenny Hsiung – 330,000
3. Matt Hawrilenko – 310,000
4. Kenny Shei – 300,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 260,000
6. Ralph Perry – 255,000
7. Howard Lederer – 250,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 250,000
9. Todd Brunson – 250,000
10. Daniel Alaei – 225,000

Average Chip Count: 132,241

Notable Eliminations:

Mimi Tran
Doyle Brunson
Vitaly Lunkin
Eli Elezra
Chino Rheem

Big Hands:

Alaei Busts Doyle

Daniel Alaei raised to 5,000 from the cutoff and Doyle Brunson called with his short stack, putting himself all in.

Brunson: K7
Alaei: A9

Board: A101053

Alaei was ahead preflop and expanded his lead when he hit an ace on the flop. Brunson was drawing dead on the turn and he was eliminated.

Mimi Tran Eliminated

Once again facing ace-deuce, Mimi Tran got the last of her chips in the pot behind once more. Tran held ace-six against the flopped two pair of Soheil Shamseddin with ace-two. Tran failed to catch up on the river like she did to Eli Elezra just a few hands ago.

Zolotow Can’t Knock Veldhuis Out

Lex Veldhuis was all in preflop against Steve Zolotow.

Zolotow: KJ
Veldhuis: A8

Zolotow was drawing very live with his suited hand and the flop came 652. Zolotow was still drawing live to knock Veldhuis out but his chances were growing slimmer. The 3 on the turn offered Zolotow no more help and the 9 sealed the hand for Veldhuis, who doubled up to almost 30,000 while Zolotow was left with 25,000.

Player Tags: Mimi Tran,   Steve Zolotow,   Doyle Brunson,   Daniel Alaei,   Lex Veldhuis

Level 12 Update: Dario Minieri Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000

Players Remaining: 61 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Jen Harman – 182,000
2. Doyle Brunson – 160,000
3. Mario Ho – 145,000
4. Greg Muelller – 133,000
5. Pat Pezzin – 125,000
6. Daniel Alaei – 120,000
7. Josh Arieh – 105,000
8. Dario Minieri – 100,000
9. Chad Brown – 98,000
10. Ville Wahlbeck – 95,000

Average Chip Count: 88,095

Notable Eliminations:

Shawn Buchanan
Dario Minieri
William Cole

Big Hands:

Dario Minieri Eliminated With Second Nuts

Dario Minieri raised under-the-gun to 6,000 and was reraised by an opponent to his left. The player in the small blind made it three bets and Minieri called the last 5,100 left in his very short stack. The player to Minieri’s left called and three players saw a flop of KJ4. After betting between the two players in the side pot, the A6 was eventually exposed for the nut flush and Minieri exposed the Q7 for the flopped second nuts. Minieri was drawing almost dead on the flop and was eliminated when his runner-runner straight flush failed to come.

Daniel Alaei Knocks Out Opponent

On a board of Q52, Daniel Alaei called the all-in bet of William Cole. Cole exposed the AK and was out flopped by the QJ of Alaei. The 10 hit the turn and the 6 hit the river, building the two-time bracelet winner’s stack to 120,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   William Cole,   Dario Minieri

Final Table Update: Daniel Alaei Eliminated in Fourth Place ($134,733)

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Chad Brown — 3,500,000
2. Greg Mueller — 1,150,000
3. Pat Pezzin — 700,000

Average Chip Count: 1,861,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Daniel Alaei – $134,733

Big Hands:

Daniel Alaei Eliminated in Fourth Place ($134,733)

Daniel Alaei raised from the button and Greg Mueller called from the big blind. They took a flop of Q106 and they got in three bets, which was enough to commit the rest of Alaei’s chips.

The cards were turned up and Alaei showed A8 and Mueller showed the 108. Alaei would need an ace to keep his hopes of a second bracelet this series alive.

The turn card was the 7 and the river card was the 10, making trips for Mueller, while Alaei was left heading for the exits.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei

Level 18 Update: Perry And Brunson Bust

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 780,000
2. Kenny Hsuing – 730,000
3. Mark Klecan – 660,000
4. Chad Brown – 490,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 490,000
6. Maria Ho – 475,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 400,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 350,000
9. Daniel Alaei – 330,000
10. Greg Mueller – 305,000

Average Chip Count: 426,923

Notable Eliminations:

15. Ralph Perry — $32,693
14. Todd Brunson — $32,693
13. Mark Teltscher — $32,693

Big Hands:

Ralph Perry Is Outta Here

Mark Klecan raised to 24,000 and Daniel Alaei three-bet to 36,000. Ralph Perry then moved his entire stack into the middle and both opponents called. The flop came down 632 and Klecan bet 12,000. Alaei stuck around and the turn was the 4. Klecan bet 24,000 and Alaei let his hand go, leaving Klecan alone with Perry.

Perry: A10
Klecan: A6

Klecan flopped top pair and had Perry on the ropes. The river was the K and Perry was ousted from the tournament.

Hawrilenko Makes Push Toward The Top

Michiel Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 preflop and Matt Hawrilenko made the call from the big blind. The flop came 887 and Hawrilenko led out for 12,000. Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 and Hawrilenko three-bet to 36,000. After Brummelhuis called the raise, the 6 showed up on the turn and things slowed down as both players checked. The 9 came on the river and Hawrilenko bet 24,000 and was called. He turned over 107 for the straight on the river and he took down the pot, improving his stack to 780,000.

Todd Brunson Rides Out Courtesy Of Ho

Soheil Shamseddin raised preflop to 24,000 and Todd Brunson called. Maria Ho then raised to 24,000 and both opponents called. The flop came K46 and Ho bet 12,000. Shamseddin got out of the way but Brunson raised to 24,000. Ho then repopped it to 36,000 and Brunson called all in.

Ho: 86
Brunson: 97

Ho had the lead but Brunson had her heart draw covered. The turn was red, but not the suit Brunson wanted as it was the A. The J missed Brunson and he was eliminated. Ho was at 480,000

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

Jennifer Harman raised to 24,000 under the gun and Soheil Shamseddin made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q83 and Harman bet 12,000. Shamseddin raised to 24,000 and Harman called. The turn was the A and Harman put the rest of her stack in the middle. Shamseddin made the call and Harman showed AK. She was in trouble though, as her opponent showed Q8 for two pair. Harman needed help and got it when the 4 gave her a flush. Harman doubled to 130,000 and she was very much alive after having one foot in the grave.

Player Tags: Todd Brunson,   Jennifer Harman,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Soheil Shamseddin,   Ralph Perry,   Michiel Brummelhuis,   Mark Klecan

Level 17 Update: Money Bubble Bursts

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 5,000-10,000

Players Remaining: 15 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Kenny Hsuing – 640,000
2. Mark Klecan – 620,000
3. Matt Hawrilenko – 500,000
4. Chad Brown – 490,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 490,000
6. Michiel Brummelhuis – 370,000
7. Matt Glantz – 340,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 310,000
9. Maria Ho – 300,000
10. Daniel Alaei – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 308,333

Notable Eliminations:

18. Steve Kim — $27,824
17. Howard Lederer — $27,824
16. Philip Tom — $27,824

Big Hands:

Jody Garaventa Is The Bubble Boy

Garaventa raised to 20,000 from the cutoff and Daniel Alaei three-bet from the button. Garaventa called and the flop came AA7. Garaventa moved the remainder of his stack into the middle and Alaei quickly called. Garaventa then showed A-Q and was ahead of Alaei’s A-10. The turn, however, brought the 10 giving Alaei a full house and the K sent Garaventa to the rail with nothing but the lint in his pocket.

Alaei’s Ladies Smack Perry

Daniel Alaei raised to 20,000 from the cutoff and Ralph Perry made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J72 and Perry checked. Alaei bet 10,000 and Perry raised to 20,000. Alaei made the call and the K fell on the turn. Perry led out this time with 20,000 and Alaei popped it to 40,000. Perry made the call and the river was the 9. Perry check-called Alaei’s 20,000 bet and Alaei tabled QQ. Perry mucked and was down to 75,000 while Alaei was at 250,000.

Perry Taken For A Ride On Teltscher’s Boat

Mark Teltscher raised to 20,000 preflop and Ralph Perry called from the big blind. The flop came down AA4 and both players checked. The turn was the 4 and Teltscher bet 20,000. Perry made the call and the 6 completed the board. Teltscher bet 20,000 again and Perry called again. Teltscher showed AK for a full house and Perry mucked. Perry’s stack shrank to just 60,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   Jody Garaventa,   Ralph Perry

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

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

Chip Counts:

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

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

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

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

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

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

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

Exit The Mustache

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

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

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

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

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

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

Level 14 Update: Mimi Tran, Doyle Brunson Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 2,500-5,000

Players Remaining: 41 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Chad Brown – 376,000
2. Kenny Hsiung – 330,000
3. Matt Hawrilenko – 310,000
4. Kenny Shei – 300,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 260,000
6. Ralph Perry – 255,000
7. Howard Lederer – 250,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 250,000
9. Todd Brunson – 250,000
10. Daniel Alaei – 225,000

Average Chip Count: 132,241

Notable Eliminations:

Mimi Tran
Doyle Brunson
Vitaly Lunkin
Eli Elezra
Chino Rheem

Big Hands:

Alaei Busts Doyle

Daniel Alaei raised to 5,000 from the cutoff and Doyle Brunson called with his short stack, putting himself all in.

Brunson: K7
Alaei: A9

Board: A101053

Alaei was ahead preflop and expanded his lead when he hit an ace on the flop. Brunson was drawing dead on the turn and he was eliminated.

Mimi Tran Eliminated

Once again facing ace-deuce, Mimi Tran got the last of her chips in the pot behind once more. Tran held ace-six against the flopped two pair of Soheil Shamseddin with ace-two. Tran failed to catch up on the river like she did to Eli Elezra just a few hands ago.

Zolotow Can’t Knock Veldhuis Out

Lex Veldhuis was all in preflop against Steve Zolotow.

Zolotow: KJ
Veldhuis: A8

Zolotow was drawing very live with his suited hand and the flop came 652. Zolotow was still drawing live to knock Veldhuis out but his chances were growing slimmer. The 3 on the turn offered Zolotow no more help and the 9 sealed the hand for Veldhuis, who doubled up to almost 30,000 while Zolotow was left with 25,000.

Player Tags: Mimi Tran,   Steve Zolotow,   Doyle Brunson,   Daniel Alaei,   Lex Veldhuis

Level 12 Update: Dario Minieri Eliminated

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000

Players Remaining: 61 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Jen Harman – 182,000
2. Doyle Brunson – 160,000
3. Mario Ho – 145,000
4. Greg Muelller – 133,000
5. Pat Pezzin – 125,000
6. Daniel Alaei – 120,000
7. Josh Arieh – 105,000
8. Dario Minieri – 100,000
9. Chad Brown – 98,000
10. Ville Wahlbeck – 95,000

Average Chip Count: 88,095

Notable Eliminations:

Shawn Buchanan
Dario Minieri
William Cole

Big Hands:

Dario Minieri Eliminated With Second Nuts

Dario Minieri raised under-the-gun to 6,000 and was reraised by an opponent to his left. The player in the small blind made it three bets and Minieri called the last 5,100 left in his very short stack. The player to Minieri’s left called and three players saw a flop of KJ4. After betting between the two players in the side pot, the A6 was eventually exposed for the nut flush and Minieri exposed the Q7 for the flopped second nuts. Minieri was drawing almost dead on the flop and was eliminated when his runner-runner straight flush failed to come.

Daniel Alaei Knocks Out Opponent

On a board of Q52, Daniel Alaei called the all-in bet of William Cole. Cole exposed the AK and was out flopped by the QJ of Alaei. The 10 hit the turn and the 6 hit the river, building the two-time bracelet winner’s stack to 120,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 60 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   William Cole,   Dario Minieri

Level 7 Update: Rousso, Alioto, Williams Eliminated

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 400-800 with a 200 ante

Players Remaining: 66 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Roland de Wolfe — 124,000
2. Vince Musso — 118,000
3. John Juanda — 111,000
4. Jeff Lisandro — 92,300
5. Johnny Chan — 73,000
6. Sam Grizzle — 71,000
7. Mike Matusow — 68,000
8. Bruno Fitoussi — 67,000
9. Jean-Robert Bellande — 66,000
10. Amnon Filippi — 61,000

Average Chip Count: 43,636

Notable Eliminations:

Vanessa Rousso
Dario Alioto
David Williams
Dan O’Brien
Erik Lindgren
Phil Hellmuth
Barry Greenstein
Carlos Mortensen

Big Hands:

Vanessa Rousso Eliminated by Daniel Alaei

Vanessa Rousso moves all in for 3,500 from the button and Daniel Alaei calls from the small blind.

Rousso draws two cards while Alaei draws only one.

Aleai turns over a made J-7 low while Rousso shows a 10-9-2 low and first draws a queen, and then another ten. Rousso is eliminated from the tournament.

Dario Alioto Eliminated by John Juanda

Carlos Mortensen raises to 2,000 from under the gun and Freddy Deeb calls from early position. John Juanda reraises to 8,500 from the cutoff and Dario Alioto four-bets a total of 17,000. Mortensen and Deeb both fold their hands and Juanda calls.

Juanda draws one card while Alioto stands pat.

Juanda bets 30,000 after the draw, enough to put Alioto all in. Alioto calls all in for his last 25,000 and Juanda turns over an 8-7-5-4-3 low. Alioto mucks his cards and Juanda rakes the pot. Dario Alioto is eliminated from the tournament as Juanda brings his stack back up to 102,000 which keeps him in contention.

David Williams Eliminated by Justin Smith

David Williams moves all in for 3,425 from the button and Justin Smith calls from the small blind.

Both players draw one card each.

Williams was drawing to a J-10 low while Smith had already made a 9-6 low. With Williams drawing dead, Smith rakes the pot as he eliminates his opponent from the tournament.

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Carlos Mortensen,   Daniel Alaei,   David Williams,   Vanessa Rousso,   Dario Alioto,   Freddy Deeb,   Justin Smith

Daniel Alaei Wins Event No. 18

Jun 09, '09

Ben Boyd Eliminated in Third Place ($182,730)

Scott Clements limped into the pot from the button and Daniel Alaei completed from the small blind. Ben Boyd checked and the flop was dealt J52. Alaei bet 80,000 and Boyd moved all in for an additional 10,000. Both Clements and Alaei made the call and they both checked the K on the turn. The river fell 3 and Alaei fired out a bet. Clements mucked and the final two players turned up their cards:

Alaei: K1064
Boyd: J984

Alaei won the hand with his six-high straight and Boyd was eliminated in third place.

Daniel Alaei Wins Event No. 18 ($445,898)

In the second hand of the final heads-up match Scott Clements raised and Daniel Alaei three-bet preflop. Clements four-bet all in and Alaei made the call. Their cards:

Alaei: AKK4
Clements: A532

Board: Q9710K

Alaei won the hand and the tournament while Clements was eliminated in second place ($275,946). Alaei takes home $445,898 in prize money and his second gold bracelet for the victory over an impressive field.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   Scott Clements,   Ben Boyd

Level 25 Update: John Monnette, Daniel Negreanu Eliminated

Jun 09, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 179

Chip Counts:

1. Daniel Alaei – 3,220,000
2. Scott Clements – 1,230,000
3. Ben Boyd – 930,000

Average Chip Count: 1,790,000

Notable Eliminations:

5. John Monnette ($97,422)
4. Daniel Negreanu ($130,401)

Big Hands:

John Monnette Eliminated In 5th Place ($97,422)

With just 15,000 left in his stack, John Monnette was all-in against Daniel Alaei and Ben Boyd. The board ran out 4A56J and Boyd exposed 2X4X7X8X for a straight to scoop the pot. Monnette mucked his 10X9X2X3X and was eliminated close to a bracelet for the second time this summer.

Daniel Negreanu Eliminated In 4th Place ($130,401)

Facing a raise pre-flop from Scott Clements, Daniel Negreanu called from the big blind, leaving only 40,000 behind. The flop came 344 and Negreanu bet the last of his chips and was quickly called by Clements.

Their hands:

Negreanu:: 24910

Clements: 2355

Negreanu was ahead of trip fours, however the A on the turn gave Clements the wheel and left Negreanu hoping for a full house. The J fell on the river and Negreanu was gone.

Left In The Deck:

The players are now on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Daniel Negreanu,   Daniel Alaei,   John Monnette,   Scott Clements,   Ben Boyd

Final Table Update: Yueqi Zhu Eliminated In 9th Place, Annie Duke 8th

Jun 09, '09

Blinds: 15,000-30,000

Players Remaining: 7 out of 179

Chip Counts:

1. Scott Clements – 1,815,000
2. John Monnette – 1,190,000
3. Daniel Alaei – 905,000
4. Daniel Negreanu – 785,000
5. Greg Jamison – 330,000
6. Tom Koral – 185,000
7. Ben Boyd – 80,000

Average Chip Count: 671,250

Notable Eliminations:

9. Yueqi Zhu — $54,179
8. Annie Duke — $58,049

Big Hands:

Yueqi Zhu Eliminated In 9th Place($54,179)

Zhu raised preflop and was called by Daniel Alaei in the small blind as well as Greg Jamison in the big blind. The flop came down K99 and Alaei led out with a bet. Jamison made the call and Zhu raised all in. Both players called and the turn brought the Q. Jamison then moved all in and Alaei had enough. Jamison revealed his hand and showed a set of jacks, better than Zhu’s two pair. The river was the 5 and Zhu was eliminated.

Annie Duke Eliminated In 8th Place($58,049)

Annie Duke raised to 60,000 preflop and Greg Jamison reraised all in. John Monnette made the call and Duke called herself all in. Then everyone showed their hands.

Duke: AKQ2
Jamison: AJ53
Monnette: 8793
Board: 63267

Monnette won the high pot with two pair, sevens and threes, while Jamison took the low pot and Annie Duke was left with nothing as she was eliminated in 8th place.

Player Tags: Annie Duke,   Greg Jamison,   Daniel Alaei,   John Monnette,   Yueqi Zhu

Day 2 Ends

Mar 18, '09

Only 36 players remain and day 2 has come to a close with 61 minutes and 53 seconds left in level 17. Day 3 begins tomorrow at noon, when the final 36 will return to six final tables and then play down to the final table of six during an exciting day of poker.

Here is a look at the players that finished in the money to end day 2:

45: Wook "Danny" Kim -- $12,500
44: Venkatesh Kirshamoorthy -- $12,500
43: Robert Franscioni -- $12,500
42: Faraz Jaka -- $12,500
41: David Zhang -- $12,500
40: Daniel Urdahl -- $12,500
39: Amir Lehavot -- $12,500
38: Daniel Alaei -- $12,500
37: Osman Wakili -- $12,500

Daniel Alaei was the most notable professional to bust at the end of the night and he fell in a major cooler. Here is a look at that hand:

Daniel Alaei Eliminated in 38th Place ($12,500)

Daniel Alaei raised to 12,000 from early position and Michael Kamran reraised from the small blind to 35,000. Alaei reraised to 75,000 and Kamran moved all in. Alaei made the all-in call and both players turned up their cards:

Alaei: KK
Kamran: AA

Board: Q9887

Alaei was eliminated in 38th place on the hand and he will take home $12,500 in prize money. Kamran took home the $5,000 bounty.

Check back in tomorrow at noon for all of the action in live updates, chip counts, and photos. Stay tuned tonight for official chip counts and a recap of the day's events.

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   Michael Kamran

Daniel Alaei Eliminated in 15th Place ($53,290)

Oct 24, '08

Daniel Alaei is all in with A-9 against the A-K of William Mietz.

The board comes Q-6-2-10-6 and Alaei is eliminated from the tournament in 15th place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei,   William Mietz

Daniel Alaei Eliminated

Aug 24, '08

Daniel Alaei has busted out of the tournamet early on day 1B.

















 

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei

Daniel Alaei Eliminated

Jul 16, '08

Daniel Alaei was all in holding K-9 but was dominated by Adam Geyer's A-9. The board offered no help and Alaei was eliminated in 20th place.

Alaei had a rough summer, and failed to cash at the WSOP. At least his finish here will end his dry spell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Daniel Alaei