Davidi Kitai - Live Updates

Final Table Update: J.C. Alvarado, Davidi Kitai Eliminated

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Kirill Gerasimov – 3,895,000
2. John Kabbaj – 2,505,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,880,000

Average Chip Count: 2,750,000

Notable Eliminations:

5. J.C. Alvarado ($138,375)
4. Davidi Kitai ($183,638)

Big Hands:

J.C. Alvarado Eliminated in 5th Place ($138,375)

J.C. Alvarado raised to 300,000 and Eric Baldwin went all-in from the big blind. Alvarado called for the rest of his chips. Baldwin tabled with AK and Alvarado exposed the 1010 for a coin flip. The board ran out Q73J7 and Alvarado’s tens held up. Alvarado was then up to 1,450,000 while Baldwin was down to 1,000,000.

Not too long after, J.C. Alvarado raised to 200,000. John Kabbaj reraised to 700,000 and Alvarado moved all-in for 1,250,000. Kabbaj didn’t take long before calling. Alvarado exposed the AQ while Kitai tabled the 1010. The board ran out J767J and the tens held up once again at the final table. Alvarado was sent home in 5th place.

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in 4th Place ($183,638)

Kirill Gerasimov raised to 250,000 on the button and Davidi Kitai reraised all-in from the big blind. Gerasimov called. Kitai exposed the 55 while Gerasimov tabled the K10, for a coin flip. The flop came J72, giving Gerasimov two overs and a flush draw. The 8 hit the turn and Kitai needed to dodge just one more card in order to double up. The river was a disaster as it brought the K giving Gerasimov top pair and sending Kitai home in 4th place. Gerasimov is now at 3,895,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Kirill Gerasimov,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai,   Eric Baldwin

Final Table Update: Eugene Todd, Jason Lester Eliminated

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Kirill Gerasimov – 2,450,000
2. Davidi Kitai – 1,950,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,600,000
4. John Kabbaj – 1,320,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 1,200,000

Average Chip Count: 1,650,000

Notable Eliminations:

7. Eugene Todd ($93,085)
6. Jason Lester ($110,431)

Big Hands:

Eugene Todd Eliminated in 7th Place ($93,085)

From the cutoff, Jason Lester raised to 200,000. Eugene Todd was next to act on the button and went all-in for 440,000 total. Lester quickly called. Todd exposed the A7 and was dominated by the AJ of Lester. The flop came Q86 and Lester kept his advantage. The 8 hit the turn, giving Todd some outs for a chop. However, the 7 fell on the river and he doubled up to 1,000,000. Lester is down to just 350,000.

Just a few hands after the double up, J.C. Alvarado raised to 160,000 under the gun and Eugene Todd reraised to 600,000 in middle position. Kirill Gerasimov went all-in over the top from the small blind. Alvarado mucked and Todd called the rest of his chips off. Gerasimov exposed the QQ and was well ahead of the AQ of Todd. Todd needed to get lucky once again to stay alive in the tournament. The board ran out 87232, eliminating Todd in 7th place. Gerasimov is now up to 2,440,000.

Jason Lester Eliminated in 6th Place ($110,431)

Jason Lester moved the last of his short stack of 230,000 into the middle. Davidi Kitai called from the button with the A5. Lester tabled the J10 and was in decent shape to make a double up. The flop was no help for Lester as it came 933. The Q hit the turn and Lester was down to just one more card. The 7 fell on the river and he was gone in 6th place. Kitai is now at 1,950,000.

Player Tags: Jason Lester,   Kirill Gerasimov,   Eugene Todd,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai

Final Table Update: Isaac Haxton Eliminated In 8th Place

Jun 25, '09

Note: Players have gone on a 90 minute dinner break and will return at 9 p.m.

Blinds: 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 7 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Davidi Kitai – 1,850,000
2. John Kabbaj – 1,650,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,255,000
4. Kirill Gerasimov – 1,000,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 940,000
6. Eugene Todd – 910,000
7. Jason Lester – 880,000

Average Chip Count: 1,180,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Isaac Haxton — $82,688

Big Hands:

J.C. Alvarado Doubles Through Isaac Haxton

Haxton raised to 105,000 preflop from middle position. Action folded to J.C. Alvarado in the big blind who reraised the pot. Haxton then came back over the top to put Alvarado all in. Alvarado made the call.

Alvarado: QJ
Haxton: A8

Board: J54Q3

Alvarado flopped a jack and turned a queen to make two pair and double through Haxton, improving his stack to 1,045,000.

Kirill Gerasimov Doubles Through John Kabbaj

Kirill Gerasimov raised to 200,000 from under the gun and action folded around to John Kabbaj. He reraised enough to put Gerasimov all in and the raise was called.

Gerasimov: QQ
Kabbaj: AQ

Board: 3329J

Gerasimov’s pair held up and he doubled to 810,000.

Isaac Haxton Eliminated In 8th Place($82,668)

Isaac Haxton raised to 210,000 from middle position and Davidi Kitai was next to act. He made it 425,000 to go and action folded around back to Haxton. He moved all in for 95,000 more and Kitai made the call.

Kitai: AQ
Haxton: KQ

Board: 8722J

Haxton was dominated and was never able to get any help from the board and he was eliminated in 8th place.

Player Tags: Kirill Gerasimov,   John Kabbaj,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai,   Isaac Haxton

Final Table Update: Eugene Todd Doubles Up

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000

Players Remaining: 9 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. John Kabbaj – 2,210,000
2. Davidi Kitai – 1,600,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,000,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 955,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 680,000
6. Kirill Gerasimov – 580,000
7. Eugene Todd – 541,000
8. Jason Lester – 300,000
9. Darryll Fish – 210,000

Average Chip Count: 917,444

Notable Eliminations:

Big Hands:

Baldwin Takes One Off Haxton

Isaac Haxton raised to 65,000 from early position and action folded to Eric Baldwin in the cutoff. He reraised to 170,000 and action folded around back to Haxton. He made the call and the players saw a flop of 552.

Haxton checked and Baldwin fired 162,000 into the pot. Haxton tanked for a minute then threw his hand away. Baldwin scored the pot and was around 1.5 million.

Kitai Takes One Off Alvarado

J.C. Alvarado raised the pot from the hi-jack position and action folded to Davidi Kitai in the big blind. He threw in the call and both players saw a flop of JJ2. Both players checked and the 9 dropped on the turn. Both players elected to check again and the 9 completed the board on the river. Kitai decided to lead out for 110,000 and Alvarado mucked his hand, sending the pot to Kitai.

Eugene Todd Doubles Through Eric Baldwin

Baldwin raised the pot from the hi-jack position preflop. The action was then on Eugene Todd on the button. He reraised the pot and the blinds folded. Baldwin then raised enough to put Todd all in and the call was made.

Todd: 99
Baldwin: KQ

Board: 75586

The board ran out with a bunch of little cards, helping Todd’s pair hold up and he doubled up to 540,000.

Player Tags: Eugene Todd,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai,   Eric Baldwin,   Isaac Haxton

Final Day Update: Final Table Set

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 15,000-30,000

Players Remaining: 9 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. John Kabbaj – 1,867,000
2. Davidi Kitai – 1,737,000
3. Isaac Haxton – 1,139,000
4. Eric Baldwin – 1,115,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 810,000
6. Kirill Gerasimov – 621,000
7. Jason Lester – 386,000
8. Eugene Todd – 341,000
9. Darryll Fish – 241,000

Average Chip Count: 917,444

Notable Eliminations:

14. Thomas Pattersson — $43,091
13. Ken Lennaard — $43,091
12. Michael Kamran — $57,645
11. Billy Kopp — $57,645

Big Hands:

Thomas Pattersson Eliminated In 14th Place($43,091)

Thomas Pattersson and Billy Kopp got into a raising war preflop until all of Pattersson’s chips were in the middle.

Pattersson: J10
Kopp: A5

Board: A8428

The flop gave Kopp a dominating lead in the hand that he never relinquished and Pattersson made his exit in 14th place.

Ken Lennaard Eliminated In 13th Place($43,091)

Isaac Haxton raised the pot from the button preflop and the action was next on Ken Lennaard. Lennaard moved the rest of his chips into the middle and Haxton made the call.

Haxton: AK
Lennaard: Q10

Board: AA232

Haxton flopped a set and rivered a full boat for good measure and Lennaard was eliminated in 13th place.

Michael Kamran Eliminated In 12th Place($57,645)

Kamran raised to 84,000 from the button and the small blind mucked. The action was then on Billy Kopp in the big blind and he raised enough to put Kamran all in. Kamaran made the call and turned over J9. Kopp showed the superior A7 and it was time for the flop. It came down Q87, giving Kopp a pair but also giving Kamran a gutshot straight draw. The Q fell on the turn and offered no help to Kamran. His last gasp came on the river when another lady showed up, the Q, giving Kamran a full house and sending Kamran crashing to the rail in 12th place.

Billy Kopp Eliminated In 11th Place($57,645)

After knocking out two players on his own, it was finally Kopp’s turn to step on the chopping block.

Davidi Kitai raised to 60,000 preflop and Kopp decided to make it 198,000 to go. Kitai just called and both players saw the flop come down 843. Kopp went all in on the flop and Kitai made the call. Kopp showed down AQ for the nut flush draw while Kitai showed JJ for an over pair to the board. The turn was the 4 and the river was another black card, the 8 and Kopp bricked the last two streets and it cost him his tournament life. He was sent to the rail in 11th place, taking home $57,645.

Mohsin Charania Eliminated In 10th Place($57,645)

Davidi Kitai raised to 75,000 from under the gun and the action was next on Charania. He moved all in for just 85,000 total and everyone folded around to Kitai. He made the cheap call and the players turned over their hands.

Kitai: 99
Charania: AJ

Board: Q10236

Charania flopped a Broadway draw but it never materialized and Kitai’s pair held up. Charania picked up his stuff and made his way toward the exit in 10th place, one spot shy of the official final table.

Player Tags: Ken Lennaard,   Davidi Kitai,   Isaac Haxton,   Billy Kopp,   Michael Kamran,   Mohsin Charania

Level 13 Update: Rheem Busts

Jun 24, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000

Players Remaining: 52 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Michiel Brummelhuis – 530,000
2. Darryll Fish – 390,000
3. Davidi Kitai – 330,000
4. Ken Lennaard – 330,000
5. Bryn Kenney – 270,000
6. Andrew Feldman – 269,000
7. Jordan Smith – 246,000
8. Thomas Pettersson – 230,000
9. J.C. Alvarado – 225,000
10. Toto Leonidas – 218,000

Average Chip Count: 152,775

Notable Eliminations:

Chino Rheem
Tony Cousineau

Big Hands:

Cowboys Best Bullets

Tony Cousineau raised the pot from the hijack and Davidi Kitai re-potted from the big blind. Cousineau then moved all in and Kitai made the call. Kitai showed pocket kings, KK but Cousineau showed AA. Cousineau was all set to double up but the flop had different ideas. It came down KJ4, giving Kitai the lead with a set. The board didn’t improve Cousineau and he was eliminated.

Alvarado Eliminates Rheem

Chino Rheem moved all in preflop and J.C. Alvarado made the call. Rheem showed JJ but Alvarado had AA. Rheem failed to crack Alvarado’s aces and he was eliminated.

Baldwin Survives All-In, Kahlmeyer Doesn’t

On a flop of Q38, Tim Kahlmeyer fired 12,000 into the pot and Eric Baldwin raised it to 29,000. Kahlmeyer then moved all in and Baldwin called. Baldwin turned over AA and Kahlmeyer showed 86 for a pair and a flush draw. The turn brought the 2 and the 7 fell on the river.

The dealer then counted each player’s chips and it turned out both players had 103,500 in front of them. Kahlmeyer was eliminated and Baldwin was at 207,000.

Player Tags: Tony Cousineau,   Davidi Kitai,   Eric Baldwin,   Tim Kahlmeyer

Final Table Update: J.C. Alvarado, Davidi Kitai Eliminated

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Kirill Gerasimov – 3,895,000
2. John Kabbaj – 2,505,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,880,000

Average Chip Count: 2,750,000

Notable Eliminations:

5. J.C. Alvarado ($138,375)
4. Davidi Kitai ($183,638)

Big Hands:

J.C. Alvarado Eliminated in 5th Place ($138,375)

J.C. Alvarado raised to 300,000 and Eric Baldwin went all-in from the big blind. Alvarado called for the rest of his chips. Baldwin tabled with AK and Alvarado exposed the 1010 for a coin flip. The board ran out Q73J7 and Alvarado’s tens held up. Alvarado was then up to 1,450,000 while Baldwin was down to 1,000,000.

Not too long after, J.C. Alvarado raised to 200,000. John Kabbaj reraised to 700,000 and Alvarado moved all-in for 1,250,000. Kabbaj didn’t take long before calling. Alvarado exposed the AQ while Kitai tabled the 1010. The board ran out J767J and the tens held up once again at the final table. Alvarado was sent home in 5th place.

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in 4th Place ($183,638)

Kirill Gerasimov raised to 250,000 on the button and Davidi Kitai reraised all-in from the big blind. Gerasimov called. Kitai exposed the 55 while Gerasimov tabled the K10, for a coin flip. The flop came J72, giving Gerasimov two overs and a flush draw. The 8 hit the turn and Kitai needed to dodge just one more card in order to double up. The river was a disaster as it brought the K giving Gerasimov top pair and sending Kitai home in 4th place. Gerasimov is now at 3,895,000.

Left In The Deck:

The players are currently on a 20 minute break.

Player Tags: Kirill Gerasimov,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai,   Eric Baldwin

Final Table Update: Eugene Todd, Jason Lester Eliminated

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Kirill Gerasimov – 2,450,000
2. Davidi Kitai – 1,950,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,600,000
4. John Kabbaj – 1,320,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 1,200,000

Average Chip Count: 1,650,000

Notable Eliminations:

7. Eugene Todd ($93,085)
6. Jason Lester ($110,431)

Big Hands:

Eugene Todd Eliminated in 7th Place ($93,085)

From the cutoff, Jason Lester raised to 200,000. Eugene Todd was next to act on the button and went all-in for 440,000 total. Lester quickly called. Todd exposed the A7 and was dominated by the AJ of Lester. The flop came Q86 and Lester kept his advantage. The 8 hit the turn, giving Todd some outs for a chop. However, the 7 fell on the river and he doubled up to 1,000,000. Lester is down to just 350,000.

Just a few hands after the double up, J.C. Alvarado raised to 160,000 under the gun and Eugene Todd reraised to 600,000 in middle position. Kirill Gerasimov went all-in over the top from the small blind. Alvarado mucked and Todd called the rest of his chips off. Gerasimov exposed the QQ and was well ahead of the AQ of Todd. Todd needed to get lucky once again to stay alive in the tournament. The board ran out 87232, eliminating Todd in 7th place. Gerasimov is now up to 2,440,000.

Jason Lester Eliminated in 6th Place ($110,431)

Jason Lester moved the last of his short stack of 230,000 into the middle. Davidi Kitai called from the button with the A5. Lester tabled the J10 and was in decent shape to make a double up. The flop was no help for Lester as it came 933. The Q hit the turn and Lester was down to just one more card. The 7 fell on the river and he was gone in 6th place. Kitai is now at 1,950,000.

Player Tags: Jason Lester,   Kirill Gerasimov,   Eugene Todd,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai

Final Table Update: Isaac Haxton Eliminated In 8th Place

Jun 25, '09

Note: Players have gone on a 90 minute dinner break and will return at 9 p.m.

Blinds: 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 7 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Davidi Kitai – 1,850,000
2. John Kabbaj – 1,650,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,255,000
4. Kirill Gerasimov – 1,000,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 940,000
6. Eugene Todd – 910,000
7. Jason Lester – 880,000

Average Chip Count: 1,180,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Isaac Haxton — $82,688

Big Hands:

J.C. Alvarado Doubles Through Isaac Haxton

Haxton raised to 105,000 preflop from middle position. Action folded to J.C. Alvarado in the big blind who reraised the pot. Haxton then came back over the top to put Alvarado all in. Alvarado made the call.

Alvarado: QJ
Haxton: A8

Board: J54Q3

Alvarado flopped a jack and turned a queen to make two pair and double through Haxton, improving his stack to 1,045,000.

Kirill Gerasimov Doubles Through John Kabbaj

Kirill Gerasimov raised to 200,000 from under the gun and action folded around to John Kabbaj. He reraised enough to put Gerasimov all in and the raise was called.

Gerasimov: QQ
Kabbaj: AQ

Board: 3329J

Gerasimov’s pair held up and he doubled to 810,000.

Isaac Haxton Eliminated In 8th Place($82,668)

Isaac Haxton raised to 210,000 from middle position and Davidi Kitai was next to act. He made it 425,000 to go and action folded around back to Haxton. He moved all in for 95,000 more and Kitai made the call.

Kitai: AQ
Haxton: KQ

Board: 8722J

Haxton was dominated and was never able to get any help from the board and he was eliminated in 8th place.

Player Tags: Kirill Gerasimov,   John Kabbaj,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai,   Isaac Haxton

Final Table Update: Eugene Todd Doubles Up

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000

Players Remaining: 9 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. John Kabbaj – 2,210,000
2. Davidi Kitai – 1,600,000
3. Eric Baldwin – 1,000,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 955,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 680,000
6. Kirill Gerasimov – 580,000
7. Eugene Todd – 541,000
8. Jason Lester – 300,000
9. Darryll Fish – 210,000

Average Chip Count: 917,444

Notable Eliminations:

Big Hands:

Baldwin Takes One Off Haxton

Isaac Haxton raised to 65,000 from early position and action folded to Eric Baldwin in the cutoff. He reraised to 170,000 and action folded around back to Haxton. He made the call and the players saw a flop of 552.

Haxton checked and Baldwin fired 162,000 into the pot. Haxton tanked for a minute then threw his hand away. Baldwin scored the pot and was around 1.5 million.

Kitai Takes One Off Alvarado

J.C. Alvarado raised the pot from the hi-jack position and action folded to Davidi Kitai in the big blind. He threw in the call and both players saw a flop of JJ2. Both players checked and the 9 dropped on the turn. Both players elected to check again and the 9 completed the board on the river. Kitai decided to lead out for 110,000 and Alvarado mucked his hand, sending the pot to Kitai.

Eugene Todd Doubles Through Eric Baldwin

Baldwin raised the pot from the hi-jack position preflop. The action was then on Eugene Todd on the button. He reraised the pot and the blinds folded. Baldwin then raised enough to put Todd all in and the call was made.

Todd: 99
Baldwin: KQ

Board: 75586

The board ran out with a bunch of little cards, helping Todd’s pair hold up and he doubled up to 540,000.

Player Tags: Eugene Todd,   Juan Carlos Alvarado,   Davidi Kitai,   Eric Baldwin,   Isaac Haxton

Final Day Update: Final Table Set

Jun 25, '09

Blinds: 15,000-30,000

Players Remaining: 9 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. John Kabbaj – 1,867,000
2. Davidi Kitai – 1,737,000
3. Isaac Haxton – 1,139,000
4. Eric Baldwin – 1,115,000
5. J.C. Alvarado – 810,000
6. Kirill Gerasimov – 621,000
7. Jason Lester – 386,000
8. Eugene Todd – 341,000
9. Darryll Fish – 241,000

Average Chip Count: 917,444

Notable Eliminations:

14. Thomas Pattersson — $43,091
13. Ken Lennaard — $43,091
12. Michael Kamran — $57,645
11. Billy Kopp — $57,645

Big Hands:

Thomas Pattersson Eliminated In 14th Place($43,091)

Thomas Pattersson and Billy Kopp got into a raising war preflop until all of Pattersson’s chips were in the middle.

Pattersson: J10
Kopp: A5

Board: A8428

The flop gave Kopp a dominating lead in the hand that he never relinquished and Pattersson made his exit in 14th place.

Ken Lennaard Eliminated In 13th Place($43,091)

Isaac Haxton raised the pot from the button preflop and the action was next on Ken Lennaard. Lennaard moved the rest of his chips into the middle and Haxton made the call.

Haxton: AK
Lennaard: Q10

Board: AA232

Haxton flopped a set and rivered a full boat for good measure and Lennaard was eliminated in 13th place.

Michael Kamran Eliminated In 12th Place($57,645)

Kamran raised to 84,000 from the button and the small blind mucked. The action was then on Billy Kopp in the big blind and he raised enough to put Kamran all in. Kamaran made the call and turned over J9. Kopp showed the superior A7 and it was time for the flop. It came down Q87, giving Kopp a pair but also giving Kamran a gutshot straight draw. The Q fell on the turn and offered no help to Kamran. His last gasp came on the river when another lady showed up, the Q, giving Kamran a full house and sending Kamran crashing to the rail in 12th place.

Billy Kopp Eliminated In 11th Place($57,645)

After knocking out two players on his own, it was finally Kopp’s turn to step on the chopping block.

Davidi Kitai raised to 60,000 preflop and Kopp decided to make it 198,000 to go. Kitai just called and both players saw the flop come down 843. Kopp went all in on the flop and Kitai made the call. Kopp showed down AQ for the nut flush draw while Kitai showed JJ for an over pair to the board. The turn was the 4 and the river was another black card, the 8 and Kopp bricked the last two streets and it cost him his tournament life. He was sent to the rail in 11th place, taking home $57,645.

Mohsin Charania Eliminated In 10th Place($57,645)

Davidi Kitai raised to 75,000 from under the gun and the action was next on Charania. He moved all in for just 85,000 total and everyone folded around to Kitai. He made the cheap call and the players turned over their hands.

Kitai: 99
Charania: AJ

Board: Q10236

Charania flopped a Broadway draw but it never materialized and Kitai’s pair held up. Charania picked up his stuff and made his way toward the exit in 10th place, one spot shy of the official final table.

Player Tags: Ken Lennaard,   Davidi Kitai,   Isaac Haxton,   Billy Kopp,   Michael Kamran,   Mohsin Charania

Level 13 Update: Rheem Busts

Jun 24, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000

Players Remaining: 52 out of 275

Chip Counts:

1. Michiel Brummelhuis – 530,000
2. Darryll Fish – 390,000
3. Davidi Kitai – 330,000
4. Ken Lennaard – 330,000
5. Bryn Kenney – 270,000
6. Andrew Feldman – 269,000
7. Jordan Smith – 246,000
8. Thomas Pettersson – 230,000
9. J.C. Alvarado – 225,000
10. Toto Leonidas – 218,000

Average Chip Count: 152,775

Notable Eliminations:

Chino Rheem
Tony Cousineau

Big Hands:

Cowboys Best Bullets

Tony Cousineau raised the pot from the hijack and Davidi Kitai re-potted from the big blind. Cousineau then moved all in and Kitai made the call. Kitai showed pocket kings, KK but Cousineau showed AA. Cousineau was all set to double up but the flop had different ideas. It came down KJ4, giving Kitai the lead with a set. The board didn’t improve Cousineau and he was eliminated.

Alvarado Eliminates Rheem

Chino Rheem moved all in preflop and J.C. Alvarado made the call. Rheem showed JJ but Alvarado had AA. Rheem failed to crack Alvarado’s aces and he was eliminated.

Baldwin Survives All-In, Kahlmeyer Doesn’t

On a flop of Q38, Tim Kahlmeyer fired 12,000 into the pot and Eric Baldwin raised it to 29,000. Kahlmeyer then moved all in and Baldwin called. Baldwin turned over AA and Kahlmeyer showed 86 for a pair and a flush draw. The turn brought the 2 and the 7 fell on the river.

The dealer then counted each player’s chips and it turned out both players had 103,500 in front of them. Kahlmeyer was eliminated and Baldwin was at 207,000.

Player Tags: Tony Cousineau,   Davidi Kitai,   Eric Baldwin,   Tim Kahlmeyer

Early Busts

Mar 12, '09

Play is now full swing and already down 15 players. Two of which are local EPT Barcelona champion Sebastian Ruthenberg and one of yesterday's trailblazers Davidi Kitai (of Belgium).

First Ruthenberg:

He pushes all-in with A-8 from the cut-off and is called by the small blind who holds pocket jacks.

Things look rosey for him as the board drops AA2, but the turn brings utter disappointment in the form of the J, with a not-so-helpful 3 on the river.

Next Kitai:

He raises from the small blind with 64 and gets one caller. The flop is K-5-2 with one spade. Kitai checks his inside straight draw, and his opponent bets 2,500. Kitai comes over the top with a raise to 5,000 which is met with "call".

The turn is the J giving him a flush draw, so he pushes all in. His opponent calls and the river is a great big blank.

He is beaten by K-7 for top pair.

 

 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Sebastian Ruthenberg

Level 2 Update

Mar 11, '09

Johan Van Til has had one hell of a tournament so far. First of all he doubled up, then lost nearly everything, then doubled up again, and is now standing at 3,275.

Jesper Hougaard has been making some small moves and attempts at taking down any pots which are up for the taking.

Antony Lellouche has also been making some attempts at stealing pots. He recently got a little caught out after betting 250 in late position preflop. An American player to his left raised it to 800 and then the button reraised it to 2,200. All the blinds folded as did Lellouche. The American counted his opponent's stack, which was about 6,000. He thought and then folded. The button showed pocket kings.

Elsewhere, Marcel Luske on the small blind checked a flop of Q-10-X blind. His opponent checked and Luske said, "I'm checking it blind, for you." The turn was a 7 and Luske threw out a couple hundred. "I've no idea what I have!" he sniggered. His opponent folded and Luske showed a 7 for a pair on the turn... "But I do know I have a 7," he added.

Coming in late in the action, with the board showing 96366 - the pot was quite big for so early in the tournament. It looked like Davidi Kitai had basically bet the pot when he threw out 6,600 in front of him. His opponent called with A9and Kitai showed 86. "Good luck!" said the poor unfortunate as he left the tournament area.

Player Tags: Anthony Lellouche,   Marcel Luske,   Davidi Kitai

Early Busts

Mar 12, '09

Play is now full swing and already down 15 players. Two of which are local EPT Barcelona champion Sebastian Ruthenberg and one of yesterday's trailblazers Davidi Kitai (of Belgium).

First Ruthenberg:

He pushes all-in with A-8 from the cut-off and is called by the small blind who holds pocket jacks.

Things look rosey for him as the board drops AA2, but the turn brings utter disappointment in the form of the J, with a not-so-helpful 3 on the river.

Next Kitai:

He raises from the small blind with 64 and gets one caller. The flop is K-5-2 with one spade. Kitai checks his inside straight draw, and his opponent bets 2,500. Kitai comes over the top with a raise to 5,000 which is met with "call".

The turn is the J giving him a flush draw, so he pushes all in. His opponent calls and the river is a great big blank.

He is beaten by K-7 for top pair.

 

 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Sebastian Ruthenberg

Level 2 Update

Mar 11, '09

Johan Van Til has had one hell of a tournament so far. First of all he doubled up, then lost nearly everything, then doubled up again, and is now standing at 3,275.

Jesper Hougaard has been making some small moves and attempts at taking down any pots which are up for the taking.

Antony Lellouche has also been making some attempts at stealing pots. He recently got a little caught out after betting 250 in late position preflop. An American player to his left raised it to 800 and then the button reraised it to 2,200. All the blinds folded as did Lellouche. The American counted his opponent's stack, which was about 6,000. He thought and then folded. The button showed pocket kings.

Elsewhere, Marcel Luske on the small blind checked a flop of Q-10-X blind. His opponent checked and Luske said, "I'm checking it blind, for you." The turn was a 7 and Luske threw out a couple hundred. "I've no idea what I have!" he sniggered. His opponent folded and Luske showed a 7 for a pair on the turn... "But I do know I have a 7," he added.

Coming in late in the action, with the board showing 96366 - the pot was quite big for so early in the tournament. It looked like Davidi Kitai had basically bet the pot when he threw out 6,600 in front of him. His opponent called with A9and Kitai showed 86. "Good luck!" said the poor unfortunate as he left the tournament area.

Player Tags: Anthony Lellouche,   Marcel Luske,   Davidi Kitai

Kitai Takes a Hit

Jan 05, '09

Davidi Kitai raised to 2,600 preflop and the player right behind moved all in for a total of 3,400. The player that had initially limped under the gun mucked and Kitai made the call. Their cards:

Kitai: 1010
Opponent: QQ

8846K

Kitai took a hit and doubled up his opponent.







 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in Third Place (?455,000)

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai moved all in with AQ and Sebastin Ruthenberg called him down with pocket fours. The board rolled out J76K2 and Kitai's deep run in the tournament was over.

Kitai was eliminated in third place, and the Bellgium player earned €455,000. This impressive finish comes one year after he placed 11th in this event during season four on the EPT.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Player Profile: Davidi Kitai

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (?351,000)

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (€351,000)

Daniele Mazzia was eliminated from the tournament in two pivotal hands. First, he lost a 2 million pot to Davidi Kitai when his pocket nines fell to Kitai’s pocket tens. Mazzia was knocked down under 100,000 for the second time at the final table. There was no coming back for him this time though. He was all in on the next hand against Sebastian Ruthenberg. The board read QJ10A8 when Mazzia flipped over Q-8. Ruthenberg held J-9 though, and took down the hand with a straight. After a performance that was at times gutsy and others just plain lucky, Mazzia was eliminated in fourth place, and took home €351,000 as his faithful Italian fans cheered him on.

 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Sebastian Ruthenberg,   Daniele Mazzia

Mazzia Rises from the Dead?Twice

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia found all of his short stack on the middle of the table a few hands after he was crippled and Davidi Kitai crippled hm. This time Mazzia held A-8, and he was dominated by the A-K of Kitai, but the board ran out Q-8-7-Q-8 to chop up the pot.

Mazzia survived but he was still short, and soon found his entire chip stack at risk once again. He was once again covered by Kitai. Their cards:

Kitai: 10-10
Mazzia: Q-10

Board: J-9-9-3-8

Mazzia hit an 8 on the river for a straight and after a very fortunate chain of events he survived. The Italian now has 670,000 and the Italian fans here in attendance made sure that the audience knew their fan favorite was alive and kicking.  

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Daniele Mazzia

The Beginning of the End

Sep 13, '08

Davidi Kitai got all of his chips into the middle preflop and Mikael Lundell called him down. Their cards:

Kitai: Q7
Lundell: A4

Board: QJ2108

Kitai doubled up on the hand and Lundell was crippled, with just 20,000 remaining.









 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Mikael Lundell

Davidi Kitai Doubes Up

Sep 13, '08

Last year Davidi Kitai just missed the final table in Barcelona when he finished in 11th place. It looks like fate has its heart set on getting Kitai to the final table this year. He was just all in for his tournament life preflop with pocket nines against the A-K of Jason Mercier. Mercier paired his king on the flop, but Kitai also hit a third nine for a set. At the end of the hand the board read K-9-8-2-5 and Kitai held 725,000.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Jason Mercier

Another Deep Run for Kitai and Voitto

Sep 13, '08

This is the second year in a row now that current chip leader Davidi Kitai is posied to make a run into the final two tables in Barcelona. Last year, he finished in 11th place, and took home $61,180 in prize money.  Voitto Rinala is also looking to make the final two tables once again here at the Gran Casino, he finished in 13th place last year, and took home $44,488 in prize money.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Voitto Rintala

New Chip Leader

Sep 12, '08

Davidi Kitai has become the first player to cross the 300,000 mark and he now has the chip lead. He is not a run-away chip leader though, as a number of players have 200,000 to their name.















 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

European Player Bio: Davidi Kitai

Sep 11, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in Third Place (?455,000)

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai moved all in with AQ and Sebastin Ruthenberg called him down with pocket fours. The board rolled out J76K2 and Kitai's deep run in the tournament was over.

Kitai was eliminated in third place, and the Bellgium player earned €455,000. This impressive finish comes one year after he placed 11th in this event during season four on the EPT.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Player Profile: Davidi Kitai

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (?351,000)

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (€351,000)

Daniele Mazzia was eliminated from the tournament in two pivotal hands. First, he lost a 2 million pot to Davidi Kitai when his pocket nines fell to Kitai’s pocket tens. Mazzia was knocked down under 100,000 for the second time at the final table. There was no coming back for him this time though. He was all in on the next hand against Sebastian Ruthenberg. The board read QJ10A8 when Mazzia flipped over Q-8. Ruthenberg held J-9 though, and took down the hand with a straight. After a performance that was at times gutsy and others just plain lucky, Mazzia was eliminated in fourth place, and took home €351,000 as his faithful Italian fans cheered him on.

 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Sebastian Ruthenberg,   Daniele Mazzia

Mazzia Rises from the Dead?Twice

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia found all of his short stack on the middle of the table a few hands after he was crippled and Davidi Kitai crippled hm. This time Mazzia held A-8, and he was dominated by the A-K of Kitai, but the board ran out Q-8-7-Q-8 to chop up the pot.

Mazzia survived but he was still short, and soon found his entire chip stack at risk once again. He was once again covered by Kitai. Their cards:

Kitai: 10-10
Mazzia: Q-10

Board: J-9-9-3-8

Mazzia hit an 8 on the river for a straight and after a very fortunate chain of events he survived. The Italian now has 670,000 and the Italian fans here in attendance made sure that the audience knew their fan favorite was alive and kicking.  

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Daniele Mazzia

The Beginning of the End

Sep 13, '08

Davidi Kitai got all of his chips into the middle preflop and Mikael Lundell called him down. Their cards:

Kitai: Q7
Lundell: A4

Board: QJ2108

Kitai doubled up on the hand and Lundell was crippled, with just 20,000 remaining.









 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Mikael Lundell

Davidi Kitai Doubes Up

Sep 13, '08

Last year Davidi Kitai just missed the final table in Barcelona when he finished in 11th place. It looks like fate has its heart set on getting Kitai to the final table this year. He was just all in for his tournament life preflop with pocket nines against the A-K of Jason Mercier. Mercier paired his king on the flop, but Kitai also hit a third nine for a set. At the end of the hand the board read K-9-8-2-5 and Kitai held 725,000.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Jason Mercier

Another Deep Run for Kitai and Voitto

Sep 13, '08

This is the second year in a row now that current chip leader Davidi Kitai is posied to make a run into the final two tables in Barcelona. Last year, he finished in 11th place, and took home $61,180 in prize money.  Voitto Rinala is also looking to make the final two tables once again here at the Gran Casino, he finished in 13th place last year, and took home $44,488 in prize money.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Voitto Rintala

New Chip Leader

Sep 12, '08

Davidi Kitai has become the first player to cross the 300,000 mark and he now has the chip lead. He is not a run-away chip leader though, as a number of players have 200,000 to their name.















 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

European Player Bio: Davidi Kitai

Sep 11, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in Third Place (?455,000)

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai moved all in with AQ and Sebastin Ruthenberg called him down with pocket fours. The board rolled out J76K2 and Kitai's deep run in the tournament was over.

Kitai was eliminated in third place, and the Bellgium player earned €455,000. This impressive finish comes one year after he placed 11th in this event during season four on the EPT.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Player Profile: Davidi Kitai

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (?351,000)

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (€351,000)

Daniele Mazzia was eliminated from the tournament in two pivotal hands. First, he lost a 2 million pot to Davidi Kitai when his pocket nines fell to Kitai’s pocket tens. Mazzia was knocked down under 100,000 for the second time at the final table. There was no coming back for him this time though. He was all in on the next hand against Sebastian Ruthenberg. The board read QJ10A8 when Mazzia flipped over Q-8. Ruthenberg held J-9 though, and took down the hand with a straight. After a performance that was at times gutsy and others just plain lucky, Mazzia was eliminated in fourth place, and took home €351,000 as his faithful Italian fans cheered him on.

 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Sebastian Ruthenberg,   Daniele Mazzia

Mazzia Rises from the Dead?Twice

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia found all of his short stack on the middle of the table a few hands after he was crippled and Davidi Kitai crippled hm. This time Mazzia held A-8, and he was dominated by the A-K of Kitai, but the board ran out Q-8-7-Q-8 to chop up the pot.

Mazzia survived but he was still short, and soon found his entire chip stack at risk once again. He was once again covered by Kitai. Their cards:

Kitai: 10-10
Mazzia: Q-10

Board: J-9-9-3-8

Mazzia hit an 8 on the river for a straight and after a very fortunate chain of events he survived. The Italian now has 670,000 and the Italian fans here in attendance made sure that the audience knew their fan favorite was alive and kicking.  

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Daniele Mazzia

The Beginning of the End

Sep 13, '08

Davidi Kitai got all of his chips into the middle preflop and Mikael Lundell called him down. Their cards:

Kitai: Q7
Lundell: A4

Board: QJ2108

Kitai doubled up on the hand and Lundell was crippled, with just 20,000 remaining.









 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Mikael Lundell

Davidi Kitai Doubes Up

Sep 13, '08

Last year Davidi Kitai just missed the final table in Barcelona when he finished in 11th place. It looks like fate has its heart set on getting Kitai to the final table this year. He was just all in for his tournament life preflop with pocket nines against the A-K of Jason Mercier. Mercier paired his king on the flop, but Kitai also hit a third nine for a set. At the end of the hand the board read K-9-8-2-5 and Kitai held 725,000.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Jason Mercier

Another Deep Run for Kitai and Voitto

Sep 13, '08

This is the second year in a row now that current chip leader Davidi Kitai is posied to make a run into the final two tables in Barcelona. Last year, he finished in 11th place, and took home $61,180 in prize money.  Voitto Rinala is also looking to make the final two tables once again here at the Gran Casino, he finished in 13th place last year, and took home $44,488 in prize money.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Voitto Rintala

New Chip Leader

Sep 12, '08

Davidi Kitai has become the first player to cross the 300,000 mark and he now has the chip lead. He is not a run-away chip leader though, as a number of players have 200,000 to their name.















 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

European Player Bio: Davidi Kitai

Sep 11, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in Third Place (?455,000)

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai moved all in with AQ and Sebastin Ruthenberg called him down with pocket fours. The board rolled out J76K2 and Kitai's deep run in the tournament was over.

Kitai was eliminated in third place, and the Bellgium player earned €455,000. This impressive finish comes one year after he placed 11th in this event during season four on the EPT.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Player Profile: Davidi Kitai

Sep 14, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (?351,000)

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia Eliminated in Fourth Place (€351,000)

Daniele Mazzia was eliminated from the tournament in two pivotal hands. First, he lost a 2 million pot to Davidi Kitai when his pocket nines fell to Kitai’s pocket tens. Mazzia was knocked down under 100,000 for the second time at the final table. There was no coming back for him this time though. He was all in on the next hand against Sebastian Ruthenberg. The board read QJ10A8 when Mazzia flipped over Q-8. Ruthenberg held J-9 though, and took down the hand with a straight. After a performance that was at times gutsy and others just plain lucky, Mazzia was eliminated in fourth place, and took home €351,000 as his faithful Italian fans cheered him on.

 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Sebastian Ruthenberg,   Daniele Mazzia

Mazzia Rises from the Dead?Twice

Sep 14, '08

Daniele Mazzia found all of his short stack on the middle of the table a few hands after he was crippled and Davidi Kitai crippled hm. This time Mazzia held A-8, and he was dominated by the A-K of Kitai, but the board ran out Q-8-7-Q-8 to chop up the pot.

Mazzia survived but he was still short, and soon found his entire chip stack at risk once again. He was once again covered by Kitai. Their cards:

Kitai: 10-10
Mazzia: Q-10

Board: J-9-9-3-8

Mazzia hit an 8 on the river for a straight and after a very fortunate chain of events he survived. The Italian now has 670,000 and the Italian fans here in attendance made sure that the audience knew their fan favorite was alive and kicking.  

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Daniele Mazzia

The Beginning of the End

Sep 13, '08

Davidi Kitai got all of his chips into the middle preflop and Mikael Lundell called him down. Their cards:

Kitai: Q7
Lundell: A4

Board: QJ2108

Kitai doubled up on the hand and Lundell was crippled, with just 20,000 remaining.









 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Mikael Lundell

Davidi Kitai Doubes Up

Sep 13, '08

Last year Davidi Kitai just missed the final table in Barcelona when he finished in 11th place. It looks like fate has its heart set on getting Kitai to the final table this year. He was just all in for his tournament life preflop with pocket nines against the A-K of Jason Mercier. Mercier paired his king on the flop, but Kitai also hit a third nine for a set. At the end of the hand the board read K-9-8-2-5 and Kitai held 725,000.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Jason Mercier

Another Deep Run for Kitai and Voitto

Sep 13, '08

This is the second year in a row now that current chip leader Davidi Kitai is posied to make a run into the final two tables in Barcelona. Last year, he finished in 11th place, and took home $61,180 in prize money.  Voitto Rinala is also looking to make the final two tables once again here at the Gran Casino, he finished in 13th place last year, and took home $44,488 in prize money.













 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Voitto Rintala

New Chip Leader

Sep 12, '08

Davidi Kitai has become the first player to cross the 300,000 mark and he now has the chip lead. He is not a run-away chip leader though, as a number of players have 200,000 to their name.















 

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

European Player Bio: Davidi Kitai

Sep 11, '08

Davidi Kitai

Davidi Kitai has been traveling the tournament circuit both domestically and abroad for over two years, but he didn’t quite make his presence known until his tremendous showing at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Kitai cashed three times, made two final tables and most importantly of all, got his first gold bracelet in event no. 38, pot-limit hold’em. In addition to his success at the Rio, Kitai also proved he was no slouch on the EPT when he narrowly missed the final table of the 2007 EPT Barcelona main event, busting in 11th place. His success that summer certainly helped his bankroll as Kitai sits just under $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

When he’s not playing live, Kitai tears up the online world under the name legrouzin. In Card Player’s OPOY records, Kitai has put up great numbers in the daily rebuys and has over $150,000 in online winnings on just PokerStars alone.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai

$5K 6-Max NLHE - Lyndaker Takes Over

Jun 28, '08

Blinds: 12,000 - 24,000 with a 3,000 ante

Chip Leaders:

Richard Lyndaker - 3,523,000
Joe Commisso - 2,098,000
Edward Ochana-- 1,614,000
Sam Trickett - 835,000

Eliminations: Davidi Kitai (6th Place), Tom Lutz (5th Place)

Big Hands:

Edward Ochana Doubles Through Richard Lyndaker

Richard Lyndaker raised to 70,000 and Edward Ochana called on the button. The flop came A103 and Lyndaker continued with a bet of 85,000. Ochana raised to 285,000 and Lyndaker put him all in. Ochana made the call and revealed his monster draw with QJ. Lyndaker showed his A4, but it failed to hold up when the turn and river came KK giving Ochana a Broadway straight and doubling him up to 1.3 million. Lyndaker took a hit down to 1.9 million.

Davidi Kitai Eliminated in Sixth Place ($120,693)

Davidi Kitai raised to 102,000 and Richard Lyndaker reraised to 240,000. Kitai moved all in and Lyndaker instantly made the call. Kitai showed pocket tens, but Lyndaker held pocket kings and a stranglehold on the hand. The board came AA32A and Kitai was eliminated in sixth place, ending his hopes for a repeat bracelet.

Tom Lutz Eliminated in Fifth Place ($245,927)

Richard Lyndaker raised to 85,000 and Tom Lutz reraised to 210,000. Lyndaker made the call and the flop came down Q98. Lyndaker bet 275,000 and Lutz reraised to 550,000. Lyndaker moved all in and Lutz instantly called with AA, but Lyndaker showed his 99 for a flopped set. The turn and river came 42 and Lutz was eliminated in fifth place.

Player Tags: Davidi Kitai,   Richard Lyndaker,   Edward Ochana,   Tom Lutz

$5,000 NL Hold'em Six-Handed - Level 14

Jun 27, '08

Blinds: 1500/3000 with 400 ante

Players Left: 45 of 805

Average Stack: 173,708

Chip Leaders:

Bertrand Grospellier - 471,000
Edward Ochana - 389,000
Steve Ware - 372,000
Paul Foltyn - 329,000
Jesper Petersen - 269,000
Bryan Pope - 259,000
Tom Lutz - 253,000
Joe Commisso - 246,000
Andrey Zaichenko - 239,000

Eliminations: Jason Mercier, Eugene Todd, Jonathan Aguiar, Mikeal Hogbom, Darrel Dicken, Patryk Hildebranski.

Big Hands:
Hachem Forced to Fold

Tony Hachem was two off the big blind and elected to limp for 3000, and along with both blinds and the button it was four-way action to the flop, which came J32. Both blinds checked, Hachem bet 8000, and the button called. Both blinds folded. The turn paired the board with the J, and Hachem checked. The button stepped out for 22,000, and Hachem tanked. He reluctantly folded to the bet, announcing he had folded pocket kings. The button didn't show his hand.

Kitai Makes Move

David Kitai was in the small blind and was facing a raise to 11,000 form the button. Kitai, one of the larger stacks at the table, reraised to 28,000, and the button folded to the move. Kitai showed AK.

Petersen Puts it Away

Jesper Petersen raised to 6600 preflop and drew a call from the big blind. The flop came KQ10, Petersen bet 10,000 and his opponent quickly mucked.

Foltyn Continues Surge

Paul Foltyn is amassing a considerable stack, and put it to use after a board came down KQQ84. After the river, Foltyn was first to act and made a pot-sized bet of 70,000. Keith Hawkins and Nikolay Evdakov were both forced to fold.


 

Player Tags: Tony Hachem,   Jesper Petersen,   Davidi Kitai,   Paul Foltyn