Sorel Mizzi - Live Updates

Missing Mizzi

Oct 01, '09

Hitting the floor after the break, it was hard not to notice we were another player down. The event is now one fancy cap and sparkly t-shirt less, without the player otherwise known as “Imperium” – Sorel Mizzi.

Mizzi had the shortest stack coming into the day but managed to improve it and make some good moves before he had to hit the rail. There’s still the main event, Mr. Mizzi.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi

Seeing Double

Oct 01, '09

So far today there have been double ups galore.

Evan McNiff (pictured right) is up to 129,000 after his A-K beat an opponent’s A-J.

Dario Minieri moved all in with K 2 versus J 10 on an A K 9 flop.

They both had a piece of the action – Minieri with middle pair and the flush draw, his opponent with a flush draw and an inside straight draw. The turn was the 3 and the river the 2.

Minieri doubled up his 92,000 stack to 184,000.

Sorel Mizzi [pictured left] has been taking a hands on approach to his short stack, and so far it has been paying off. Betting 7,200 from the hijack, Sargon Ruya called from the button and the flop came A 9 2. Mizzi kept the pressure on betting out 8,300 and Ruya passed.

In the very next hand, Mizzi bet 7,200 again. Vicky Coren to his left made the call, and Sargon Ruya raised it up to 23,000 from the cutoff. Mizzi considered the bet for a few moments and eyed Ruya’s stack pensively. He then said, “I’m all in.” It wasn’t clear whether Ruya was calling, so the dealer asked him, and he nodded. He flipped over A 10 while Mizzi showed Q Q, and we were off to the races.

The board came Q 10 3 4 10 and Mizzi doubled up to 160,000.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi,   Evan McNiff

Double Up For Gus Hansen's Killer

Sep 30, '09

Before the hand began, Sorel Mizzi began a discussion with the table (possibly a bet), about a scenario where Erik Cajelais and Gus Hansen fight to the death.

As the table begins to wonder how long it would take for either person to kill the other, using no weapons, Justin Smith raises to 1,650. Behind him, Evan McNiff makes it 6,500.

It folds around to Cajelais himself, who moves all in for 16,000 or so. McNiff makes the call with AK and is in bad shape against Cajelais pocket aces.

The board rolled out safely and Cajelais doubled up. Meanwhile, the table continued to discuss the important matter of the fake to-the-death fight in question.

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Erik Cajelais,   Sorel Mizzi,   Evan McNiff

Missing Mizzi

Oct 01, '09

Hitting the floor after the break, it was hard not to notice we were another player down. The event is now one fancy cap and sparkly t-shirt less, without the player otherwise known as “Imperium” – Sorel Mizzi.

Mizzi had the shortest stack coming into the day but managed to improve it and make some good moves before he had to hit the rail. There’s still the main event, Mr. Mizzi.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi

Seeing Double

Oct 01, '09

So far today there have been double ups galore.

Evan McNiff (pictured right) is up to 129,000 after his A-K beat an opponent’s A-J.

Dario Minieri moved all in with K 2 versus J 10 on an A K 9 flop.

They both had a piece of the action – Minieri with middle pair and the flush draw, his opponent with a flush draw and an inside straight draw. The turn was the 3 and the river the 2.

Minieri doubled up his 92,000 stack to 184,000.

Sorel Mizzi [pictured left] has been taking a hands on approach to his short stack, and so far it has been paying off. Betting 7,200 from the hijack, Sargon Ruya called from the button and the flop came A 9 2. Mizzi kept the pressure on betting out 8,300 and Ruya passed.

In the very next hand, Mizzi bet 7,200 again. Vicky Coren to his left made the call, and Sargon Ruya raised it up to 23,000 from the cutoff. Mizzi considered the bet for a few moments and eyed Ruya’s stack pensively. He then said, “I’m all in.” It wasn’t clear whether Ruya was calling, so the dealer asked him, and he nodded. He flipped over A 10 while Mizzi showed Q Q, and we were off to the races.

The board came Q 10 3 4 10 and Mizzi doubled up to 160,000.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi,   Evan McNiff

Double Up For Gus Hansen's Killer

Sep 30, '09

Before the hand began, Sorel Mizzi began a discussion with the table (possibly a bet), about a scenario where Erik Cajelais and Gus Hansen fight to the death.

As the table begins to wonder how long it would take for either person to kill the other, using no weapons, Justin Smith raises to 1,650. Behind him, Evan McNiff makes it 6,500.

It folds around to Cajelais himself, who moves all in for 16,000 or so. McNiff makes the call with AK and is in bad shape against Cajelais pocket aces.

The board rolled out safely and Cajelais doubled up. Meanwhile, the table continued to discuss the important matter of the fake to-the-death fight in question.

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Erik Cajelais,   Sorel Mizzi,   Evan McNiff

Level 18 Hour 2 Update: J.C. Tran Doubles Up

Jul 12, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 305 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Affleck – 2,100,000
2. Ben Lamb – 2,000,000
3. Ludovic Lacay – 1,850,000
4. Kevin Schaffel – 1,760,000
5. Bernhard Perner – 1,675,000
6. Tom Lutz – 1,600,000
7. James Akenhead – 1,572,000
8. Charlie Elias – 1,540,000
9. Miika Puumalainen – 1,492,000
10. Jordan Morgan – 1,489,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 575,000

Average Chip Count: 624,423

Notable Eliminations:

David Levi
Andrew Black
Sorel Mizzi

Big Hands:

J.C Tran Doubles

After Nasr El Nasr raised to 20,000 preflop, J.C. Tran raised all in for his last 109,000. Steven Doebler was next to act and repopped to 200,000 total. Nasr folded and the cards were turned up.

Doebler tabled AQ and was disgusted when Tran showed AK. The flop came down 544. “I’ll take another pair,” Doebler said. The turn was the 3 and there were straight possibilities. But the river was the 6 and Tran doubled up to almost 230,000. “One more time,” Tran said as he raked in the chips.

David Levi Busts

David Levi moved all in for his last 30,000 preflop with 70,000 already in the pot. He was called by the Clayton Newman. Levi turned over AQ while Newman tabled 1010.

The flop came down K104, giving Newman a set but Levi a broadway draw. The turn was the J and Levi hit his straight, but the K on the river filled up Newman and Levi was gone.

Benyamine Straight To A Million

After David Benyamine and David McLarthy both put 17,000 into the pot preflop, the flop dropped 623. Benyamine led out with 28,000 and McLarthy made the call. The turn was the 4 and both players checked.

The river was the 5, putting a straight on the board. Benyamine led out again with 125,000 and McLarthy just smiled. He threw in the call and Benyamine turned over 87 for the absolute nuts. McLarthy mucked and Benyamine took in the pot, vaulting himself over 1 million.

Shulman Busts Andy Black

We weren’t able to get close enough to the action since Jeff Shulman is at the feature table, but somehow he had eliminated Andy Black from the tournament and doubled up to 640,000 in chips.

Ludovic Lacay Busts Another

Ludovic Lacay called the all in of Shawn Pilot and showed 88 and was off to the races against Pilot’s AK.

The board ran out 4J497, keeping Lacay’s pair in the lead and eliminating Pilot from the tournament.

Sorel Mizzi Eliminated

Sorel Mizzi got all of his chips in the middle with AJ and was called by Scott Cook who had 99. The flop was good for Cook as it came 963, but the K on the turn gave Mizzi some hope.

The 10 on the river left Mizzi one card short of his flush and sent him home early on day 5.

Stokes Doubles Through Kara Scott

There was a raise to 20,000 and Jamin Stokes opted to flat-call. The action got to Kara Scott and she decided to make it 100,000 total. The original raiser got out of the way and action was back to Stokes, who thought for 30 seconds before moving all in. Scott made the call and showed AK and was behind Stokes KK.

The board ran out 388JQ and Stokes doubled up.

Crowe’s Kings Trump Taylor’s Jacks

We were unable to catch when all the money went in, but Owen Crowe doubled through Brian Taylor with pocket kings against pocket jacks on a board that read 79632.

“I didn’t want to play a big pot yet,” said Crowe. “But then I figured I had two kings, so I would.”

Noah Boeken Scores A Knockout, Over A Million

After a flop of 1084, Joseph Michael was all in and Noah Boeken made the call. Michael showed down QQ for an overpair but Boeken tabled 88 for a flopped set.

The turn was the 6 and the river was the 7 and Michael was eliminated. Boeken raked in the pot and was at 1.3 million.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   David Levi,   Jeff Shulman,   David Benyamine,   Noah Boeken,   Owen Crowe,   Sorel Mizzi,   Ludovic Lacay,   Kara Scott,   Nasr El Nasr

Level 10 Hour 2 Update: Bill Gazes Eliminated

Jul 10, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200 with a 200 ante

Players Remaining: 1,683 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Amir Lehavot – 585,000
2. Andrew Gaw – 580,000
3. Peter DeBaene – 465,000
4. Jerry Wong – 462,000
5. Troy Weber – 453,200
6. Dan Bilzerian – 439,500
7. Franklin Grigsby – 424,400
8. Gabe Walls – 417,900
9. Michael Kinney – 403,000
10. Rick Barabino – 395,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 206,700
Adam Schoenfeld – 132,000
Phil Hellmuth – 142,900
Lee Watkinson – 67,000
Thomas Keller – 120,000

Average Chip Count: 115,757

Notable Eliminations:

Bill Gazes

Big Hands:

Bill Gazes Eliminated

After a raise from Gregory Brooks to 2,800, Bill Gazes moved in for his last 30,000 and was called by Brooks. Brooks showed AK and was flipping against Gazes’ 77.

The flop and turn were good for Gazes as it came 81032, but the K on the river ended Gazes’ tournament and gave Brooks the pot.

Kostritsyn Runs into Aces

Alexander Kostritsyn raised under-the-gun and was called by a player in middle position. The flop was 462 and Kostritsyn bet 4,500, which was called by his opponent. The turn brought the 10 and Kostritsyn now bet 10,000 and again was called.

The river was the 2 and Kostritsyn fired another barrel, as he bet 25,000, which was called by his opponent who showed AA. Kostritsyn flashed a middle pocket pair and mucked his hand.

Somerville Loses the Minimum With Full House

Jason Somerville was faced with a 53,000 chip bet on the river with the board reading J5593. Somerville went into the tank for several minutes and finally tossing in the call.

“You got jacks full?” asked Somerville and didn’t look surprised when his opponent showed him pocket jacks. Somerville showed pocket nines, good for a lesser full house, and his opponent took the pot.

Horan Makes a Good Call

After some preflop action, the flop was 274. The action was checked to Tim Horan who bet 5,000. He was met with a check-raise to 10,000 and he made the call. The turn was the 2 and his opponent bet 10,000 again. This time Horan raised to 25,000 and his opponent decided to stick around.

The river was the 5 and his opponent bet 15,000. Horan sat there, looking like he was going to raise, before putting in the call. Neither player was anxious to show their hand and eventually Horan showed AK and his opponent mucked his hand.

“I knew you didn’t hit that,” said Horan as he was stacking chips.

Mizzi Flops a Set and Doubles Up

There was already over 140,000 in the pot when Sorel Mizzi and his opponent saw a flop of 1076. Mizzi moved his last 108,000 into the middle and his opponent called.

Mizzi showed 1010 and his opponent had the QQ. The turn and the river failed to bring a queen and Mizzi’s set held up. Mizzi is now sitting at 360,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Jason Somerville,   Sorel Mizzi,   Alexander Kostritsyn

Level 18 Hour 2 Update: J.C. Tran Doubles Up

Jul 12, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 305 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Affleck – 2,100,000
2. Ben Lamb – 2,000,000
3. Ludovic Lacay – 1,850,000
4. Kevin Schaffel – 1,760,000
5. Bernhard Perner – 1,675,000
6. Tom Lutz – 1,600,000
7. James Akenhead – 1,572,000
8. Charlie Elias – 1,540,000
9. Miika Puumalainen – 1,492,000
10. Jordan Morgan – 1,489,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 575,000

Average Chip Count: 624,423

Notable Eliminations:

David Levi
Andrew Black
Sorel Mizzi

Big Hands:

J.C Tran Doubles

After Nasr El Nasr raised to 20,000 preflop, J.C. Tran raised all in for his last 109,000. Steven Doebler was next to act and repopped to 200,000 total. Nasr folded and the cards were turned up.

Doebler tabled AQ and was disgusted when Tran showed AK. The flop came down 544. “I’ll take another pair,” Doebler said. The turn was the 3 and there were straight possibilities. But the river was the 6 and Tran doubled up to almost 230,000. “One more time,” Tran said as he raked in the chips.

David Levi Busts

David Levi moved all in for his last 30,000 preflop with 70,000 already in the pot. He was called by the Clayton Newman. Levi turned over AQ while Newman tabled 1010.

The flop came down K104, giving Newman a set but Levi a broadway draw. The turn was the J and Levi hit his straight, but the K on the river filled up Newman and Levi was gone.

Benyamine Straight To A Million

After David Benyamine and David McLarthy both put 17,000 into the pot preflop, the flop dropped 623. Benyamine led out with 28,000 and McLarthy made the call. The turn was the 4 and both players checked.

The river was the 5, putting a straight on the board. Benyamine led out again with 125,000 and McLarthy just smiled. He threw in the call and Benyamine turned over 87 for the absolute nuts. McLarthy mucked and Benyamine took in the pot, vaulting himself over 1 million.

Shulman Busts Andy Black

We weren’t able to get close enough to the action since Jeff Shulman is at the feature table, but somehow he had eliminated Andy Black from the tournament and doubled up to 640,000 in chips.

Ludovic Lacay Busts Another

Ludovic Lacay called the all in of Shawn Pilot and showed 88 and was off to the races against Pilot’s AK.

The board ran out 4J497, keeping Lacay’s pair in the lead and eliminating Pilot from the tournament.

Sorel Mizzi Eliminated

Sorel Mizzi got all of his chips in the middle with AJ and was called by Scott Cook who had 99. The flop was good for Cook as it came 963, but the K on the turn gave Mizzi some hope.

The 10 on the river left Mizzi one card short of his flush and sent him home early on day 5.

Stokes Doubles Through Kara Scott

There was a raise to 20,000 and Jamin Stokes opted to flat-call. The action got to Kara Scott and she decided to make it 100,000 total. The original raiser got out of the way and action was back to Stokes, who thought for 30 seconds before moving all in. Scott made the call and showed AK and was behind Stokes KK.

The board ran out 388JQ and Stokes doubled up.

Crowe’s Kings Trump Taylor’s Jacks

We were unable to catch when all the money went in, but Owen Crowe doubled through Brian Taylor with pocket kings against pocket jacks on a board that read 79632.

“I didn’t want to play a big pot yet,” said Crowe. “But then I figured I had two kings, so I would.”

Noah Boeken Scores A Knockout, Over A Million

After a flop of 1084, Joseph Michael was all in and Noah Boeken made the call. Michael showed down QQ for an overpair but Boeken tabled 88 for a flopped set.

The turn was the 6 and the river was the 7 and Michael was eliminated. Boeken raked in the pot and was at 1.3 million.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   David Levi,   Jeff Shulman,   David Benyamine,   Noah Boeken,   Owen Crowe,   Sorel Mizzi,   Ludovic Lacay,   Kara Scott,   Nasr El Nasr

Level 10 Hour 2 Update: Bill Gazes Eliminated

Jul 10, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200 with a 200 ante

Players Remaining: 1,683 out of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Amir Lehavot – 585,000
2. Andrew Gaw – 580,000
3. Peter DeBaene – 465,000
4. Jerry Wong – 462,000
5. Troy Weber – 453,200
6. Dan Bilzerian – 439,500
7. Franklin Grigsby – 424,400
8. Gabe Walls – 417,900
9. Michael Kinney – 403,000
10. Rick Barabino – 395,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 206,700
Adam Schoenfeld – 132,000
Phil Hellmuth – 142,900
Lee Watkinson – 67,000
Thomas Keller – 120,000

Average Chip Count: 115,757

Notable Eliminations:

Bill Gazes

Big Hands:

Bill Gazes Eliminated

After a raise from Gregory Brooks to 2,800, Bill Gazes moved in for his last 30,000 and was called by Brooks. Brooks showed AK and was flipping against Gazes’ 77.

The flop and turn were good for Gazes as it came 81032, but the K on the river ended Gazes’ tournament and gave Brooks the pot.

Kostritsyn Runs into Aces

Alexander Kostritsyn raised under-the-gun and was called by a player in middle position. The flop was 462 and Kostritsyn bet 4,500, which was called by his opponent. The turn brought the 10 and Kostritsyn now bet 10,000 and again was called.

The river was the 2 and Kostritsyn fired another barrel, as he bet 25,000, which was called by his opponent who showed AA. Kostritsyn flashed a middle pocket pair and mucked his hand.

Somerville Loses the Minimum With Full House

Jason Somerville was faced with a 53,000 chip bet on the river with the board reading J5593. Somerville went into the tank for several minutes and finally tossing in the call.

“You got jacks full?” asked Somerville and didn’t look surprised when his opponent showed him pocket jacks. Somerville showed pocket nines, good for a lesser full house, and his opponent took the pot.

Horan Makes a Good Call

After some preflop action, the flop was 274. The action was checked to Tim Horan who bet 5,000. He was met with a check-raise to 10,000 and he made the call. The turn was the 2 and his opponent bet 10,000 again. This time Horan raised to 25,000 and his opponent decided to stick around.

The river was the 5 and his opponent bet 15,000. Horan sat there, looking like he was going to raise, before putting in the call. Neither player was anxious to show their hand and eventually Horan showed AK and his opponent mucked his hand.

“I knew you didn’t hit that,” said Horan as he was stacking chips.

Mizzi Flops a Set and Doubles Up

There was already over 140,000 in the pot when Sorel Mizzi and his opponent saw a flop of 1076. Mizzi moved his last 108,000 into the middle and his opponent called.

Mizzi showed 1010 and his opponent had the QQ. The turn and the river failed to bring a queen and Mizzi’s set held up. Mizzi is now sitting at 360,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Jason Somerville,   Sorel Mizzi,   Alexander Kostritsyn

Level 6 Update: Mizzi Takes a Hit

Jun 21, '09

Blinds: 300-600

Players Remaining: 180 out of 295

Notable Eliminations:

Phil Ivey

Big Hands:

Mizzi On Short End of Three-Way All In

On a flop of 5Q10, two players got all their money in and Sorel Mizzi had them covered. Mizzi made the call and was ahead with his AA910.

The other two players exposed the KJ6K and the J889. Mizzi needed to fade some straight cards, but the 8 fell on the turn, making a straight for one of the players, and leaving Mizzi drawing dead.

The A on the river filled a bigger straight for the other player in the hand and eliminated his opponent and put a dent in Mizzi’s stack.

David Williams is Unsuccessful With Check Raise

David Williams was heads up on a flop of K26. He check-raised his opponent to 15,000 and his opponent immediately moved all in for 29,000.

Williams contemplated for several moments before finally tossing his hand into the muck. Williams is left with 22,000.

Andy Bloch Takes a Hit

Andy Bloch took a huge hit to his stack after getting all in on a flop of J52 as a favorite with his A934 against his opponent’s 10634.

The turn was good for Bloch, which was the Q, but the 4 on the river made his opponents six-high straight. Bloch was left with just 2000 in chips.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   David Williams,   Sorel Mizzi

Double Elimination! Richard Austin Wins Event No. 35 ($409,484)

Jun 19, '09

Richard Austin Wins Event No. 35 ($409,484) Cliff Josephy Eliminated in Third Place ($166,771) Sorel Mizzi Eliminated in Second Place ($253,048)

What an ending! Richard Austin called on the button, Sorel Mizzi completed from the small blind and Cliff Josephy raised to 150,000 from the big blind.

Austin called and Mizzi reraised the size of the pot to 750,000. Josephy called all in for his last 195,000 and Austin called.

The flop came out K93 and Mizzi moved all in for his last 680,000. Austin called and all three players showed their hands.

Mizzi — AA53
Josephy — AKK8
Austin — QJ85

The turn was the 8, helping no one. Mizzi was still in the lead for the side pot and Josephy had the overall lead with a set of kings, but the river was the 7 and Austin made his flush to take the tournament.

Austin earned $409,484 for the victory, claiming his first WSOP bracelet.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Richard Austin,   Sorel Mizzi

Final Table Update: Down to Three

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Richard Austin — 2,505,000
2. Sorel Mizzi — 1,610,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 1,350,000

Average Chip Count: 1,815,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Felipe Ramos – $67,663
5. Rifat Palevic – $86,516
4. Dan Hindin – $116,478

Big Hands

Felipe Ramos Eliminated in Sixth Place ($67,663)

Sorel Mizzi raised to 100,000 and Felipe Ramos reraised all in. Mizzi made the call. Their cards:

Mizzi: AJ97
Ramos: AA106

Board: 10428J

Mizzi won the hand with a straight and Ramos was eliminated in sixth place.

Rifat Palevic Eliminated in Fifth Place ($86,516)

Rifat Palevic raised to 140,000 preflop and Sorel Mizzi reraised the pot, forcing Palevic to make an all-in call. Their cards:

Palevic: A982
Mizzi: AQQ3

Board: 432AJ

Mizzi won the pot with aces and threes over the aces and twos of Palevic. Palevic was eliminated in fifth place.

Dan Hindin Eliminated in Fourth Place ($116,478)

Dan Hindin found himself all in preflop against Richard Austin after a series of raises. Their cards:

Hindin: KKQ7
Austin: AAK8

Board: Q66107

Hindin was eliminated in fourth place.

Player Tags: Richard Austin,   Sorel Mizzi,   Felipe Ramos,   Rifat Palevic

Final Table Update: Sorel Mizzi Takes the Lead

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 1,800,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 1,160,000
3. Richard Austin — 1,080,000
4. Dan Hindin — 785,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 395,000
6. Rifat Palevic — 245,000

Average Chip Count: 907,500

Notable Eliminations:

None

Big Hands

Sorel Mizzi Wins a Huge Pot to Take the Chip Lead

On a limped and checked flop of A109 Rifat Palevic bet 40,000 and Sorel Mizzi made the call. The turn fell 7 and Palevic checked. Mizzi bet 115,000 and Palevic called.

The river fell 4 and and Palevic checked again. Mizzi bet 300,000 and Palevic made the call after tanking for a bit. Mizzi turned up J855 and Palevic mucked. Mizzi grew his stack to 1.3 million after the hand, good for the chip lead.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi,   Rifat Palevic

Level 16 Update: Three Tables Left

Jun 18, '09

Level 16 Update

Blinds: 3,000-6,000

Players Remaining: 27 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Jesper Hougaard — 500,000
2. Rifat Pelevic — 390,000
3. Sorel Mizzi — 350,000
4. Isaac Baron — 320,000
5. Evan Sofer — 280,000
6. Richard Austin — 240,000
7. Matt Gianetti — 235,000
8. Van Marcus — 200,000
9. Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy — 195,000
10. Ralph Perry — 177,000

Average Chip Count: 201,666

Notable Eliminations:

Jeff Lisandro

Big Hands:

Baron’s Big Draw Bricks, Doubles up Van Marcus

After taking a three-handed flop of 257, Van Marcus leads out or 27,000. Sorel Mizzi gets out of the way and Isaac Baron asks him how much he has left. After a moment of contemplation, Baron raised to 80,000 and Marcus moves all in and was instantly called by Baron.

Van Marcus turns over 22Q5, good for bottom set and had to fade the big draw that Baron showed when he exposed the 64K7. The board bricked off for Baron is it came 10K and Van Marcus doubled up.

Ralph Perry Punishes Limpers to Take Down Pot

After five players limped in, it was up to Ralph Perry in the big blind. Perry took his option and decided to make it 30,000. Sorel Mizzi, after limping in under the gun, tanked for a few moments before making the call. Isaac Baron mucked, as did Fabrice Soulier, and the small blind decided to make the call.

The flop came down K37 and the small blind checked. Perry cut out some chips and bet out 75,000. Sorel Mizzi pondered his options for a minute or so before finally releasing his hand, and the small blind quickly mucked, allowing Perry to rake the pot.

Cliff Josephy Tangles With Jesper Hougaard

Cliff Josephy and Jesper Hougaard seem to be mixing it up a fair amount. On a flop of A103, Hougaard bet out and is called by Josephy. The turn is the 5 and Hougaard bet 35,000, which is once again called by Josephy.

The river is the J and Hougaard fired one last bullet, this time 85,000. Josephy thought for a few moments before calling. Hougaard announced “aces up” and Josephy said “No good, I have a straight,” as he tabled the QJK2, which ironically was good for a flush.

A few hands later, on a flop of K109, after Hougaard checked, Josephy bet 35,000. Hougaard called and the third party got out of the way. The 9 fell on the turn and both players checked. The 2 was the river card and Hougaard checked again. Josephy bet 40,000 and was called by Hougaard. Josephy just mucked his cards when he was called and Hougaard tabled the QJK2, which was good for a straight.

Left In The Deck:

During the color-up period, David “Devilfish” Ulliott took the microphone that the tournament directors use and began singing “All Shook Up.”

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Isaac Baron,   Sorel Mizzi,   Jesper Hougaard

Level 9 Update: Williamson Busts

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200

Players Remaining: 90 out of 362

Chip Counts:

1. Ralph Perry – 155,800
2. Jeff Lisandro – 150,000
3. Cliff Josephy – 140,000
4. Steve Sarrafzadeh – 132,000
5. Jesper Hougaard – 130,000
6. Mortiz Schmejkal – 126,000
7. Sorel Mizzi – 125,000
8. Tex Barch – 123,000
9. David Ulliott – 110,000
10. Bruno Fitoussi – 92,000

Average Chip Count: 55,000

Notable Eliminations:

Robert Williamson III
Kathy Liebert

Big Hands:

Williamson’s Heart Broken On The River

Preflop, Robert Williamson was all in and received two callers, including Sorel Mizzi. “I don’t even want to look,” Williamson announced as he turned his head away from the board. “It won’t make a bit of difference.”

The flop came down K98 and the player in seat 4 put out a bet. Mizzi mucked his hand and then the players turned over their hands.

Williamson: K9Q10
Seat 4: AAJ5

Williamson got a great flop and was in the lead. The turn was even better when the K gave him a full house. But Williamson should have kept his head turned away as the A was the death card for Williamson and he was eliminated.

Fitoussi Straightens Out His Opponent

On a board showing QJ96, Bruno Fitoussi bet 5,400 and his opponent in seat 4 made the call. The river brought the K and Fitoussi fired another shot, this one worth 12,000. His opponent tanked for a bit and then decided to make the call. Fitoussi turned over A10QJ for Broadway on the river. His opponent mucked and Fitoussi was at 85,000.

Clements Falters

Scott Clements raised to 7,200 preflop and his opponent in the big blind made the call, putting himself all in.

Clements: AA83
Big Blind: K987

Board: 1010657

Clements was ahead with the bullets for most of the way but his opponent hit the money card on the river as the 7 gave him a straight to crack Clements’ aces. Clements surrendered the pot and he was down to 34,000.

Benyamine Tangles With Hougaard

After David Ulliott called 1,200 from the hijack, Jesper Hougaard raised to 4,000 preflop from the cutoff and the button folded. David Benyamine was next to act in the small blind and he reraised to 9,500. Ulliott mucked and Hougaard made the call.

The flop came down 952 and the action was passive enough as both players checked. The 2 on the turn ignited a fuse as Benyamine fired 10,500. Hougaard then tanked for a few minutes and came back with two towers worth 50,000. Benyamine quickly released his hand and he was down to 40,000 while Hougaard improved to 128,000.

Player Tags: David Ulliott,   David Benyamine,   Bruno Fitoussi,   Scott Clements,   Robert Williamson III,   Sorel Mizzi,   Jesper Hougaard

Double Elimination! Richard Austin Wins Event No. 35 ($409,484)

Jun 19, '09

Richard Austin Wins Event No. 35 ($409,484) Cliff Josephy Eliminated in Third Place ($166,771) Sorel Mizzi Eliminated in Second Place ($253,048)

What an ending! Richard Austin called on the button, Sorel Mizzi completed from the small blind and Cliff Josephy raised to 150,000 from the big blind.

Austin called and Mizzi reraised the size of the pot to 750,000. Josephy called all in for his last 195,000 and Austin called.

The flop came out K93 and Mizzi moved all in for his last 680,000. Austin called and all three players showed their hands.

Mizzi — AA53
Josephy — AKK8
Austin — QJ85

The turn was the 8, helping no one. Mizzi was still in the lead for the side pot and Josephy had the overall lead with a set of kings, but the river was the 7 and Austin made his flush to take the tournament.

Austin earned $409,484 for the victory, claiming his first WSOP bracelet.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Richard Austin,   Sorel Mizzi

Final Table Update: Down to Three

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Richard Austin — 2,505,000
2. Sorel Mizzi — 1,610,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 1,350,000

Average Chip Count: 1,815,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Felipe Ramos – $67,663
5. Rifat Palevic – $86,516
4. Dan Hindin – $116,478

Big Hands

Felipe Ramos Eliminated in Sixth Place ($67,663)

Sorel Mizzi raised to 100,000 and Felipe Ramos reraised all in. Mizzi made the call. Their cards:

Mizzi: AJ97
Ramos: AA106

Board: 10428J

Mizzi won the hand with a straight and Ramos was eliminated in sixth place.

Rifat Palevic Eliminated in Fifth Place ($86,516)

Rifat Palevic raised to 140,000 preflop and Sorel Mizzi reraised the pot, forcing Palevic to make an all-in call. Their cards:

Palevic: A982
Mizzi: AQQ3

Board: 432AJ

Mizzi won the pot with aces and threes over the aces and twos of Palevic. Palevic was eliminated in fifth place.

Dan Hindin Eliminated in Fourth Place ($116,478)

Dan Hindin found himself all in preflop against Richard Austin after a series of raises. Their cards:

Hindin: KKQ7
Austin: AAK8

Board: Q66107

Hindin was eliminated in fourth place.

Player Tags: Richard Austin,   Sorel Mizzi,   Felipe Ramos,   Rifat Palevic

Final Table Update: Sorel Mizzi Takes the Lead

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 1,800,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 1,160,000
3. Richard Austin — 1,080,000
4. Dan Hindin — 785,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 395,000
6. Rifat Palevic — 245,000

Average Chip Count: 907,500

Notable Eliminations:

None

Big Hands

Sorel Mizzi Wins a Huge Pot to Take the Chip Lead

On a limped and checked flop of A109 Rifat Palevic bet 40,000 and Sorel Mizzi made the call. The turn fell 7 and Palevic checked. Mizzi bet 115,000 and Palevic called.

The river fell 4 and and Palevic checked again. Mizzi bet 300,000 and Palevic made the call after tanking for a bit. Mizzi turned up J855 and Palevic mucked. Mizzi grew his stack to 1.3 million after the hand, good for the chip lead.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi,   Rifat Palevic

Level 16 Update: Three Tables Left

Jun 18, '09

Level 16 Update

Blinds: 3,000-6,000

Players Remaining: 27 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Jesper Hougaard — 500,000
2. Rifat Pelevic — 390,000
3. Sorel Mizzi — 350,000
4. Isaac Baron — 320,000
5. Evan Sofer — 280,000
6. Richard Austin — 240,000
7. Matt Gianetti — 235,000
8. Van Marcus — 200,000
9. Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy — 195,000
10. Ralph Perry — 177,000

Average Chip Count: 201,666

Notable Eliminations:

Jeff Lisandro

Big Hands:

Baron’s Big Draw Bricks, Doubles up Van Marcus

After taking a three-handed flop of 257, Van Marcus leads out or 27,000. Sorel Mizzi gets out of the way and Isaac Baron asks him how much he has left. After a moment of contemplation, Baron raised to 80,000 and Marcus moves all in and was instantly called by Baron.

Van Marcus turns over 22Q5, good for bottom set and had to fade the big draw that Baron showed when he exposed the 64K7. The board bricked off for Baron is it came 10K and Van Marcus doubled up.

Ralph Perry Punishes Limpers to Take Down Pot

After five players limped in, it was up to Ralph Perry in the big blind. Perry took his option and decided to make it 30,000. Sorel Mizzi, after limping in under the gun, tanked for a few moments before making the call. Isaac Baron mucked, as did Fabrice Soulier, and the small blind decided to make the call.

The flop came down K37 and the small blind checked. Perry cut out some chips and bet out 75,000. Sorel Mizzi pondered his options for a minute or so before finally releasing his hand, and the small blind quickly mucked, allowing Perry to rake the pot.

Cliff Josephy Tangles With Jesper Hougaard

Cliff Josephy and Jesper Hougaard seem to be mixing it up a fair amount. On a flop of A103, Hougaard bet out and is called by Josephy. The turn is the 5 and Hougaard bet 35,000, which is once again called by Josephy.

The river is the J and Hougaard fired one last bullet, this time 85,000. Josephy thought for a few moments before calling. Hougaard announced “aces up” and Josephy said “No good, I have a straight,” as he tabled the QJK2, which ironically was good for a flush.

A few hands later, on a flop of K109, after Hougaard checked, Josephy bet 35,000. Hougaard called and the third party got out of the way. The 9 fell on the turn and both players checked. The 2 was the river card and Hougaard checked again. Josephy bet 40,000 and was called by Hougaard. Josephy just mucked his cards when he was called and Hougaard tabled the QJK2, which was good for a straight.

Left In The Deck:

During the color-up period, David “Devilfish” Ulliott took the microphone that the tournament directors use and began singing “All Shook Up.”

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Isaac Baron,   Sorel Mizzi,   Jesper Hougaard

Level 9 Update: Williamson Busts

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200

Players Remaining: 90 out of 362

Chip Counts:

1. Ralph Perry – 155,800
2. Jeff Lisandro – 150,000
3. Cliff Josephy – 140,000
4. Steve Sarrafzadeh – 132,000
5. Jesper Hougaard – 130,000
6. Mortiz Schmejkal – 126,000
7. Sorel Mizzi – 125,000
8. Tex Barch – 123,000
9. David Ulliott – 110,000
10. Bruno Fitoussi – 92,000

Average Chip Count: 55,000

Notable Eliminations:

Robert Williamson III
Kathy Liebert

Big Hands:

Williamson’s Heart Broken On The River

Preflop, Robert Williamson was all in and received two callers, including Sorel Mizzi. “I don’t even want to look,” Williamson announced as he turned his head away from the board. “It won’t make a bit of difference.”

The flop came down K98 and the player in seat 4 put out a bet. Mizzi mucked his hand and then the players turned over their hands.

Williamson: K9Q10
Seat 4: AAJ5

Williamson got a great flop and was in the lead. The turn was even better when the K gave him a full house. But Williamson should have kept his head turned away as the A was the death card for Williamson and he was eliminated.

Fitoussi Straightens Out His Opponent

On a board showing QJ96, Bruno Fitoussi bet 5,400 and his opponent in seat 4 made the call. The river brought the K and Fitoussi fired another shot, this one worth 12,000. His opponent tanked for a bit and then decided to make the call. Fitoussi turned over A10QJ for Broadway on the river. His opponent mucked and Fitoussi was at 85,000.

Clements Falters

Scott Clements raised to 7,200 preflop and his opponent in the big blind made the call, putting himself all in.

Clements: AA83
Big Blind: K987

Board: 1010657

Clements was ahead with the bullets for most of the way but his opponent hit the money card on the river as the 7 gave him a straight to crack Clements’ aces. Clements surrendered the pot and he was down to 34,000.

Benyamine Tangles With Hougaard

After David Ulliott called 1,200 from the hijack, Jesper Hougaard raised to 4,000 preflop from the cutoff and the button folded. David Benyamine was next to act in the small blind and he reraised to 9,500. Ulliott mucked and Hougaard made the call.

The flop came down 952 and the action was passive enough as both players checked. The 2 on the turn ignited a fuse as Benyamine fired 10,500. Hougaard then tanked for a few minutes and came back with two towers worth 50,000. Benyamine quickly released his hand and he was down to 40,000 while Hougaard improved to 128,000.

Player Tags: David Ulliott,   David Benyamine,   Bruno Fitoussi,   Scott Clements,   Robert Williamson III,   Sorel Mizzi,   Jesper Hougaard

Double Elimination! Richard Austin Wins Event No. 35 ($409,484)

Jun 19, '09

Richard Austin Wins Event No. 35 ($409,484) Cliff Josephy Eliminated in Third Place ($166,771) Sorel Mizzi Eliminated in Second Place ($253,048)

What an ending! Richard Austin called on the button, Sorel Mizzi completed from the small blind and Cliff Josephy raised to 150,000 from the big blind.

Austin called and Mizzi reraised the size of the pot to 750,000. Josephy called all in for his last 195,000 and Austin called.

The flop came out K93 and Mizzi moved all in for his last 680,000. Austin called and all three players showed their hands.

Mizzi — AA53
Josephy — AKK8
Austin — QJ85

The turn was the 8, helping no one. Mizzi was still in the lead for the side pot and Josephy had the overall lead with a set of kings, but the river was the 7 and Austin made his flush to take the tournament.

Austin earned $409,484 for the victory, claiming his first WSOP bracelet.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Richard Austin,   Sorel Mizzi

Final Table Update: Down to Three

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Richard Austin — 2,505,000
2. Sorel Mizzi — 1,610,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 1,350,000

Average Chip Count: 1,815,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Felipe Ramos – $67,663
5. Rifat Palevic – $86,516
4. Dan Hindin – $116,478

Big Hands

Felipe Ramos Eliminated in Sixth Place ($67,663)

Sorel Mizzi raised to 100,000 and Felipe Ramos reraised all in. Mizzi made the call. Their cards:

Mizzi: AJ97
Ramos: AA106

Board: 10428J

Mizzi won the hand with a straight and Ramos was eliminated in sixth place.

Rifat Palevic Eliminated in Fifth Place ($86,516)

Rifat Palevic raised to 140,000 preflop and Sorel Mizzi reraised the pot, forcing Palevic to make an all-in call. Their cards:

Palevic: A982
Mizzi: AQQ3

Board: 432AJ

Mizzi won the pot with aces and threes over the aces and twos of Palevic. Palevic was eliminated in fifth place.

Dan Hindin Eliminated in Fourth Place ($116,478)

Dan Hindin found himself all in preflop against Richard Austin after a series of raises. Their cards:

Hindin: KKQ7
Austin: AAK8

Board: Q66107

Hindin was eliminated in fourth place.

Player Tags: Richard Austin,   Sorel Mizzi,   Felipe Ramos,   Rifat Palevic

Final Table Update: Sorel Mizzi Takes the Lead

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 1,800,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 1,160,000
3. Richard Austin — 1,080,000
4. Dan Hindin — 785,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 395,000
6. Rifat Palevic — 245,000

Average Chip Count: 907,500

Notable Eliminations:

None

Big Hands

Sorel Mizzi Wins a Huge Pot to Take the Chip Lead

On a limped and checked flop of A109 Rifat Palevic bet 40,000 and Sorel Mizzi made the call. The turn fell 7 and Palevic checked. Mizzi bet 115,000 and Palevic called.

The river fell 4 and and Palevic checked again. Mizzi bet 300,000 and Palevic made the call after tanking for a bit. Mizzi turned up J855 and Palevic mucked. Mizzi grew his stack to 1.3 million after the hand, good for the chip lead.

Player Tags: Sorel Mizzi,   Rifat Palevic

Level 16 Update: Three Tables Left

Jun 18, '09

Level 16 Update

Blinds: 3,000-6,000

Players Remaining: 27 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Jesper Hougaard — 500,000
2. Rifat Pelevic — 390,000
3. Sorel Mizzi — 350,000
4. Isaac Baron — 320,000
5. Evan Sofer — 280,000
6. Richard Austin — 240,000
7. Matt Gianetti — 235,000
8. Van Marcus — 200,000
9. Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy — 195,000
10. Ralph Perry — 177,000

Average Chip Count: 201,666

Notable Eliminations:

Jeff Lisandro

Big Hands:

Baron’s Big Draw Bricks, Doubles up Van Marcus

After taking a three-handed flop of 257, Van Marcus leads out or 27,000. Sorel Mizzi gets out of the way and Isaac Baron asks him how much he has left. After a moment of contemplation, Baron raised to 80,000 and Marcus moves all in and was instantly called by Baron.

Van Marcus turns over 22Q5, good for bottom set and had to fade the big draw that Baron showed when he exposed the 64K7. The board bricked off for Baron is it came 10K and Van Marcus doubled up.

Ralph Perry Punishes Limpers to Take Down Pot

After five players limped in, it was up to Ralph Perry in the big blind. Perry took his option and decided to make it 30,000. Sorel Mizzi, after limping in under the gun, tanked for a few moments before making the call. Isaac Baron mucked, as did Fabrice Soulier, and the small blind decided to make the call.

The flop came down K37 and the small blind checked. Perry cut out some chips and bet out 75,000. Sorel Mizzi pondered his options for a minute or so before finally releasing his hand, and the small blind quickly mucked, allowing Perry to rake the pot.

Cliff Josephy Tangles With Jesper Hougaard

Cliff Josephy and Jesper Hougaard seem to be mixing it up a fair amount. On a flop of A103, Hougaard bet out and is called by Josephy. The turn is the 5 and Hougaard bet 35,000, which is once again called by Josephy.

The river is the J and Hougaard fired one last bullet, this time 85,000. Josephy thought for a few moments before calling. Hougaard announced “aces up” and Josephy said “No good, I have a straight,” as he tabled the QJK2, which ironically was good for a flush.

A few hands later, on a flop of K109, after Hougaard checked, Josephy bet 35,000. Hougaard called and the third party got out of the way. The 9 fell on the turn and both players checked. The 2 was the river card and Hougaard checked again. Josephy bet 40,000 and was called by Hougaard. Josephy just mucked his cards when he was called and Hougaard tabled the QJK2, which was good for a straight.

Left In The Deck:

During the color-up period, David “Devilfish” Ulliott took the microphone that the tournament directors use and began singing “All Shook Up.”

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Isaac Baron,   Sorel Mizzi,   Jesper Hougaard

Level 9 Update: Williamson Busts

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200

Players Remaining: 90 out of 362

Chip Counts:

1. Ralph Perry – 155,800
2. Jeff Lisandro – 150,000
3. Cliff Josephy – 140,000
4. Steve Sarrafzadeh – 132,000
5. Jesper Hougaard – 130,000
6. Mortiz Schmejkal – 126,000
7. Sorel Mizzi – 125,000
8. Tex Barch – 123,000
9. David Ulliott – 110,000
10. Bruno Fitoussi – 92,000

Average Chip Count: 55,000

Notable Eliminations:

Robert Williamson III
Kathy Liebert

Big Hands:

Williamson’s Heart Broken On The River

Preflop, Robert Williamson was all in and received two callers, including Sorel Mizzi. “I don’t even want to look,” Williamson announced as he turned his head away from the board. “It won’t make a bit of difference.”

The flop came down K98 and the player in seat 4 put out a bet. Mizzi mucked his hand and then the players turned over their hands.

Williamson: K9Q10
Seat 4: AAJ5

Williamson got a great flop and was in the lead. The turn was even better when the K gave him a full house. But Williamson should have kept his head turned away as the A was the death card for Williamson and he was eliminated.

Fitoussi Straightens Out His Opponent

On a board showing QJ96, Bruno Fitoussi bet 5,400 and his opponent in seat 4 made the call. The river brought the K and Fitoussi fired another shot, this one worth 12,000. His opponent tanked for a bit and then decided to make the call. Fitoussi turned over A10QJ for Broadway on the river. His opponent mucked and Fitoussi was at 85,000.

Clements Falters

Scott Clements raised to 7,200 preflop and his opponent in the big blind made the call, putting himself all in.

Clements: AA83
Big Blind: K987

Board: 1010657

Clements was ahead with the bullets for most of the way but his opponent hit the money card on the river as the 7 gave him a straight to crack Clements’ aces. Clements surrendered the pot and he was down to 34,000.

Benyamine Tangles With Hougaard

After David Ulliott called 1,200 from the hijack, Jesper Hougaard raised to 4,000 preflop from the cutoff and the button folded. David Benyamine was next to act in the small blind and he reraised to 9,500. Ulliott mucked and Hougaard made the call.

The flop came down 952 and the action was passive enough as both players checked. The 2 on the turn ignited a fuse as Benyamine fired 10,500. Hougaard then tanked for a few minutes and came back with two towers worth 50,000. Benyamine quickly released his hand and he was down to 40,000 while Hougaard improved to 128,000.

Player Tags: David Ulliott,   David Benyamine,   Bruno Fitoussi,   Scott Clements,   Robert Williamson III,   Sorel Mizzi,   Jesper Hougaard

Level 9 Update: Sung And Mizzi Double Up

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 46 out of 96

Chip Counts:

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

Average Chip Count: 58,776

Notable Eliminations:

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

Big Hands:

Steve Sung Doubles Up Through Freddy Deeb

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

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

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

Zolotow With An Early Pot, Busts Out Later

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

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Michael Binger

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

Draw: Mizzi draws 1 card, Binger draws 1 card

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

Mueller Loves The Three-Way Action

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

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

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

So Long Freddy

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

Draw: Benyamine draws 1 card, Deeb draws 1 card

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

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

Level 18 Update: Neil Chriss Busts on the Bubble

May 29, '09

Blinds: 10,000-20,000 with a 3,000 ante

Players Remaining: 23 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Justin Bonomo — 2,200,000
2. Greg Raymer — 2,090,000
3. David Baker — 1,700,000
4. Lex Veldhuis — 1,600,000
5. Ted Forrest — 1,560,000
6. Vitaly Lunkin — 1,080,000
7. Brian Townsend — 1,060,000
8. Noah Schwartz — 1,050,000
9. Alec Torelli — 1,025,000
10. Sorel Mizzi — 960,000

Average Chip Count: 1,048,695

Notable Eliminations:

Out of the Money

Phil Galfond
Neil Chriss

In the Money

27. Vanessa Rousso — $71,858
26. J.C. Tran — $71,858
25. Sorel Mizzi — $71,858
24. David Pham — $71,858

Big Hands:

Phil Galfond Busts to Ted Forrest

A short stacked Phil Galfond moved all in holding AQ but unfortunately ran into the AA of Ted Forrest. The board came out KK6J9 and Galfond was eliminated in 29th place.

The remaining 28 players are now playing hand-for-hand.

Neil Chriss Becomes Unfortunate Bubble Boy

Alec Torelli raised to 50,000 on the button and both Neil Chriss and Greg Raymer came along in the blinds. The flop came out A96 and Chriss led out for 100,000. Raymer folded and Torelli moved all in, putting Chriss to the test.

Chriss made the call showing A4 and was temporarily ahead of Torelli’s 87 for an open-ended straight draw. But the turn and river came 59 giving Torelli the winning straight and making Chriss the bubble boy.

Vanessa Rousso Eliminated in 27th Place ($71,858)
_
Keith Lehr raised to 75,000 and Vanessa Rousso moved all in behind him for her last 350,000. Lehr made the call and showed AK which was racing against Rousso’s QQ. The board came out J765A and Lehr rivered his ace to make Rousso the first player to finish in the money.

J.C. Tran Eliminated in 26th Place ($71,858)

J.C. Tran raised to 105,000, basically committing the rest of his stack. Matt Marafioti then reraised to 700,000, more than enough to put him all in. Tran called with QJ and was crushed by Marafioti’s QQ. To add insult to injury, the case queen hit the flop and Marafioti went on to make a full house, eliminating Tran from the tournament.

Sorel Mizzi Eliminated in 25th Place ($71,858)

Sorel Mizzi and David Baker got in all in preflop with Baker having the bigger stack. Mizzi showed QQ and Baker showed AK. The flop came 543 and Mizzi kept the lead, until the turn and river came KA giving Baker the winning two pair.

David Pham Eliminated in 24th Place ($71,858)

On the very last hand of the evening, David Pham moved all in for 320,000 and Matt Marafioti called in the big blind with KK. Pham could only show Q9 and it missed it’s draws when the board ran out J1073A.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   David Pham,   Ted Forrest,   Vanessa Rousso,   Neil Chriss,   Phil Galfond,   Keith Lehr,   Alec Torelli,   Sorel Mizzi,   Matt Marafioti

Level 15 Update: Greg Raymer Gets Stronger

May 29, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000 with a 2,000 ante

Players Remaining: 40 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Raymer — 2,660,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 1,400,000
3. Matth Glantz — 1,058,000
4. Brian Townsend — 1,015,000
5. Justin Bonomo — 980,000
6. Ted Forrest — 940,000
7. Vitaly Lunkin — 915,000
8. Sorel Mizzi — 840,000
9. Chris Moneymaker — 835,000
10. David Pham — 820,000

Average Chip Count: 603,000

Notable Eliminations:

James Mackey
Alex Jacob
Dale Pinchot

Big Hands:

Greg Raymer Takes Out James Mackey

Shortly into the level, James Mackey found himself all in holding K-Q. Unfortunately, Greg Raymer woke up with A-K. The board brought a king, but Raymer’s kicker was enough to send Mackey home out of the money. After the hand, Raymer stacked ballooned to 1.67 million.

Alec Torelli Picks Up a Big Pot With an All-In Move

Greg Raymer opened from early position to 30,000 and Vanessa Rousso made the call. Brian Rast then raised to 105,000 in the hijack and the action moved over to Alec Torelli. After a few minutes in thought, Torelli moved all in for 810,000.

Raymer quickly folded, as did Rousso. Rast asked for a count, saw that his 650,000 was well covered and the folded. Torelli moved up to approximately 960,000.

Phil Galfond Doubles Through Justin Bonomo

Phil Galfond found himself all in holding a dominating A-K against Justin Bonomo and his A-J. A king hit the flop and Bonomo failed to catch up, doubling Galfond to 488,000 in chips. Bonomo is still healthy with about 1.1 million.

Sami Kelopuro Doubles Up Courtesy of Alan Sass

After an all-in and call, Sami Kelopuro revealed his pocket queens and was way ahead of Alan Sass and his pocket eights. The board ran out Q63J4 and Kelopuro’s set of queens were enough to double him up to about 375,000 in chips.

Chris Moneymaker Gives Up Some Chips to Noah Schwartz

Noah Schwartz was all in on the short stack holding pocket kings against the pocket sevens of Chris Moneymaker. The board failed to help the 2003 champion and Schwartz doubled up to 320,000. Moneymaker dropped below the million mark with 910,000.

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Frank Kassela

On a flop of J107 Sorel Mizzi is all in holding J-10 for top two pair against Frank Kassela’s and his pocket eights. Kassela needs an eight or a nine to bust Mizzi but the turn and river come 610, giving Mizzi a boat and a newly formed stack of about 750,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Frank Kassela,   Chris Moneymaker,   Greg Raymer,   James Mackey,   Justin Bonomo,   Vanessa Rousso,   Brian Rast,   Phil Galfond,   Alan Sass,   Noah Schwartz,   Alec Torelli,   Sorel Mizzi,   Sami Kelopuro

Level 14 Update: Mike Matusow Eliminated

May 29, '09

Blinds: 5,000-10,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 44 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Brian Townsend – 1,470,000
2. Lex Veldhuis – 1,320,000
3. Greg Raymer – 1,300,000
4. Justin Bonomo – 1,270,000
5. Matthew Glantz – 1,058,000
6. Brian Rast – 1,020,000
7. Ted Forrest – 1,020,000
8. Chris Moneymaker – 920,000
9. Isaac Haxton — 785,000
10. Frank Kassela — 750,000

Average Chip Count: 548,181

Notable Eliminations:

Emil Patel
Huck Seed
Mike Matusow
Bruno Fitoussi

Big Hands:

Huck Seed is Eliminated

On a board of 75AQ, Huck Seed checked from the small blind to Alec Torelli on the button. Torelli fired out 37,000 and Seed called. The river was the J and the action went check-check. Torelli said, “I think you got me,” and Huck turned over the 107. To Torelli’s surprise he rivered Seed, and exposed J10 for a pair of jacks. Seed was severely short stacked and moved all-in the next hand with 76 from the button only to be called by Greg Raymer in the small blind with K9. Seed failed to hit and was knocked out of Event 2 of the World Series of Poker.

Nam Le Doubles Up

Nam Le and Sorel Mizzi got it all in on the flop with Le holding the 107 and Mizzi holding the KQ. The board read 89J, with Le holding a straight but leaving Mizzi with a lot of outs. Those outs failed to arrive on the turn and river, and Le doubled up to around 700,000.

Mike Matusow Eliminated

Mike Matusow raised to 25,000 preflop from the big blind and Keith Lehr reraised enough to put Matusow all in under the gun. Matusow made the call and they flipped up their cards:

Matusow: 77
Lehr: A10

Board: Q84KA

Matusow was eliminated on the hand and Lehr moved up to 600,000.

Matthew Glantz Flops a Set

On a board of J9AQ6, Matthew Glantz fired a big river bet into Evan McNiff. McNiff mulled it over before finally calling. Glantz turned over the 99 for a set of nines and raked in the 500,000 chip pot. Glantz is no over 1,000,000 in chips.

Brian Townsend Eliminates Emil Patel

Emil Patel and Brian Townsend got it all-in pre-flop with Patel holding AK and Townsend holding 1010. The flop of 7103 was perfect for Townsend, as Patel was drawing dead with no back door draws. Townsend is up to 1,500,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

Table 60 is a stacked table with pros Greg Raymer, Andrew Robl, Vanessa Rousso, Steve Zolotow, Brian Rast, Alec Torelli and formerly Bruno Fitoussi before he was eliminated and Andrew Black before he was moved.

The players are on a 60 minute dinner break. The action tonight will conclude when they have reached 18 players or have played four more levels.

Player Tags: Nam Le,   Huck Seed,   Steve Zolotow,   Mike Matusow,   Greg Raymer,   Matthew Glantz,   Emil Patel,   Brian Townsend,   Keith Lehr,   Alec Torelli,   Sorel Mizzi,   Evan McNiff

Level 13 Update: Antonio Esfandiari Eliminated, Justin Bonomo Climbs to the Top

May 29, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 60 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Justin Bonomo- 1,280,000
2. Brian Townsend – 1,200,000
3. Brian Rast – 1,000,000
4. Alex Veldhuis – 990,000
5. Phil Galfond – 800,000
6. Matthew Glantz – 800,000
7. Ted Forrest – 690,000
8. Alec Torelli – 494,500
9. JC Tran- 491,000
10. Isaac Haxton- 525,000

Average Chip Count: 402,000

Notable Eliminations:

Antonio Esfandiari
Kyle Wilson
Mark Seif
Phil Ivey
David Singer
Josh Arieh
David Benefield

Big Hands:

Antonio Esfandiari Knocked Out by Chris Moneymaker

Holding AQ, Antonio Esfandiari moved all in pre-flop and was called by the AK of Chris Moneymaker. Moneymaker flopped a king and sent the Magician to the rail.

Kyle Wilson is Eliminated

Justin Bonomo and Kyle Wilson got it all-in pre-flop with Wilson holding ace queen off-suit against the KK of Justin Bonomo. Wilson failed to improve and was eliminated. Bonomo now has a monster stack of over 1 million.

Justin Bonomo adds to huge chip stack

In a hand versus J.C. Tran and Phil Galfond, Justin Bonomo made a 125,000 chip river bet on a board of 10Q867. Galfond thought briefly before folding and then Tran folded quickly. Bonomo is now up to 1,200,000.

Chris Moneymaker Continues to Leak Chips

On a board of 73AK, J.C. Tran checked to Chris Moneymaker on the button. Moneymaker checked behind and the 5 fell on the river. Tran checked and Moneymaker quickly fired a bet of 33,000 which was quickly called by Tran. Moneymaker said it was a good call and Tran flipped over the A10 to win the pot. Moneymaker is down to 400,000.

Phil Ivey Eliminated

David Baker limped from middle position and Humberto Brenes raised to 26,000 right behind him. Phil Ivey reraised all in for 84,000 and then Mizzi reraised to 150,000 from the small blind. Baker and Brenes mucked and then Ivey and Mizzi flipped up their cards:

Mizzi: 1010
Ivey: AQ

Board: J669K

Ivey was eliminated on the hand and Mizzi grew his stack to 760,000.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   J.C. Tran,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Chris Moneymaker,   Phil Ivey,   Justin Bonomo,   Phil Galfond,   Kyle Wilson,   Sorel Mizzi

Level 11 Update -- Day 2 Begins

May 29, '09

Blinds: 2,500-5,000 with a 500 ante

Players Remaining: 79 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Bruno Fitoussi – 812,500
2. Chris Moneymaker – 805,000
3. Sorel Mizzi – 772,000
4. Justin Bonomo – 738,000
5. Alexander Veldhuis – 646,500
6. Kyle Wilson – 611,500
7. Brian Townsend – 609,000
8. Emil Patel – 494,500
9. Alan Sass – 491,000
10. Alex Jacob – 450,000

Average Chip Count: 271,011

Notable Eliminations:

Mike Watson
Shawn Buchanan
Amit Makhija

Big Hands:

Sorel Mizzi Wins Huge Double Up

On a board of 88s4, Sorel Mizzi bet out 40,000 and Michael DeMichele contemplated briefly before calling. The pot stood at 150,000 at the moment. The turn brought the 4 and Mizzi tanked before betting 90,500 into DeMichele. DeMichele eventually called and the 4 landed on the river, putting a full house on board. Mizzi once again tanked before announcing he was all-in. DeMichele looked shocked and tanked for minutes before finally calling the 266,500 chip all-in from Mizzi. Mizzi turned over the AA and DeMichele eventually mucked. Mizzi is now among the top chip leaders, with 772,000.

Mike Watson is Elminated

The short stacked Michael Watson moved all in with AQ and was called by James Mackey with pocket sixes and another opponent with pocket queens. Watson failed to hit the ace and was knocked out of the tournament.

Vitaly Lunkin Eliminates an Opponent

The button moved all in preflop and Vitaly Lunkin made the call from late position, covering his opponent. The recent RPT Moscow champion flipped over 1010 and the button showed down 88. The board ran out A6K99 and Lunkin won the hand to grow his stack to 289,000. The button was eliminated and made his way to the rail.

Brian Rast Doubles Up

Brian Rast moved all in from late position for 136,500 preflop and the button called him down. Their cards:

Rast: AJ
Button: AQ

Board: 81038J

Rast doubled up on the hand to survive with more than 270,000.

Amit Makhija is Eliminated By Mike Matusow

Amit Makhija moved all in pre-flop with ace king off-suit and was called by the AA of Mike Matusow. Makhija failed to hit any miracle and was eliminated by the three-time bracelet winner.

Alex Jacob Moves All-in On The River

On a board of 48Q1010, Alex Jacob moved all in for 137,000 against the big stack of Chris Moneymaker. Moneymaker went into the tank for quite some time asking Jacob if he would show his hand if he folded. Jacob was stone faced and took down the large pot once Moneymaker folded. Jacob is now up to 450,000.

James Mackey Wins a Coin-flip, Eliminates Shawn Buchanan

After some raising, James Mackey moved all-in pre-flop for 114,500 and Shawn went into the tank for minutes. Buchanan counted his chips, noticing that Mackey had him covered and eventually made the call. Mackey turned over KQ and Buchanan tabled the 1010. The flop of JJ5 was safe for Buchanan but the Q on the turn made the situation grim. The river brought the 7 and Mackey’s chip stack rose to 310,000.

Player Tags: Mike Matusow,   Shawn Buchanan,   James Mackey,   Michael Watson,   Michael DeMichele,   Sorel Mizzi,   Amit Makhija

Level 10 Update: Fitoussi's Stack Grows

May 28, '09

Blinds: 2,000-4,000 with 500 ante

Players Remaining: 89 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Bruno Fitoussi – 812,500
2. Chris Moneymaker – 805,000
3. Emil Patel – 615,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 606,500
5. Justin Bonomo – 570,000
6. Michael DeMichele – 550,000
7. Kyle Wilson – 520,000
8. Brian Townsend – 512,000
9. Alan Sass – 440,000
10. Matt Marafioti – 415,000

Average Chip Count: 271,011

Notable Eliminations:

Phil Laak
Phil Hellmuth
Nenad Medic
Vivek Rajkumar
Bertrand Grospellier

Big Hands:

Rousso Drops a Pot to Mizzi

On a board that read 54433 Sorel Mizzi fired 25,000 into the pot. Vanessa Rousso made the call and Mizzi tabled 99 and Rousso could not find a better hand, mucking her holding. She was down to around 138,000 while Mizzi improved to 312,000.

Raymer Tries a Switcheroo On The Magician

Antonio Esfandiari raised to 12,000 from the small blind and Greg Raymer made the call from the big blind. The flop came J84 and Esfandiari fired 25,000. Raymer tanked for a bit, then traded cards with Esfandiari. “If I could do this I would call,” he said. Then he mucked both hands, giving Esfandiari the pot. Raymer was down to 190,000 while Esfandiari was around 390,000 after the hand.

Later, Raymer improved his stack when his J10 was good enough on a board of J6A9A. His opponent flashed the 9 and Raymer picked up a pot.

Fitoussi Outflops Jacob

Alex Jacob fired 11,000 under the gun and Fitoussi repopped it to 27,000 from the button. Bill Chen folded his big blind and Jacob called. The flop came out Q107 and both players checked. The turn was the 3 and Jacob fired 40,000. Fitoussi called and the river was the K. Both players checked and Fitoussi showed AQ for top pair on the flop, besting Jacob’s pocket 99. Jacob was down to 295,000 while Fitoussi improved to 570,000.

Phil Busts Phil

Phil Ivey knocked out Phil Hellmuth when the Poker Brat moved in with ace-jack. Ivey tabled ace-king and the board ran out with a king, ending Hellmuth’s day.

Player Tags: Antonio Esfandiari,   Phil Hellmuth,   Bruno Fitoussi,   Phil Ivey,   Greg Raymer,   Vanessa Rousso,   Alex Jacob,   Sorel Mizzi