Shaun Deeb - Live Updates

Level 3 Update -- Shaun Deeb Going Backwards

Oct 02, '09

Blinds: 100-200

Players Remaining: 282 out of 305 (Unofficial)

Average Chip Count:

32,000

Notable Eliminations:

Asa Smith

Hand of the Level:

World Champion Moving On Up

Thanks to a nice river value bet of 7,700 on a board reading QQ10J2, Peter Eastgate got a boost from his JJ, raking in a nice pot.

The Team PokerStars Pro is now up to a very healthy 70,000 in chips.

Left In The Deck:

Sleeping On The Job

The 8-Game tournament is getting closer and closer to the final table. Notables that remain include Huck Seed, David Williams, Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem.

One person not in attendance and hasn’t been all day is Jean-Robert Bellande. According to his Twitter account, Bellande accidentally slept through his day 2 restart time and blinded out.

“I just pulled a Vinny Vihn and slept through day 2 of my tourney. @dwpoker was calling my american tel to wake me. Using London tel :(”

“I was short stacked w 4.5k so I just ran out of chips.Feel like I cheated Huck, Jeff L, and Chad Brown on our % swaps. So sorry guys. 0 chps”

Things Are So Much Easier Online

Shaun Deeb is not having a great start to this tournament. When he first arrived, Deeb had apparently misplaced his tournament receipt and was therefore unable to prove he was playing today.

After that ordeal was sorted out, Deeb sat down at the table and immediately began to get pummeled. His stack has taken quite the beating and he is now down to his last 8,500 in chips.

Luckily for Deeb, he has picked up the pace online in the past few days to vault himself up to the no. 2 position in Card Player’s Online Player of the Year race.

Player Tags: Jean-Robert Bellande,   Shaun Deeb,   Peter Eastgate

Shaun Deeb Need Not Apply

Sep 30, '09

The field size has grown considerably larger than three thus far in the high-roller event, so Shaun Deeb better keep his distance from this tournament. (For those who don’t get the joke, Deeb won a three-person high-roller event at the Kiev stop last month)

So far, we are sitting on a field of just over 50 65 players, but the line to sign up is backed up a few players deep and tournament officials are hopeful that the sleepy, jet-lagged group of players find their way here before registration ends.

Because of the tournament’s location here at the London Hilton Metropole, cash is not accepted for buy-ins, causing a few players to scramble. Players can, however, buy in using funds directly from their PokerStars account.

We’ll keep an eye on the player count throughout the day as it climbs, but here’s a preliminary look at the player’s in the field so far.

Tom Dwan, Phil Ivey, Joe Hachem, Vicky Coren, Vivek Rajkumar, Luke Schwartz, Humberto Brenes, Bertrand Grospellier, Joe Cada, Vanessa Rousso, Erik Seidel, Chris Moneymaker, Chris Ferguson, Dennis Phillips, Sam Trickett, Barry Greenstein, Luca Pagano, Mike McDonald, Greg Raymer, Erik Cajelais, Sorel Mizzi, Carlos Mortensen, Juha Helppi, Steve O’Dwyer, Dario Minieri and Per Ummer.

UPDATE

Some more names to add to the list.

Andrew Lichtenberger, Dan Shak, Bryn Kenney, Matthew Glantz, Evan McNiff, Justin Smith, Nikolay Evdakov, Vadim Trincher, Andrew Feldman, J.C. Alvarado, Michael Tureniac, Benny Spindler, Jani Sointula, Leo Fernandez and Will Molson.

UPDATE II

Add John Juanda and Johan Van Til to the list.

UPDATE III

Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott has just sat down, and Sammy George is currently hovering.

UPDATE IV

Just for the hell of it, Alex Kravchenko, Nick Schulman, Johan Storakers and William Thorson.

We’ll update this list as we get more information.

Player Tags: Shaun Deeb

Level 7 Hour 1 Update: Sam Farha Doubles Up

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 300-600 with a 75 ante

Players Remaining: 3,956 of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 235,000
2. Greg Mueller – 176,000
3. Coba Cao – 175,100
4. Tom Schneider – 165,000
5. Andy Black – 162,000
6. Kirk Banks – 157,000
7. Jim Bookstaff – 155,000
8. Nick Maimone – 154,000
9. David Sands – 147,000
10. Redmond Lee – 140,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson – 41,000
Ciaran O’Leary – 33,400
Mike Matusow – 20,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jason Mercier
Shaun Deeb

Big Hands:

The River Is Good To Farha

After a series of raises between Sam Farha, Karga Holt and seat 7, Farha moved all in for 11,550. Jaka mucked but seat 7 made the call. Farha turned over 77. Seat 7 showed AQ and they were off to the races.

Seat 7 spiked an ace on the flop when it came AJ2. The turn offered no help to Farha as it was the K. The river was the 7 and Farha pulled off his miracle and doubled up to 32,000.

Helppi Picks Off A Bluff

After the river was dealt, the board read A10284. The player in seat 7 bet 4,200 and Helppi made the call.

“Good call,” seat 7 said as he showed Helppi K-J for a busted straight draw. Helppi turned over 86 for just a pair of eights and took down the pot. He was at 81,000.

Sometimes, It’s Good When You Miss

The player in seat 2 raised to 1,500 from the cutoff and Todd Brunson made the call from the small blind. The flop came down K96 and both players checked. The turn was the 6 and Brunson checked. The cutoff bet 3,500 and Brunson came along. The river was the 2 and Brunson checked again. The cutoff fired another shot, this one 6,000. Brunson finally released his hand into the muck and his opponent showed KK for a full house.

“I’m lucky I missed,” Brunson said after seeing the hand. He was down to 40,000.

Erik Cajelais Caught With Counterfeit Diamonds

Erik Cajelais raised from the button and the big blind called. The flop was K22. The big blind checked and Cajelais bet 4,000. The big blind raised all in to 22,000. Cajelais made the call with 65. The big blind tabled A10 and Cajelais’ flush draw was rendered useless. The turn was the 9 and the river was the 3 and neither player hit anything, giving the big blind the double up with ace-high. Cajelais was at 60,000.

Shaun Deeb Annihilated By Rockets

Shaun Deeb raised to 13,000 and then Corwin Cole repopped it to 30,000. Deeb then shoved for 60,000. Cole made the call and tabled AA. Deeb showed down A9 and was in deep trouble.

The board ran out JJ10K8 and Deeb threw away 600 big blinds in the blink of an eye and was eliminated.

Michael Gracz Doubles Up

Michael Gracz moved all in for 14,000 preflop and was called by one player. Gracz showed 55 while his opponent tabled A7. The board ran out K1068Q and Gracz doubled up to 28,000.

Hoyt Corkins Doubles Again And His Stack Nothing To Mess With Now

A late position player put in a raise preflop and Hoyt Corkins called from the big blind. The small blind came along as well and the flop was J75. Action was checked to the late position player who bet out. The small blind called and Corkins moved in for 30,000. The small blind was the only caller and tabled KK. Corkins showed 98 for just a double belly-buster straight draw.

The turn was the A and Corkins had one foot out the door. But the river was the 10 and Corkins cracked the cowboys, making his straight and doubling to over 70,000.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   Juha Helppi,   Michael Gracz,   Todd Brunson,   Sam Farha,   Erik Cajelais,   Shaun Deeb

Level 6 Hour 2 Update: Erik Seidel Doubles, Barry Greenstein Doesn't

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 250-500 with a 50 ante

Day 2A Field: 1,476

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 235,000
2. Coba Cao – 175,000
3. Andy Black – 160,000
4. Redmond Lee – 160,000
5. Chris Ferguson – 145,000
6. Fabrice Soulier – 143,000
7. Jim Bookstaff – 137,000
8. Nick Maimone – 130,000
9. Tom Schneider – 125,000
10. Craig Hopkins – 121,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson – 38,000
Ciaran O’Leary – 33,400
Mike Matusow – 28,000

Notable Eliminations:

Raymond Davis
Barry Greenstein
Mark Newhouse

Big Hands:

The Ladies Hooked By Seidel

The player under the gun raised preflop and the action was on Erik Seidel. He moved all in for around 12,000 and he was called by the player under the gun.

Seidel: JJ
Opponent: QQ

Seidel was dominated, but the flop changed that rather quickly as it fell K6J. Seidel had the set and the lead. The turn was the 2 and the river was the A and Seidel doubled up to 25,000.

The Real Amarillo Slim Standing Tall

Amarillo Slim Preston was involved in a hand with one opponent and the flop came down KJ10. Both players checked and the turn was the K. Preston raised to almost 10,000 after his opponent had led out for 2,800. The raise was called and the river was 2.

Both players checked and Preston showed 1010 for a flopped set of tens. His opponent mucked and Preston was around 80,000.

Robin Hood Sent Packing

Barry Greenstein moved in for his last 10,000 preflop and Eric Tomberlin made the call. Greenstein showed down JJ, but was dominated by Tomberlin’s KK.

The board ran out 106410Q and Greenstein was shown the door.

Grant Levy Scores The K.O.

Grant Levy called his opponent’s all in bet and turned over AK. His opponent tabled QQ and the race was on. The flop came J74, giving both players a club draw with Levy’s being superior. The turn was the 3 and Levy locked up the hand. The river was the meaningless 3 and Levy was at 70,000.

Tom Schneider Folds To Rockets

The player in seat 5 raised to 1,200 and Tom Schneider made the call from the button. The big blind also came along and they all saw a flop of 1044. The big blind checked and seat 5 bet 2,500. Schneider called and the big blind mucked. The turn was the Q and seat 5 led out with 6,000. Schneider called again just in time for the ESPN cameras to arrive.

The river was the 2 and seat 5 fired 11,000. Schneider thought about it and then mucked his hand. “Come on, show the bluff,” Pamela Brunson said. “The cameras are all here to see it,” Schneider added. Seat 5 obliged to showing his hand, but it was no bluff as he turned over AA. Schneider was at 125,000.

Brad Garrett Takes A Pot

A player raised to 1,300 and Brad Garrett made the call from middle position. The button also called and the small blind did the same. The four players saw a flop of Q73 and the small blind bet 2,400. The original raiser folded and Garrett made it 5,000 to go. The small blind was the only caller and the turn was the 9. The small blind checked to Garrett who fired out 5,000. The small blind mucked and Garrett was at 44,000.

Shaun Deeb In A Gamblin’ Mood

Vitaly Lunkin raised to 1,400 preflop and two players called. The action was then on Shaun Deeb on the button and he raised to 6,200. The big blind then moved all in for 25,000. The action folded around to Deeb and he made the call. He tabled KJ, trailing the big blind’s A10.

The flop then fell J76 and Deeb was out in front. The turn was the Q giving the big blind a straight draw, but the river was the Q and Deeb got the knockout. He was at 75,000.

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Barry Greenstein,   Tom Schneider,   Brad Garrett,   Shaun Deeb,   Grant Levy,   Amarillo Slim

Level 3 Hour 2 Update: Not a Good Hour for the Brunson's

Jul 04, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Craig Hopkins – 131,000
2. Nick Maimone – 125,000
3. Jim Bookstaff – 118,000
4. Vadim Gruzglin – 118,000
5. Jesse Rios – 110,500
6. Ali Eslami – 90,000
7. Karin Lehoussing – 87,000
8. Jonathan Tare – 75,000
9. Sam Khouiss – 72,000
10. Dave D’Alesandro – 68,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson — 41,000
Mike Matusow — 29,000

Notable Eliminations:

Doyle Brunson
Vicky Coren

Big Hands

Deeb Gets Revenge

A player under the gun opened the pot for 800 and was called by Shaun Deeb and the player in the big blind. They saw the flop three-handed and it came AJ4. The big blind checked, the original raiser bet 2,200 and Deeb raised to 5,250. The big blind, who was the the same player that doubled through Deeb earlier, flat called the 5250 and the original raiser got out of the way.

They were heads-up to the turn and the turn card was the 8. The big blind checked and Deeb moved all in for his last 16,000. The big blind called and showed A8, but was way behind Deeb’s AJ. The river bricked off and Deeb doubled up to about 50,000.

Helppi Doubles Up Through Brunson

There were several players that took a flop after a preflop raise. The flop came J22 and everybody checked over to the button, who bet 1,500. The small blind called, Todd Brunson called, and then Juha Helppi moved all in for his last 8,125.

The button tanked for a minute or so before finally giving up his hand. The small blind tossed in his cards quickly and then Brunson went into the tank. After asking the dealer to spread the pot as he did some mental math, he then cut out some chips and said “I guess you have a flush draw,” and tossed in the call.

Brunson was right as Helppi tabled A10 and Brunson showed QJ. The button moaned, claiming he had folded pocket queens, but was relieved when the A fell on the turn, giving Helppi the best hand. The river was the 5 and Brunson’s stack took a dent.

Doyle Brunson Eliminated

With the final board reading 9 7 3 4 A, cards were turned up and Doyle Brunson was getting up from the table. Brunson had flopped a set of threes and was eliminated when his opponent showed 5 6.

The room cheered out of respect as the 10 time bracelet winner was eliminated from the tournament, and his World Series is officially over.

Mortensen’s Stack Takes a Hit

After a preflop raise to 600, Carlos Mortensen and two other players called.

The flop was 94Q and everybody checked to the preflop raiser, who bet 1,200, which was called by everyone. The turn was the 10 and after the preflop raiser bet 2,000, Mortensen was the only caller.

The river was the 4 and Mortensen moved his opponent all in after he bet 4,100. His opponent snap called and showed QQ, good for a full house, and besting Mortensen’s A4.

This Is What Happens When You Don’t Respect Your Elders

Erik Seidel raised to 800 from middle position and action folded around to the big blind, where an older woman was residing. She made the call and the two players saw a flop of A43. The big blind checked and Seidel immediately fired 1,400. The woman called and the turn was the 6. The woman then led out with 3,050 and Seidel made a quick call.

The river was the A and the woman immediately fired 16,000 into the bought, producing a giggle from Seidel and a shake of the head. He spent a minute thinking over his decision and then mucked his hand. His stack was down to 54,000.

Eslami Near Six Figures

On a board reading KJ2810, the player in the hijack position fired 3,500. Ali Eslami then raised to 9,000 from the button. The player in the hijack then tabled Q9, thinking Eslami had just called. After the floor was called over, the player was issued a warning but given the option to call or fold. He called with his straight, but Eslami tabled AQ for the nut straight and he raked in the pot. Eslami was around 90,000 after the hand.

Vicky Coren Out In Heartbreaking Fashion

Vicky Coren moved her last 10,000 into the pot preflop and was called by one opponent. Coren tabled QQ and was in terrible shape against her opponents KK.

The flop was no help as it came 432. Coren then spiked the Q on the turn and was in great shape to double up. But the K fell on the river and just that quickly, Coren went from the penthouse to the outhouse as she was eliminated.

Big Hand For Slim, But Only a Small Pot

On a flop of K66, the small blind led out for 400 and Amarillo Slim called. The 3 fell on the turn and the small blind checked. Slim bet 500 and the small blind folded and claimed he had a king.

“You were drawing dead the whole way, lucky for you you didn’t catch another one,” said Slim as he flashed the 66, showing that he flopped quad sixes.

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Todd Brunson,   Doyle Brunson,   Ali Eslami,   Vicky Coren,   Shaun Deeb

Level 3 Hour 1 Update: David Pham Goes Bust

Jul 04, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Vadim Gruzglin – 125,000
2. Jim Bookstaff – 114,000
3. Jesse Rios – 112,000
4. Sam Khouiss – 80,500
5. Dave D’Alesandro – 68,000
6. Catherine Hearn – 62,000
7. Grant Levy – 60,200
8. Angelo Ricci – 57,500
9. Paris Heard – 57,000
10. Raymond Davis – 55,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson — 50,000
Mike Matusow — 31,000
Stephen Murphy – 6,500

Notable Eliminations:

Jeremiah Smith
David Pham

Big Hands

Brunson Drops A Pot

The player in seat 4 raised to 800 preflop from middle position and the small blind called. Todd Brunson was in the big blind and he decided to come along as well. The flop then fell A83. The action was checked to seat 4 who fired 1,700 into the pot. The small blind mucked but Brunson called.

The turn was the 6 and both players checked. They did the same on the 4 river and seat 4 showed A9 for top pair. Brunson showed the losing 1010 and he was down to 55,000.

King Raymer

Greg Raymer and his opponent in seat 3 tangled in a hand where the pot was over 4,000 preflop. The flop then fell 1074. Seat 3 checked to Raymer who fired 3,500 into the pot. Seat 3 then mucked his hand, surrendering the pot to Raymer.

Raymer then tabled KK. “Every time I reraise you I have two kings,” Raymer said. Seat 3 grinned and Raymer was at 44,000.

The Red Queens

After a flop of Q84, Shaun Deeb’s opponent moved all in for 14,500. Deeb then made the call and the players showed their hands.

Deeb: AQ
Opponent: QQ

Deeb flopped top pair but his opponent made a set of ladies. The turn was the 7 and the river was the 9 and Deeb was down to 25,000 after dropping that pot.

Greenstein Takes One

Barry Greenstein raised to800 preflop from under the gun and the action folded around to the big blind. He made the call and the players saw a flop of A8K. The big blind checked and Greenstein fired 1,000. The big blind made the quick call and the 2 came on the turn. Action was checked to Greenstein again and he bet 3,000. The big blind mucked and Greenstein took the pot, getting his stack to 34,000.

Dragon Slayed

David Pham was nursing a short stack and moved it into the middle against the big blind. The big blind called and tabled AK. Pham showed AA, having his opponent dominated. The flop came K85, giving the big blind a pair but Pham still held the lead.

That all changed on the turn when the K showed up and ruined Pham’s good time. Pham needed the case A to make a full house and double up, but the 6 fell on the river instead and Pham was gone from the main event.

Jeremiah Smith Gone

Jeremiah Smith doubled up very early in day 1, but just a few hours later he went bust. On a board showing A937, Smith moved all in and was called by his opponent. Smith tabled pocket threes for a set, but his opponent showed pocket aces for top set. Smith needed the case three to drop on the river but instead the 9 fell, filling up both players but Smith got the sucker’s end and he was eliminated.

Hoyt Corkins Doubles Up

Hoyt Corkins called 300 preflop and another player raised to 950. Action folded around back to Corkins who shoved for his entire stack of 19,875. The other player made the call and tabled AJ. Corkins was in great shape as he was dominating his opponent with AK.

The flop then came K109, giving Corkins top pair but also giving his opponent a Broadway draw. The turn was the 6 and the river paired the board with the 10 and Corkins doubled up to just over 40,000.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   David Pham,   Barry Greenstein,   Todd Brunson,   Greg Raymer,   Shaun Deeb

Level 7 Hour 1 Update: Sam Farha Doubles Up

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 300-600 with a 75 ante

Players Remaining: 3,956 of 6,494

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 235,000
2. Greg Mueller – 176,000
3. Coba Cao – 175,100
4. Tom Schneider – 165,000
5. Andy Black – 162,000
6. Kirk Banks – 157,000
7. Jim Bookstaff – 155,000
8. Nick Maimone – 154,000
9. David Sands – 147,000
10. Redmond Lee – 140,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson – 41,000
Ciaran O’Leary – 33,400
Mike Matusow – 20,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jason Mercier
Shaun Deeb

Big Hands:

The River Is Good To Farha

After a series of raises between Sam Farha, Karga Holt and seat 7, Farha moved all in for 11,550. Jaka mucked but seat 7 made the call. Farha turned over 77. Seat 7 showed AQ and they were off to the races.

Seat 7 spiked an ace on the flop when it came AJ2. The turn offered no help to Farha as it was the K. The river was the 7 and Farha pulled off his miracle and doubled up to 32,000.

Helppi Picks Off A Bluff

After the river was dealt, the board read A10284. The player in seat 7 bet 4,200 and Helppi made the call.

“Good call,” seat 7 said as he showed Helppi K-J for a busted straight draw. Helppi turned over 86 for just a pair of eights and took down the pot. He was at 81,000.

Sometimes, It’s Good When You Miss

The player in seat 2 raised to 1,500 from the cutoff and Todd Brunson made the call from the small blind. The flop came down K96 and both players checked. The turn was the 6 and Brunson checked. The cutoff bet 3,500 and Brunson came along. The river was the 2 and Brunson checked again. The cutoff fired another shot, this one 6,000. Brunson finally released his hand into the muck and his opponent showed KK for a full house.

“I’m lucky I missed,” Brunson said after seeing the hand. He was down to 40,000.

Erik Cajelais Caught With Counterfeit Diamonds

Erik Cajelais raised from the button and the big blind called. The flop was K22. The big blind checked and Cajelais bet 4,000. The big blind raised all in to 22,000. Cajelais made the call with 65. The big blind tabled A10 and Cajelais’ flush draw was rendered useless. The turn was the 9 and the river was the 3 and neither player hit anything, giving the big blind the double up with ace-high. Cajelais was at 60,000.

Shaun Deeb Annihilated By Rockets

Shaun Deeb raised to 13,000 and then Corwin Cole repopped it to 30,000. Deeb then shoved for 60,000. Cole made the call and tabled AA. Deeb showed down A9 and was in deep trouble.

The board ran out JJ10K8 and Deeb threw away 600 big blinds in the blink of an eye and was eliminated.

Michael Gracz Doubles Up

Michael Gracz moved all in for 14,000 preflop and was called by one player. Gracz showed 55 while his opponent tabled A7. The board ran out K1068Q and Gracz doubled up to 28,000.

Hoyt Corkins Doubles Again And His Stack Nothing To Mess With Now

A late position player put in a raise preflop and Hoyt Corkins called from the big blind. The small blind came along as well and the flop was J75. Action was checked to the late position player who bet out. The small blind called and Corkins moved in for 30,000. The small blind was the only caller and tabled KK. Corkins showed 98 for just a double belly-buster straight draw.

The turn was the A and Corkins had one foot out the door. But the river was the 10 and Corkins cracked the cowboys, making his straight and doubling to over 70,000.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   Juha Helppi,   Michael Gracz,   Todd Brunson,   Sam Farha,   Erik Cajelais,   Shaun Deeb

Level 6 Hour 2 Update: Erik Seidel Doubles, Barry Greenstein Doesn't

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 250-500 with a 50 ante

Day 2A Field: 1,476

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 235,000
2. Coba Cao – 175,000
3. Andy Black – 160,000
4. Redmond Lee – 160,000
5. Chris Ferguson – 145,000
6. Fabrice Soulier – 143,000
7. Jim Bookstaff – 137,000
8. Nick Maimone – 130,000
9. Tom Schneider – 125,000
10. Craig Hopkins – 121,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson – 38,000
Ciaran O’Leary – 33,400
Mike Matusow – 28,000

Notable Eliminations:

Raymond Davis
Barry Greenstein
Mark Newhouse

Big Hands:

The Ladies Hooked By Seidel

The player under the gun raised preflop and the action was on Erik Seidel. He moved all in for around 12,000 and he was called by the player under the gun.

Seidel: JJ
Opponent: QQ

Seidel was dominated, but the flop changed that rather quickly as it fell K6J. Seidel had the set and the lead. The turn was the 2 and the river was the A and Seidel doubled up to 25,000.

The Real Amarillo Slim Standing Tall

Amarillo Slim Preston was involved in a hand with one opponent and the flop came down KJ10. Both players checked and the turn was the K. Preston raised to almost 10,000 after his opponent had led out for 2,800. The raise was called and the river was 2.

Both players checked and Preston showed 1010 for a flopped set of tens. His opponent mucked and Preston was around 80,000.

Robin Hood Sent Packing

Barry Greenstein moved in for his last 10,000 preflop and Eric Tomberlin made the call. Greenstein showed down JJ, but was dominated by Tomberlin’s KK.

The board ran out 106410Q and Greenstein was shown the door.

Grant Levy Scores The K.O.

Grant Levy called his opponent’s all in bet and turned over AK. His opponent tabled QQ and the race was on. The flop came J74, giving both players a club draw with Levy’s being superior. The turn was the 3 and Levy locked up the hand. The river was the meaningless 3 and Levy was at 70,000.

Tom Schneider Folds To Rockets

The player in seat 5 raised to 1,200 and Tom Schneider made the call from the button. The big blind also came along and they all saw a flop of 1044. The big blind checked and seat 5 bet 2,500. Schneider called and the big blind mucked. The turn was the Q and seat 5 led out with 6,000. Schneider called again just in time for the ESPN cameras to arrive.

The river was the 2 and seat 5 fired 11,000. Schneider thought about it and then mucked his hand. “Come on, show the bluff,” Pamela Brunson said. “The cameras are all here to see it,” Schneider added. Seat 5 obliged to showing his hand, but it was no bluff as he turned over AA. Schneider was at 125,000.

Brad Garrett Takes A Pot

A player raised to 1,300 and Brad Garrett made the call from middle position. The button also called and the small blind did the same. The four players saw a flop of Q73 and the small blind bet 2,400. The original raiser folded and Garrett made it 5,000 to go. The small blind was the only caller and the turn was the 9. The small blind checked to Garrett who fired out 5,000. The small blind mucked and Garrett was at 44,000.

Shaun Deeb In A Gamblin’ Mood

Vitaly Lunkin raised to 1,400 preflop and two players called. The action was then on Shaun Deeb on the button and he raised to 6,200. The big blind then moved all in for 25,000. The action folded around to Deeb and he made the call. He tabled KJ, trailing the big blind’s A10.

The flop then fell J76 and Deeb was out in front. The turn was the Q giving the big blind a straight draw, but the river was the Q and Deeb got the knockout. He was at 75,000.

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Barry Greenstein,   Tom Schneider,   Brad Garrett,   Shaun Deeb,   Grant Levy,   Amarillo Slim

Level 3 Hour 2 Update: Not a Good Hour for the Brunson's

Jul 04, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Craig Hopkins – 131,000
2. Nick Maimone – 125,000
3. Jim Bookstaff – 118,000
4. Vadim Gruzglin – 118,000
5. Jesse Rios – 110,500
6. Ali Eslami – 90,000
7. Karin Lehoussing – 87,000
8. Jonathan Tare – 75,000
9. Sam Khouiss – 72,000
10. Dave D’Alesandro – 68,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson — 41,000
Mike Matusow — 29,000

Notable Eliminations:

Doyle Brunson
Vicky Coren

Big Hands

Deeb Gets Revenge

A player under the gun opened the pot for 800 and was called by Shaun Deeb and the player in the big blind. They saw the flop three-handed and it came AJ4. The big blind checked, the original raiser bet 2,200 and Deeb raised to 5,250. The big blind, who was the the same player that doubled through Deeb earlier, flat called the 5250 and the original raiser got out of the way.

They were heads-up to the turn and the turn card was the 8. The big blind checked and Deeb moved all in for his last 16,000. The big blind called and showed A8, but was way behind Deeb’s AJ. The river bricked off and Deeb doubled up to about 50,000.

Helppi Doubles Up Through Brunson

There were several players that took a flop after a preflop raise. The flop came J22 and everybody checked over to the button, who bet 1,500. The small blind called, Todd Brunson called, and then Juha Helppi moved all in for his last 8,125.

The button tanked for a minute or so before finally giving up his hand. The small blind tossed in his cards quickly and then Brunson went into the tank. After asking the dealer to spread the pot as he did some mental math, he then cut out some chips and said “I guess you have a flush draw,” and tossed in the call.

Brunson was right as Helppi tabled A10 and Brunson showed QJ. The button moaned, claiming he had folded pocket queens, but was relieved when the A fell on the turn, giving Helppi the best hand. The river was the 5 and Brunson’s stack took a dent.

Doyle Brunson Eliminated

With the final board reading 9 7 3 4 A, cards were turned up and Doyle Brunson was getting up from the table. Brunson had flopped a set of threes and was eliminated when his opponent showed 5 6.

The room cheered out of respect as the 10 time bracelet winner was eliminated from the tournament, and his World Series is officially over.

Mortensen’s Stack Takes a Hit

After a preflop raise to 600, Carlos Mortensen and two other players called.

The flop was 94Q and everybody checked to the preflop raiser, who bet 1,200, which was called by everyone. The turn was the 10 and after the preflop raiser bet 2,000, Mortensen was the only caller.

The river was the 4 and Mortensen moved his opponent all in after he bet 4,100. His opponent snap called and showed QQ, good for a full house, and besting Mortensen’s A4.

This Is What Happens When You Don’t Respect Your Elders

Erik Seidel raised to 800 from middle position and action folded around to the big blind, where an older woman was residing. She made the call and the two players saw a flop of A43. The big blind checked and Seidel immediately fired 1,400. The woman called and the turn was the 6. The woman then led out with 3,050 and Seidel made a quick call.

The river was the A and the woman immediately fired 16,000 into the bought, producing a giggle from Seidel and a shake of the head. He spent a minute thinking over his decision and then mucked his hand. His stack was down to 54,000.

Eslami Near Six Figures

On a board reading KJ2810, the player in the hijack position fired 3,500. Ali Eslami then raised to 9,000 from the button. The player in the hijack then tabled Q9, thinking Eslami had just called. After the floor was called over, the player was issued a warning but given the option to call or fold. He called with his straight, but Eslami tabled AQ for the nut straight and he raked in the pot. Eslami was around 90,000 after the hand.

Vicky Coren Out In Heartbreaking Fashion

Vicky Coren moved her last 10,000 into the pot preflop and was called by one opponent. Coren tabled QQ and was in terrible shape against her opponents KK.

The flop was no help as it came 432. Coren then spiked the Q on the turn and was in great shape to double up. But the K fell on the river and just that quickly, Coren went from the penthouse to the outhouse as she was eliminated.

Big Hand For Slim, But Only a Small Pot

On a flop of K66, the small blind led out for 400 and Amarillo Slim called. The 3 fell on the turn and the small blind checked. Slim bet 500 and the small blind folded and claimed he had a king.

“You were drawing dead the whole way, lucky for you you didn’t catch another one,” said Slim as he flashed the 66, showing that he flopped quad sixes.

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Todd Brunson,   Doyle Brunson,   Ali Eslami,   Vicky Coren,   Shaun Deeb

Level 3 Hour 1 Update: David Pham Goes Bust

Jul 04, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Vadim Gruzglin – 125,000
2. Jim Bookstaff – 114,000
3. Jesse Rios – 112,000
4. Sam Khouiss – 80,500
5. Dave D’Alesandro – 68,000
6. Catherine Hearn – 62,000
7. Grant Levy – 60,200
8. Angelo Ricci – 57,500
9. Paris Heard – 57,000
10. Raymond Davis – 55,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Todd Brunson — 50,000
Mike Matusow — 31,000
Stephen Murphy – 6,500

Notable Eliminations:

Jeremiah Smith
David Pham

Big Hands

Brunson Drops A Pot

The player in seat 4 raised to 800 preflop from middle position and the small blind called. Todd Brunson was in the big blind and he decided to come along as well. The flop then fell A83. The action was checked to seat 4 who fired 1,700 into the pot. The small blind mucked but Brunson called.

The turn was the 6 and both players checked. They did the same on the 4 river and seat 4 showed A9 for top pair. Brunson showed the losing 1010 and he was down to 55,000.

King Raymer

Greg Raymer and his opponent in seat 3 tangled in a hand where the pot was over 4,000 preflop. The flop then fell 1074. Seat 3 checked to Raymer who fired 3,500 into the pot. Seat 3 then mucked his hand, surrendering the pot to Raymer.

Raymer then tabled KK. “Every time I reraise you I have two kings,” Raymer said. Seat 3 grinned and Raymer was at 44,000.

The Red Queens

After a flop of Q84, Shaun Deeb’s opponent moved all in for 14,500. Deeb then made the call and the players showed their hands.

Deeb: AQ
Opponent: QQ

Deeb flopped top pair but his opponent made a set of ladies. The turn was the 7 and the river was the 9 and Deeb was down to 25,000 after dropping that pot.

Greenstein Takes One

Barry Greenstein raised to800 preflop from under the gun and the action folded around to the big blind. He made the call and the players saw a flop of A8K. The big blind checked and Greenstein fired 1,000. The big blind made the quick call and the 2 came on the turn. Action was checked to Greenstein again and he bet 3,000. The big blind mucked and Greenstein took the pot, getting his stack to 34,000.

Dragon Slayed

David Pham was nursing a short stack and moved it into the middle against the big blind. The big blind called and tabled AK. Pham showed AA, having his opponent dominated. The flop came K85, giving the big blind a pair but Pham still held the lead.

That all changed on the turn when the K showed up and ruined Pham’s good time. Pham needed the case A to make a full house and double up, but the 6 fell on the river instead and Pham was gone from the main event.

Jeremiah Smith Gone

Jeremiah Smith doubled up very early in day 1, but just a few hours later he went bust. On a board showing A937, Smith moved all in and was called by his opponent. Smith tabled pocket threes for a set, but his opponent showed pocket aces for top set. Smith needed the case three to drop on the river but instead the 9 fell, filling up both players but Smith got the sucker’s end and he was eliminated.

Hoyt Corkins Doubles Up

Hoyt Corkins called 300 preflop and another player raised to 950. Action folded around back to Corkins who shoved for his entire stack of 19,875. The other player made the call and tabled AJ. Corkins was in great shape as he was dominating his opponent with AK.

The flop then came K109, giving Corkins top pair but also giving his opponent a Broadway draw. The turn was the 6 and the river paired the board with the 10 and Corkins doubled up to just over 40,000.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   David Pham,   Barry Greenstein,   Todd Brunson,   Greg Raymer,   Shaun Deeb

Level 19 Update: Shaun Deeb, Phil Hellmuth Out

Jul 02, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 23 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Matthew Waxman – 970,000
2. Robert Kay – 965,000
3. Blair Hinkle – 880,000
4. Rory Matthews – 815,000
5. Eugene Katchalov – 800,000
6. Jonas Wexler – 795,000
7. Andrey Zaichenko – 730,000
8. John Conkright – 730,000
9. Faraz Jaka – 700,000
10. Matt Hawrilenko – 540,000

Average Chip Count: 464,000

Notable Eliminations:

26. Shaun Deeb — $22,157
24. Phil Hellmuth — $26,824

Big Hands

Shaun Deeb Eliminated In 26th Place

Shaun Deeb moved the rest of his stack into the middle and Rory Matthews made the call. Here were their cards.

Deeb: A9
Matthews: AJ

Board: A87JK

Both players flopped an ace and Deeb was drawing dead on the turn as Matthews made two pair. Deeb was eliminated and took home $22,157.

Player Tags: Shaun Deeb,   Rory Matthews

Level 18 Update: Shaun Deeb Takes A Hit

Jul 02, '09

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

Players Remaining: 29 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Robert Kay – 1,370,000
2. Matthew Waxman – 970,000
3. Sean Keeton – 910,000
4. Eugene Katchalov – 880,000
5. Rory Matthews – 780,000
6. Blair Hinkle – 700,000
7. Peter Feldman – 690,000
8. Matt Hawrilenko – 620,000
9. Alex Venovski – 520,000
10. Lee Vlastaris – 510,000

Average Chip Count: 464,000

Notable Eliminations:

Big Hands

Lars Bonding Eliminated

Lars Bonding moved all in for his last 170,000 and Robert Kay made the call. Here were their cards.

Bonding: 98
Kay: AK

Board: A4103K

Kay flopped an ace to take a commanding lead and rivered two pair just for the hell of it and Bonding was eliminated.

Deeb Takes A Big Hit

After a flop of 1056, Sean Keeton fired 37,000 into the pot. Rory Matthews then raised to 165,000 and the action was on Shaun Deeb. He moved in for over 600,000 and Keeton mucked.

Matthews then made the call and Deeb showed Q10 for top pair. Matthews tabled 65 for two pair.

The board finished out 2J and Matthews doubled through Deeb. Deeb was down to 295,000 in chips after the hand.

Raymond Davis Doubles Up

Raymond Davis moved all in preflop for 80,000 and one player made the call. Here were their cards.

Davis: AK
Opponent: A7

Board: A48510

Both players flopped an ace but Davis had a better kicker and it held up, helping Davis double to 180,000 in chips.

Pocket Aces For Hellmuth; Eruption Ensues

Phil Hellmuth raised to 25,000 preflop and Andrey Zaichenko moved in for 200,000. Hellmuth made the call and tabled AA while Zaichenko held KQ. Of course you know, the flop came down KQ5 and Hellmuth was trailing. The board finished out 4 and J and Hellmuth went on a rant.

He proceeded to say a few things to his opponent and the dealer, then culminated his rant by declaring, “I’m playing for my life here!” His life was a bit devalued after the hand, down to 150,000.

Player Tags: Raymond Davis,   Phil Hellmuth,   Lars Bonding,   Robert Kay,   Sean Keeton,   Shaun Deeb,   Rory Matthews,   Andrey Zaichenko

Level 16 Update: Shannon Shorr Eliminated

Jul 01, '09

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

Players Remaining: 35 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Matthew Waxman – 1,150,000
2. Robert Kay – 1,000,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 900,000
4. Blair Hinkle – 620,000
5. Alex Venovski – 580,000
6. Sean Keeton – 530,000
7. Andrey Zaichenko – 510,000
8. Eugene Katchalov – 480,000
9. Matt Hawrilenko – 460,000
10. Darrell Dicken – 450,000

Average Chip Count: 397,714

Notable Eliminations:

49. Yevgeniy Timoshenko — $13,957
39. Shannon Shorr — $17,272
37. Bill Edler — $17,272
36. Bill Chen — $17,272

Big Hands

Andrey Zaichenko Busts Matt Lagarde

Matt Lagarde moved all in for 78,000 from the button and Andrey Zaichenko made the call. Lagarde tabled 87 while Zaichenko showed AK. Lagarde was drawing live and the flop came down Q46.

Lagarde got a gutshot straight draw to go along with his two live cards, but the turn was the K and Lagarde’s only hope was to hit his straight. The 10 missed him and he was eliminated.

The Million Dollar Man Always Gets His Way

On a board reading A1066 and with 60,000 in the pot, Robert Kay fired 18,000 and Rui Cao raised it to 58,000. Kay made the call and the river was the 2.

Both players checked and Kay showed down AJ for two pair. Cao mucked his hand and Kay raked in the pot. With the win, Kay was the first player over the 1 million chip mark, holding 1,100,000.

Matt Hawrilenko Busts Rui Cao

Matt Hawrilenko raised to 16,000 preflop and the action was on Rui Cao. He repopped it to 73,000, putting himself all in. Hawrilenko made the call and showed AK. Cao tabled QQ and the race was on.

The flop put Hawrilenko ahead as it fell K69. Cao needed a queen or running cards to hit a backdoor straight, but the turn was the 8 and the river was the 5, sending Cao to the rail. Hawrilenko was at 440,000 after the hand.

Shorr Can’t Do It Again As He Is Eliminated By Shaun Deeb

Shannon Shorr managed to double through Shaun Deeb during the last level and tried to do it again. He was all in for 140,000 preflop and Deeb made the call.

Shorr tabled KJ while Deeb held 66. The board ran out 1053310 and Shorr was eliminated.

Player Tags: Shannon Shorr,   Robert Kay,   Shaun Deeb,   Matthew Lagarde,   Andrey Zaichenko,   Rui Cao

Level 15 Update: Shorr Doubles Up Twice

Jul 01, '09

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

Players Remaining: 50 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Robert Kay – 950,000
2. Shaun Deeb – 800,000
3. Blair Hinkle – 630,000
4. Matthew Waxman – 540,000
5. Eugene Katchalov – 480,000
6. Lars Bonding – 440,000
7. Sean Keeton – 355,000
8. Darrell Dicken – 350,000
9. Shannon Shorr – 340,000
10. Ilya Gorodetskiy – 300,000

Average Chip Count: 210,909

Notable Eliminations:

63. Justin Bonomo — $11,297
61. Joe Tehan — $11,297
57. David Peters — $12,561
55. Jeff D’Ambrosia — $12,561
54. Sorel Mizzi — $13,957

Big Hands

Shannon Shorr Doubles Up Twice

Shannon Shorr moved all in preflop and Shaun Deeb made the call. It was the classic race situation as Shorr tabled AK while Deeb held 66. The flop brought KQJ and Shorr shot ahead to the lead. The turn was the 3 and the river was the J and Shorr doubled up to 135,000.

A few hands later, Shorr raised to 11,000 from under the gun and Rory Matthews popped it to 55,000 from the small blind. Shorr moved in and Matthews called, showing 88. Shorr showed 1010 and his superior pair held up, helping him double to 340,000.

Shaun Deeb Cracks Kings, Soars To 800,000

Shaun Deeb raised to 10,500 from under the gun and action folded to the button. He raised t 25,000 and Deeb called. The flop came J105 and Deeb checked. The button fired 40,000 and Deeb moved in for over 500,000. The button called and he was all in. Deeb showed KQ for an open ended straight draw while the button showed KK.

The turn was the 9, making Deeb’s straight and the river was the 2, sending the button to the rail. Deeb raked in the pot and his stack was up to 800,000.

Hawrilenko Takes It With Aces Up

Faraz Jaka raised to 10,000 from the button and Hawrilenko made the call from the big blind. The flop came down A54 and Hawrilenko checked. Jaka bet 13,000 and Hawrilenko made the call. The turn was the 9 and both players checked.

The river was the 5 and Hawrilenko led out with 30,000. Jaka raised to 90,000 and Hawrilenko made the call. Jaka showed AQ for top pair but Hawrilenko tabled A9 for aces up and the pot. He was at 250,000.

Player Tags: Matt Hawrilenko,   Shannon Shorr,   Shaun Deeb,   Rory Matthews,   Faraz Jaka

Level 10 Update: Deeb Doubles Up, Allen Cunningham Elilminated

Jul 01, '09

Blinds: 600-1200

Players Remaining: 174 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Juha Helppi – 160,000
2. Lex Veldhuis – 130,000
3. Sorel Mizzi – 128,000
4. Darrell Dicken – 105,000
5. William Chen – 100,000
6. Shannon Shorr – 75,000
7. Chris Ferguson – 69,000
8. David Benefield – 42,000
9. Mike Caro – 31,000
10. Phil Laak – 26,000

Average Chip Count: 80,000

Notable Eliminations:

Allen Cunningham

Big Hands:

Edler Loses Blind vs. Blind Confrontation

It folded around to the blinds and the small blind raised and Bill Edler called from the big blind. The flop was Q29 and the small blind bet 8000 and after a few moments of thought, Bill Edler put enough chips out that would force the small blind all in. The small blind instantly called and the hands were shown.

The small blind tabled Q5, good top pair, which was ahead of Edler’s 33. The turn was the K and the river was the 4 and the small blind doubled up.

Deeb Has Aces Again, Doubles Up Again

Shaun Deeb raised under the gun and was met with a three-bet from the small blind. Deeb put in another raise and the small blind declared he was all in. Deeb called and showed AA and the small blind showed the 99.

The board ran out 8610K6 and Deeb’s aces held up. Deeb doubled up to over 120,000.

Bonomo Rivers Straight, Busts Opponent

With about 25,000 in the pot on the river, the board read 97J9K. The player in the cutoff bet 9000 and Justin Bonomo put out a stack of chips that would be enough to put the other player all in.

The other player had 22,000 behind and thought for a few minutes before finally making the call. Bonomo tabled the Q10 and the other player slammed down AJ. Bonomo’s straight was good for the pot and the other player stormed off from the table, visibly upset at what had happened.

Player Tags: Bill Edler,   Justin Bonomo,   Shaun Deeb

Level 8 Update: J.C. Tran Eliminated

Jun 30, '09

Blinds: 400-800 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 276 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Juha Helppi – 112,000
2. David Benefield – 72,000
3. Justin Bonomo – 66,000
4. Chris Ferguson – 64,000
5. Darrell Dicken – 43,000
6. Ivan Demidov – 42,000
7. Shaun Deeb – 41,000
8. Phil Laak – 37,000
9. Allen Cunningham – 28,000
10. Mike Caro – 18,000

Average Chip Count: 49,014

Notable Eliminations:

J.C. Tran

Big Hands:

J.C. Tran Eliminated

On a flop of Q54, J.C. Tran bet 2300 and got the rest of his stack in after his opponent check-raised him all in.

Tran tabled 99, but his opponent showed 44 and had flopped a set. The turn was the K and the river was the 7 and Tran has been sent to the rail.

Ferguson Bets River and Forces a Fold

On a board of 37QA, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson was faced with a 7000 bet from the button. He opted to call and the 2 fell on the river.

After his opponent checked, Ferguson pondered for a few moments before putting out a bet of 18,000. After sighing and leaning back in his chair, the other player tossed his cards into the muck and Ferguson takes a nice pot.

Aces Hold for Deeb, Doubles Up

The player in the small blind led out for 4000 on a flop of 375 and Shaun Deeb moved all in for his last 15,900 and was called by the small blind.

The small blind showed 78 and Deeb tabled AA. The turn was the A and the small blind was drawing dead. Deeb doubled up to 41,000.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   Chris Ferguson,   Shaun Deeb

Level 19 Update: Shaun Deeb, Phil Hellmuth Out

Jul 02, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 23 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Matthew Waxman – 970,000
2. Robert Kay – 965,000
3. Blair Hinkle – 880,000
4. Rory Matthews – 815,000
5. Eugene Katchalov – 800,000
6. Jonas Wexler – 795,000
7. Andrey Zaichenko – 730,000
8. John Conkright – 730,000
9. Faraz Jaka – 700,000
10. Matt Hawrilenko – 540,000

Average Chip Count: 464,000

Notable Eliminations:

26. Shaun Deeb — $22,157
24. Phil Hellmuth — $26,824

Big Hands

Shaun Deeb Eliminated In 26th Place

Shaun Deeb moved the rest of his stack into the middle and Rory Matthews made the call. Here were their cards.

Deeb: A9
Matthews: AJ

Board: A87JK

Both players flopped an ace and Deeb was drawing dead on the turn as Matthews made two pair. Deeb was eliminated and took home $22,157.

Player Tags: Shaun Deeb,   Rory Matthews

Level 18 Update: Shaun Deeb Takes A Hit

Jul 02, '09

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

Players Remaining: 29 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Robert Kay – 1,370,000
2. Matthew Waxman – 970,000
3. Sean Keeton – 910,000
4. Eugene Katchalov – 880,000
5. Rory Matthews – 780,000
6. Blair Hinkle – 700,000
7. Peter Feldman – 690,000
8. Matt Hawrilenko – 620,000
9. Alex Venovski – 520,000
10. Lee Vlastaris – 510,000

Average Chip Count: 464,000

Notable Eliminations:

Big Hands

Lars Bonding Eliminated

Lars Bonding moved all in for his last 170,000 and Robert Kay made the call. Here were their cards.

Bonding: 98
Kay: AK

Board: A4103K

Kay flopped an ace to take a commanding lead and rivered two pair just for the hell of it and Bonding was eliminated.

Deeb Takes A Big Hit

After a flop of 1056, Sean Keeton fired 37,000 into the pot. Rory Matthews then raised to 165,000 and the action was on Shaun Deeb. He moved in for over 600,000 and Keeton mucked.

Matthews then made the call and Deeb showed Q10 for top pair. Matthews tabled 65 for two pair.

The board finished out 2J and Matthews doubled through Deeb. Deeb was down to 295,000 in chips after the hand.

Raymond Davis Doubles Up

Raymond Davis moved all in preflop for 80,000 and one player made the call. Here were their cards.

Davis: AK
Opponent: A7

Board: A48510

Both players flopped an ace but Davis had a better kicker and it held up, helping Davis double to 180,000 in chips.

Pocket Aces For Hellmuth; Eruption Ensues

Phil Hellmuth raised to 25,000 preflop and Andrey Zaichenko moved in for 200,000. Hellmuth made the call and tabled AA while Zaichenko held KQ. Of course you know, the flop came down KQ5 and Hellmuth was trailing. The board finished out 4 and J and Hellmuth went on a rant.

He proceeded to say a few things to his opponent and the dealer, then culminated his rant by declaring, “I’m playing for my life here!” His life was a bit devalued after the hand, down to 150,000.

Player Tags: Raymond Davis,   Phil Hellmuth,   Lars Bonding,   Robert Kay,   Sean Keeton,   Shaun Deeb,   Rory Matthews,   Andrey Zaichenko

Level 16 Update: Shannon Shorr Eliminated

Jul 01, '09

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

Players Remaining: 35 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Matthew Waxman – 1,150,000
2. Robert Kay – 1,000,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 900,000
4. Blair Hinkle – 620,000
5. Alex Venovski – 580,000
6. Sean Keeton – 530,000
7. Andrey Zaichenko – 510,000
8. Eugene Katchalov – 480,000
9. Matt Hawrilenko – 460,000
10. Darrell Dicken – 450,000

Average Chip Count: 397,714

Notable Eliminations:

49. Yevgeniy Timoshenko — $13,957
39. Shannon Shorr — $17,272
37. Bill Edler — $17,272
36. Bill Chen — $17,272

Big Hands

Andrey Zaichenko Busts Matt Lagarde

Matt Lagarde moved all in for 78,000 from the button and Andrey Zaichenko made the call. Lagarde tabled 87 while Zaichenko showed AK. Lagarde was drawing live and the flop came down Q46.

Lagarde got a gutshot straight draw to go along with his two live cards, but the turn was the K and Lagarde’s only hope was to hit his straight. The 10 missed him and he was eliminated.

The Million Dollar Man Always Gets His Way

On a board reading A1066 and with 60,000 in the pot, Robert Kay fired 18,000 and Rui Cao raised it to 58,000. Kay made the call and the river was the 2.

Both players checked and Kay showed down AJ for two pair. Cao mucked his hand and Kay raked in the pot. With the win, Kay was the first player over the 1 million chip mark, holding 1,100,000.

Matt Hawrilenko Busts Rui Cao

Matt Hawrilenko raised to 16,000 preflop and the action was on Rui Cao. He repopped it to 73,000, putting himself all in. Hawrilenko made the call and showed AK. Cao tabled QQ and the race was on.

The flop put Hawrilenko ahead as it fell K69. Cao needed a queen or running cards to hit a backdoor straight, but the turn was the 8 and the river was the 5, sending Cao to the rail. Hawrilenko was at 440,000 after the hand.

Shorr Can’t Do It Again As He Is Eliminated By Shaun Deeb

Shannon Shorr managed to double through Shaun Deeb during the last level and tried to do it again. He was all in for 140,000 preflop and Deeb made the call.

Shorr tabled KJ while Deeb held 66. The board ran out 1053310 and Shorr was eliminated.

Player Tags: Shannon Shorr,   Robert Kay,   Shaun Deeb,   Matthew Lagarde,   Andrey Zaichenko,   Rui Cao

Level 15 Update: Shorr Doubles Up Twice

Jul 01, '09

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

Players Remaining: 50 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Robert Kay – 950,000
2. Shaun Deeb – 800,000
3. Blair Hinkle – 630,000
4. Matthew Waxman – 540,000
5. Eugene Katchalov – 480,000
6. Lars Bonding – 440,000
7. Sean Keeton – 355,000
8. Darrell Dicken – 350,000
9. Shannon Shorr – 340,000
10. Ilya Gorodetskiy – 300,000

Average Chip Count: 210,909

Notable Eliminations:

63. Justin Bonomo — $11,297
61. Joe Tehan — $11,297
57. David Peters — $12,561
55. Jeff D’Ambrosia — $12,561
54. Sorel Mizzi — $13,957

Big Hands

Shannon Shorr Doubles Up Twice

Shannon Shorr moved all in preflop and Shaun Deeb made the call. It was the classic race situation as Shorr tabled AK while Deeb held 66. The flop brought KQJ and Shorr shot ahead to the lead. The turn was the 3 and the river was the J and Shorr doubled up to 135,000.

A few hands later, Shorr raised to 11,000 from under the gun and Rory Matthews popped it to 55,000 from the small blind. Shorr moved in and Matthews called, showing 88. Shorr showed 1010 and his superior pair held up, helping him double to 340,000.

Shaun Deeb Cracks Kings, Soars To 800,000

Shaun Deeb raised to 10,500 from under the gun and action folded to the button. He raised t 25,000 and Deeb called. The flop came J105 and Deeb checked. The button fired 40,000 and Deeb moved in for over 500,000. The button called and he was all in. Deeb showed KQ for an open ended straight draw while the button showed KK.

The turn was the 9, making Deeb’s straight and the river was the 2, sending the button to the rail. Deeb raked in the pot and his stack was up to 800,000.

Hawrilenko Takes It With Aces Up

Faraz Jaka raised to 10,000 from the button and Hawrilenko made the call from the big blind. The flop came down A54 and Hawrilenko checked. Jaka bet 13,000 and Hawrilenko made the call. The turn was the 9 and both players checked.

The river was the 5 and Hawrilenko led out with 30,000. Jaka raised to 90,000 and Hawrilenko made the call. Jaka showed AQ for top pair but Hawrilenko tabled A9 for aces up and the pot. He was at 250,000.

Player Tags: Matt Hawrilenko,   Shannon Shorr,   Shaun Deeb,   Rory Matthews,   Faraz Jaka

Level 10 Update: Deeb Doubles Up, Allen Cunningham Elilminated

Jul 01, '09

Blinds: 600-1200

Players Remaining: 174 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Juha Helppi – 160,000
2. Lex Veldhuis – 130,000
3. Sorel Mizzi – 128,000
4. Darrell Dicken – 105,000
5. William Chen – 100,000
6. Shannon Shorr – 75,000
7. Chris Ferguson – 69,000
8. David Benefield – 42,000
9. Mike Caro – 31,000
10. Phil Laak – 26,000

Average Chip Count: 80,000

Notable Eliminations:

Allen Cunningham

Big Hands:

Edler Loses Blind vs. Blind Confrontation

It folded around to the blinds and the small blind raised and Bill Edler called from the big blind. The flop was Q29 and the small blind bet 8000 and after a few moments of thought, Bill Edler put enough chips out that would force the small blind all in. The small blind instantly called and the hands were shown.

The small blind tabled Q5, good top pair, which was ahead of Edler’s 33. The turn was the K and the river was the 4 and the small blind doubled up.

Deeb Has Aces Again, Doubles Up Again

Shaun Deeb raised under the gun and was met with a three-bet from the small blind. Deeb put in another raise and the small blind declared he was all in. Deeb called and showed AA and the small blind showed the 99.

The board ran out 8610K6 and Deeb’s aces held up. Deeb doubled up to over 120,000.

Bonomo Rivers Straight, Busts Opponent

With about 25,000 in the pot on the river, the board read 97J9K. The player in the cutoff bet 9000 and Justin Bonomo put out a stack of chips that would be enough to put the other player all in.

The other player had 22,000 behind and thought for a few minutes before finally making the call. Bonomo tabled the Q10 and the other player slammed down AJ. Bonomo’s straight was good for the pot and the other player stormed off from the table, visibly upset at what had happened.

Player Tags: Bill Edler,   Justin Bonomo,   Shaun Deeb

Level 8 Update: J.C. Tran Eliminated

Jun 30, '09

Blinds: 400-800 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 276 out of 928

Chip Counts:

1. Juha Helppi – 112,000
2. David Benefield – 72,000
3. Justin Bonomo – 66,000
4. Chris Ferguson – 64,000
5. Darrell Dicken – 43,000
6. Ivan Demidov – 42,000
7. Shaun Deeb – 41,000
8. Phil Laak – 37,000
9. Allen Cunningham – 28,000
10. Mike Caro – 18,000

Average Chip Count: 49,014

Notable Eliminations:

J.C. Tran

Big Hands:

J.C. Tran Eliminated

On a flop of Q54, J.C. Tran bet 2300 and got the rest of his stack in after his opponent check-raised him all in.

Tran tabled 99, but his opponent showed 44 and had flopped a set. The turn was the K and the river was the 7 and Tran has been sent to the rail.

Ferguson Bets River and Forces a Fold

On a board of 37QA, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson was faced with a 7000 bet from the button. He opted to call and the 2 fell on the river.

After his opponent checked, Ferguson pondered for a few moments before putting out a bet of 18,000. After sighing and leaning back in his chair, the other player tossed his cards into the muck and Ferguson takes a nice pot.

Aces Hold for Deeb, Doubles Up

The player in the small blind led out for 4000 on a flop of 375 and Shaun Deeb moved all in for his last 15,900 and was called by the small blind.

The small blind showed 78 and Deeb tabled AA. The turn was the A and the small blind was drawing dead. Deeb doubled up to 41,000.

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   Chris Ferguson,   Shaun Deeb

Level 5 Update: Shawn Buchanan Doubles Up

May 28, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 171 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Lex Veldhuis — 330,000
2. Matt Glantz — 310,00
3. Antonio Esfandiari — 302,000
4. Scott Seiver — 300,000
5. Charles Lehr — 275,000
6. Justin Bonomo — 275,000
7. Ted Forrest — 270,000
8. Tony G — 270,000
9. Vivek Rajkumar — 262,000
10. Barry Schwartz — 255,000

Average Chip Count: 141,053

Notable Eliminations:

Greg Mueller

Big Hands:

Shawn Buchanan Doubles Up

Michael DeMichele raises to 2,600 from middle position and Shawn Buchanan moves all in for 13,300 more. The action folds back around to DeMichele who makes the call. Buchanan turns over JJ while DeMichele shows A10. The board comes K1024K, and Buchanan’s jacks hold up. Buchanan doubles up to 35,000 this hand while DeMichele takes a slight hit down to 222,000.

Doyle Brunson doubles up Nicolas Levi

Nicolas Levi moved all in pre-flop and was called by Doyle Brunson. Levi exposed QQ and Brunson flipped over 99 and was well behind. The flop bricked for Brunson and the queen on the turn had the 10-time bracelet winner drawing dead.

Shaun Deeb Doubles up Lex Veldhuis

With AK, Alexander Veldhuis moved all in pre-flop and was called quickly by the 44 of Shaun Deeb. The pot stood at about 330,000 and the flop completely missed Veldhuis. However, the ace on the turn put Veldhuis ahead and gave him the massive pot.

Chris Moneymaker Making a Run Up the Leaderboard

Keith Lehr raises to 3,000 from early position and Chris Moneymaker calls from the button. The flop comes Q43, Lehr bets 7,000, Moneymaker calls. The turn is the K and this time Lehr bets 17,000. Moneymaker raises another 25,000 and Lehr folds after a minute in the tank. After the hand Lehr falls down just about 200,000 while Moneymaker climbs up to 260,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Doyle Brunson,   Chris Moneymaker,   Shawn Buchanan,   Keith Lehr,   Michael DeMichele,   Shaun Deeb,   Nicolas Levi

Level 4 Update -- Kevin Saul Eliminated

Apr 18, '09

Level: 4

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Notable Chip Counts:

Vadim Trincher -- 218,000
Andy Bloch -- 203,000
Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier -- 184,000
Amnon Filippi -- 182,000
David Benyamine -- 180,000

Notable Eliminations:

Kevin Saul

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Key Hands:

Andy Bloch Hits a Flush

Andy Bloch bet 10,000 into a 15,000 pot against Erik Seidel with Q537A on the table. Seidel thought for a moment before making the call and he mucked his cards when Bloch showed down Q6 for a flush. Bloch won the 35,000 pot to move his stack over the 200,000 mark.

Deeb Bluffs Saul

Shaun Deeb bet 12,600 on a flop of 875 with 15,000 already sitting in the middle of the table. Kevin Saul raised to 32,000 and Deeb reraised enough to put Saul on an all-in decision. Saul went into the tank for several minutes and he eventually mucked. Deeb turned up J10 as he collected his reward for a nice bluff. Deeb was up to 180,000 after the hand while Saul held 60,000.

Kevin Saul Eliminated by Rhynie Campbell

Kevin Saul moved all in for 37,025 on a flop of J109 and Rhynie Campbell called him down. Their cards:

Saul: 109
Campbell: 99

Turn and River: 62

Saul was eliminated on the hand and Campbell moved his stack up to 140,000.

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CardPlayer TV -- Amnon Filippi

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Andy Bloch,   Kevin Saul,   Shaun Deeb

Bill Edler, Shaun Deeb Eliminated by Nick Schulman

Feb 16, '09

Limit Hold'em

Bill Edler raises on the short stack to 1,200 and Shaun Deeb reraises to 1,800. Nick Schulman reraises to 2,400 and Edler calls. Deeb calls all in and the flop comes KQ4.

Edler is forced to commit the last of his chips and shows 55, Deeb shows AQ and Schulman has them drawing extremely slim with KK for top set.

The turn and river come 210 and Schulman's flush takes out two players.

Schulman now has 41,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Bill Edler,   Nick Schulman,   Shaun Deeb

Eliminations

Nov 05, '08

Shaun Deeb and Robert McLaughlin have both been eliminated early on in today's competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Shaun Deeb,   Robert McLaughlin