Cliff Josephy Poker Tournament Updates

Level Two Update: Joe Hachem on the Rise

Jul 10, '11

NOTE: Levels are two hours in length and players are starting with 30,000 in chips. Registration will remain open until the end of the second level.

Players on Day 1D: Approximately 2,500

Blinds: 100-200

Notables Remaining:

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman — 30,050
Matt Matros — 26,000

Featured Poker Tweets — Jeff Shulman

Notables Eliminated This Level:

Tom Dwan
James Mackey
Steve Zolotow
Prahlad Friedman
Frank Kassela
Chino Rheem

Hands:

Joe Hachem Knocks Out an Opponent

Middle position raised to 450 and Joe Hachem (UTG+1) reraised to 1,400 preflop. Middle position made the call and the flop fell A 7 4. The two players checked and the turn fell 2.

Hachem bet 2,725 and middle position made the call. The river fell 2 and Hachem bet 25,000. Middle position made the all-in call but he mucked and left the tournament field when Hachem revealed 7 7 for the full house.

Hachem held 50,000 after the hand.

Matt Matros Grabs Some Chips

There was 1,150 in the pot and a board of 7 4 3 K sat on the table when middle position bet 1,100. Matt Matros raised to 2,900 and he picked up an uncontested pot when his opponent mucked. Matros held 26,000.

Featured Poker Tweet — Cliff Josephy

Shawn Keller Side Steps a Straight Flush

Shawn Keller raised to 500 preflop in early position and the button made the call. The flop fell 6 3 2 and Keller bet 700. The button made the call and the turn fell 4. Both players checked and the river fell 7. Keller checked and the button bet 1,000. Keller mucked and he found out that was a good decision when his opponent revealed the 5 as he collected the pot.

Player Tags: Jeff Shulman,   Shawn Keller,   Cliff Josephy,   Joe Hachem,   Alexandre Gomes,   Matt Matros

Poker Tweets -- Cliff Josephy

Dec 04, '10

Check out this poker tweet from Cliff Josephy.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy

Cliff Josephy Eliminated in 10th Place ($56,439)

Apr 23, '10

Cliff Josephy raised to 75,000 from middle position and David Williams made the call from the big blind. The flop was dealt 9 8 6 and Williams checked. Josephy bet 130,000 and Williams check-raised to 400,000. Josephy reraised all in for 1.1 million and Williams made the call. Their cards:

Josephy: 9 9
Williams: 10 7

Turn and River: 5 and 6

The hand was an exciting ride for both players. The river improved Josephy’s set of nines to a full house, but it also made a straight flush for Williams, who won the hand to grow his stack to 3.3 million. Josephy was eliminated in 10th place and he will take home $56,439.

Player Tags: David Williams,   Cliff Josephy

Level 16 Update: Dan Shak Takes Horrible Beat

Oct 24, '09

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

Players Left: 33 of 275

Average Chip Count: 500,000

Chip Counts:

1. Jonas Entin — 1,070,000
2. Jason Lavallee — 1,030,000
3. Tommy Vedes — 1,010,000
4. Dee Luong — 735,000
5. Mark Seif — 715,000
6. Kido Pham — 700,000
7. Chad Batista — 650,000
8. Jason Burt — 600,000
9. Jason Somerville — 590,000
10. Shawn Cunix — 575,000

Notable Eliminations:

Nestor Martinez
Dan Shak
Mike Chiappetta
Cliff Josephy

Big Hands:

Chad Batista Gets Lucky To Stay Alive

Chad “lilholdem954” Batista (pictured right) found himself all in for over 300,000 in chips holding pocket jacks and was in bad shape against chip leader Corwin Cole’s pocket queens.

No problem for the online pro, however, when the board came J972A, giving him the winning set.

He now has over 630,000 while Cole took a hit down to 685,000.

Dan Shak Takes Really Tough Beat

Dan Shak and Tommy Vedes got into a raising war preflop that saw Shak’s AK go up against Vedes and his AQ.

The flop came out KK10 giving Shak trips, but the turn was the J, giving Vedes the Broadway straight.

Shak needed help on the river, but it was the 9 that ended his tournament, giving Vedes a huge pot and a stack of over 1 million.

Freddy Deeb Slows Down Jason Lavallee

Jason Lavallee raised to 25,000 and Freddy Deeb called in the cutoff. The flop came A76 and both players checked.

The turn was the A and Lavallee bet 41,000. Deeb minraised to 82,000 and Lavallee just called.

Both players checked down the 5 on the river and Lavallee showed AQ to win the pot and cross the million dollar mark.

Cliff Josephy Eliminated by Kido Pham

Some more bad luck for Cliff Josephy when his pocket jacks were cracked by the AJ of Kido Pham.

The board was safe until an ace hit the turn, giving Pham the elimination credit and a new stack of 700,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Daniel Shak,   Kido Pham,   Cliff Josephy,   Tommy Vedes,   Freddy Deeb,   Chad Batista,   Jason Lavallee,   Corwin Cole

Level 4 Hour 1 Update: Alec Torelli, Jeff Madsen, Mark Seif, Lynette Chan Eliminated

Jul 06, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Players Remaining: 2,371 out of 2,809

Chip Counts:

1. Dutch Boyd – 133,000
2. Blair Hinkle – 120,800
3. Chad Brown – 105,000
4. Adam Schoenfeld – 103,200
5. Prahlad Friedman – 92,000
6. Josh Arieh – 82,500
7. Thomas Keller – 80,500
8. Matthew Hilger – 68,000
9. Jeff Shulman – 62,000
10. Kenny Tran – 61,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Jeff Shulman – 62,000
Matthew Hilger – 68,000

Average Chip Count: 35,541

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Seif
Jeff Madsen
Alec Torelli
Lynette Chan
Christian Harder
Svetlana Gromenkova

Big Hands:

Jean Gaspard Wins a Pot

The player from under the gun raises to 1,200 and Jean Gaspard calls from the big blind. The flop comes 964, the UTG player bets 3,500 and Gaspard quickly calls. The turn (4) pairs the board and both players check. The river is the 10, and once gain both players check. Gaspard turns over 96 for two pair and his opponent mucks his cards. Gaspard is back up to 35,000 in chips after this hand.

Josh Arieh Folds Ace-King

A player in middle position bet 1,200 and a player in the cutoff just called. Arieh reraised from the small blind 3,100 on top. The initial raiser threw out another raise, making it 5,300 more. The cutoff went into the tank with the 98 but eventually mucked. Arieh contemplated briefly before mucking the AK face up. Arieh made a good fold as his opponent held the KK. Arieh is at 82,500

Scott Clements Wins Small Pot With K-high

Scotty Clements raised preflop with the KQ and was called be an opponent in the small blind with the KJ. Both players checked down a board that was all small cards. Clements raked in the small pot but is still at just 12,025.

Lynette Chan Eliminated

Lynette Chan gets it all in preflop against one opponent.

Chan: 109
Opponent: AK

Board: 85263

Chan gets it in behind, but turns a flush draw and a straight draw to pick up some outs. The river bricks and Lynette Chan is sent to the rail.

Johnny Bax Cracks Kings

On a flop of 1052, there is a bet of 1,800 followed by a raise to 7,000. Cliff Josephy calls the raise and the original bettor folds. The turn is the A and both players check around. The river is the Q, Josephy bets 13,500 and his opponent calls. Josephy turns over A3 for the nut flush on the river. His opponent looks sick as he tosses kings into the mucks. Bax is up to almost 100,000 in chips after this hand.

Player Tags: Josh Arieh,   Cliff Josephy,   Lynette Chan,   Jean Gaspard

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: Peter Jetten (8th) and Van Marcus (7th) Eliminated

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 12,000-24,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Rifat Palevic — 1,124,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 1,065,000
3. Dan Hindin — 900,000
4. Sorel Mizzi — 685,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 590,000
6. Richard Austin — 467,000

Average Chip Count: 907,500

Notable Eliminations:

8. Peter Jetten – $48,112
7. Van Marcus – $55,687

Big Hands

Peter Jetten Eliminated in Eighth Place ($48,112)

On a board of K8510 Peter Jetten bet 100,000 from the small blind and Richard Austin raised to 350,000. Dan Hindin and Van Marcus both mucked and Jetten moved all in. Austin made the call and they turned up their cards:

Austin: 101098
Jetten: AJ104

River: 9

Austin won the hand with top set and Jetten was eliminated in eighth place.

Van Marcus Eliminated in Seventh Place ($55,687)

After a series of bets and raises preflop Cliff Josephy raised the pot, which was enough to put Van Marcus all in. Marcus made the call for his tournament life, everyone else mucked, and they turned up their cards:

Josephy: AA39
Marcus: KK104

Board: 8852A

Marcus was eliminated in seventh place.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Richard Austin,   Van Marcus,   Peter Jetten

Level 21 Update: Down to 10 Players

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 10 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 969,000
2. Rifat Palevic — 949,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 905,000
4. Van Marcus — 482,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 372,000
6. Peter Jetten — 370,000
7. Dan Hindin — 342,000
8. Isaac Baron — 245,000
9. Richard Austin — 227,000
10. Samuel Ngai — 207,000

Average Chip Count: 544,500

Notable Eliminations:

11. Jeppe Nielsen – $32,330

Big Hands

Jeppe Nielsen Eliminaed in 11th Place

Jeppe Nielsen raised to 70,000 from the cutoff and Cliff Josephy reraised to 200,000 from the small blind. Nielsen made the all-in call. Their cards:

Nielsen: AK32
Josephy: AAK3

Board: 1010859

Josephy won the hand with aces up and Nielsen was eliminated in 11th place.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Jeppe Nielsen

Level 20 Update: Richard Tatalovich Eliminated and 11 Left at End of Day

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 8,000-16,000

Players Remaining: 11 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 969,000
2. Rifat Palevic — 949,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 805,000
4. Richard Austin — 537,000
5. Van Marcus — 428,000
6. Peter Jetten — 370,000
7. Dan Hindin — 342,000
8. Felipe Ramos — 323,000
9. Jeppe Nielsen — 242,000
10. Samuel Ngai — 204,000

Average Chip Count: 495,000

Notable Eliminations:

Richard Tatalovich

Big Hands:

Jetten Doubles Through Josephy

Peter Jetten raised to 45,000 and then Cliff Josephy raised pot from the small blind. Jetten then decided to move all in and Josephy made the call. Josephy showed AK1010 and Jetten turned over KKA5

The flop was K76 and Josephy was in bad shape. The turn card was the 5 and that meant that the river was meaningless and Jetten would double up. With that pot, Jetten increases his stack to 486,000.

Richard Tatalovich Eliminated

Richard Tatalovich raised to 56,000 and Rifat Palevic put in a pot-sized three-bet, which was enough to make Tatalovich commit the rest of his chips. Tatalovich made the call and the two hands were exposed.

Tatalovich showed Q1092, which was up against the A862 of Palevic.

The board ran out J93K7 which gave Palevic a flush and sent Tatalovich home in 12th place.

Hindin Cracks Aces and Doubles Through Ramos

Rifat Palevic raised to 44,000 in middle position and was met with a three-bet to 90,000 from Dan Hindin. Felipe Ramos woke up in the small blind and made it 310,000. Palevic’s cards hit the muck and Hindin called and put his tournament life on the line.

Hindin showed KJ108, but was up against Ramos’ AAJ10. Unfortunately for Ramos, Hindin was able to flop a flush and double up.

Player Tags: Richard Tatalovich,   Cliff Josephy,   Peter Jetten,   Rifat Palevic

Level 17 Update: Action Starting to Pick Up

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 17 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 700,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 690,000
3. Isaac Baron — 510,000
4. Rifat Palevic — 475,000
5. Ralph Perry — 470,000
6. Felipe Ramos — 395,000
7. Matt Gianetti — 310,000
8. Peter Jetten — 240,000
9. Samuel Ngai — 235,000
10. Van Marcus — 222,000

Average Chip Count: 320,294

Notable Eliminations:

Jesper Hougaard, Fabrice Soulier, Mike Watson

Big Hands:

Mizzi Doubles Through Jesper Hougaard to Vault into the Chip Lead

After taking a flop of Q810, Sorel Mizzi led out for 30,000. After a fold, Jesper Hougaard raised to 100,000. After a few moments, Mizzi raised all in and Hougaard made the call. The cards were turned up and Hougaard showed the 9 10 J Q, good for top two pair and the nut straight, while Mizzi showed the Q89A, good for top and bottom two pair and the nut flush draw.

The turn card was the A and Mizzi picked up a few extra outs, but the J on the river made Mizzi’s flush and gave him the pot. This pot put Mizzi well over the 500,000 mark.

Watson Folds to Palevic’s River Bet

After a short stacked player in early position raised to 25,000, Rifat Palevic called, and then Mike Watson min-raised to 42,000. Both players called and they took the flop three-handed.

The flop was A39 and both players checked to Watson, who bet 52,000. The short stacked player folded and Palevic called.

The 7 was the turn card and both players checked. The 3 was the river card and Palevic then wanted to know how much Watson had left. After getting an answer, he thought for a few moments before just tossing in a pile of chips that was approximately 60,000 and Watson folded as soon as the chips hit the felt.

Ralph Perry Runs a Big Bluff

After a player in late position came in for a raise, Ralph Perry three-bet for the size of the pot. They took the flop heads up and it came KK4. Perry then fired out 75,000 and his opponent went into the tank before showing two aces and folding.

“Do you want to see,” said Perry before showing the J1079 which completely missed the flop.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Ralph Perry,   Jesper Hougaard

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 13 Update: Dario Alioto, Marcel Luske Eliminated

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000

Players Remaining: 40 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Jesper Hougaard – 410,000
2. Rifat Palevic – 360,400
3. Ralph Perry – 265,000
4. Sorel Mizzi – 252,000
5. Isaac Baron – 230,000
6. Michael Watson – 90,000
7. Tex Barch – 90,000
8. Justin Smith – 87,000
9. Jeff Lisandro – 81,000
10. David Ulliott – 75,000

Average Chip Count: 132,804

Notable Eliminations:

Dario Alioto
Marcel Luske
Hoyt Corkins
Bruno Fitoussi

Big Hands:

Dario Alioto Eliminated

On a flop of 876, Dario Alioto bet 20,000 and Ralph Perry made it 60,000. Alioto went all-in and Perry made the call. Alioto exposed the QQ109 for the nut straight and a flush draw. However, Perry tabled one of the ugliest hands Alioto could have seen with the KJ109, for the same nut straight, but with a higher flush draw and outs to make a higher straight. The 10 hit the turn and Perry hit a higher straight and put Aliotto on the brink. The 7 fell on the river and Alioto was eliminated. Perry is up to 265,000 in chips.

Hoyt Corkins Eliminated

The short stack of Hoyt Corkins got all his chips into the middle with the AAKJ against Jeff Lisandro. Lisandro tabled the AJ99 and was a significant underdog. The board ran out 88259, as Lisandro hit his two outer on the river to make nines full and eliminate Corkins just short of the money. Lisandro is up to 81,000.

Marcel Luske Elimianted

On a board of 94210, Marcel Luske went all-in for just 10,000 and was called by Cliff Josephy. Josephy exposed QQ42 for two pair and a flush draw. Lusked tabled the KJ74 for 19 outs to double up to a modest stack. None of the draws for a flush, a straight or a higher two pair came for Luske and he was eliminated.

Left In The Deck:

For the first time in the tournament, action has slowed down considerably. The players are only 4 spots away from the money.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Marcel Luske,   Cliff Josephy,   Dario Alioto

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: Peter Jetten (8th) and Van Marcus (7th) Eliminated

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 12,000-24,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Rifat Palevic — 1,124,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 1,065,000
3. Dan Hindin — 900,000
4. Sorel Mizzi — 685,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 590,000
6. Richard Austin — 467,000

Average Chip Count: 907,500

Notable Eliminations:

8. Peter Jetten – $48,112
7. Van Marcus – $55,687

Big Hands

Peter Jetten Eliminated in Eighth Place ($48,112)

On a board of K8510 Peter Jetten bet 100,000 from the small blind and Richard Austin raised to 350,000. Dan Hindin and Van Marcus both mucked and Jetten moved all in. Austin made the call and they turned up their cards:

Austin: 101098
Jetten: AJ104

River: 9

Austin won the hand with top set and Jetten was eliminated in eighth place.

Van Marcus Eliminated in Seventh Place ($55,687)

After a series of bets and raises preflop Cliff Josephy raised the pot, which was enough to put Van Marcus all in. Marcus made the call for his tournament life, everyone else mucked, and they turned up their cards:

Josephy: AA39
Marcus: KK104

Board: 8852A

Marcus was eliminated in seventh place.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Richard Austin,   Van Marcus,   Peter Jetten

Level 21 Update: Down to 10 Players

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 10 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 969,000
2. Rifat Palevic — 949,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 905,000
4. Van Marcus — 482,000
5. Felipe Ramos — 372,000
6. Peter Jetten — 370,000
7. Dan Hindin — 342,000
8. Isaac Baron — 245,000
9. Richard Austin — 227,000
10. Samuel Ngai — 207,000

Average Chip Count: 544,500

Notable Eliminations:

11. Jeppe Nielsen – $32,330

Big Hands

Jeppe Nielsen Eliminaed in 11th Place

Jeppe Nielsen raised to 70,000 from the cutoff and Cliff Josephy reraised to 200,000 from the small blind. Nielsen made the all-in call. Their cards:

Nielsen: AK32
Josephy: AAK3

Board: 1010859

Josephy won the hand with aces up and Nielsen was eliminated in 11th place.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Jeppe Nielsen

Level 20 Update: Richard Tatalovich Eliminated and 11 Left at End of Day

Jun 19, '09

Blinds: 8,000-16,000

Players Remaining: 11 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 969,000
2. Rifat Palevic — 949,000
3. Cliff Josephy — 805,000
4. Richard Austin — 537,000
5. Van Marcus — 428,000
6. Peter Jetten — 370,000
7. Dan Hindin — 342,000
8. Felipe Ramos — 323,000
9. Jeppe Nielsen — 242,000
10. Samuel Ngai — 204,000

Average Chip Count: 495,000

Notable Eliminations:

Richard Tatalovich

Big Hands:

Jetten Doubles Through Josephy

Peter Jetten raised to 45,000 and then Cliff Josephy raised pot from the small blind. Jetten then decided to move all in and Josephy made the call. Josephy showed AK1010 and Jetten turned over KKA5

The flop was K76 and Josephy was in bad shape. The turn card was the 5 and that meant that the river was meaningless and Jetten would double up. With that pot, Jetten increases his stack to 486,000.

Richard Tatalovich Eliminated

Richard Tatalovich raised to 56,000 and Rifat Palevic put in a pot-sized three-bet, which was enough to make Tatalovich commit the rest of his chips. Tatalovich made the call and the two hands were exposed.

Tatalovich showed Q1092, which was up against the A862 of Palevic.

The board ran out J93K7 which gave Palevic a flush and sent Tatalovich home in 12th place.

Hindin Cracks Aces and Doubles Through Ramos

Rifat Palevic raised to 44,000 in middle position and was met with a three-bet to 90,000 from Dan Hindin. Felipe Ramos woke up in the small blind and made it 310,000. Palevic’s cards hit the muck and Hindin called and put his tournament life on the line.

Hindin showed KJ108, but was up against Ramos’ AAJ10. Unfortunately for Ramos, Hindin was able to flop a flush and double up.

Player Tags: Richard Tatalovich,   Cliff Josephy,   Peter Jetten,   Rifat Palevic

Level 17 Update: Action Starting to Pick Up

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 17 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Sorel Mizzi — 700,000
2. Cliff Josephy — 690,000
3. Isaac Baron — 510,000
4. Rifat Palevic — 475,000
5. Ralph Perry — 470,000
6. Felipe Ramos — 395,000
7. Matt Gianetti — 310,000
8. Peter Jetten — 240,000
9. Samuel Ngai — 235,000
10. Van Marcus — 222,000

Average Chip Count: 320,294

Notable Eliminations:

Jesper Hougaard, Fabrice Soulier, Mike Watson

Big Hands:

Mizzi Doubles Through Jesper Hougaard to Vault into the Chip Lead

After taking a flop of Q810, Sorel Mizzi led out for 30,000. After a fold, Jesper Hougaard raised to 100,000. After a few moments, Mizzi raised all in and Hougaard made the call. The cards were turned up and Hougaard showed the 9 10 J Q, good for top two pair and the nut straight, while Mizzi showed the Q89A, good for top and bottom two pair and the nut flush draw.

The turn card was the A and Mizzi picked up a few extra outs, but the J on the river made Mizzi’s flush and gave him the pot. This pot put Mizzi well over the 500,000 mark.

Watson Folds to Palevic’s River Bet

After a short stacked player in early position raised to 25,000, Rifat Palevic called, and then Mike Watson min-raised to 42,000. Both players called and they took the flop three-handed.

The flop was A39 and both players checked to Watson, who bet 52,000. The short stacked player folded and Palevic called.

The 7 was the turn card and both players checked. The 3 was the river card and Palevic then wanted to know how much Watson had left. After getting an answer, he thought for a few moments before just tossing in a pile of chips that was approximately 60,000 and Watson folded as soon as the chips hit the felt.

Ralph Perry Runs a Big Bluff

After a player in late position came in for a raise, Ralph Perry three-bet for the size of the pot. They took the flop heads up and it came KK4. Perry then fired out 75,000 and his opponent went into the tank before showing two aces and folding.

“Do you want to see,” said Perry before showing the J1079 which completely missed the flop.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy,   Ralph Perry,   Jesper Hougaard

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 13 Update: Dario Alioto, Marcel Luske Eliminated

Jun 18, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000

Players Remaining: 40 out of 363

Chip Counts:

1. Jesper Hougaard – 410,000
2. Rifat Palevic – 360,400
3. Ralph Perry – 265,000
4. Sorel Mizzi – 252,000
5. Isaac Baron – 230,000
6. Michael Watson – 90,000
7. Tex Barch – 90,000
8. Justin Smith – 87,000
9. Jeff Lisandro – 81,000
10. David Ulliott – 75,000

Average Chip Count: 132,804

Notable Eliminations:

Dario Alioto
Marcel Luske
Hoyt Corkins
Bruno Fitoussi

Big Hands:

Dario Alioto Eliminated

On a flop of 876, Dario Alioto bet 20,000 and Ralph Perry made it 60,000. Alioto went all-in and Perry made the call. Alioto exposed the QQ109 for the nut straight and a flush draw. However, Perry tabled one of the ugliest hands Alioto could have seen with the KJ109, for the same nut straight, but with a higher flush draw and outs to make a higher straight. The 10 hit the turn and Perry hit a higher straight and put Aliotto on the brink. The 7 fell on the river and Alioto was eliminated. Perry is up to 265,000 in chips.

Hoyt Corkins Eliminated

The short stack of Hoyt Corkins got all his chips into the middle with the AAKJ against Jeff Lisandro. Lisandro tabled the AJ99 and was a significant underdog. The board ran out 88259, as Lisandro hit his two outer on the river to make nines full and eliminate Corkins just short of the money. Lisandro is up to 81,000.

Marcel Luske Elimianted

On a board of 94210, Marcel Luske went all-in for just 10,000 and was called by Cliff Josephy. Josephy exposed QQ42 for two pair and a flush draw. Lusked tabled the KJ74 for 19 outs to double up to a modest stack. None of the draws for a flush, a straight or a higher two pair came for Luske and he was eliminated.

Left In The Deck:

For the first time in the tournament, action has slowed down considerably. The players are only 4 spots away from the money.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Marcel Luske,   Cliff Josephy,   Dario Alioto

Level 10 Update -- Tuan Le Eliminated

Apr 20, '09

Level: 10
Blinds: 1.000-2,000 with a 300 ante.
Players Left: 169 out of 338

Average Chip Count: 199,408

Notable Chip Counts:

Jean Noel Thorel -- 760,000
Justin Young -- 710,000
Dan Heimiller -- 650,000
Bertrand Grospellier -- 610,000
Joseph Parker -- 530,000

Notable Eliminations:

Tuan Le
Mark Teltscher
Cliff Josephy
Vanessa Rousso

Key Hands:

Tuan Le Eliminated

Joseph Parker bet 50,000 on the turn with 764K sitting on the board and Tuan Le moved all in. Parker called with A5 and Le turned up 77. The river fell 3 and Le was eliminated by the straight of Parker.

Joe Sebok Doubles Up

Joe Sebok faced an all-in decision on a flop of 766 and he decided to call all in. He and his opponent then flipped up their hands:

Sebok: JJ
Opponent: 99

Turn and River: Q5

Sebok doubled up on the hand and he holds 280,000.

Vanessa Rousso Eliminated

Mike Matusow bet 8,500 on a board of K558 with 20,000 in the pot. Vanessa Rousso moved all in for 40,500 and Matusow called her down. Their cards:

Matusow: A8
Rousso: 33

River: 10

Rousso was eliminated on the hand and Matusow held 200,000.

Cliff Josephy Eliminated

J.C. Tran raised preflop under the gun to 5,500 and Cliff Josephy moved all in. Tran made the call and they flipped up their cards:

Tran: AK
Josephy: 88

Board: 995A4

Josephy was eliminated on the hand Tran was up to 220,000.

Player Tags: Tuan Le,   Mike Matusow,   Cliff Josephy,   Vanessa Rousso,   Joe Sebok

Level 2 Update -- Cliff Josephy Hits Quads

Apr 18, '09

Level: 2
Blinds: 100-200

Notable Chip Counts:

Vadim Trincher -- 215,000
Andy Bloch -- 189,000
Bertrand Grospellier -- 181,000
Shane Schleger -- 155,000
David Benyamine -- 145,000

Notable Eliminations:

Dan "Wretchy" Martin

Key Hands:

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy Hits Quads

On a board of Q 9 7 4 9, Cliff Josephy showed down 9 9 for quads against Tuan Le. Josephy was able to get about 11,000 from Le on the turn, but was obviously frustrated that he didn't win more on the river.

Vadim Trincher Takes Out Dan "Wretchy" Martin

The details are unknown, but Vadim Trincher took out Dan Martin during the level to pick up a huge pot and bring his stack to over 200,000.

Card Player TV:

Card Player TV talks to Andy Bloch and Tony "muckthenuts" Dunst on the first break of the day. In the video, Bloch goes into detail about the hand that gave him the chip lead early on.



 

Player Tags: Tuan Le,   Cliff Josephy

Level 10 Update -- Tuan Le Eliminated

Apr 20, '09

Level: 10
Blinds: 1.000-2,000 with a 300 ante.
Players Left: 169 out of 338

Average Chip Count: 199,408

Notable Chip Counts:

Jean Noel Thorel -- 760,000
Justin Young -- 710,000
Dan Heimiller -- 650,000
Bertrand Grospellier -- 610,000
Joseph Parker -- 530,000

Notable Eliminations:

Tuan Le
Mark Teltscher
Cliff Josephy
Vanessa Rousso

Key Hands:

Tuan Le Eliminated

Joseph Parker bet 50,000 on the turn with 764K sitting on the board and Tuan Le moved all in. Parker called with A5 and Le turned up 77. The river fell 3 and Le was eliminated by the straight of Parker.

Joe Sebok Doubles Up

Joe Sebok faced an all-in decision on a flop of 766 and he decided to call all in. He and his opponent then flipped up their hands:

Sebok: JJ
Opponent: 99

Turn and River: Q5

Sebok doubled up on the hand and he holds 280,000.

Vanessa Rousso Eliminated

Mike Matusow bet 8,500 on a board of K558 with 20,000 in the pot. Vanessa Rousso moved all in for 40,500 and Matusow called her down. Their cards:

Matusow: A8
Rousso: 33

River: 10

Rousso was eliminated on the hand and Matusow held 200,000.

Cliff Josephy Eliminated

J.C. Tran raised preflop under the gun to 5,500 and Cliff Josephy moved all in. Tran made the call and they flipped up their cards:

Tran: AK
Josephy: 88

Board: 995A4

Josephy was eliminated on the hand Tran was up to 220,000.

Player Tags: Tuan Le,   Mike Matusow,   Cliff Josephy,   Vanessa Rousso,   Joe Sebok

Level 2 Update -- Cliff Josephy Hits Quads

Apr 18, '09

Level: 2
Blinds: 100-200

Notable Chip Counts:

Vadim Trincher -- 215,000
Andy Bloch -- 189,000
Bertrand Grospellier -- 181,000
Shane Schleger -- 155,000
David Benyamine -- 145,000

Notable Eliminations:

Dan "Wretchy" Martin

Key Hands:

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy Hits Quads

On a board of Q 9 7 4 9, Cliff Josephy showed down 9 9 for quads against Tuan Le. Josephy was able to get about 11,000 from Le on the turn, but was obviously frustrated that he didn't win more on the river.

Vadim Trincher Takes Out Dan "Wretchy" Martin

The details are unknown, but Vadim Trincher took out Dan Martin during the level to pick up a huge pot and bring his stack to over 200,000.

Card Player TV:

Card Player TV talks to Andy Bloch and Tony "muckthenuts" Dunst on the first break of the day. In the video, Bloch goes into detail about the hand that gave him the chip lead early on.



 

Player Tags: Tuan Le,   Cliff Josephy

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy Eliminated

Oct 01, '08

We're lacking in details, but Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy has been eliminated from the tournament.

Josephy made the final table here two years ago, but wasn't able to get much going this year.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy

JohnnyBax Wins a Pot... Wait... No He Doesn't

Sep 30, '08

The betting details are scarce but the board reads K10882 and Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy is in a showdown with the opponent on his right.

Josephy says he has two pair and tables his 55. Unfortunately, his opponent has mucked her hand. Her cards have not quite hit the muck yet and she realizes that her 77 are good. The floor is called over and rules that because the cards did not touch the muck, her hand is considered live. She was awarded the modest pot and Josephy mucked his cards.

Player Tags: Cliff Josephy