Erik Sagstrom Poker Tournament Updates

Hour 5 Update: Erik Sagstrom Eliminated

Jun 18, '10

Blinds: 400-800

Players Remaining: 127 out of 256

Round Two Starting Chip Stack: 60,000

Notable Eliminations:

Erik Sagstrom

Notable Advancements to Round Three Tomorrow:

Ludovic Lacay

Player Twitter Accounts:

Phil Ivey
Justin Smith
Paul Wasicka
Daniel Negreanu
Johnathan Little
Faraz Jaka
Amit Makhija
Barry Greenstein
Annette Obrestad
Kevin Saul
Mike Sowers
Steve Sung
David Williams
Ludovic Lacay

Big Hands:

Erik Sagstrom Eliminated

Erik Sagstrom was down to 7,500 and got his stack into the middle with the AA against the 55 of Ludovic Lacay. The flop came 1052 and Lacay went from being a big underdog to a huge favorite. The turn and river bricked for Sagstrom and he was eliminated quickly in round two.

Player Tags: Erik Sagstrom,   Ludovic Lacay

Level 5 Update: Mercier Scoops Mizrachi

Jun 12, '10

Limits: 600-1,200

Players Remaining: 206 out of 212

Average Chip Count: 30,873

Card Player Chip Counts:

Barry Shulman – 27,000
Daniel Negreanu – 6,500
Shannon Shorr – 24,000
Mark Gregorich – 43,000
Todd Brunson – 19,500
Doyle Brunson – 20,000
Jennifer Harman – 46,000
Steve Zolotow – 41,000
Phil Hellmuth – 25,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. John Monnette – 56,000
2. Jeffrey Lisandro – 55,000
3. Tony G – 55,000
4. Tommy Vedes – 52,000
5. Yuval Bronstein – 52,000
6. Mike Sexton – 50,000
7. George Danzer – 48,000
8. Perry Friedman – 47,500
9. Jennifer Harman – 46,000
10. Andrew Brown – 44,000

Notable Eliminations:

Hoyt Corkins

Big Hands:

Mercier Scoops Mizrachi

Jason Mercier raised preflop and was called by Michael Mizrachi. Mizrachi checked and called a bet by Mercier on every street as the board ran out 7K582.

Mercier showed AJ64, good for the second nut low and an eight-high straight. Mizrachi mucked and Mercier scooped the whole pot.

Cassidy Victorious over Jesus

Chris Ferguson raised preflop and was called by Joe Cassidy, Brett Richey, and Ted Lawson.

The flop was 7KA and Ferguson bet after Lawson checked. Cassidy and Richey called and the turn came the Q. Ferguson and Richey checked to Cassidy, who bet and was called in two spots.

The 9 fell on the river and Cassidy bet when checked to and was only called by Ferguson. Cassidy showed the QJJ10, giving him the nuts and the pot. Cassidy is up to 43,000 with the pot.

Rheem Cripples Corkins

Hoyt corkins raised from under-the-gun and was called by Tony G in middle position and Chino Rheem in the big blind. The flop was 1099 and Rheem checked, Corkins bet, Tony G called, and Rheem check-raised. Corkins called and Tony G tossed his cards in.

The turn was the 9 and Corkins called a bet from Rheem. The river fell and was the 5 and Corkins called another bet from Rheem.

Rheem showed the 1010AQ and scooped the pot from Corkins. Just a few hands later, Corkins was seen exiting the tournament area and there were no chips left in front of his seat.

Aces Hold For Sagstrom

Erik Sagstro raised and was three-bet by Andy Bloch. Sagstrom made the call and the fop was QJ8. Sagstrom bet, Bloch raised and Sagstrom called.

The turn was the K and Sagstrom bet again. This time Bloch just called. The river was the 5 and Sagstrom bet one more time and was called by Bloch.

Sagstrom showed AAQ9 and Bloch mucked his hand, as he dropped to 25,500 in chips. Sagstrom climbed to 46,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   Joe Cassidy,   Erik Sagstrom,   Chino Rheem,   Jason Mercier

Level 12 Update: Players Dropping Like Flies

Jun 10, '10

Blinds: 800-1,600 with a 400 ante

Players Remaining: 34 out of 101

Average Chip Count: 89,117

Card Player Chip Counts:

Daniel Negreanu – 107,000
Todd Brunson – 81,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. George Danzer – 185,000
2. David Baker – 181,000
3. Vincent Musso – 155,000
4. Eric Kesselman – 146,000
5. Peter Gould – 138,000
6. Anton Allemann – 110,000
7. Doug Booth - 110,000
8. Daniel Negreanu – 107,000
9. Stephen Chidwick – 106,000
10. Tom Dwan – 105,000

Notable Eliminations:

Michale Mizrachi
Brandon Cantu
Steve Zolotow
Michael Binger
Erik Sagstrom
Greg Raymer
Doyle Brunson
Jason Mercier
Eli Elezra

Big Hands:

The Grinder Eliminated, Danzer Just Keeps Scooping Pots

It has been a great WSOP for Michael Mizrachi this year, but his run in thDais event has come to an end.

George Danzer opened for a raise and Peter Gould called before Mizrachi three-bet an additional 10,000. Danzer opted to call, while Gould tossed his cards into the muck.

Danzer drew one and put out a bet of 65,000, which was more than enough to put Mizrachi all-in. Mizrachi made the call and was shown the 7-5-4-3-2 of Danzer. Danzer is now the overwhelming chip leader with 235,000 in chips.

Erik Sagstrom Sent Packing

Anton Allemann raised to 4,000 from the cutoff and Daniel Negreanu called from the button. Erik Sagstrom moved all-in from the small blind and was called by only Allemann.

Sagstrom drew one while Allemann stood pat and showed a jack-low and Sagstrom showed his four cards, the 10-9-6-4. He sweated his final card and then mucked his hand and Allemann is up to 160,000.

Wattel Beats Up on Zolotow

Mike Wattel doubled through Steve Zolotow after Wattel made a 9-8-7-6-4, which left Zolotow with only 700 in chips.

The very next hand Wattel finished the job and sent Zolotow home.

Gould Sends Binger to the Rail

Peter Gould raised to 6,000 from middle position and was met with a shove all-in for 14,000 from Michael Binger in the cutoff. Everybody else got out of the way and Gould made the call.

Gould drew one card and Biger stood pat with his 10-9-7-6-4. Gould showed the 7-6-5-3 and drew the 8 to best Bingers 10-low and score the knockout. Gould is up to 138,000 in chips after that pot.

Cassidy Clashes With Mercier to Double Up

There were several raises pre-draw raises that led to Jason Mercier moving all-in for over 60,000 which left Joe Cassidy to a decision for his last 33,800.

Cassidy went into the tank for several minutes before eventuall making the call and drew one to his 8-6-5-2, while Mercier drew one to his 9-6-5-2.

Mercier caught a 10 and Cassidy began squeezing out his river card.

“It has spots,” he said referring to the fact that it wasn’t an ace, two, three, or paint card.

He then went to the lower edge ofthe card to reveal three dots and eventually flipped up a 7 to stay alive and grow to 95,000, while Mercier falls to 30,000.

Baker Takes a chunk From Danzer

David Baker opened to 4,500 and George Danzer three-bet to 16,500. Baker made the call and drew one card, while Danzer stood pat.

Baker fired 24,000 and Danzer made the call and mucked after he saw Baker’s 7-6-4-3-2. Danzer slipped to 185,000 and Baker climbs to 181,000.

Brunson Done In By Cloutier

Doyle Brunson raised and was moved in on by Eric Cloutier. Brunson drew one card to his 9-5-4-2 and Cloutier stood pat with a 10-9-8-6-3.

Brunson paired his four and Cloutier took the pot and is up to 155,000 in chips.

Schulman Finishes Off Mercier

Joe Cassidy opened to 4,000 from the cutoff and Jason Mercier moved all-in from the button for 30,200. Nick Schulman then moved all-in over the top of that from the small blind. Cassidy tanked for quite a while before folding.

Schulman drew one and Mercier stood pat. Mercier had the J-9-8-6-4 and Schulman drew to the 8-6-4-3. Schulman caught the 2 and is up to 66,000 and Mercier is out.

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   Doyle Brunson,   Joe Cassidy,   Erik Sagstrom,   Michael Binger,   Nick Schulman,   Peter Gould,   George Danzer,   Anton Allemann,   David Baker,   Jason Mercier

Level 8 Update: Amnon Filippi and Erik Sagstrom Eliminated

Jun 04, '10

Blinds: Bring-in 300, ante 300, Limits 1,200-2,400

Players Remaining: 88 out of 150

Average Chip Count: 51,136

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Vladimir Schmelev – 180,000
2. Michael Mizrachi – 164,000
3. John DAgostino – 140,000
4. Doyle Brunson – 114,000
5. Men Nguyen – 94,000
6. Daniel Negreanu – 88,000
7. Scott Seiver – 88,000
8. Daniel Kelly – 79,000
9. Jennifer Harman – 76,000
10. Chris Ferguson – 76,000

Notable Eliminations:

Amnon Filippi
Erik Sagstrom
Huck Seed

Big Hands:

Amnon Filippi Eliminated

Kirk Morrison completed the bring-in and after a moment Alan Boston folded and action was on a very short-stacked Amnon Filippi. Filippi then reraised and it folded back to Morrison. Morrison and Filippi got all of Filippi’s remaining chips in on third street.

Filippi had concealed nines and an ace showing against Morrison’s concealed kings and a ten. By sixth street, Morrison had made kings-up, and Filippi never improved past a pair of nines, sending him home in the beginning of the last level of the day.

Lind Cripples Raptor

On sixth street, George Lind and David Benefield were locked up in a hand with their boards looking like this.

Lind: (X-X)-K-Q-5-2
Benefield: (X-X)-K-9-2-8

Lind bet sixth and was called by Benefield. After the river was dealt, Lind bet again and was called by Benefield. Lind showed A-4-10, giving him an ace-high flush and Benefield mucked and was left with just 4,000, while Lind got back up to 29,000.

Huck Seed Eliminated

Huck Seed got all of his money in against Bill Munley and by sixth street, Munley had aces and jacks showing on his board. Seed was unable to beat the two pair that Munley was showing and he was eliminated.

Erik Sagstrom Eliminated by David Singer

We got to the table as Sagstrom was putting the last of his chips in against David Singer. Singer had nothing but ace high but Sagstrom missed his straight draw and was eliminated from the tournament.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Singer,   Amnon Filippi,   Erik Sagstrom,   David Benefield

Level 16: Oppenheim Passes 2 Million, KOs Jesus

May 30, '10

Blinds:

Flop/Limit Games: 9,000-18,000 blinds; 18,000-36,000 stakes
Stud Games: 4,000 ante, 5,000 bring-in, 18,000-36,000 limits
No Limit Hold’em/PLO: 2,000 ante, 4,500-9,000 blinds

Players Remaining: 24 out of 116

Tournament Leaderboard

1. David Oppenheim – 2,200,000
2. Alexander Kostritsyn – 1,600,000
3. Mikael Thuritz – 1,020,000
4. Vladimir Schmelev – 830,000
5. Nick Schulman – 820,000
6. Lyle Berman – 800,000
7. Erik Sagstrom – 730,000
8. James Van Alstyne – 720,000
9. Michael Mizrachi – 700,000
10. Andy Bloch – 685,000

Average Chip Count: 725,000

Notable Eliminations:
Doyle Brunson
Joe Cassidy
John Cernuto
Cole South
Tom Chambers

Big Hands:

Stud 8/b

Oppenheim Eliminates Evdakov, Surpasses 1 Million Mark

Entering at the end of the action, Nikolay Evdakov was standing from his chair as soon as he saw David Oppenheim’s hand.

Oppenheim: K993982
Evdakov: A2Q7410

Oppenheim’s trips were good for the high and Evdakov didn’t create a low hand and was eliminated while Oppenheim saw his stack rise to 1,200,000.

Pot Limit Omaha

Oppenheim Passes 2 Million While Eliminating Jesus

Later in the level David Oppenheim was heads up with Chris Ferguson. Ferguson raised 27,000 and Oppenheim called from the button. When the 863 came on the flop Ferguson led out with 45,000 and Oppenheim made a pot-sized raise to 132,500. Ferguson thought for a while then pushed all in for more than 200,000 extra. Oppenheim made the quick call and they showed their cards.

Ferguson – Q1097
Oppenheim – 10876

Oppenheim had two pair while Ferguson had a club-flush draw. The pot was worth more than half a million, but any excitement died when the 8 hit on the turn to give Oppenheim a full house, leaving Ferguson drawing to only a straight flush with one card to make it. The A hit on the river and Ferguson was eliminated, while Oppenheim saw his stack grow to around 2.2 million.

Razz

Van Alstyne Knocks Sagstrom Down

James Van Alstyne was heads up with Erik Sagstrom, letting the Swedish pro do all the betting until check-raising Sagstrom just before the last card was dealt to each player. Sagstrom called the bet but after being dealt the 5 he was forced to fold and miss out on a big pot, flashing another 5 in the process to indicate he had paired it.

The loss put Van Alstyne around 400,000 and dropped Sagstrom dangerously low to around 160,000.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   David Oppenheim,   Erik Sagstrom

Level 11: Huck Seed is Gone, So Is Williamson and Hellmuth

May 30, '10

Blinds:

Flop/Limit Games: 3,000-6,000 blinds; 6,000-12,000 stakes
Stud Games: 1,500 ante, 2,000 bring-in, 6,000-12,000 limits
No Limit Hold’em/PLO: 700 ante, 1,500-3,000 blinds

Players Remaining: 54 out of 116

Tournament Leaderboard

1. Kirk Morrison – 740,000
2. Mikael Thuritz – 650,000
3. Erik Sagstrom – 635,000
4. Andy Bloch – 560,000
5. Alexander Kostritsyn – 510,000
6. Steve Zolotow – 495,000
7. Robert Mizrachi – 480,000
8. Brett Richey – 425,000
9. Noah Boeken – 390,000
10. John Cernuto – 379,000

Average Chip Count: 322,222

Notable Eliminations:

Huck Seed
Robert Williamson III
Hoyt Corkins
Michael Binger
Isaac Haxton
Phil Hellmuth
Amnon Filippi

Big Hands:

Pot Limit Omaha

Seed Planted Out of Tournament

Huck Seed took a stand with his short stack when he raised to 9,600 preflop only to have Hasan Habib reraise to 27,000. Seed called and the flop came 764. Huck bet 7,500, leaving only 35,000 behind. Habib raised enough to put Seed all in and he called.

Seed showed 9652 for two pair and a straight draw, but was against Habib’s AKK7. The Q and J fell on the turn and the river and Seed was eliminated.

Habib’s stack increased to around 158,000.

Andy Bloch Cripples Williamson III In Massive Pot

We caught up with this hand on the river after Robert Williamson III shouted, “Aces against aces. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Andy Bloch was all in for his last 231,000 with AAJ8. Williamson III called him with AAK10.

The board had run out KQ2Q5, giving Bloch a flush and hammering Williamson’s stack down to just 1,500. He would be eliminated on the next hand while Bloch was well over 600,000 in chips after the hand.

Razz

Clements Takes One Off Haxton

Picking up the action on seventh street, Scott Clements bet 12,000 and Isaac Haxton contemplated about what to do.

After some thought he decided to muck his 10-9-8-7 up cards.

“Show the bluff,” Haxton pleaded.

Clements obliged showing his hole cards, (9-7-3) to go with his K-Q-7-4 that was showing for a Queen-low. Clements was around 150,000 after the hand.

Stud/8

Nguyen Scoops Lisandro

We caught this hand on seventh street. Scotty Nguyen fired 12,000 into the pot and Jeffrey Lisandro made the call.

“Straight,” Nguyen announced. He tabled A376547.

Lisandro mucked his AQ106 and Nguyen took the pot. He was at 195,000.

No Limit Hold’em

Jesus Gets Called Down

Allen Bari raised to 7,000 preflop and Chris Ferguson made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q94 and both players checked.

The turn was the J and Ferguson led out with 11,000. Bari made the call and the two players saw the 3 fall on the river.

Ferguson tried one more time, firing 28,000 into the pot. Bari thought for a bit and decided to look Ferguson up. Sure enough, Ferguson tapped the table and showed A5 for a whole lot of nothing.

Bari tabled 1010 and took down the pot. He was up to 180,000 after starting the hand with 140,000. Ferguson dropped form 350,000 to 300,000.

2-7 Triple Draw

Sagstrom Takes Massive Pot

Eli Elezra, Erik Sagstrom, Nikolay Evdakov and Phil Ivey all had five bets in the pot prior to the first draw.

Elezra and Ivey drew two cards while Sagstrom and Evdakov drew one apiece. Sagstrom then bet and received three calls.

Eveyone took one card on the next draw and the action checked around.

Elezra, Sagstrom and Ivey each took one card on the last draw while Evdakov stood pat. Sagstrom then bet and received a call from Evdakov. Ivey folded but Elezra raised to 24,000. Sagstrom made it three bets to 36,000 inducing a fold from Evdakov. Elezra called and Sagstrom turned over the nuts, 7-5-4-3-2 to take down the massive pot and grow his stack to around 640,000.

Limit Hold’em

Alaei Busts Another Opponent

Daniel Alaei raised to 12,000 preflop and the short-stacked seat 7 raised to 18,000. Alaei called and the seat 7 put his remaining chips in blind before the flop. The flop came 887, and Alaei called and showed 98 for trips. Seat 7 showed K9, and following a turn of 3 and a river of A, he was eliminated.

Alaei boosted his stack to around 400,000.

Hellmuth Busted

After a flop of K63, Phil Hellmuth and Chris Ferguson each put 18,000 into the middle.

The turn was the 4 and Hellmuth checked and Ferguson bet 12,000. Hellmuth called for the remainder of his stack and turned over A6 for second pair. It was not enough, however, as Ferguson showed KQ for top pair.

The river was the 7, giving Hellmuth no help and he was eliminated just before the conclusion of Day 2. Ferguson’s stack was up to 470,000.

Card Player TV: See what Alaei had to say about the tournament.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Chris Ferguson,   Andy Bloch,   Hasan Habib,   Huck Seed,   Phil Hellmuth,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Daniel Alaei,   Allen Bari,   Erik Sagstrom,   Scott Clements,   Robert Williamson III,   Isaac Haxton,   Nikolay Evdakov

End Of Day 1

May 29, '10

Day 1 of the Players Championship is officially over. There were 116 entrants by the end of the dinner break and 110 of them will return Saturday at 3 p.m. for Day 2.

Dan Shak had the distinction of being the first player eliminated from the tournament after he was crippled in a hand against Dan Kelly. Tom Dwan, Andrew Brown, Marc Karam, Greg Mueller and Brian Townsend would follow Shak out the door before the day was over.

The unofficial chip leader after Day 1 is David Oppenheim with about 305,000. Others in contention include Erik Sagstrom with 280,000; Justin Bonomo with 255,000 and Barry Greenstein with 240,000.

Stay tuned to Cardplayer.com for a recap of today’s events as well as all of the live updates for Day 2 of the Players Championship.

Player Tags: Barry Greenstein,   David Oppenheim,   Erik Sagstrom,   Justin Bonomo,   Tom Dwan,   Brian Townsend

Level 16: Oppenheim Passes 2 Million, KOs Jesus

May 30, '10

Blinds:

Flop/Limit Games: 9,000-18,000 blinds; 18,000-36,000 stakes
Stud Games: 4,000 ante, 5,000 bring-in, 18,000-36,000 limits
No Limit Hold’em/PLO: 2,000 ante, 4,500-9,000 blinds

Players Remaining: 24 out of 116

Tournament Leaderboard

1. David Oppenheim – 2,200,000
2. Alexander Kostritsyn – 1,600,000
3. Mikael Thuritz – 1,020,000
4. Vladimir Schmelev – 830,000
5. Nick Schulman – 820,000
6. Lyle Berman – 800,000
7. Erik Sagstrom – 730,000
8. James Van Alstyne – 720,000
9. Michael Mizrachi – 700,000
10. Andy Bloch – 685,000

Average Chip Count: 725,000

Notable Eliminations:
Doyle Brunson
Joe Cassidy
John Cernuto
Cole South
Tom Chambers

Big Hands:

Stud 8/b

Oppenheim Eliminates Evdakov, Surpasses 1 Million Mark

Entering at the end of the action, Nikolay Evdakov was standing from his chair as soon as he saw David Oppenheim’s hand.

Oppenheim: K993982
Evdakov: A2Q7410

Oppenheim’s trips were good for the high and Evdakov didn’t create a low hand and was eliminated while Oppenheim saw his stack rise to 1,200,000.

Pot Limit Omaha

Oppenheim Passes 2 Million While Eliminating Jesus

Later in the level David Oppenheim was heads up with Chris Ferguson. Ferguson raised 27,000 and Oppenheim called from the button. When the 863 came on the flop Ferguson led out with 45,000 and Oppenheim made a pot-sized raise to 132,500. Ferguson thought for a while then pushed all in for more than 200,000 extra. Oppenheim made the quick call and they showed their cards.

Ferguson – Q1097
Oppenheim – 10876

Oppenheim had two pair while Ferguson had a club-flush draw. The pot was worth more than half a million, but any excitement died when the 8 hit on the turn to give Oppenheim a full house, leaving Ferguson drawing to only a straight flush with one card to make it. The A hit on the river and Ferguson was eliminated, while Oppenheim saw his stack grow to around 2.2 million.

Razz

Van Alstyne Knocks Sagstrom Down

James Van Alstyne was heads up with Erik Sagstrom, letting the Swedish pro do all the betting until check-raising Sagstrom just before the last card was dealt to each player. Sagstrom called the bet but after being dealt the 5 he was forced to fold and miss out on a big pot, flashing another 5 in the process to indicate he had paired it.

The loss put Van Alstyne around 400,000 and dropped Sagstrom dangerously low to around 160,000.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   David Oppenheim,   Erik Sagstrom

Level 11: Huck Seed is Gone, So Is Williamson and Hellmuth

May 30, '10

Blinds:

Flop/Limit Games: 3,000-6,000 blinds; 6,000-12,000 stakes
Stud Games: 1,500 ante, 2,000 bring-in, 6,000-12,000 limits
No Limit Hold’em/PLO: 700 ante, 1,500-3,000 blinds

Players Remaining: 54 out of 116

Tournament Leaderboard

1. Kirk Morrison – 740,000
2. Mikael Thuritz – 650,000
3. Erik Sagstrom – 635,000
4. Andy Bloch – 560,000
5. Alexander Kostritsyn – 510,000
6. Steve Zolotow – 495,000
7. Robert Mizrachi – 480,000
8. Brett Richey – 425,000
9. Noah Boeken – 390,000
10. John Cernuto – 379,000

Average Chip Count: 322,222

Notable Eliminations:

Huck Seed
Robert Williamson III
Hoyt Corkins
Michael Binger
Isaac Haxton
Phil Hellmuth
Amnon Filippi

Big Hands:

Pot Limit Omaha

Seed Planted Out of Tournament

Huck Seed took a stand with his short stack when he raised to 9,600 preflop only to have Hasan Habib reraise to 27,000. Seed called and the flop came 764. Huck bet 7,500, leaving only 35,000 behind. Habib raised enough to put Seed all in and he called.

Seed showed 9652 for two pair and a straight draw, but was against Habib’s AKK7. The Q and J fell on the turn and the river and Seed was eliminated.

Habib’s stack increased to around 158,000.

Andy Bloch Cripples Williamson III In Massive Pot

We caught up with this hand on the river after Robert Williamson III shouted, “Aces against aces. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Andy Bloch was all in for his last 231,000 with AAJ8. Williamson III called him with AAK10.

The board had run out KQ2Q5, giving Bloch a flush and hammering Williamson’s stack down to just 1,500. He would be eliminated on the next hand while Bloch was well over 600,000 in chips after the hand.

Razz

Clements Takes One Off Haxton

Picking up the action on seventh street, Scott Clements bet 12,000 and Isaac Haxton contemplated about what to do.

After some thought he decided to muck his 10-9-8-7 up cards.

“Show the bluff,” Haxton pleaded.

Clements obliged showing his hole cards, (9-7-3) to go with his K-Q-7-4 that was showing for a Queen-low. Clements was around 150,000 after the hand.

Stud/8

Nguyen Scoops Lisandro

We caught this hand on seventh street. Scotty Nguyen fired 12,000 into the pot and Jeffrey Lisandro made the call.

“Straight,” Nguyen announced. He tabled A376547.

Lisandro mucked his AQ106 and Nguyen took the pot. He was at 195,000.

No Limit Hold’em

Jesus Gets Called Down

Allen Bari raised to 7,000 preflop and Chris Ferguson made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q94 and both players checked.

The turn was the J and Ferguson led out with 11,000. Bari made the call and the two players saw the 3 fall on the river.

Ferguson tried one more time, firing 28,000 into the pot. Bari thought for a bit and decided to look Ferguson up. Sure enough, Ferguson tapped the table and showed A5 for a whole lot of nothing.

Bari tabled 1010 and took down the pot. He was up to 180,000 after starting the hand with 140,000. Ferguson dropped form 350,000 to 300,000.

2-7 Triple Draw

Sagstrom Takes Massive Pot

Eli Elezra, Erik Sagstrom, Nikolay Evdakov and Phil Ivey all had five bets in the pot prior to the first draw.

Elezra and Ivey drew two cards while Sagstrom and Evdakov drew one apiece. Sagstrom then bet and received three calls.

Eveyone took one card on the next draw and the action checked around.

Elezra, Sagstrom and Ivey each took one card on the last draw while Evdakov stood pat. Sagstrom then bet and received a call from Evdakov. Ivey folded but Elezra raised to 24,000. Sagstrom made it three bets to 36,000 inducing a fold from Evdakov. Elezra called and Sagstrom turned over the nuts, 7-5-4-3-2 to take down the massive pot and grow his stack to around 640,000.

Limit Hold’em

Alaei Busts Another Opponent

Daniel Alaei raised to 12,000 preflop and the short-stacked seat 7 raised to 18,000. Alaei called and the seat 7 put his remaining chips in blind before the flop. The flop came 887, and Alaei called and showed 98 for trips. Seat 7 showed K9, and following a turn of 3 and a river of A, he was eliminated.

Alaei boosted his stack to around 400,000.

Hellmuth Busted

After a flop of K63, Phil Hellmuth and Chris Ferguson each put 18,000 into the middle.

The turn was the 4 and Hellmuth checked and Ferguson bet 12,000. Hellmuth called for the remainder of his stack and turned over A6 for second pair. It was not enough, however, as Ferguson showed KQ for top pair.

The river was the 7, giving Hellmuth no help and he was eliminated just before the conclusion of Day 2. Ferguson’s stack was up to 470,000.

Card Player TV: See what Alaei had to say about the tournament.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Chris Ferguson,   Andy Bloch,   Hasan Habib,   Huck Seed,   Phil Hellmuth,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Daniel Alaei,   Allen Bari,   Erik Sagstrom,   Scott Clements,   Robert Williamson III,   Isaac Haxton,   Nikolay Evdakov

End Of Day 1

May 29, '10

Day 1 of the Players Championship is officially over. There were 116 entrants by the end of the dinner break and 110 of them will return Saturday at 3 p.m. for Day 2.

Dan Shak had the distinction of being the first player eliminated from the tournament after he was crippled in a hand against Dan Kelly. Tom Dwan, Andrew Brown, Marc Karam, Greg Mueller and Brian Townsend would follow Shak out the door before the day was over.

The unofficial chip leader after Day 1 is David Oppenheim with about 305,000. Others in contention include Erik Sagstrom with 280,000; Justin Bonomo with 255,000 and Barry Greenstein with 240,000.

Stay tuned to Cardplayer.com for a recap of today’s events as well as all of the live updates for Day 2 of the Players Championship.

Player Tags: Barry Greenstein,   David Oppenheim,   Erik Sagstrom,   Justin Bonomo,   Tom Dwan,   Brian Townsend

Level 16: Oppenheim Passes 2 Million, KOs Jesus

May 30, '10

Blinds:

Flop/Limit Games: 9,000-18,000 blinds; 18,000-36,000 stakes
Stud Games: 4,000 ante, 5,000 bring-in, 18,000-36,000 limits
No Limit Hold’em/PLO: 2,000 ante, 4,500-9,000 blinds

Players Remaining: 24 out of 116

Tournament Leaderboard

1. David Oppenheim – 2,200,000
2. Alexander Kostritsyn – 1,600,000
3. Mikael Thuritz – 1,020,000
4. Vladimir Schmelev – 830,000
5. Nick Schulman – 820,000
6. Lyle Berman – 800,000
7. Erik Sagstrom – 730,000
8. James Van Alstyne – 720,000
9. Michael Mizrachi – 700,000
10. Andy Bloch – 685,000

Average Chip Count: 725,000

Notable Eliminations:
Doyle Brunson
Joe Cassidy
John Cernuto
Cole South
Tom Chambers

Big Hands:

Stud 8/b

Oppenheim Eliminates Evdakov, Surpasses 1 Million Mark

Entering at the end of the action, Nikolay Evdakov was standing from his chair as soon as he saw David Oppenheim’s hand.

Oppenheim: K993982
Evdakov: A2Q7410

Oppenheim’s trips were good for the high and Evdakov didn’t create a low hand and was eliminated while Oppenheim saw his stack rise to 1,200,000.

Pot Limit Omaha

Oppenheim Passes 2 Million While Eliminating Jesus

Later in the level David Oppenheim was heads up with Chris Ferguson. Ferguson raised 27,000 and Oppenheim called from the button. When the 863 came on the flop Ferguson led out with 45,000 and Oppenheim made a pot-sized raise to 132,500. Ferguson thought for a while then pushed all in for more than 200,000 extra. Oppenheim made the quick call and they showed their cards.

Ferguson – Q1097
Oppenheim – 10876

Oppenheim had two pair while Ferguson had a club-flush draw. The pot was worth more than half a million, but any excitement died when the 8 hit on the turn to give Oppenheim a full house, leaving Ferguson drawing to only a straight flush with one card to make it. The A hit on the river and Ferguson was eliminated, while Oppenheim saw his stack grow to around 2.2 million.

Razz

Van Alstyne Knocks Sagstrom Down

James Van Alstyne was heads up with Erik Sagstrom, letting the Swedish pro do all the betting until check-raising Sagstrom just before the last card was dealt to each player. Sagstrom called the bet but after being dealt the 5 he was forced to fold and miss out on a big pot, flashing another 5 in the process to indicate he had paired it.

The loss put Van Alstyne around 400,000 and dropped Sagstrom dangerously low to around 160,000.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   David Oppenheim,   Erik Sagstrom

Level 11: Huck Seed is Gone, So Is Williamson and Hellmuth

May 30, '10

Blinds:

Flop/Limit Games: 3,000-6,000 blinds; 6,000-12,000 stakes
Stud Games: 1,500 ante, 2,000 bring-in, 6,000-12,000 limits
No Limit Hold’em/PLO: 700 ante, 1,500-3,000 blinds

Players Remaining: 54 out of 116

Tournament Leaderboard

1. Kirk Morrison – 740,000
2. Mikael Thuritz – 650,000
3. Erik Sagstrom – 635,000
4. Andy Bloch – 560,000
5. Alexander Kostritsyn – 510,000
6. Steve Zolotow – 495,000
7. Robert Mizrachi – 480,000
8. Brett Richey – 425,000
9. Noah Boeken – 390,000
10. John Cernuto – 379,000

Average Chip Count: 322,222

Notable Eliminations:

Huck Seed
Robert Williamson III
Hoyt Corkins
Michael Binger
Isaac Haxton
Phil Hellmuth
Amnon Filippi

Big Hands:

Pot Limit Omaha

Seed Planted Out of Tournament

Huck Seed took a stand with his short stack when he raised to 9,600 preflop only to have Hasan Habib reraise to 27,000. Seed called and the flop came 764. Huck bet 7,500, leaving only 35,000 behind. Habib raised enough to put Seed all in and he called.

Seed showed 9652 for two pair and a straight draw, but was against Habib’s AKK7. The Q and J fell on the turn and the river and Seed was eliminated.

Habib’s stack increased to around 158,000.

Andy Bloch Cripples Williamson III In Massive Pot

We caught up with this hand on the river after Robert Williamson III shouted, “Aces against aces. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Andy Bloch was all in for his last 231,000 with AAJ8. Williamson III called him with AAK10.

The board had run out KQ2Q5, giving Bloch a flush and hammering Williamson’s stack down to just 1,500. He would be eliminated on the next hand while Bloch was well over 600,000 in chips after the hand.

Razz

Clements Takes One Off Haxton

Picking up the action on seventh street, Scott Clements bet 12,000 and Isaac Haxton contemplated about what to do.

After some thought he decided to muck his 10-9-8-7 up cards.

“Show the bluff,” Haxton pleaded.

Clements obliged showing his hole cards, (9-7-3) to go with his K-Q-7-4 that was showing for a Queen-low. Clements was around 150,000 after the hand.

Stud/8

Nguyen Scoops Lisandro

We caught this hand on seventh street. Scotty Nguyen fired 12,000 into the pot and Jeffrey Lisandro made the call.

“Straight,” Nguyen announced. He tabled A376547.

Lisandro mucked his AQ106 and Nguyen took the pot. He was at 195,000.

No Limit Hold’em

Jesus Gets Called Down

Allen Bari raised to 7,000 preflop and Chris Ferguson made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q94 and both players checked.

The turn was the J and Ferguson led out with 11,000. Bari made the call and the two players saw the 3 fall on the river.

Ferguson tried one more time, firing 28,000 into the pot. Bari thought for a bit and decided to look Ferguson up. Sure enough, Ferguson tapped the table and showed A5 for a whole lot of nothing.

Bari tabled 1010 and took down the pot. He was up to 180,000 after starting the hand with 140,000. Ferguson dropped form 350,000 to 300,000.

2-7 Triple Draw

Sagstrom Takes Massive Pot

Eli Elezra, Erik Sagstrom, Nikolay Evdakov and Phil Ivey all had five bets in the pot prior to the first draw.

Elezra and Ivey drew two cards while Sagstrom and Evdakov drew one apiece. Sagstrom then bet and received three calls.

Eveyone took one card on the next draw and the action checked around.

Elezra, Sagstrom and Ivey each took one card on the last draw while Evdakov stood pat. Sagstrom then bet and received a call from Evdakov. Ivey folded but Elezra raised to 24,000. Sagstrom made it three bets to 36,000 inducing a fold from Evdakov. Elezra called and Sagstrom turned over the nuts, 7-5-4-3-2 to take down the massive pot and grow his stack to around 640,000.

Limit Hold’em

Alaei Busts Another Opponent

Daniel Alaei raised to 12,000 preflop and the short-stacked seat 7 raised to 18,000. Alaei called and the seat 7 put his remaining chips in blind before the flop. The flop came 887, and Alaei called and showed 98 for trips. Seat 7 showed K9, and following a turn of 3 and a river of A, he was eliminated.

Alaei boosted his stack to around 400,000.

Hellmuth Busted

After a flop of K63, Phil Hellmuth and Chris Ferguson each put 18,000 into the middle.

The turn was the 4 and Hellmuth checked and Ferguson bet 12,000. Hellmuth called for the remainder of his stack and turned over A6 for second pair. It was not enough, however, as Ferguson showed KQ for top pair.

The river was the 7, giving Hellmuth no help and he was eliminated just before the conclusion of Day 2. Ferguson’s stack was up to 470,000.

Card Player TV: See what Alaei had to say about the tournament.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Chris Ferguson,   Andy Bloch,   Hasan Habib,   Huck Seed,   Phil Hellmuth,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Daniel Alaei,   Allen Bari,   Erik Sagstrom,   Scott Clements,   Robert Williamson III,   Isaac Haxton,   Nikolay Evdakov

End Of Day 1

May 29, '10

Day 1 of the Players Championship is officially over. There were 116 entrants by the end of the dinner break and 110 of them will return Saturday at 3 p.m. for Day 2.

Dan Shak had the distinction of being the first player eliminated from the tournament after he was crippled in a hand against Dan Kelly. Tom Dwan, Andrew Brown, Marc Karam, Greg Mueller and Brian Townsend would follow Shak out the door before the day was over.

The unofficial chip leader after Day 1 is David Oppenheim with about 305,000. Others in contention include Erik Sagstrom with 280,000; Justin Bonomo with 255,000 and Barry Greenstein with 240,000.

Stay tuned to Cardplayer.com for a recap of today’s events as well as all of the live updates for Day 2 of the Players Championship.

Player Tags: Barry Greenstein,   David Oppenheim,   Erik Sagstrom,   Justin Bonomo,   Tom Dwan,   Brian Townsend

Final Table Update: Erik Sagstrom Eliminated in 3rd Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 75,000-150,000 Limits — 150,000-300,000
Stud Games: Ante – 30,000, Bring-In – 50,000, Completion – 150,000, Limits – 150,000-300,000

Players Remaining: 2 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. David Bach – 7,100,000
2. John Hanson – 7,100,000

Average Chip Count: 7,100,000

Notable Eliminations:

3. Erik Sagstrom — $522,394

Big Hands

Omaha/8

Erik Sagstrom Eliminated In Third Place($522,394)

John Hanson raised to 300,000 from the button and David Bach made it 450,000 from the small blind. Erik Sagstrom made the call and Hanson called as well. The flop then came down K76 and Hanson led out with 150,000. Bach made the call and Sagstrom raised 75,000 more, putting himself all in. Hanson then three-bet and Bach made the call. The turn was the J and Hanson bet 300,000. Bach called and both players checked the K on the river. Hanson then showed 88X-X and it was good enough to take down the pot. Sagstrom mucked and he was eliminated.

Player Tags: David Bach,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson

Final Table Update: Vitaly Lunkin Eliminated In 4th Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 50,000-100,000 Limits — 100,000-200,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 30,000, Completion – 100,000, Limits – 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson – 6,430,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 4,930,000
3. David Bach – 3,510,000

Average Chip Count: 4,956,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Vitaly Lunkin — $368,813

Big Hands

Stud/8

Vitaly Lunkin Eliminated In Fourth Place($368,813)

Vitaly Lunkin brought in 30,000 and Erik Sagstrom completed to 100,000. Lunkin called and here were their boards heading into fourth street.

Lunkin: X-X-24
Sagstrom: X-X-75

Sagstrom bet 100,000 and Lunkin made the call.

Lunkin: X-X-248
Sagstrom: X-X-75A

Sagstrom bet 200,000 and Lunkin called.

Lunkin: X-X-2488
Sagstrom: X-X-75A10

Lunkin paired and led out with 200,000. Sagstrom raised to 400,000 and Lunkin came right back over the top for the rest of his chips. Sagstrom made the call and showed (AA) for a set of aces. Lunkin tabled (58) for a set of eights and an 8-5 low draw. Sagstrom did not improve on the river and Lunkin needed something to salvage half the pot. He recieved the 9, getting no help and he was eliminated.

Player Tags: Erik Sagstrom,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Huck Seed Eliminated In 5th Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 50,000-100,000 Limits — 100,000-200,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 30,000, Completion – 100,000, Limits – 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 4 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson – 7,740,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 3,540,000
3. David Bach – 2,400,000
4. Vitaly Lunkin – 1,100,000

Average Chip Count: 3,695,000

Notable Eliminations:

5. Huck Seed — $276,610

Big Hands

Hold’em

Huck Seed Eliminated In Fifth Place($276,610)

Vitaly Lunkin limped in from early position and Erik Sagstrom raised to 200,000 from the button. John Hanson called from the small blind and Huck Seed called all in from the big blind.

The players saw a flop of A410 and Sagstrom bet 100,000. Hanson raised to 200,000 and Lunkin called, as did Sagstrom. The turn was the Q and Lunkin fired 200,000. Hanson and Sagstrom both called and the river was the 5.

Everyone checked and Hanson showed AJ for top pair and everyone, including Seed, mucked. Seed made his exit in fifth place, pocketing $276,610.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Ville Wahlbeck Eliminated In 6th Place

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 40,000-80,000 Limits — 80,000-160,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 20,000, Completion – 80,000, Limits – 80,000-160,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,870,000
2. David Bach – 3,560,000
3. Erik Sagstrom – 2,795,000
4. John Hanson – 2,280,000
5. Huck Seed – 1,770,000

Average Chip Count: 2,855,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Ville Wahlbeck — $219,655

Big Hands

Hold’em

Seed With The Heavy Firepower

Huck Seed raised to 160,000 from under the gun and Erik Sagstrom made the call from the small blind. John Hanson also called from the big blind and the flop came down Q105. Seed bet 80,000 and Sagstrom mucked, but Hanson made the call.

The turn was the K and both players checked. The river was the Q and Hanson fired 160,000. Seed quickly made the call and showed down AA, good enough to take down the pot.

Wahlbeck Survives All In

Ville Wahlbeck raised to 160,000 from the button and John Hanson raised to 240,000 from the big blind. Wahlbeck four-bet to 320,000 and Hanson capped the action at 400,000. Wahlbeck called the last of his chips into the pot and showed down KQ. Hanson showed down KQ and a pot that started with great action ended with a thud as the board ran out K81010A. Both players chopped the pot and play resumed.

Omaha/8

Ville Wahlbeck Finally Succumbs, Eliminated In Sixth Place($219,655)

Wahlbeck kept finding ways to survive, but in the end David Bach would have no more of his nonsense. Wahlbeck raised preflop to 160,000 and Bach made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J34 and Bach checked to Wahlbeck who bet 80,000. Bach then raised to 160,000 and Wahlbeck made the call. The turn was the K and Bach fired 160,000.

Wahlbeck called his last 135,000 and showed 7532 for a straight draw and 7-low draw. Bach showed AJ43 for two pair. Wahlbeck had outs, but the 4 on the river was not one of them and he was eliminated in sixth place.

Bach Takes Down A Monster

Huck Seed limped from under the gun and action folded to David Bach on the button. He raised to 160,000 and John Hanson made the call from the big blind. Seed also called and the players saw a flop of J74. Action was checked to Bach who fired 80,000. Hanson then raised to 160,000 and Seed three-bet to 240,000. Bach and Hanson called and the turn was the 10. Action was checked to Bach again and he bet 160,000. Both opponents just called this time and the river was the J. Bach fired another bet and Hanson called, while Seed got out of the way.

Bach then tabled J4A2 for a full house and Hanson mucked. Bach took down the huge pot and was at 3.8 million.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Bach,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson

Final Table Update: Lunkin Maintains Commanding Chiplead

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 30,000-60,000 Limits — 60,000-120,000
Stud Games: Ante – 15,000, Bring-In – 20,000, Completion – 60,000, Limits – 60,000-120,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin — 4,715,000
2. Erik Sagstrom — 3,320,000
3. John Hanson — 3,030,000
4. David Bach — 1,195,000
5. Huck Seed — 1,140,000
6. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,105,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Big Hands

STUD/8

Sagstrom Scoops Wahlbeck

Huck Seed brings it in with the 3, Ville Wahlbeck calls with the J, Erik Sagstrom completes the bet with the A, Seed folds and Wahlbeck calls.

Sagstrom: X-X-A85J
Wahlbeck: X-X-JKK2

Sagstrom bet on fourth street and Wahlbeck called. Wahlbeck paired his king on fifth street, checking to Sagstrom. Sagstrom bets and Wahlbeck calls. Both players check on sixth street and Sagstrom bets the rivers, Wahlbeck calls.

Sagstrom turns over A99 for two pair, scooping the pot.

HOLD’EM

Lunkin vs. Hanson

Ville Wahlbeck raises before the flop, Erik Sagstrom, John Hanson and Vitaly Lunkin all call.

The flop comes Q104, Lunkin bets and everyone calls.

The turn is the 9, and this time Hanson bets out. Lunkin calls as both Sagstrom and Wahlbeck fold.

The river is the 3, Hanson bets and Lunkin calls. Lunkin turns over QQK10 for a set of queens and rakes the pot.

OMAHA/8

Lunkin Continues to Pad His Lead

Action folds around to the button and Vitaly Lunkin raises, Ville Wahlbeck calls.

The flop comes 777, Lunkin bets and Wahlbeck calls.

The turn is the 6 and both players check.

The river is the J, and once again both players check. Lunkin turns over AK33 for a small full house, raking the pot and bringing his commanding chiplead to well over 5 million this hand.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Lunkin Takes Chiplead

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 25,000-50,000 Limits — 50,000-100,000
Stud Games: Ante – 10,000, Bring-In – 15,000, Completion – 50,000, Limits – 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin — 3,795,000
2. John Hanson — 3,485,000
3. Erik Sagstrom — 3,040,000
4. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,525,000
5. David Bach — 985,000
6. Huck Seed — 980,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Big Hands

STUD

Lunkin Wins Big Pot, Takes Chiplead

David Bach brings it in with the 4 and Erik Sagstrom completes the bet. Huck Seed calls, Vitaly Lunkin raises, Bach folds and Sagstrom and Seed both call.

Sagstrom: X-X-10K8J
Seed: X-X-KQ26
Lunkin: X-X-A945

Lunkin bets out on fourth, fifth and sixth streets and both opponents continue to call. Lunkin checks the river and Seed bets. Sagstrom folds, Lunkin raises, Seed folds and Lunkin rakes the pot. Lunkin takes the chip lead this hand.

STUD/8

Sagstrom Gets Scooped, Looses Chiplead

David Bach brings it in with the 2, Erik Sagstrom completes the bet, John Hanson calls and Bach folds.

Sagstrom: X-X-A939
Hanson: X-X-4q67

Sagstrom bets out on fourth street and Hanson calls. Hanson takes the lead on fifth street, continuing to bet through the river as Sagstrom calls him down the whole way. Hanson turns over 53 for the straight and Sagstrom mucks. Hanson rakes the pot as Sagstrom drops down a few pegs on the leaderboard this hand.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Bach,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Seidel 8th ($162,382), Giang 7th ($184,087)

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 25,000-50,000 Limits — 50,000-100,000
Stud Games: Ante – 10,000, Bring-In – 15,000, Completion – 50,000, Limits – 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 8 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom — 3,850,000
2. Vitaly Lunkin — 3,260,000
3. John Hanson — 1,500,000
4. David Bach — 1,895,000
5. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,800,000
6. Huck Seed — 1,195,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Erik Seidel — $162,382
7. Chau Giang — $184,087

Big Hands:

STUD/8

Erik Seidel Eliminated in 8th Place ($162,382)

Vitaly Lunkin brings it in with the 3 and both Erik Seidel and David Bach call.

Lunkin: X-X-3AJ7
Bach: X-X-8Q65
Seidel: X-X-J938

Lunin bets out on fourth street and both opponents call. Bach bets out on both fifth and sixth streets and gets two callers. Bach bets out again on seventh street, Seidel calls, Lunkin raises, Bach calls the raise and Seidel calls all in.

Lunkin turns over 432 for a seven-low while Bach showed 1088 for trip eights. Bach and Lunkin split the pot and Erik Seidel is eliminated in 8th place ($162,382).

HOLD’EM

Chau Giang Eliminated in 7th Place ($184,087)

Chau Giang raises before the flop, Erik Sagstrom three-bets and Giang calls.

The flop comes AQ5, Sagstrom bets, Giang raises, Sagstrom three-bets, and Giang four-bets all in.

Giang: Q9
Sagstrom: AQ

Giang flops middle pair while Sagstrom flops top two pair.

The turn and river are the 10and the 4, no help to Giang who is eliminated in 7th place ($184,047).

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   David Bach,   Chau Giang,   Erik Sagstrom,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 19 Update: Freddy Deeb, Tony G Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 15,000-30,000, Limits – 30,000-60,000
Stud Games: Ante — 8,000, Bring-In — 10,000, Completion — 30,000, Limits — 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom – 3,782,000
2. David Bach – 2,800,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,00,000
4. Erik Seidel – 1,315,000
5. John Hanson – 1,290,000
6. Huck Seed – 1,230,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 714,000
8. Gus Hansen – 537,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 280,000
10. Chau Giang – 225,000
11. Mike Wattel – 105,000
12. David Chiu – 37,000

Average Chip Count: 1,875,000

Eliminations:

14. Freddy Deeb – $83,630
13. Antanas Guoga – $83,630

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Freddy Deeb Eliminated in 14th Place ($83,630)

The 2007 $50K H.O.R.S.E champion was down to just 100,000 chips when he defended from the big blind against the button raise of Gus Hansen. With all the money in the pot, Deeb exposed the A2 and was up against the J9 of Gus Hansen. The board ran out KQJ7J, as Hansen made trip jacks to eliminate Deeb late on day four. Hansen at 1,080,000.

STUD

Tony G Doubles

The short stack of Antanas Guoga and Gus Hansen got all the money in on fourth street.

Their cards:

Hansen: (A5)-43A6- (8)
Guoga: (K2)-K4J2-(7)

Guoga made kings and deuces on sixth street to take the lead against Hansen’s aces. Hansen failed to hit any of his numerous outs on the end and doubled up Guoga to 230,000. Hansen is down to 670,000.

Tony G Eliminated in 13th Place ($83,630)

Antanas Guoga was all in on fifth street against Erik Sagstrom and Gus Hansen.

Their cards:

Guoga: (X-X)-36JA-(X)
Sagstrom: (X-X)-4Q84-(X)
Hansen: (X-X)-45J2-(X)

Tony G exposed the 368 for two pair, threes and sixes. He was no good as Sagstrom continued his hot run by tabling the QJ7 for a flush. Hansen folded his hand on the end. Sagstrom eliminated Guouga and is up to 2,430,000.

Left in the Deck:

The players are now on a 90 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Gus Hansen,   Erik Sagstrom,   Freddy Deeb

Level 11 Update: End of Day 2; Gus Hansen Leads

Jun 28, '09

Day 2 of the $50,000 World Championship of H.O.R.S.E. has come to an end and just 53 players remain out of the 91 that started the day. Hasan Habib came into the day as the overnight chipleader, maintaining that lead almost the entire day until finally relinquishing it to Gus Hansen right before the closing bell.

Both Scotty Nguyen and Freddy Deeb have the survived the day and will return at 2:00 pm PDT to defend their titles. Day 3 is sure to bring a lot of action, so be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com as we bring you live updates, chip counts and eliminations from this marquee event.

Flop Games: Blinds – 3,000-6,000, Limits – 6,000-12,000
Stud Games: Ante — 1,500, Bring-In — 2,000, Completion — 6,000, Limits — 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 53 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Ray Dehkharghani — 643,000
2. Gus Hansen — 540,000
3. Erik Sagstrom — 500,000
4. Matt Glantz — 475,000
5. Hasan Habib — 440,000
6. David Bach — 405,000
7. John Monnette — 402,000
8. Frank Kassela — 400,000
9. Jani Sointula — 390,000
10. Todd Brunson — 380,000

Average Chip Count: 268,867

Notable Eliminations:

Allen Kessler
Howard Lederer
Michael Saltzburg
Matthew Grapenthien
Abe Mosseri
Nikolay Evdakov
Andy Black
Farzad Bonyadi
Annie Duke
Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Bonyadi Doubles Through Lederer, Leaves Him Crippled

Farzad Bontadi and Howard Lederer each get four bets in before the flop.

The flop comes Q99, Bonyadi gets it all in, Lederer calls and has him covered.

Bonyadi: AQ
Lederer: AK

Bonyadi flops a queen to take the lead. The turn and river are the 7 and the 9 as Bonyadi doubles up to 80,000 in chips while Lederer is left with just over 30,000 this hand.

Bonyadi Finishes the Job; Howard Lederer Eliminated

A few hands later and Howard Lederer raises before the flop and Farzad Bonyadi calls.

The flop comes KJ6, Lederer bets out and Bonyadi calls.

The turn is the 2, Lederer gets it all in and Bonyadi calls.

Lederer: 99
Bonyadi: 97

Lederer only has a pair on the turn while Bonyadi has already made a flush. Lederer is drawing dead on the river (10) and is eliminated from the tournament.

RAZZ

Abe Mosseri Eliminated by Hasan Habib

Abe Mosseri is all in on fourth street against Hasan Habib.

Mosseri: 3-2-4-7-7-7-K
Habib: A-7-8-2-2-4-J

Mosseri started off good on fourth street wen his money went in, but then tripped up on fifth and sixth streets, making a a king-low on the river. Habib makes a jack-low, adding even more chips to his stack as he eliminates Abe Mosseri right before the end of the play.

Dehkharghani Doubles Through Lindgren; Steals late-Night Chiplead

Ray Dehkharghani took control of the pot early with Erick Lindgren calling to a showdown.

Dehkharghani: 6-J-2-A-5-7-7
Lindgren: X-X-4-8-9-4-X

Dehkharghani makes a 7-low and Lindgren mucks his hand. Dehkharghani steals the chiplead with just under 650,000 this hand while Lindgren drops to 100,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Erick Lindgren,   Hasan Habib,   Gus Hansen,   Howard Lederer,   Abe Mosseri,   Ray Dehkharghani,   Erik Sagstrom

Final Table Update: Erik Sagstrom Eliminated in 3rd Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 75,000-150,000 Limits — 150,000-300,000
Stud Games: Ante – 30,000, Bring-In – 50,000, Completion – 150,000, Limits – 150,000-300,000

Players Remaining: 2 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. David Bach – 7,100,000
2. John Hanson – 7,100,000

Average Chip Count: 7,100,000

Notable Eliminations:

3. Erik Sagstrom — $522,394

Big Hands

Omaha/8

Erik Sagstrom Eliminated In Third Place($522,394)

John Hanson raised to 300,000 from the button and David Bach made it 450,000 from the small blind. Erik Sagstrom made the call and Hanson called as well. The flop then came down K76 and Hanson led out with 150,000. Bach made the call and Sagstrom raised 75,000 more, putting himself all in. Hanson then three-bet and Bach made the call. The turn was the J and Hanson bet 300,000. Bach called and both players checked the K on the river. Hanson then showed 88X-X and it was good enough to take down the pot. Sagstrom mucked and he was eliminated.

Player Tags: David Bach,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson

Final Table Update: Vitaly Lunkin Eliminated In 4th Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 50,000-100,000 Limits — 100,000-200,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 30,000, Completion – 100,000, Limits – 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson – 6,430,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 4,930,000
3. David Bach – 3,510,000

Average Chip Count: 4,956,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Vitaly Lunkin — $368,813

Big Hands

Stud/8

Vitaly Lunkin Eliminated In Fourth Place($368,813)

Vitaly Lunkin brought in 30,000 and Erik Sagstrom completed to 100,000. Lunkin called and here were their boards heading into fourth street.

Lunkin: X-X-24
Sagstrom: X-X-75

Sagstrom bet 100,000 and Lunkin made the call.

Lunkin: X-X-248
Sagstrom: X-X-75A

Sagstrom bet 200,000 and Lunkin called.

Lunkin: X-X-2488
Sagstrom: X-X-75A10

Lunkin paired and led out with 200,000. Sagstrom raised to 400,000 and Lunkin came right back over the top for the rest of his chips. Sagstrom made the call and showed (AA) for a set of aces. Lunkin tabled (58) for a set of eights and an 8-5 low draw. Sagstrom did not improve on the river and Lunkin needed something to salvage half the pot. He recieved the 9, getting no help and he was eliminated.

Player Tags: Erik Sagstrom,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Huck Seed Eliminated In 5th Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 50,000-100,000 Limits — 100,000-200,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 30,000, Completion – 100,000, Limits – 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 4 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson – 7,740,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 3,540,000
3. David Bach – 2,400,000
4. Vitaly Lunkin – 1,100,000

Average Chip Count: 3,695,000

Notable Eliminations:

5. Huck Seed — $276,610

Big Hands

Hold’em

Huck Seed Eliminated In Fifth Place($276,610)

Vitaly Lunkin limped in from early position and Erik Sagstrom raised to 200,000 from the button. John Hanson called from the small blind and Huck Seed called all in from the big blind.

The players saw a flop of A410 and Sagstrom bet 100,000. Hanson raised to 200,000 and Lunkin called, as did Sagstrom. The turn was the Q and Lunkin fired 200,000. Hanson and Sagstrom both called and the river was the 5.

Everyone checked and Hanson showed AJ for top pair and everyone, including Seed, mucked. Seed made his exit in fifth place, pocketing $276,610.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Ville Wahlbeck Eliminated In 6th Place

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 40,000-80,000 Limits — 80,000-160,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 20,000, Completion – 80,000, Limits – 80,000-160,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,870,000
2. David Bach – 3,560,000
3. Erik Sagstrom – 2,795,000
4. John Hanson – 2,280,000
5. Huck Seed – 1,770,000

Average Chip Count: 2,855,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Ville Wahlbeck — $219,655

Big Hands

Hold’em

Seed With The Heavy Firepower

Huck Seed raised to 160,000 from under the gun and Erik Sagstrom made the call from the small blind. John Hanson also called from the big blind and the flop came down Q105. Seed bet 80,000 and Sagstrom mucked, but Hanson made the call.

The turn was the K and both players checked. The river was the Q and Hanson fired 160,000. Seed quickly made the call and showed down AA, good enough to take down the pot.

Wahlbeck Survives All In

Ville Wahlbeck raised to 160,000 from the button and John Hanson raised to 240,000 from the big blind. Wahlbeck four-bet to 320,000 and Hanson capped the action at 400,000. Wahlbeck called the last of his chips into the pot and showed down KQ. Hanson showed down KQ and a pot that started with great action ended with a thud as the board ran out K81010A. Both players chopped the pot and play resumed.

Omaha/8

Ville Wahlbeck Finally Succumbs, Eliminated In Sixth Place($219,655)

Wahlbeck kept finding ways to survive, but in the end David Bach would have no more of his nonsense. Wahlbeck raised preflop to 160,000 and Bach made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J34 and Bach checked to Wahlbeck who bet 80,000. Bach then raised to 160,000 and Wahlbeck made the call. The turn was the K and Bach fired 160,000.

Wahlbeck called his last 135,000 and showed 7532 for a straight draw and 7-low draw. Bach showed AJ43 for two pair. Wahlbeck had outs, but the 4 on the river was not one of them and he was eliminated in sixth place.

Bach Takes Down A Monster

Huck Seed limped from under the gun and action folded to David Bach on the button. He raised to 160,000 and John Hanson made the call from the big blind. Seed also called and the players saw a flop of J74. Action was checked to Bach who fired 80,000. Hanson then raised to 160,000 and Seed three-bet to 240,000. Bach and Hanson called and the turn was the 10. Action was checked to Bach again and he bet 160,000. Both opponents just called this time and the river was the J. Bach fired another bet and Hanson called, while Seed got out of the way.

Bach then tabled J4A2 for a full house and Hanson mucked. Bach took down the huge pot and was at 3.8 million.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Bach,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson

Final Table Update: Lunkin Maintains Commanding Chiplead

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 30,000-60,000 Limits — 60,000-120,000
Stud Games: Ante – 15,000, Bring-In – 20,000, Completion – 60,000, Limits – 60,000-120,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin — 4,715,000
2. Erik Sagstrom — 3,320,000
3. John Hanson — 3,030,000
4. David Bach — 1,195,000
5. Huck Seed — 1,140,000
6. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,105,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Big Hands

STUD/8

Sagstrom Scoops Wahlbeck

Huck Seed brings it in with the 3, Ville Wahlbeck calls with the J, Erik Sagstrom completes the bet with the A, Seed folds and Wahlbeck calls.

Sagstrom: X-X-A85J
Wahlbeck: X-X-JKK2

Sagstrom bet on fourth street and Wahlbeck called. Wahlbeck paired his king on fifth street, checking to Sagstrom. Sagstrom bets and Wahlbeck calls. Both players check on sixth street and Sagstrom bets the rivers, Wahlbeck calls.

Sagstrom turns over A99 for two pair, scooping the pot.

HOLD’EM

Lunkin vs. Hanson

Ville Wahlbeck raises before the flop, Erik Sagstrom, John Hanson and Vitaly Lunkin all call.

The flop comes Q104, Lunkin bets and everyone calls.

The turn is the 9, and this time Hanson bets out. Lunkin calls as both Sagstrom and Wahlbeck fold.

The river is the 3, Hanson bets and Lunkin calls. Lunkin turns over QQK10 for a set of queens and rakes the pot.

OMAHA/8

Lunkin Continues to Pad His Lead

Action folds around to the button and Vitaly Lunkin raises, Ville Wahlbeck calls.

The flop comes 777, Lunkin bets and Wahlbeck calls.

The turn is the 6 and both players check.

The river is the J, and once again both players check. Lunkin turns over AK33 for a small full house, raking the pot and bringing his commanding chiplead to well over 5 million this hand.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Lunkin Takes Chiplead

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 25,000-50,000 Limits — 50,000-100,000
Stud Games: Ante – 10,000, Bring-In – 15,000, Completion – 50,000, Limits – 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin — 3,795,000
2. John Hanson — 3,485,000
3. Erik Sagstrom — 3,040,000
4. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,525,000
5. David Bach — 985,000
6. Huck Seed — 980,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Big Hands

STUD

Lunkin Wins Big Pot, Takes Chiplead

David Bach brings it in with the 4 and Erik Sagstrom completes the bet. Huck Seed calls, Vitaly Lunkin raises, Bach folds and Sagstrom and Seed both call.

Sagstrom: X-X-10K8J
Seed: X-X-KQ26
Lunkin: X-X-A945

Lunkin bets out on fourth, fifth and sixth streets and both opponents continue to call. Lunkin checks the river and Seed bets. Sagstrom folds, Lunkin raises, Seed folds and Lunkin rakes the pot. Lunkin takes the chip lead this hand.

STUD/8

Sagstrom Gets Scooped, Looses Chiplead

David Bach brings it in with the 2, Erik Sagstrom completes the bet, John Hanson calls and Bach folds.

Sagstrom: X-X-A939
Hanson: X-X-4q67

Sagstrom bets out on fourth street and Hanson calls. Hanson takes the lead on fifth street, continuing to bet through the river as Sagstrom calls him down the whole way. Hanson turns over 53 for the straight and Sagstrom mucks. Hanson rakes the pot as Sagstrom drops down a few pegs on the leaderboard this hand.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Bach,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Seidel 8th ($162,382), Giang 7th ($184,087)

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 25,000-50,000 Limits — 50,000-100,000
Stud Games: Ante – 10,000, Bring-In – 15,000, Completion – 50,000, Limits – 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 8 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom — 3,850,000
2. Vitaly Lunkin — 3,260,000
3. John Hanson — 1,500,000
4. David Bach — 1,895,000
5. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,800,000
6. Huck Seed — 1,195,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Erik Seidel — $162,382
7. Chau Giang — $184,087

Big Hands:

STUD/8

Erik Seidel Eliminated in 8th Place ($162,382)

Vitaly Lunkin brings it in with the 3 and both Erik Seidel and David Bach call.

Lunkin: X-X-3AJ7
Bach: X-X-8Q65
Seidel: X-X-J938

Lunin bets out on fourth street and both opponents call. Bach bets out on both fifth and sixth streets and gets two callers. Bach bets out again on seventh street, Seidel calls, Lunkin raises, Bach calls the raise and Seidel calls all in.

Lunkin turns over 432 for a seven-low while Bach showed 1088 for trip eights. Bach and Lunkin split the pot and Erik Seidel is eliminated in 8th place ($162,382).

HOLD’EM

Chau Giang Eliminated in 7th Place ($184,087)

Chau Giang raises before the flop, Erik Sagstrom three-bets and Giang calls.

The flop comes AQ5, Sagstrom bets, Giang raises, Sagstrom three-bets, and Giang four-bets all in.

Giang: Q9
Sagstrom: AQ

Giang flops middle pair while Sagstrom flops top two pair.

The turn and river are the 10and the 4, no help to Giang who is eliminated in 7th place ($184,047).

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   David Bach,   Chau Giang,   Erik Sagstrom,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 19 Update: Freddy Deeb, Tony G Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 15,000-30,000, Limits – 30,000-60,000
Stud Games: Ante — 8,000, Bring-In — 10,000, Completion — 30,000, Limits — 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom – 3,782,000
2. David Bach – 2,800,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,00,000
4. Erik Seidel – 1,315,000
5. John Hanson – 1,290,000
6. Huck Seed – 1,230,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 714,000
8. Gus Hansen – 537,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 280,000
10. Chau Giang – 225,000
11. Mike Wattel – 105,000
12. David Chiu – 37,000

Average Chip Count: 1,875,000

Eliminations:

14. Freddy Deeb – $83,630
13. Antanas Guoga – $83,630

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Freddy Deeb Eliminated in 14th Place ($83,630)

The 2007 $50K H.O.R.S.E champion was down to just 100,000 chips when he defended from the big blind against the button raise of Gus Hansen. With all the money in the pot, Deeb exposed the A2 and was up against the J9 of Gus Hansen. The board ran out KQJ7J, as Hansen made trip jacks to eliminate Deeb late on day four. Hansen at 1,080,000.

STUD

Tony G Doubles

The short stack of Antanas Guoga and Gus Hansen got all the money in on fourth street.

Their cards:

Hansen: (A5)-43A6- (8)
Guoga: (K2)-K4J2-(7)

Guoga made kings and deuces on sixth street to take the lead against Hansen’s aces. Hansen failed to hit any of his numerous outs on the end and doubled up Guoga to 230,000. Hansen is down to 670,000.

Tony G Eliminated in 13th Place ($83,630)

Antanas Guoga was all in on fifth street against Erik Sagstrom and Gus Hansen.

Their cards:

Guoga: (X-X)-36JA-(X)
Sagstrom: (X-X)-4Q84-(X)
Hansen: (X-X)-45J2-(X)

Tony G exposed the 368 for two pair, threes and sixes. He was no good as Sagstrom continued his hot run by tabling the QJ7 for a flush. Hansen folded his hand on the end. Sagstrom eliminated Guouga and is up to 2,430,000.

Left in the Deck:

The players are now on a 90 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Gus Hansen,   Erik Sagstrom,   Freddy Deeb

Level 11 Update: End of Day 2; Gus Hansen Leads

Jun 28, '09

Day 2 of the $50,000 World Championship of H.O.R.S.E. has come to an end and just 53 players remain out of the 91 that started the day. Hasan Habib came into the day as the overnight chipleader, maintaining that lead almost the entire day until finally relinquishing it to Gus Hansen right before the closing bell.

Both Scotty Nguyen and Freddy Deeb have the survived the day and will return at 2:00 pm PDT to defend their titles. Day 3 is sure to bring a lot of action, so be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com as we bring you live updates, chip counts and eliminations from this marquee event.

Flop Games: Blinds – 3,000-6,000, Limits – 6,000-12,000
Stud Games: Ante — 1,500, Bring-In — 2,000, Completion — 6,000, Limits — 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 53 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Ray Dehkharghani — 643,000
2. Gus Hansen — 540,000
3. Erik Sagstrom — 500,000
4. Matt Glantz — 475,000
5. Hasan Habib — 440,000
6. David Bach — 405,000
7. John Monnette — 402,000
8. Frank Kassela — 400,000
9. Jani Sointula — 390,000
10. Todd Brunson — 380,000

Average Chip Count: 268,867

Notable Eliminations:

Allen Kessler
Howard Lederer
Michael Saltzburg
Matthew Grapenthien
Abe Mosseri
Nikolay Evdakov
Andy Black
Farzad Bonyadi
Annie Duke
Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Bonyadi Doubles Through Lederer, Leaves Him Crippled

Farzad Bontadi and Howard Lederer each get four bets in before the flop.

The flop comes Q99, Bonyadi gets it all in, Lederer calls and has him covered.

Bonyadi: AQ
Lederer: AK

Bonyadi flops a queen to take the lead. The turn and river are the 7 and the 9 as Bonyadi doubles up to 80,000 in chips while Lederer is left with just over 30,000 this hand.

Bonyadi Finishes the Job; Howard Lederer Eliminated

A few hands later and Howard Lederer raises before the flop and Farzad Bonyadi calls.

The flop comes KJ6, Lederer bets out and Bonyadi calls.

The turn is the 2, Lederer gets it all in and Bonyadi calls.

Lederer: 99
Bonyadi: 97

Lederer only has a pair on the turn while Bonyadi has already made a flush. Lederer is drawing dead on the river (10) and is eliminated from the tournament.

RAZZ

Abe Mosseri Eliminated by Hasan Habib

Abe Mosseri is all in on fourth street against Hasan Habib.

Mosseri: 3-2-4-7-7-7-K
Habib: A-7-8-2-2-4-J

Mosseri started off good on fourth street wen his money went in, but then tripped up on fifth and sixth streets, making a a king-low on the river. Habib makes a jack-low, adding even more chips to his stack as he eliminates Abe Mosseri right before the end of the play.

Dehkharghani Doubles Through Lindgren; Steals late-Night Chiplead

Ray Dehkharghani took control of the pot early with Erick Lindgren calling to a showdown.

Dehkharghani: 6-J-2-A-5-7-7
Lindgren: X-X-4-8-9-4-X

Dehkharghani makes a 7-low and Lindgren mucks his hand. Dehkharghani steals the chiplead with just under 650,000 this hand while Lindgren drops to 100,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Erick Lindgren,   Hasan Habib,   Gus Hansen,   Howard Lederer,   Abe Mosseri,   Ray Dehkharghani,   Erik Sagstrom

Final Table Update: Erik Sagstrom Eliminated in 3rd Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 75,000-150,000 Limits — 150,000-300,000
Stud Games: Ante – 30,000, Bring-In – 50,000, Completion – 150,000, Limits – 150,000-300,000

Players Remaining: 2 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. David Bach – 7,100,000
2. John Hanson – 7,100,000

Average Chip Count: 7,100,000

Notable Eliminations:

3. Erik Sagstrom — $522,394

Big Hands

Omaha/8

Erik Sagstrom Eliminated In Third Place($522,394)

John Hanson raised to 300,000 from the button and David Bach made it 450,000 from the small blind. Erik Sagstrom made the call and Hanson called as well. The flop then came down K76 and Hanson led out with 150,000. Bach made the call and Sagstrom raised 75,000 more, putting himself all in. Hanson then three-bet and Bach made the call. The turn was the J and Hanson bet 300,000. Bach called and both players checked the K on the river. Hanson then showed 88X-X and it was good enough to take down the pot. Sagstrom mucked and he was eliminated.

Player Tags: David Bach,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson

Final Table Update: Vitaly Lunkin Eliminated In 4th Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 50,000-100,000 Limits — 100,000-200,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 30,000, Completion – 100,000, Limits – 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 3 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson – 6,430,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 4,930,000
3. David Bach – 3,510,000

Average Chip Count: 4,956,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Vitaly Lunkin — $368,813

Big Hands

Stud/8

Vitaly Lunkin Eliminated In Fourth Place($368,813)

Vitaly Lunkin brought in 30,000 and Erik Sagstrom completed to 100,000. Lunkin called and here were their boards heading into fourth street.

Lunkin: X-X-24
Sagstrom: X-X-75

Sagstrom bet 100,000 and Lunkin made the call.

Lunkin: X-X-248
Sagstrom: X-X-75A

Sagstrom bet 200,000 and Lunkin called.

Lunkin: X-X-2488
Sagstrom: X-X-75A10

Lunkin paired and led out with 200,000. Sagstrom raised to 400,000 and Lunkin came right back over the top for the rest of his chips. Sagstrom made the call and showed (AA) for a set of aces. Lunkin tabled (58) for a set of eights and an 8-5 low draw. Sagstrom did not improve on the river and Lunkin needed something to salvage half the pot. He recieved the 9, getting no help and he was eliminated.

Player Tags: Erik Sagstrom,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Huck Seed Eliminated In 5th Place

Jul 01, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 50,000-100,000 Limits — 100,000-200,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 30,000, Completion – 100,000, Limits – 100,000-200,000

Players Remaining: 4 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. John Hanson – 7,740,000
2. Erik Sagstrom – 3,540,000
3. David Bach – 2,400,000
4. Vitaly Lunkin – 1,100,000

Average Chip Count: 3,695,000

Notable Eliminations:

5. Huck Seed — $276,610

Big Hands

Hold’em

Huck Seed Eliminated In Fifth Place($276,610)

Vitaly Lunkin limped in from early position and Erik Sagstrom raised to 200,000 from the button. John Hanson called from the small blind and Huck Seed called all in from the big blind.

The players saw a flop of A410 and Sagstrom bet 100,000. Hanson raised to 200,000 and Lunkin called, as did Sagstrom. The turn was the Q and Lunkin fired 200,000. Hanson and Sagstrom both called and the river was the 5.

Everyone checked and Hanson showed AJ for top pair and everyone, including Seed, mucked. Seed made his exit in fifth place, pocketing $276,610.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Ville Wahlbeck Eliminated In 6th Place

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 40,000-80,000 Limits — 80,000-160,000
Stud Games: Ante – 20,000, Bring-In – 20,000, Completion – 80,000, Limits – 80,000-160,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,870,000
2. David Bach – 3,560,000
3. Erik Sagstrom – 2,795,000
4. John Hanson – 2,280,000
5. Huck Seed – 1,770,000

Average Chip Count: 2,855,000

Notable Eliminations:

6. Ville Wahlbeck — $219,655

Big Hands

Hold’em

Seed With The Heavy Firepower

Huck Seed raised to 160,000 from under the gun and Erik Sagstrom made the call from the small blind. John Hanson also called from the big blind and the flop came down Q105. Seed bet 80,000 and Sagstrom mucked, but Hanson made the call.

The turn was the K and both players checked. The river was the Q and Hanson fired 160,000. Seed quickly made the call and showed down AA, good enough to take down the pot.

Wahlbeck Survives All In

Ville Wahlbeck raised to 160,000 from the button and John Hanson raised to 240,000 from the big blind. Wahlbeck four-bet to 320,000 and Hanson capped the action at 400,000. Wahlbeck called the last of his chips into the pot and showed down KQ. Hanson showed down KQ and a pot that started with great action ended with a thud as the board ran out K81010A. Both players chopped the pot and play resumed.

Omaha/8

Ville Wahlbeck Finally Succumbs, Eliminated In Sixth Place($219,655)

Wahlbeck kept finding ways to survive, but in the end David Bach would have no more of his nonsense. Wahlbeck raised preflop to 160,000 and Bach made the call from the big blind. The flop came down J34 and Bach checked to Wahlbeck who bet 80,000. Bach then raised to 160,000 and Wahlbeck made the call. The turn was the K and Bach fired 160,000.

Wahlbeck called his last 135,000 and showed 7532 for a straight draw and 7-low draw. Bach showed AJ43 for two pair. Wahlbeck had outs, but the 4 on the river was not one of them and he was eliminated in sixth place.

Bach Takes Down A Monster

Huck Seed limped from under the gun and action folded to David Bach on the button. He raised to 160,000 and John Hanson made the call from the big blind. Seed also called and the players saw a flop of J74. Action was checked to Bach who fired 80,000. Hanson then raised to 160,000 and Seed three-bet to 240,000. Bach and Hanson called and the turn was the 10. Action was checked to Bach again and he bet 160,000. Both opponents just called this time and the river was the J. Bach fired another bet and Hanson called, while Seed got out of the way.

Bach then tabled J4A2 for a full house and Hanson mucked. Bach took down the huge pot and was at 3.8 million.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Bach,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson

Final Table Update: Lunkin Maintains Commanding Chiplead

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 30,000-60,000 Limits — 60,000-120,000
Stud Games: Ante – 15,000, Bring-In – 20,000, Completion – 60,000, Limits – 60,000-120,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin — 4,715,000
2. Erik Sagstrom — 3,320,000
3. John Hanson — 3,030,000
4. David Bach — 1,195,000
5. Huck Seed — 1,140,000
6. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,105,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Big Hands

STUD/8

Sagstrom Scoops Wahlbeck

Huck Seed brings it in with the 3, Ville Wahlbeck calls with the J, Erik Sagstrom completes the bet with the A, Seed folds and Wahlbeck calls.

Sagstrom: X-X-A85J
Wahlbeck: X-X-JKK2

Sagstrom bet on fourth street and Wahlbeck called. Wahlbeck paired his king on fifth street, checking to Sagstrom. Sagstrom bets and Wahlbeck calls. Both players check on sixth street and Sagstrom bets the rivers, Wahlbeck calls.

Sagstrom turns over A99 for two pair, scooping the pot.

HOLD’EM

Lunkin vs. Hanson

Ville Wahlbeck raises before the flop, Erik Sagstrom, John Hanson and Vitaly Lunkin all call.

The flop comes Q104, Lunkin bets and everyone calls.

The turn is the 9, and this time Hanson bets out. Lunkin calls as both Sagstrom and Wahlbeck fold.

The river is the 3, Hanson bets and Lunkin calls. Lunkin turns over QQK10 for a set of queens and rakes the pot.

OMAHA/8

Lunkin Continues to Pad His Lead

Action folds around to the button and Vitaly Lunkin raises, Ville Wahlbeck calls.

The flop comes 777, Lunkin bets and Wahlbeck calls.

The turn is the 6 and both players check.

The river is the J, and once again both players check. Lunkin turns over AK33 for a small full house, raking the pot and bringing his commanding chiplead to well over 5 million this hand.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Lunkin Takes Chiplead

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 25,000-50,000 Limits — 50,000-100,000
Stud Games: Ante – 10,000, Bring-In – 15,000, Completion – 50,000, Limits – 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Vitaly Lunkin — 3,795,000
2. John Hanson — 3,485,000
3. Erik Sagstrom — 3,040,000
4. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,525,000
5. David Bach — 985,000
6. Huck Seed — 980,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Big Hands

STUD

Lunkin Wins Big Pot, Takes Chiplead

David Bach brings it in with the 4 and Erik Sagstrom completes the bet. Huck Seed calls, Vitaly Lunkin raises, Bach folds and Sagstrom and Seed both call.

Sagstrom: X-X-10K8J
Seed: X-X-KQ26
Lunkin: X-X-A945

Lunkin bets out on fourth, fifth and sixth streets and both opponents continue to call. Lunkin checks the river and Seed bets. Sagstrom folds, Lunkin raises, Seed folds and Lunkin rakes the pot. Lunkin takes the chip lead this hand.

STUD/8

Sagstrom Gets Scooped, Looses Chiplead

David Bach brings it in with the 2, Erik Sagstrom completes the bet, John Hanson calls and Bach folds.

Sagstrom: X-X-A939
Hanson: X-X-4q67

Sagstrom bets out on fourth street and Hanson calls. Hanson takes the lead on fifth street, continuing to bet through the river as Sagstrom calls him down the whole way. Hanson turns over 53 for the straight and Sagstrom mucks. Hanson rakes the pot as Sagstrom drops down a few pegs on the leaderboard this hand.

Player Tags: Huck Seed,   David Bach,   Erik Sagstrom,   John Hanson,   Vitaly Lunkin

Final Table Update: Seidel 8th ($162,382), Giang 7th ($184,087)

Jun 30, '09

Flop Games: Blinds — 25,000-50,000 Limits — 50,000-100,000
Stud Games: Ante – 10,000, Bring-In – 15,000, Completion – 50,000, Limits – 50,000-100,000

Players Remaining: 8 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom — 3,850,000
2. Vitaly Lunkin — 3,260,000
3. John Hanson — 1,500,000
4. David Bach — 1,895,000
5. Ville Wahlbeck — 1,800,000
6. Huck Seed — 1,195,000

Average Chip Count: 2,375,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Erik Seidel — $162,382
7. Chau Giang — $184,087

Big Hands:

STUD/8

Erik Seidel Eliminated in 8th Place ($162,382)

Vitaly Lunkin brings it in with the 3 and both Erik Seidel and David Bach call.

Lunkin: X-X-3AJ7
Bach: X-X-8Q65
Seidel: X-X-J938

Lunin bets out on fourth street and both opponents call. Bach bets out on both fifth and sixth streets and gets two callers. Bach bets out again on seventh street, Seidel calls, Lunkin raises, Bach calls the raise and Seidel calls all in.

Lunkin turns over 432 for a seven-low while Bach showed 1088 for trip eights. Bach and Lunkin split the pot and Erik Seidel is eliminated in 8th place ($162,382).

HOLD’EM

Chau Giang Eliminated in 7th Place ($184,087)

Chau Giang raises before the flop, Erik Sagstrom three-bets and Giang calls.

The flop comes AQ5, Sagstrom bets, Giang raises, Sagstrom three-bets, and Giang four-bets all in.

Giang: Q9
Sagstrom: AQ

Giang flops middle pair while Sagstrom flops top two pair.

The turn and river are the 10and the 4, no help to Giang who is eliminated in 7th place ($184,047).

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   David Bach,   Chau Giang,   Erik Sagstrom,   Vitaly Lunkin

Level 19 Update: Freddy Deeb, Tony G Eliminated

Jun 29, '09

Flop Games: Blinds – 15,000-30,000, Limits – 30,000-60,000
Stud Games: Ante — 8,000, Bring-In — 10,000, Completion — 30,000, Limits — 30,000-60,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Erik Sagstrom – 3,782,000
2. David Bach – 2,800,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 2,00,000
4. Erik Seidel – 1,315,000
5. John Hanson – 1,290,000
6. Huck Seed – 1,230,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 714,000
8. Gus Hansen – 537,000
9. Ray Dehkharghani – 280,000
10. Chau Giang – 225,000
11. Mike Wattel – 105,000
12. David Chiu – 37,000

Average Chip Count: 1,875,000

Eliminations:

14. Freddy Deeb – $83,630
13. Antanas Guoga – $83,630

Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Freddy Deeb Eliminated in 14th Place ($83,630)

The 2007 $50K H.O.R.S.E champion was down to just 100,000 chips when he defended from the big blind against the button raise of Gus Hansen. With all the money in the pot, Deeb exposed the A2 and was up against the J9 of Gus Hansen. The board ran out KQJ7J, as Hansen made trip jacks to eliminate Deeb late on day four. Hansen at 1,080,000.

STUD

Tony G Doubles

The short stack of Antanas Guoga and Gus Hansen got all the money in on fourth street.

Their cards:

Hansen: (A5)-43A6- (8)
Guoga: (K2)-K4J2-(7)

Guoga made kings and deuces on sixth street to take the lead against Hansen’s aces. Hansen failed to hit any of his numerous outs on the end and doubled up Guoga to 230,000. Hansen is down to 670,000.

Tony G Eliminated in 13th Place ($83,630)

Antanas Guoga was all in on fifth street against Erik Sagstrom and Gus Hansen.

Their cards:

Guoga: (X-X)-36JA-(X)
Sagstrom: (X-X)-4Q84-(X)
Hansen: (X-X)-45J2-(X)

Tony G exposed the 368 for two pair, threes and sixes. He was no good as Sagstrom continued his hot run by tabling the QJ7 for a flush. Hansen folded his hand on the end. Sagstrom eliminated Guouga and is up to 2,430,000.

Left in the Deck:

The players are now on a 90 minute dinner break.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Gus Hansen,   Erik Sagstrom,   Freddy Deeb

Level 11 Update: End of Day 2; Gus Hansen Leads

Jun 28, '09

Day 2 of the $50,000 World Championship of H.O.R.S.E. has come to an end and just 53 players remain out of the 91 that started the day. Hasan Habib came into the day as the overnight chipleader, maintaining that lead almost the entire day until finally relinquishing it to Gus Hansen right before the closing bell.

Both Scotty Nguyen and Freddy Deeb have the survived the day and will return at 2:00 pm PDT to defend their titles. Day 3 is sure to bring a lot of action, so be sure to check back with CardPlayer.com as we bring you live updates, chip counts and eliminations from this marquee event.

Flop Games: Blinds – 3,000-6,000, Limits – 6,000-12,000
Stud Games: Ante — 1,500, Bring-In — 2,000, Completion — 6,000, Limits — 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 53 out of 95

Chip Counts:

1. Ray Dehkharghani — 643,000
2. Gus Hansen — 540,000
3. Erik Sagstrom — 500,000
4. Matt Glantz — 475,000
5. Hasan Habib — 440,000
6. David Bach — 405,000
7. John Monnette — 402,000
8. Frank Kassela — 400,000
9. Jani Sointula — 390,000
10. Todd Brunson — 380,000

Average Chip Count: 268,867

Notable Eliminations:

Allen Kessler
Howard Lederer
Michael Saltzburg
Matthew Grapenthien
Abe Mosseri
Nikolay Evdakov
Andy Black
Farzad Bonyadi
Annie Duke
Big Hands:

HOLD’EM

Bonyadi Doubles Through Lederer, Leaves Him Crippled

Farzad Bontadi and Howard Lederer each get four bets in before the flop.

The flop comes Q99, Bonyadi gets it all in, Lederer calls and has him covered.

Bonyadi: AQ
Lederer: AK

Bonyadi flops a queen to take the lead. The turn and river are the 7 and the 9 as Bonyadi doubles up to 80,000 in chips while Lederer is left with just over 30,000 this hand.

Bonyadi Finishes the Job; Howard Lederer Eliminated

A few hands later and Howard Lederer raises before the flop and Farzad Bonyadi calls.

The flop comes KJ6, Lederer bets out and Bonyadi calls.

The turn is the 2, Lederer gets it all in and Bonyadi calls.

Lederer: 99
Bonyadi: 97

Lederer only has a pair on the turn while Bonyadi has already made a flush. Lederer is drawing dead on the river (10) and is eliminated from the tournament.

RAZZ

Abe Mosseri Eliminated by Hasan Habib

Abe Mosseri is all in on fourth street against Hasan Habib.

Mosseri: 3-2-4-7-7-7-K
Habib: A-7-8-2-2-4-J

Mosseri started off good on fourth street wen his money went in, but then tripped up on fifth and sixth streets, making a a king-low on the river. Habib makes a jack-low, adding even more chips to his stack as he eliminates Abe Mosseri right before the end of the play.

Dehkharghani Doubles Through Lindgren; Steals late-Night Chiplead

Ray Dehkharghani took control of the pot early with Erick Lindgren calling to a showdown.

Dehkharghani: 6-J-2-A-5-7-7
Lindgren: X-X-4-8-9-4-X

Dehkharghani makes a 7-low and Lindgren mucks his hand. Dehkharghani steals the chiplead with just under 650,000 this hand while Lindgren drops to 100,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Erick Lindgren,   Hasan Habib,   Gus Hansen,   Howard Lederer,   Abe Mosseri,   Ray Dehkharghani,   Erik Sagstrom