Maria Ho - Live Updates

Level 18 Update: Perry And Brunson Bust

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 780,000
2. Kenny Hsuing – 730,000
3. Mark Klecan – 660,000
4. Chad Brown – 490,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 490,000
6. Maria Ho – 475,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 400,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 350,000
9. Daniel Alaei – 330,000
10. Greg Mueller – 305,000

Average Chip Count: 426,923

Notable Eliminations:

15. Ralph Perry — $32,693
14. Todd Brunson — $32,693
13. Mark Teltscher — $32,693

Big Hands:

Ralph Perry Is Outta Here

Mark Klecan raised to 24,000 and Daniel Alaei three-bet to 36,000. Ralph Perry then moved his entire stack into the middle and both opponents called. The flop came down 632 and Klecan bet 12,000. Alaei stuck around and the turn was the 4. Klecan bet 24,000 and Alaei let his hand go, leaving Klecan alone with Perry.

Perry: A10
Klecan: A6

Klecan flopped top pair and had Perry on the ropes. The river was the K and Perry was ousted from the tournament.

Hawrilenko Makes Push Toward The Top

Michiel Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 preflop and Matt Hawrilenko made the call from the big blind. The flop came 887 and Hawrilenko led out for 12,000. Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 and Hawrilenko three-bet to 36,000. After Brummelhuis called the raise, the 6 showed up on the turn and things slowed down as both players checked. The 9 came on the river and Hawrilenko bet 24,000 and was called. He turned over 107 for the straight on the river and he took down the pot, improving his stack to 780,000.

Todd Brunson Rides Out Courtesy Of Ho

Soheil Shamseddin raised preflop to 24,000 and Todd Brunson called. Maria Ho then raised to 24,000 and both opponents called. The flop came K46 and Ho bet 12,000. Shamseddin got out of the way but Brunson raised to 24,000. Ho then repopped it to 36,000 and Brunson called all in.

Ho: 86
Brunson: 97

Ho had the lead but Brunson had her heart draw covered. The turn was red, but not the suit Brunson wanted as it was the A. The J missed Brunson and he was eliminated. Ho was at 480,000

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

Jennifer Harman raised to 24,000 under the gun and Soheil Shamseddin made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q83 and Harman bet 12,000. Shamseddin raised to 24,000 and Harman called. The turn was the A and Harman put the rest of her stack in the middle. Shamseddin made the call and Harman showed AK. She was in trouble though, as her opponent showed Q8 for two pair. Harman needed help and got it when the 4 gave her a flush. Harman doubled to 130,000 and she was very much alive after having one foot in the grave.

Player Tags: Todd Brunson,   Jennifer Harman,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Soheil Shamseddin,   Ralph Perry,   Michiel Brummelhuis,   Mark Klecan

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

Note: Players went on a 20 minute break and will return to play hand-for-hand until the money bubble bursts.

Chip Counts:

1. Mark Klecan – 610,000
2. Matt Hawrilenko – 585,000
3. Soheil Shamseddin – 475,000
4. Chad Brown – 420,000
5. Henny Hsiung – 400,000
6. Matt Glantz – 315,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 300,000
8. Howard Lederer – 278,000
9. Ralph Perry – 275,000
10. Jody Garaventa – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

Greg Mueller raised to 16,000 and Daniel Alaei made the call. The flop came A64 and Alaei checked. Mueller fired 8,000 and Alaei raised to 16,000. Mueller made the call and the A fell on the turn. Both players checked and the 10 came on the river. Mueller fired 16,000 and Alaei called. Mueller then tabled A6 for a full house and Alaei mucked. Mueller was up to 160,000 while Alaei was at 200,000.

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

Joe McGowan raised to 16,000 and Phil Tom made the call. Farzad Bonyadi came along as well and the flop came 854 and Bonyadi led out for 8,000. McGowan raised to 16,000 and Tom mucked. Bonyadi then raised all in and McGowan called.

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

Bonyadi hit top pair on the board but needed help against the overpair of his opponent. The turn was the Q and the river was the A and Bonyadi was eliminated.

Exit The Mustache

Steve Zolotow’s stack was all in against Kenny Shei preflop.

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

Zolotow took the lead briefly on the flop but he was drawing dead after Shei made the nut flush on the turn and the best moustache in poker was sent packing.

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

Jody Garaventa raised to 16,000 from the cutoff and Maria Ho three-bet to 24,000 from the small blind. Garaventa called and the flop came down KQ9. Ho fired 8,000 and was called. The turn was the 5 and Ho checked. Garaventa bet 16,000 and she called. The river was the 3 and Ho checked again. Garaventa bet another 16,000 and Ho called. She then tabled KQ for top two pair and Garaventa mucked. Ho improved her stack to 240,000

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   Greg Mueller,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Joe McGowan,   Jody Garaventa,   Farzad Bonyadi,   Kenny Shei

Level 7 Update: Ho Continues To Roll

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000

Players Remaining: 141 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Josh Arieh – 103,000
2. Greg Mueller – 95,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
5. Markus Golser – 74,000
6. Mike Sowers – 72,500
7. Maria Ho – 70,000
8. Peter Gould – 60,000
9. Dario Minieri – 58,000
10. Jennifer Harman – 57,000

Average Stack: 37,248

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Newhouse
Phil Hellmuth
Phil Ivey

Big Hands:

Hawrilenko Takes One Off Mueller

Matt Hawrilenko and Greg Mueller were in for 2,000 preflop. The flop then came down A73 and Hawrilenko bet 1,000. Mueller made the call and the 8 fell on the turn. Hawrilenko bet 2,000 and Mueller called again. The K came on the river and Hawrilenko fired another 2,000 into the pot. Mueller called again and Hawrilenko showed A10 for top pair. Mueller flashed QQ and then threw it into the muck. Mueller dropped the pot but he was still around 100,000 in chips.

Dario Blasts Boeken

On a board reading J10910, Dario Minieri bet 2,000 and Noah Boeken made the call. The 10 came on the river and Minieri bet another 2,000. Boeken made the call and Minieri showed down the bullets, AA. Boeken mucked his hand and he was down to 40,000. Minieri was at 74,000 after the hand.

Ho’s Boat On The River Sinks Opponent

Mario Ho raised to 2,000 preflop and the players in seat 1 and 2 made the call. The flop came A94 and action was checked to Ho. She fired 1,000 and seat 1 raised to 2,000. Seat 2 mucked and Ho three-bet to 3,000. Seat 1 then raised himself all in and Ho made the call.

Ho: A10
Seat 1: AJ

Ho was trailing and the case A came on the turn, giving each player a set. But the 10 dropped on the river, giving Ho a full house and sending her opponent to the rail. She raked in the pot and she was at 80,000.

Matusow Struggling

Mike Matusow raised to 2,000 and the player in seat 9 three-bet to 3,000. Matusow made the call and the flop came AJ5. Seat 9 bet 1,000 and Matusow called. The turn was the 6 and seat 9 bet 2,000. Matusow had enough and mucked his hand. He was at 14,200 after dropping that pot.

Set Of Sailboats Flushed For Doyle

Josh Arieh raised to 2,000 preflop and four players called, including David Pham and Doyle Brunson. The flop came 854 and Pham led out with 1,000. Everyone called and the turn was the 4. Pham bet 2,000 and then Brunson raised to 4,000. Arieh got out of the way but Pham called as did seat 1. The river was the Q and Pham bet 4,000. Seat 1 called and Brunson quickly mucked A4 face up. Pham then showed down J8 for a flush, but seat 1 showed A5 for the nut flush. Pham was down to 12,000 while Brunson was down to 20,000.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Josh Arieh,   Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Doyle Brunson,   Noah Boeken,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Dario Minieri

Level 6 Update: Ivey Doubles Up, Ho Takes Huge Pot

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 400-800

Players Remaining: 158 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Greg Mueller – 95,000
2. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
3. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
4. Markus Golser – 74,000
5. Mike Sowers – 72,500
6. Maria Ho – 68,000
7. Mark Teltscher – 64,000
8. Josh Arieh – 58,500
9. Dustin Sitar – 56,000
10. Chino Rheem – 54,000

Average Stack: 34,049

Notable Eliminations:

Nick Schulman
Dustin Woolf
Mike Caro
Sam Grizzle
Nikolay Evdakov
Pat Bueno

Big Hands:

Duke Bests Ivey

With the board reading 1046Q, Phil Ivey fired 1,600 into the pot. Annie Duke then popped it to 3,200 and Ivey made the call. The river brought the 8 and Duke led out with 1,600. Ivey made the call and Duke turned over AQ for top pair and Ivey mucked his hand. He was down to 16,000 while Duke was cruising with 45,000.

Tran Forces Wahlbeck Out

Mimi Tran raised to 1,600 preflop and Ville Wahlbeck made the call. The flop came A96 and Tran fired out 800. Wahlbeck mucked his hand and he was around 24,000. Tran raked in the pot and improved her chip stack to
42,000.

Ho Flushes A Monster Pot

Maria Ho raised to 1,600 preflop and her opponent in seat 4 raised to 2,400. Ho made the call and the flop came 643. Ho checked and her opponent took the bait, firing 800. Ho raised to 1,600 and he proceeded to three-bet to 2,400. Ho made the call and the K came on the turn. Seat 4 bet 1,600 and Ho raised to 3,200. Seat 4 then three-bet again to 4,800 and Ho just called. The 5 came on the turn and Ho checked again. Seat 4 checked behind her and Ho showed Q10 for a flush and seat 4 mucked. Ho raked in the huge pot and she was over 60,000 after the hand.

Ivey Drops More Chips

On a flop of 1074, Phil Ivey led out for 800 and his opponent in seat 4 raised to 1,600. Ivey three-bet to 2,400 and seat 4 made the call. The turn brought the 6 and Ivey fired 1,600. Seat 4 called again and the river was the 5. Ivey decided to check and his opponent bet 1,600. After short thought, Ivey made the call and his opponent tabled 98 for the straight. Ivey gave a frustrated look and mucked his hand. He was down to just 6,200 after the hand.

Three Ducks On Two Trays For Robin Hood

After a flop of 1023, Barry Greenstein, Eli Elezra and another player were into the pot for 2,400 each. The turn brought the 3 and everyone checked. The 7 came on the river and Elezra fired 1,600. Greenstein then raised to 3,200 and the other player in the hand folded his hand. Elezra decided to call and Greenstein showed 22 for a full house and Elezra mucked. He was down to 25,000 while Greenstein was at 44,000.

Slick River For Lieu, Ivey Doubles Through

Annie Duke, Phil Ivey and Liz Lieu were in for 2,400 each preflop. The flop came down Q67 and Lieu fired 800. Ivey called and Duke mucked her hand. Lieu then fired 1,600 in the dark, putting pressure on Ivey’s short stack. The 8 came along and Ivey called the bet. Lieu bet 1,600 in the dark again before the K fell on the river. Ivey made the call and tabled AK for top pair on the river. Lieu grunted in disgust as she showed QJ. Ivey just smiled and doubled up to 15,500 after the hand.

Smith Throws Seidel Off His Boat

Erik Seidel raised to 1,600 from the cutoff and Gavin Smith three-bet to 2,400 from the button. Seidel called and both players checked the flop of AA4. They did the same after the A showed up on the turn and the river brought the 3. Smith fired 1,600 and Seidel called. Smith showed 1010 for a full house and Seidel mucked. Smith improved to 12,000 while Seidel was doing just fine with 40,000.

Lieu And Her Girlfriends Double Up

The player in seat 3 raised to 1,600 and Liz Lieu three-bet to 2,400. Her opponent called and the flop came Q74. Both players checked and the turn was the 7. Seat 3 bet 1,600 and Lieu raised all in for 1,700 total. Her opponent made the call and Lieu tabled QQ for a set of queens. Her opponent showed QJ and the river was the A, doing no harm to Lieu and she doubled to just under 10,000.

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Annie Duke,   Barry Greenstein,   Mimi Tran,   Eli Elezra,   Gavin Smith,   Phil Ivey,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Maria Ho,   Liz Lieu

Level 4 Udate: Pham Chips Up

Jun 15, '09

Blinds: 250-500

Players Remaining: 178 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Shaun Deeb – 85,000
2. Dario Minieri – 63,000
3. Greg Mueller – 60,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 60,000
5. Markus Golser – 56,000
6. David Oppenheim – 50,600
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 50,000
8. Daniel Negreanu – 49,500
9. Maria Ho – 49,000
10. David Benyamine – 45,000

Average Stack: 30,833

Notable Eliminations:

Andy Bloch
Brett Richey
Jeff Lisandro

Big Hands:

The Dragon’s Fire

Five players including Sam Grizzle, Doyle Brunson, Chad Brown and David Pham, all called 500 preflop. The flop came down Q94 and the big blind fired 500 after David Pham checked from the small bling. Grizzle, Brunson and Brown all called and then Pham check-raised to 1,000. Everyone except Brunson called and the turn was the 2. Pham led out with 1,000 and everyone called. The river brought the 7 and Pham led out again with 1,000. Only Chad Brown looked him up and Pham turned over KQ for top pair and Brown mucked. Pham took the pot and he was over 40,000 while Brown was at 32,000.

Perry Doesn’t Care For Mad Geniuses

Action folded around to Mike Caro in the small blind and he raised to 1,000. Ralph Perry made the call from the big blind and the players saw a flop of JJ5. Caro checked and Perry bet 500. Caro made the call and the turn was the 3. Caro then led out for 1,000 but Perry would have none of that nonsense and raised to 2,000. Caro then gave up and mucked his hand. He was at 16,000 while Perry was at 33,000.

Rheem Leaks Chips

Chino Rheem raised to 1,000 preflop and Bill Edler three-bet to 1,500. Rheem made the call and the flop came A55. Rheem checked and Edler fired 500. Rheem check-raised to 1,000 and Edler called. The turn was the 2 and both players checked. The river was the 7 and Rheem checked again. Edler bet 1,000 and Rheem mucked his hand. He was down to just 17,000 while Edler was around 34,000.

Kaplan Pushes Ho and Lindgren Away

On a flop of K103, Gabe Kaplan bet 500 into a 2,500 pot and Mario Ho made the call. Erick Lindgren came along as well and the turn was the 8. Kaplan fired another bet, this one 1,000 and Ho mucked her hand. Lindgren followed suit and Kaplan took in the pot. He was around 40,000 while Ho was down to 45,000 and Lindgren was at 31,000.

Left In The Deck:

It was announced that 18 players will be paid. The final survivor of this tournament will earn $460,841 and a bracelet. Players have also gone on a one hour dinner break and will return around 10:40 p.m.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Erick Lindgren,   Chad Brown,   Doyle Brunson,   Mike Caro,   Gabe Kaplan,   Maria Ho,   Chino Rheem,   Ralph Perry

Level 18 Update: Perry And Brunson Bust

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000

Players Remaining: 12 out of 185

Chip Counts:

1. Matt Hawrilenko – 780,000
2. Kenny Hsuing – 730,000
3. Mark Klecan – 660,000
4. Chad Brown – 490,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 490,000
6. Maria Ho – 475,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 400,000
8. Pat Pezzin – 350,000
9. Daniel Alaei – 330,000
10. Greg Mueller – 305,000

Average Chip Count: 426,923

Notable Eliminations:

15. Ralph Perry — $32,693
14. Todd Brunson — $32,693
13. Mark Teltscher — $32,693

Big Hands:

Ralph Perry Is Outta Here

Mark Klecan raised to 24,000 and Daniel Alaei three-bet to 36,000. Ralph Perry then moved his entire stack into the middle and both opponents called. The flop came down 632 and Klecan bet 12,000. Alaei stuck around and the turn was the 4. Klecan bet 24,000 and Alaei let his hand go, leaving Klecan alone with Perry.

Perry: A10
Klecan: A6

Klecan flopped top pair and had Perry on the ropes. The river was the K and Perry was ousted from the tournament.

Hawrilenko Makes Push Toward The Top

Michiel Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 preflop and Matt Hawrilenko made the call from the big blind. The flop came 887 and Hawrilenko led out for 12,000. Brummelhuis raised to 24,000 and Hawrilenko three-bet to 36,000. After Brummelhuis called the raise, the 6 showed up on the turn and things slowed down as both players checked. The 9 came on the river and Hawrilenko bet 24,000 and was called. He turned over 107 for the straight on the river and he took down the pot, improving his stack to 780,000.

Todd Brunson Rides Out Courtesy Of Ho

Soheil Shamseddin raised preflop to 24,000 and Todd Brunson called. Maria Ho then raised to 24,000 and both opponents called. The flop came K46 and Ho bet 12,000. Shamseddin got out of the way but Brunson raised to 24,000. Ho then repopped it to 36,000 and Brunson called all in.

Ho: 86
Brunson: 97

Ho had the lead but Brunson had her heart draw covered. The turn was red, but not the suit Brunson wanted as it was the A. The J missed Brunson and he was eliminated. Ho was at 480,000

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

Jennifer Harman raised to 24,000 under the gun and Soheil Shamseddin made the call from the big blind. The flop came down Q83 and Harman bet 12,000. Shamseddin raised to 24,000 and Harman called. The turn was the A and Harman put the rest of her stack in the middle. Shamseddin made the call and Harman showed AK. She was in trouble though, as her opponent showed Q8 for two pair. Harman needed help and got it when the 4 gave her a flush. Harman doubled to 130,000 and she was very much alive after having one foot in the grave.

Player Tags: Todd Brunson,   Jennifer Harman,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Soheil Shamseddin,   Ralph Perry,   Michiel Brummelhuis,   Mark Klecan

Level 16 Update: Zolotow Goes Bust

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 4,000-8,000

Players Remaining: 19 out of 185

Note: Players went on a 20 minute break and will return to play hand-for-hand until the money bubble bursts.

Chip Counts:

1. Mark Klecan – 610,000
2. Matt Hawrilenko – 585,000
3. Soheil Shamseddin – 475,000
4. Chad Brown – 420,000
5. Henny Hsiung – 400,000
6. Matt Glantz – 315,000
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 300,000
8. Howard Lederer – 278,000
9. Ralph Perry – 275,000
10. Jody Garaventa – 250,000

Average Chip Count: 241,304

Notable Eliminations:

Steve Zolotow
Farzad Bonyadi
Dan Shak

Big Hands:

Alaei Walks The Plank Off Mueller’s Boat

Greg Mueller raised to 16,000 and Daniel Alaei made the call. The flop came A64 and Alaei checked. Mueller fired 8,000 and Alaei raised to 16,000. Mueller made the call and the A fell on the turn. Both players checked and the 10 came on the river. Mueller fired 16,000 and Alaei called. Mueller then tabled A6 for a full house and Alaei mucked. Mueller was up to 160,000 while Alaei was at 200,000.

Farzad Bonyadi Ousted

Joe McGowan raised to 16,000 and Phil Tom made the call. Farzad Bonyadi came along as well and the flop came 854 and Bonyadi led out for 8,000. McGowan raised to 16,000 and Tom mucked. Bonyadi then raised all in and McGowan called.

McGowan: JJ
Bonyadi: 87

Bonyadi hit top pair on the board but needed help against the overpair of his opponent. The turn was the Q and the river was the A and Bonyadi was eliminated.

Exit The Mustache

Steve Zolotow’s stack was all in against Kenny Shei preflop.

Zolotow: QJ
Shei: A9

Board: K8J107

Zolotow took the lead briefly on the flop but he was drawing dead after Shei made the nut flush on the turn and the best moustache in poker was sent packing.

Ho’s Top Two Are Good

Jody Garaventa raised to 16,000 from the cutoff and Maria Ho three-bet to 24,000 from the small blind. Garaventa called and the flop came down KQ9. Ho fired 8,000 and was called. The turn was the 5 and Ho checked. Garaventa bet 16,000 and she called. The river was the 3 and Ho checked again. Garaventa bet another 16,000 and Ho called. She then tabled KQ for top two pair and Garaventa mucked. Ho improved her stack to 240,000

Player Tags: Steve Zolotow,   Greg Mueller,   Daniel Alaei,   Maria Ho,   Joe McGowan,   Jody Garaventa,   Farzad Bonyadi,   Kenny Shei

Level 7 Update: Ho Continues To Roll

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000

Players Remaining: 141 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Josh Arieh – 103,000
2. Greg Mueller – 95,000
3. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
5. Markus Golser – 74,000
6. Mike Sowers – 72,500
7. Maria Ho – 70,000
8. Peter Gould – 60,000
9. Dario Minieri – 58,000
10. Jennifer Harman – 57,000

Average Stack: 37,248

Notable Eliminations:

Mark Newhouse
Phil Hellmuth
Phil Ivey

Big Hands:

Hawrilenko Takes One Off Mueller

Matt Hawrilenko and Greg Mueller were in for 2,000 preflop. The flop then came down A73 and Hawrilenko bet 1,000. Mueller made the call and the 8 fell on the turn. Hawrilenko bet 2,000 and Mueller called again. The K came on the river and Hawrilenko fired another 2,000 into the pot. Mueller called again and Hawrilenko showed A10 for top pair. Mueller flashed QQ and then threw it into the muck. Mueller dropped the pot but he was still around 100,000 in chips.

Dario Blasts Boeken

On a board reading J10910, Dario Minieri bet 2,000 and Noah Boeken made the call. The 10 came on the river and Minieri bet another 2,000. Boeken made the call and Minieri showed down the bullets, AA. Boeken mucked his hand and he was down to 40,000. Minieri was at 74,000 after the hand.

Ho’s Boat On The River Sinks Opponent

Mario Ho raised to 2,000 preflop and the players in seat 1 and 2 made the call. The flop came A94 and action was checked to Ho. She fired 1,000 and seat 1 raised to 2,000. Seat 2 mucked and Ho three-bet to 3,000. Seat 1 then raised himself all in and Ho made the call.

Ho: A10
Seat 1: AJ

Ho was trailing and the case A came on the turn, giving each player a set. But the 10 dropped on the river, giving Ho a full house and sending her opponent to the rail. She raked in the pot and she was at 80,000.

Matusow Struggling

Mike Matusow raised to 2,000 and the player in seat 9 three-bet to 3,000. Matusow made the call and the flop came AJ5. Seat 9 bet 1,000 and Matusow called. The turn was the 6 and seat 9 bet 2,000. Matusow had enough and mucked his hand. He was at 14,200 after dropping that pot.

Set Of Sailboats Flushed For Doyle

Josh Arieh raised to 2,000 preflop and four players called, including David Pham and Doyle Brunson. The flop came 854 and Pham led out with 1,000. Everyone called and the turn was the 4. Pham bet 2,000 and then Brunson raised to 4,000. Arieh got out of the way but Pham called as did seat 1. The river was the Q and Pham bet 4,000. Seat 1 called and Brunson quickly mucked A4 face up. Pham then showed down J8 for a flush, but seat 1 showed A5 for the nut flush. Pham was down to 12,000 while Brunson was down to 20,000.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Josh Arieh,   Greg Mueller,   Mike Matusow,   Doyle Brunson,   Noah Boeken,   Maria Ho,   Matt Hawrilenko,   Dario Minieri

Level 6 Update: Ivey Doubles Up, Ho Takes Huge Pot

Jun 16, '09

Blinds: 400-800

Players Remaining: 158 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Greg Mueller – 95,000
2. Shaun Deeb – 88,000
3. Lex Veldhuis – 74,000
4. Markus Golser – 74,000
5. Mike Sowers – 72,500
6. Maria Ho – 68,000
7. Mark Teltscher – 64,000
8. Josh Arieh – 58,500
9. Dustin Sitar – 56,000
10. Chino Rheem – 54,000

Average Stack: 34,049

Notable Eliminations:

Nick Schulman
Dustin Woolf
Mike Caro
Sam Grizzle
Nikolay Evdakov
Pat Bueno

Big Hands:

Duke Bests Ivey

With the board reading 1046Q, Phil Ivey fired 1,600 into the pot. Annie Duke then popped it to 3,200 and Ivey made the call. The river brought the 8 and Duke led out with 1,600. Ivey made the call and Duke turned over AQ for top pair and Ivey mucked his hand. He was down to 16,000 while Duke was cruising with 45,000.

Tran Forces Wahlbeck Out

Mimi Tran raised to 1,600 preflop and Ville Wahlbeck made the call. The flop came A96 and Tran fired out 800. Wahlbeck mucked his hand and he was around 24,000. Tran raked in the pot and improved her chip stack to
42,000.

Ho Flushes A Monster Pot

Maria Ho raised to 1,600 preflop and her opponent in seat 4 raised to 2,400. Ho made the call and the flop came 643. Ho checked and her opponent took the bait, firing 800. Ho raised to 1,600 and he proceeded to three-bet to 2,400. Ho made the call and the K came on the turn. Seat 4 bet 1,600 and Ho raised to 3,200. Seat 4 then three-bet again to 4,800 and Ho just called. The 5 came on the turn and Ho checked again. Seat 4 checked behind her and Ho showed Q10 for a flush and seat 4 mucked. Ho raked in the huge pot and she was over 60,000 after the hand.

Ivey Drops More Chips

On a flop of 1074, Phil Ivey led out for 800 and his opponent in seat 4 raised to 1,600. Ivey three-bet to 2,400 and seat 4 made the call. The turn brought the 6 and Ivey fired 1,600. Seat 4 called again and the river was the 5. Ivey decided to check and his opponent bet 1,600. After short thought, Ivey made the call and his opponent tabled 98 for the straight. Ivey gave a frustrated look and mucked his hand. He was down to just 6,200 after the hand.

Three Ducks On Two Trays For Robin Hood

After a flop of 1023, Barry Greenstein, Eli Elezra and another player were into the pot for 2,400 each. The turn brought the 3 and everyone checked. The 7 came on the river and Elezra fired 1,600. Greenstein then raised to 3,200 and the other player in the hand folded his hand. Elezra decided to call and Greenstein showed 22 for a full house and Elezra mucked. He was down to 25,000 while Greenstein was at 44,000.

Slick River For Lieu, Ivey Doubles Through

Annie Duke, Phil Ivey and Liz Lieu were in for 2,400 each preflop. The flop came down Q67 and Lieu fired 800. Ivey called and Duke mucked her hand. Lieu then fired 1,600 in the dark, putting pressure on Ivey’s short stack. The 8 came along and Ivey called the bet. Lieu bet 1,600 in the dark again before the K fell on the river. Ivey made the call and tabled AK for top pair on the river. Lieu grunted in disgust as she showed QJ. Ivey just smiled and doubled up to 15,500 after the hand.

Smith Throws Seidel Off His Boat

Erik Seidel raised to 1,600 from the cutoff and Gavin Smith three-bet to 2,400 from the button. Seidel called and both players checked the flop of AA4. They did the same after the A showed up on the turn and the river brought the 3. Smith fired 1,600 and Seidel called. Smith showed 1010 for a full house and Seidel mucked. Smith improved to 12,000 while Seidel was doing just fine with 40,000.

Lieu And Her Girlfriends Double Up

The player in seat 3 raised to 1,600 and Liz Lieu three-bet to 2,400. Her opponent called and the flop came Q74. Both players checked and the turn was the 7. Seat 3 bet 1,600 and Lieu raised all in for 1,700 total. Her opponent made the call and Lieu tabled QQ for a set of queens. Her opponent showed QJ and the river was the A, doing no harm to Lieu and she doubled to just under 10,000.

Player Tags: Erik Seidel,   Annie Duke,   Barry Greenstein,   Mimi Tran,   Eli Elezra,   Gavin Smith,   Phil Ivey,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Maria Ho,   Liz Lieu

Level 4 Udate: Pham Chips Up

Jun 15, '09

Blinds: 250-500

Players Remaining: 178 out of 185

Chip Counts

1. Shaun Deeb – 85,000
2. Dario Minieri – 63,000
3. Greg Mueller – 60,000
4. Lex Veldhuis – 60,000
5. Markus Golser – 56,000
6. David Oppenheim – 50,600
7. Michiel Brummelhuis – 50,000
8. Daniel Negreanu – 49,500
9. Maria Ho – 49,000
10. David Benyamine – 45,000

Average Stack: 30,833

Notable Eliminations:

Andy Bloch
Brett Richey
Jeff Lisandro

Big Hands:

The Dragon’s Fire

Five players including Sam Grizzle, Doyle Brunson, Chad Brown and David Pham, all called 500 preflop. The flop came down Q94 and the big blind fired 500 after David Pham checked from the small bling. Grizzle, Brunson and Brown all called and then Pham check-raised to 1,000. Everyone except Brunson called and the turn was the 2. Pham led out with 1,000 and everyone called. The river brought the 7 and Pham led out again with 1,000. Only Chad Brown looked him up and Pham turned over KQ for top pair and Brown mucked. Pham took the pot and he was over 40,000 while Brown was at 32,000.

Perry Doesn’t Care For Mad Geniuses

Action folded around to Mike Caro in the small blind and he raised to 1,000. Ralph Perry made the call from the big blind and the players saw a flop of JJ5. Caro checked and Perry bet 500. Caro made the call and the turn was the 3. Caro then led out for 1,000 but Perry would have none of that nonsense and raised to 2,000. Caro then gave up and mucked his hand. He was at 16,000 while Perry was at 33,000.

Rheem Leaks Chips

Chino Rheem raised to 1,000 preflop and Bill Edler three-bet to 1,500. Rheem made the call and the flop came A55. Rheem checked and Edler fired 500. Rheem check-raised to 1,000 and Edler called. The turn was the 2 and both players checked. The river was the 7 and Rheem checked again. Edler bet 1,000 and Rheem mucked his hand. He was down to just 17,000 while Edler was around 34,000.

Kaplan Pushes Ho and Lindgren Away

On a flop of K103, Gabe Kaplan bet 500 into a 2,500 pot and Mario Ho made the call. Erick Lindgren came along as well and the turn was the 8. Kaplan fired another bet, this one 1,000 and Ho mucked her hand. Lindgren followed suit and Kaplan took in the pot. He was around 40,000 while Ho was down to 45,000 and Lindgren was at 31,000.

Left In The Deck:

It was announced that 18 players will be paid. The final survivor of this tournament will earn $460,841 and a bracelet. Players have also gone on a one hour dinner break and will return around 10:40 p.m.

Player Tags: David Pham,   Erick Lindgren,   Chad Brown,   Doyle Brunson,   Mike Caro,   Gabe Kaplan,   Maria Ho,   Chino Rheem,   Ralph Perry

Maria Ho Eliminated in 43rd Place ($32,740)

Feb 24, '09

Maria Ho hung on with a short stack for quite some time, but she has finally succumbed to the mounting blinds and antes. She earned $32,740 for her 43rd place finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Maria Ho

Maria Ho Eliminated in 23rd Place ($21,125)

Aug 27, '08

Kyle Wilson raised preflop to 42,000 and Maria Ho reraised all in. They then turned up their hands:

Ho: KQ
Wilson: 99

Board: J9885

Ho was eliminated in 23rd place, and she will take home $21,125 in prize money.









 

Player Tags: Maria Ho,   Kyle Wilson

Maria Ho Takes a Hit

Aug 25, '08

Maria Ho raised to 2,100 and was called by the big blind. The flop came K108 and the big blind checked to Ho, who bet 3,200.

The big blind then check raised to 10,000 and Ho made the call. The turn was the 9 and both players checked.

The river was the 6 and the big blind bet 8,000. Ho made the call and mucked her hand when she saw her opponent's AA. Ho is now down to 80,000.

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Maria Ho

Maria Ho Eliminated in 23rd Place ($21,125)

Aug 27, '08

Kyle Wilson raised preflop to 42,000 and Maria Ho reraised all in. They then turned up their hands:

Ho: KQ
Wilson: 99

Board: J9885

Ho was eliminated in 23rd place, and she will take home $21,125 in prize money.









 

Player Tags: Maria Ho,   Kyle Wilson

Maria Ho Takes a Hit

Aug 25, '08

Maria Ho raised to 2,100 and was called by the big blind. The flop came K108 and the big blind checked to Ho, who bet 3,200.

The big blind then check raised to 10,000 and Ho made the call. The turn was the 9 and both players checked.

The river was the 6 and the big blind bet 8,000. Ho made the call and mucked her hand when she saw her opponent's AA. Ho is now down to 80,000.

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Maria Ho

Event 4 - Mixed Hold 'Em - Levels 11 and 12

Jun 02, '08

 

Blinds/Antes: 400/800/25 limit, 150/300/25 no-limit

Players Remaining: 144 of 332

Average Stack: 23,000

Chip Counts:
Ariel Schneller - 65,000
Jimmy Fricke - 56,000
Jay Rosenkrantz - 53,000
Jon Turner - 51,500
Raphael Zimmerman - 48,000
William Chen - 43,000
David Williams - 40,000
Maria Ho - 39,500
Marcel Luske - 38,000

Recent Eliminations:
Dario Minieri
Allen Cunningham
Humberto Brenes

Big Hands:

Straight Flush for Jeff Madsen

Jeff Madsen opted to defend his small blind from a cut-off raise.  Madsen check-raised his opponent on the 987 flop, causing his opponent to call.  On the J turn, Madsen led out and his opponent called.  Madsen again bet the J river, and after his opponent folded he turned over his queen-high straight flush.

Shulman Family Thriving

Both father and son Barry and Jeff Shulman have close to 40,000 in chips as level 12 ends.  Earlier in the no-limit portion, Barry Shulman contested a pot with Phil Laak.  On a flop of Q84, Laak bet and was raised all in by Barry.  Laak pondered for several minutes and counted his remaining chips before electing to fold.  Laak surrendered approximately half of his stack to Barry on the hand, and now has less than 10,000.

Jeff Shulman lost a little to Marcel Luske on a board of J7763 when Luske bet 2,000 on the river.  Shulman quickly called, and Luske turned over JT.  Shulman mucked, and Luske added to his growing stack.

Minieri Eliminated

Facing a late position raise, Dario Minieri moved all in for 8,650 from the button.  The raiser called and flipped over the JJ.  Caught in a bluff, Minieri exposed the 97.  The board brought a 9 for Minieri, but failed to give him enough to overtake the jacks.

Player Tags: Humberto Brenes,   Jeff Shulman,   Allen Cunningham,   Phil Laak,   Barry Shulman,   Marcel Luske,   David Williams,   Raphael Zimmerman,   Maria Ho,   William Chen,   Jon Turner,   Dario Minieri,   Jimmy Fricke,   Jeff Madsen,   Ariel Schneller,   European Report,   Jay Rosenkrantz

Event 4 - Mixed Hold 'Em - Levels 3 and 4

Jun 02, '08

 

Blinds/Antes: 100/200 limit, 50/100 no-limit

Players Remaining: 333

Chip Counts:
Bill Edler - 20,000
Andrew Black - 20,000
Marcel Luske - 19,000
Andy Bloch - 18,400
Eli Elezra - 17,500
Michael Binger - 17,350
Maria Ho - 17,000
Ben Grundy - 16,300
Daniel Alaei - 16,000
Alex Melnikow - 16,000

Recent Eliminations:
Doyle Brunson
Layne Flack

Big Hands:

Allen Cunningham Builds His Stack

After calling a raise in the big blind from a middle position player, Allen Cunningham checked a JT6 flop.  His opponent bet, and he called.  The 4 on the turn caused Cunningham to bet, and his opponent elected to fold.  The pot boosted Allen’s stack to just under 15,000.

Hoyt Corkins Remains Aggressive

Hoyt Corkins accumulated a total stack of over 10,000 in chips by utilizing his aggressive style during the limit round.  On one hand, Corkins raised pre-flop from early position and was flat called by the opponent on his left.  The two players saw a flop of 643.  Corkins bet, his opponent raised, Corkins reraised, and his opponent finally called.  Hoyt followed through by betting the K on the turn, generating a fold from his opponent.

E-Dog Stays Healthy

Erick Lindgren took down a pot worth over 1,000 in the final minutes of the last no limit round by snapping his opponents’ bluff on a board of KQ932.  Lindgren flipped over the AQ and his opponent mucked his AJ face up.  Lindgren now has over 10,000 in chips.

Cory Carroll and Andrew Robl

During the second level of limit play, Cory Carroll raised from the cutoff and was re-raised by Andrew Robl on the button. Carroll called, and the dealer laid out a flop of 689. Carroll checked, Robl bet, Carroll check-raised, Robl three-bet, Carroll four-bet to a total of 800, and Robl called. The turn brought the K, Carroll bet 400, Robl raised him yet again, and Carroll called. The 5 appeared on the river, and once again Carroll led out only to be raised by Robl. Carroll called, and Robl flipped over A7. Carroll mucked, and Robl takes down a juicy pot.

The Takeover Begins

Nick “The Takeover” Schulman recently joined table 1, joining Vanessa Russou, David Chu and John Hennigan.  It took little time before Schulman and Rousso tangled.  On a board of K98, Rousso checked to Schulman, who tossed a purple 500 chip across the line.  Rousso folded, leaving her with over 12,500.  After that hand, Schulman had just under 10,000.

Table 24 Remains Tough

Dewey Tomko has taken Daniel Negreanu’s spot next to Bill Edler, Isabelle Mercier, and Doyle Brunson.

The Magician Makes Some Chips Disappear

In the big blind, Antonio Esfandiari called a pre-flop raise from a middle position player.  The flop was J108, prompting Esfandiari to bet and be raised all in by the initial aggressor.  Esfandiari called with QJ, having his opponent well covered.  His opponent flipped up two black kings, and the 7 turn, 5 river failed to improve Esfandiari.  He now has just over 5,000 in chips.

Jeff Madsen Gets Caught

Facing a raise to 325 from the button during the no limit round, Jeff Madsen opted to defend his big blind.  Both players checked the J67 flop, but Madsen led out with 450 on the 9 turn.  His opponent raised an additional 700, and Madsen called.  The river brought the 8.  Madsen fired 2,300, and his opponent called.  Madsen announced that he had missed his draw and turned over the A9.  His opponent revealed his 85, and his straight was good for the pot.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   Erick Lindgren,   Andy Bloch,   Allen Cunningham,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Layne Flack,   Dewey Tomko,   Doyle Brunson,   Eli Elezra,   Daniel Alaei,   Marcel Luske,   Bill Edler,   Isabelle Mercier,   Maria Ho,   Vanessa Rousso,   Andy Black,   Michael Binger,   Nick Schulman,   Cory Carroll,   Ben Grundy,   Alex Melnikow,   Andrew Robl,   European Report

Day Five Ends

Jul 14, '07

Hevad "Rain" Khan Does A Little Dance

"Rain" Khan and Avi Cohen get it all in preflop. Cohen has A-8 but Khan has him dominated with A-K. Cohen gets no help on the board and he finishes in 43rd place. After the hand, Khan puts on a show for ESPN. Khan shouts at the top of his lungs once the pot starts moving in his direction and then yells, "I'm good at basketball!" Once the cameras pick up on this, Khan begins to dance around the room pretending to dribble a basketball while maintaining a constant barrage of yelps and shouts. Some of the rail loves it, and some of the rail does not. Regardless, ESPN has officially found its bad guy for the broadcast. The question remains whether or not Khan can live up to his counterparts in Josh Arieh, Shawn Sheikhan and Eric Molina. 

The 20-minute Hand:  Bill Edler vs. Jeff Banghart

Bill Edler raises to $150,000 and Jeff "Mr. Rain" Banghart makes the call, along with the big blind. The flop comes K Q 8 and Banghart bets $300,000. The big blind folds and Edler thinks for awhile before making it $650,000 to go.  Now Banghart goes into the tank, coming up after a few minutes to call. The turn is the 6 and Edler contemplates his next move for a few minutes between sips of coffee before betting out $600,000. Banghart now stands up and thinks out loud for awhile. Banghart announces that Edler must have a hand like A J. He then asks Edler if he feels like gambling.  Throughout the questioning, Edler doesn't flinch. "I don't think I can fold," says Banghart, as he decides to push all in for $1,180,000 more. Edler asks for a count and then takes about eight minutes to count out his stack and make a decision.  Edler would be left with about $2,100,000 if he folded. After finally making up his mind, Edler says, "Well it couldn't go to a nicer guy," and makes the call. Edler turns over 6 5 for bottom pair and a flush draw. Banghart is in the lead with K J. The rail is very vocal about how surprising it is that these two don't have bigger hands. The river brings the J giving Banghart two pair he didn't want and Edler his flush. Edler and Banghart shake hands congratulating each other graciously before Edler goes to work on stacking his massive pot. Banghart is our 41st-place finisher. 

Rep Porter Eliminated

Team PokerStars member Rep Porter has busted out of the tournament in 39th place, and he took home $237,865.

Last Woman Standing

Maria Ho was eliminated in 38th place. She was the final woman left in the tournament and took home $237,865. Her A-10 did not improve against her opponent’s pocket tens.

Rail Birds

Greg Mueller, Shawn Buchanan, and Justin Bonomo are all hanging out in the ‘No Limit Lounge.’ They are over by table two sweating Scott Freeman.

An Ohio Boy Doubled Up

Ryan Elson was all in with A Q against Mikkel Madsen, who held pocket eights. “Come on Casey,” pleaded Elson with the dealer as he threw down Q 7 4 K J. Elson doubled up and he screamed, “Wooooo,” along with his supporters on the rail. After surviving the hand he was so pumped up that he could hardly stay in his seat. At one point he folded his hand in the dark. “It’s not like we’re playing for $8 million,” said Ray Henson.

Henson vs. Nguyen Baby

On a board of 7 6 3 2 Scotty Nguyen bet $500,000 and Ray Henson made the call. The turn brought the 7 and Nguyen fired out $800,000. Henson took a moment and then called after he and Nguyen traded a flurry of statements punctuated by “…Baby!” Nguyen flashed A-8 as he said, “I missed my flush.” Henson turned over 6 5 and took down the pot.

Edler Takes a Tough Beat

Bill Edler had his opponent’s all-in bet with pocket queens. Unfortunately for Edler, his opponent held pocket aces. The board rolled out 8 4 4 5 J and Edler took a large hit. He now has a lot of work ahead of him to make the final table.

Ayaz Mahmood Eliminated in 37th Place and Play Ends on Day Five

Ayaz Mahmood was eliminated a few hands after the players went on a 20 minute break, and play ended on day five. The players are bagging up their chips right now and will return at noon tomorrow to play down from 36 players to a final table of nine players. Check back in to CardPlayer.com to catch all the action.
Notable Chip Counts

David Tran                                             10,030,000
Kenny Tran	5,045,000
Lee Watkinson	3,550,000
Scotty Nguyen	1,750,000

Pokerstars Online Qualifiers

Hevad "Rain" Khan	6,900,000
Jason Welch	2,215,000

 

Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood,   Scotty Nguyen,   Jeff Banghart,   Bill Edler,   Maria Ho,   Hevad Khan,   Mikkel Madsen,   Ryan Elson,   Avi Cohen

Hour Two Recap

Jul 14, '07

Kirk Engineers Fold

Kirk Morrison raised to $60,000 from the cutoff, and Robin Bergren reraised to $185,000 from the button, and Morrison made the call. The flop came 10 10 3 Morrison checked, Bergren bet $150,000, Morrison called. The turn card was the J, Morrison bet $175,000, and Bergren made the call. The river card was the 7, and Morrison moved all in.  Bergren mucked his cards and Morrison raked the pot.

Maria Stomps Keating

Action folded around to Maria Ho in the small blind who raised to $60,000.  Alan Keating reraised all in for his last $256,000 more. Ho quickly counted out the call and separated it from her stack, but then went into the tank for several minutes. She eventually made the call. Ho showed K J, which trailed Keating’s A Q, but not for long. The flop hit Ho hard, as it fell K J 5. Keating’s four outs were erased as the J fell on the turn. The K fell on the river, and Keating was bounced in 104^th place.

Degree All-In Moment

Bill Edler limped from the cutoff, the player in seat No. 5 raised to $80,000, Pete DeBest called from the small blind, Edler moved all in over the top, seat No. 5 folded, and Pete DeBest went into the tank. DeBest, in the course of trying to determine what Edler could be holding, reached into his bad.  Edler joked “That’s not an electronic device is it?” The other players then smiled as DeBest produced a stick of Degree deodorant, to assist him with his decision. Edler announced to the ESPN cameras, “I always use Degree, it keeps me dry in moments like these.” DeBest eventually made the call showing A K, and Edler tabled J J. The board ran out 10 6 3 5 5, Debest counted his chips and found he was short Edler’s bet by $86,000, and he headed for the payout area.

More Money for Shopping Baby!

With the elimination of Cody Slaubaugh in 100^th place, Jack Effel announced over the microphone that another pay bump had now been reached, and the next nine players eliminated would receive $65,535. Scotty Nguyen then announced to the crowd: “More money for the wife for shopping, baby!”

Silber Solves Dario

Dario Minieri has confounded his opponents with his wildly unpredictable play for four straight days in the main event, but Reagan Silber finally caught him. Minieri made the minimum raise preflop from middle position and was called by Silber on the button and the big blind. The flop was 10 5 3, Minieri bet $100,000, and was called by Silber. The turn was the 7, Minieri checked, Silber bet $200,000, Minieri immediately moved all in and Silber called just as quickly.  Silber held 3 3, and Minieri held Q 8. The river card was the 9, and after each of the players chips were counted, Silber’s $1.2 million barely covered Minieri’s stack and he was eliminated in 96^th place.

Other Notable Eliminations 

Also busting in the last hour were Chad Brown who could no longer weather the short stack, and bowed out in 97^th place.  Kelly Jo McGlothin pushed all of her remaining chips in on a flush draw, and couldn’t find her fifth heart. Her elimination leaves Maria Ho as the last remaining woman in the field.

Kenny Tran	2,100,000
David Tran	1,900,000
Bill Edler	1,700,000
Gus Hansen	1,000,000
Kirk Morrison	900,000
Huckleberry Seed	800,000

Pokerstars Online Qualifiers

Hevad Khan	3,300,000
Rep Porter	2,400,000
Jason Welch	1,750,000
Jeff Banghart	1,640,000
Ryan Lawrence	1,000,000

pokerstars.com

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Chad Brown,   Reagan Silber,   Bill Edler,   Maria Ho,   Robin Bergren,   Kirk Morrison,   Dario Minieri,   Cody Slaubaugh,   Kelly McGlothlin,   Peter Debesr,   Alan Keating

Heading to Dinner

Jul 13, '07

Pros Get Excited Too

Many complain about the overexcited celebrations that occur when players win single hands. At what point, if ever are these celebrations appropriate. We now can't fault only amateurs for this type of celebration.

Mark Weitzman raised to $42,000 from middle position, and David Levi reraised all in for $74,000 more.  Weitzman made the call and Levi showed 9 9 to his A K. The flop came A J 2, and Levi was in trouble. The door opened a little when the J hit on the turn, giving Levi a flush draw. The 9 hit on the river and Levi exploded with a triumphant "YES!" Levi celebrated with his supporters on the rail as he narrowly avoided elimination.

Binger Busted

Nick Binger was caught making a move when his all in preflop reraise with 10 9 was called by Kevin Farry holding A 7. The board ran out 8 8 2 2 3, and the Binger clan will have to be satisfied this year with a 165th-place finish.

Pairs Over Pairs

Brett Rimes got his hand caught in the cookie jar, and it cost him his tournament life. After Reagan Silber raised preflop, Rimes pushed all in, eliciting a quick call from Silber. Reacting to the quickness of call, Rimes had a few choice words, also adding, "I thought you were on the squeeze" It turned out the hands were closer than he thought as Silber had Rimes out-matched 9 9 to 8 8. The board ran out Q 4 3 5 4, and Rimes headed for the door.

Ryan Elson scored a huge pot off of Justin Rollo, courtesy of some heavy preflop betting.  Elson had his $100,000 bet, raised all in by Rollo, and Elson called off his remaining $358,000 in great shape as he showed Q Q, to Rollo's J J. The board ran out 877 37, and Elson stacked his new chips, while Rollo was left with only about $60,000.

Two Women Alive

Kelly Jo McGlothin and Maria Ho are the sole remaining women in the 153 remaining players that just went on dinner break. Ho managed to win a race to double up in the last level. She was all in with A J against PokerStars qualifier Jason Welch's 10 10 on a flop of A 8 5. The turn and river were the K and the 6, and Ho raked the pot.

Bad News To Many

It what could be termed the last thing many of the other players would want to hear at this stage of the tournament, Huck Seed managed to double up to over a million chips just before the dinner break. Huck managed to squeak his way out of the usually deadly situation of holding top pair against a set, when he found running cards to make a straight to crack his opponent's set.

The dinner break will be over and play will resume at 8:45. The players will then play for three more hours (1 and 1/2 levels of play) or until 99 players remain in the tournament.

Player Tags: David Levi,   Huck Seed,   Reagan Silber,   Mark Weitzman,   Maria Ho,   Kelly McGlothlin,   Nick Binger,   Justin Rollo,   Ryan Elson

Day Five Ends

Jul 14, '07

Hevad "Rain" Khan Does A Little Dance

"Rain" Khan and Avi Cohen get it all in preflop. Cohen has A-8 but Khan has him dominated with A-K. Cohen gets no help on the board and he finishes in 43rd place. After the hand, Khan puts on a show for ESPN. Khan shouts at the top of his lungs once the pot starts moving in his direction and then yells, "I'm good at basketball!" Once the cameras pick up on this, Khan begins to dance around the room pretending to dribble a basketball while maintaining a constant barrage of yelps and shouts. Some of the rail loves it, and some of the rail does not. Regardless, ESPN has officially found its bad guy for the broadcast. The question remains whether or not Khan can live up to his counterparts in Josh Arieh, Shawn Sheikhan and Eric Molina. 

The 20-minute Hand:  Bill Edler vs. Jeff Banghart

Bill Edler raises to $150,000 and Jeff "Mr. Rain" Banghart makes the call, along with the big blind. The flop comes K Q 8 and Banghart bets $300,000. The big blind folds and Edler thinks for awhile before making it $650,000 to go.  Now Banghart goes into the tank, coming up after a few minutes to call. The turn is the 6 and Edler contemplates his next move for a few minutes between sips of coffee before betting out $600,000. Banghart now stands up and thinks out loud for awhile. Banghart announces that Edler must have a hand like A J. He then asks Edler if he feels like gambling.  Throughout the questioning, Edler doesn't flinch. "I don't think I can fold," says Banghart, as he decides to push all in for $1,180,000 more. Edler asks for a count and then takes about eight minutes to count out his stack and make a decision.  Edler would be left with about $2,100,000 if he folded. After finally making up his mind, Edler says, "Well it couldn't go to a nicer guy," and makes the call. Edler turns over 6 5 for bottom pair and a flush draw. Banghart is in the lead with K J. The rail is very vocal about how surprising it is that these two don't have bigger hands. The river brings the J giving Banghart two pair he didn't want and Edler his flush. Edler and Banghart shake hands congratulating each other graciously before Edler goes to work on stacking his massive pot. Banghart is our 41st-place finisher. 

Rep Porter Eliminated

Team PokerStars member Rep Porter has busted out of the tournament in 39th place, and he took home $237,865.

Last Woman Standing

Maria Ho was eliminated in 38th place. She was the final woman left in the tournament and took home $237,865. Her A-10 did not improve against her opponent’s pocket tens.

Rail Birds

Greg Mueller, Shawn Buchanan, and Justin Bonomo are all hanging out in the ‘No Limit Lounge.’ They are over by table two sweating Scott Freeman.

An Ohio Boy Doubled Up

Ryan Elson was all in with A Q against Mikkel Madsen, who held pocket eights. “Come on Casey,” pleaded Elson with the dealer as he threw down Q 7 4 K J. Elson doubled up and he screamed, “Wooooo,” along with his supporters on the rail. After surviving the hand he was so pumped up that he could hardly stay in his seat. At one point he folded his hand in the dark. “It’s not like we’re playing for $8 million,” said Ray Henson.

Henson vs. Nguyen Baby

On a board of 7 6 3 2 Scotty Nguyen bet $500,000 and Ray Henson made the call. The turn brought the 7 and Nguyen fired out $800,000. Henson took a moment and then called after he and Nguyen traded a flurry of statements punctuated by “…Baby!” Nguyen flashed A-8 as he said, “I missed my flush.” Henson turned over 6 5 and took down the pot.

Edler Takes a Tough Beat

Bill Edler had his opponent’s all-in bet with pocket queens. Unfortunately for Edler, his opponent held pocket aces. The board rolled out 8 4 4 5 J and Edler took a large hit. He now has a lot of work ahead of him to make the final table.

Ayaz Mahmood Eliminated in 37th Place and Play Ends on Day Five

Ayaz Mahmood was eliminated a few hands after the players went on a 20 minute break, and play ended on day five. The players are bagging up their chips right now and will return at noon tomorrow to play down from 36 players to a final table of nine players. Check back in to CardPlayer.com to catch all the action.
Notable Chip Counts

David Tran                                             10,030,000
Kenny Tran	5,045,000
Lee Watkinson	3,550,000
Scotty Nguyen	1,750,000

Pokerstars Online Qualifiers

Hevad "Rain" Khan	6,900,000
Jason Welch	2,215,000

 

Player Tags: Ayaz Mahmood,   Scotty Nguyen,   Jeff Banghart,   Bill Edler,   Maria Ho,   Hevad Khan,   Mikkel Madsen,   Ryan Elson,   Avi Cohen

Hour Two Recap

Jul 14, '07

Kirk Engineers Fold

Kirk Morrison raised to $60,000 from the cutoff, and Robin Bergren reraised to $185,000 from the button, and Morrison made the call. The flop came 10 10 3 Morrison checked, Bergren bet $150,000, Morrison called. The turn card was the J, Morrison bet $175,000, and Bergren made the call. The river card was the 7, and Morrison moved all in.  Bergren mucked his cards and Morrison raked the pot.

Maria Stomps Keating

Action folded around to Maria Ho in the small blind who raised to $60,000.  Alan Keating reraised all in for his last $256,000 more. Ho quickly counted out the call and separated it from her stack, but then went into the tank for several minutes. She eventually made the call. Ho showed K J, which trailed Keating’s A Q, but not for long. The flop hit Ho hard, as it fell K J 5. Keating’s four outs were erased as the J fell on the turn. The K fell on the river, and Keating was bounced in 104^th place.

Degree All-In Moment

Bill Edler limped from the cutoff, the player in seat No. 5 raised to $80,000, Pete DeBest called from the small blind, Edler moved all in over the top, seat No. 5 folded, and Pete DeBest went into the tank. DeBest, in the course of trying to determine what Edler could be holding, reached into his bad.  Edler joked “That’s not an electronic device is it?” The other players then smiled as DeBest produced a stick of Degree deodorant, to assist him with his decision. Edler announced to the ESPN cameras, “I always use Degree, it keeps me dry in moments like these.” DeBest eventually made the call showing A K, and Edler tabled J J. The board ran out 10 6 3 5 5, Debest counted his chips and found he was short Edler’s bet by $86,000, and he headed for the payout area.

More Money for Shopping Baby!

With the elimination of Cody Slaubaugh in 100^th place, Jack Effel announced over the microphone that another pay bump had now been reached, and the next nine players eliminated would receive $65,535. Scotty Nguyen then announced to the crowd: “More money for the wife for shopping, baby!”

Silber Solves Dario

Dario Minieri has confounded his opponents with his wildly unpredictable play for four straight days in the main event, but Reagan Silber finally caught him. Minieri made the minimum raise preflop from middle position and was called by Silber on the button and the big blind. The flop was 10 5 3, Minieri bet $100,000, and was called by Silber. The turn was the 7, Minieri checked, Silber bet $200,000, Minieri immediately moved all in and Silber called just as quickly.  Silber held 3 3, and Minieri held Q 8. The river card was the 9, and after each of the players chips were counted, Silber’s $1.2 million barely covered Minieri’s stack and he was eliminated in 96^th place.

Other Notable Eliminations 

Also busting in the last hour were Chad Brown who could no longer weather the short stack, and bowed out in 97^th place.  Kelly Jo McGlothin pushed all of her remaining chips in on a flush draw, and couldn’t find her fifth heart. Her elimination leaves Maria Ho as the last remaining woman in the field.

Kenny Tran	2,100,000
David Tran	1,900,000
Bill Edler	1,700,000
Gus Hansen	1,000,000
Kirk Morrison	900,000
Huckleberry Seed	800,000

Pokerstars Online Qualifiers

Hevad Khan	3,300,000
Rep Porter	2,400,000
Jason Welch	1,750,000
Jeff Banghart	1,640,000
Ryan Lawrence	1,000,000

pokerstars.com

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   Chad Brown,   Reagan Silber,   Bill Edler,   Maria Ho,   Robin Bergren,   Kirk Morrison,   Dario Minieri,   Cody Slaubaugh,   Kelly McGlothlin,   Peter Debesr,   Alan Keating

Heading to Dinner

Jul 13, '07

Pros Get Excited Too

Many complain about the overexcited celebrations that occur when players win single hands. At what point, if ever are these celebrations appropriate. We now can't fault only amateurs for this type of celebration.

Mark Weitzman raised to $42,000 from middle position, and David Levi reraised all in for $74,000 more.  Weitzman made the call and Levi showed 9 9 to his A K. The flop came A J 2, and Levi was in trouble. The door opened a little when the J hit on the turn, giving Levi a flush draw. The 9 hit on the river and Levi exploded with a triumphant "YES!" Levi celebrated with his supporters on the rail as he narrowly avoided elimination.

Binger Busted

Nick Binger was caught making a move when his all in preflop reraise with 10 9 was called by Kevin Farry holding A 7. The board ran out 8 8 2 2 3, and the Binger clan will have to be satisfied this year with a 165th-place finish.

Pairs Over Pairs

Brett Rimes got his hand caught in the cookie jar, and it cost him his tournament life. After Reagan Silber raised preflop, Rimes pushed all in, eliciting a quick call from Silber. Reacting to the quickness of call, Rimes had a few choice words, also adding, "I thought you were on the squeeze" It turned out the hands were closer than he thought as Silber had Rimes out-matched 9 9 to 8 8. The board ran out Q 4 3 5 4, and Rimes headed for the door.

Ryan Elson scored a huge pot off of Justin Rollo, courtesy of some heavy preflop betting.  Elson had his $100,000 bet, raised all in by Rollo, and Elson called off his remaining $358,000 in great shape as he showed Q Q, to Rollo's J J. The board ran out 877 37, and Elson stacked his new chips, while Rollo was left with only about $60,000.

Two Women Alive

Kelly Jo McGlothin and Maria Ho are the sole remaining women in the 153 remaining players that just went on dinner break. Ho managed to win a race to double up in the last level. She was all in with A J against PokerStars qualifier Jason Welch's 10 10 on a flop of A 8 5. The turn and river were the K and the 6, and Ho raked the pot.

Bad News To Many

It what could be termed the last thing many of the other players would want to hear at this stage of the tournament, Huck Seed managed to double up to over a million chips just before the dinner break. Huck managed to squeak his way out of the usually deadly situation of holding top pair against a set, when he found running cards to make a straight to crack his opponent's set.

The dinner break will be over and play will resume at 8:45. The players will then play for three more hours (1 and 1/2 levels of play) or until 99 players remain in the tournament.

Player Tags: David Levi,   Huck Seed,   Reagan Silber,   Mark Weitzman,   Maria Ho,   Kelly McGlothlin,   Nick Binger,   Justin Rollo,   Ryan Elson