EPT San Remo Day 1a | 2008 PokerStars.net EPT San Remo

04-02-2008 00:42 UTC+2

The Field Shrinks

[user40108]

With a loss of over half the starting players, the field has been reduced to a more modest and manageable dozen or so tables. This consolidation is making things easier on the players, spectators, tournament staff and media alike.

04-02-2008 00:46 UTC+2

Chip Leaders

[user50492]

The biggest stacks we can see are:

Anthony Spinelli 96,000
Ville Nyman 92,000
Unknown 92,000
Isaac Baron 80,000
Dag Palovic 63,000

04-02-2008 00:52 UTC+2

Dario Minieri Doubles Up

[user40108]

After unknown pre-flop action, three players including Dario Minieri saw a flop of {J-Hearts}

. Minieri checked, as did the middle-position player. The button bet 1,050 and Minieri moved all in for 6,950. The middle-position player passed and the button made the call. Minieri quickly asked, "A jack?" The button nodded and turned up {7-Clubs}

. Minieri pumped his fist as he turned up {9-Hearts}

. Fourth and fifth streets were blanks for both men and Minieri doubled up to roughly 17,000 in chips.

Level: 9

Blinds: 400/800

Ante: 100

04-02-2008 01:03 UTC+2

Last Level of the Day

[user50492]

Because of the larger than normal field they are playing a ninth level tonight.

04-02-2008 01:06 UTC+2

Rory Rees Brennan is Eliminated

[user50492]

Rory Rees Brennan moved his last chips in over the top of a raise and found himself in a race. He had 9-9 against A-Q and the ace hit the flop. He never really got going enough to build a stack.

04-02-2008 01:18 UTC+2

Thor Hansen Treading Water

[user40108]

Norwegian professional Thor Hansen is doing his best to make Day 2. Hansen has yet to have an above-average stack for any length of time and is currently struggling with a dangerously low 3,800 in chips. Hansen remains patient however as he folds hand after hand, waiting for his spot to double up.

04-02-2008 01:27 UTC+2

Chip Leader Unmasked

[user50492]

We have managed to identify the unknown player in the last recap of the big stacks. He now has 102,000 and his name is Hakan Sahl, from Sweden.

Tags: Hakan Sahl

04-02-2008 01:38 UTC+2

Thor Hansen Doubles Up

[user40108]

With 800 of his remaining 3,050 in the big blind, Thor Hansen opted to just cold call his late-position opponent's raise of 2,000. The flop came down {K-Hearts}

. Hansen checked and his opponent threw out 1,050. Hansen smiled, threw in the last of his chips, and flipped up {4-Hearts}

. The entire table, sans his opponent, laughed in amusement as Hansen had tabled an obvious winner. His opponent angrily flipped up the {A-Diamonds}

. He missed his runner-runner miracle and Hansen doubled up to a still dangerously low 8,000.

Tags: Thor Hansen

04-02-2008 01:40 UTC+2

A Contrast of Styles

[user40108]

With just under a half-hour remaining in Day 1a, many players have shifted gears considerably. Some seem determined to make it to Day 2, no matter how short-stacked they'll be when they get there. While others seem to be "going for broke" in an effort to go into Day 2 with a decent chip stack, or else head home early.