Last year in this very event, Benjamin Scholl could do no wrong as he ultimately captured his first gold bracelet and the accompanying $206,760 first-place prize. Five days ago, Scholl's run good continued as he finished runner-up to Tom Schneider in Event #29 $5,000 H.O.R.S.E. for $197,228. Unfortunately Scholl's momentum came to a screeching halt in today's tournament as the defending champ has already been eliminated.
It happened when Scholl, who had dwindled down to 800, raised to 600 from the cutoff. Sean Chen responded with a three-bet to 900 from the small blind, and after the big got out of the way, Scholl called off.
Scholl:
Chen:
Scholl seemed a bit frustrated, and understandably so as he was having the polar-opposite experience than a year ago. With that said, he was drawing to live cards. According to the PokerNews Odds Calculator, Scholl had a 30.98% of surviving the hand, though that dropped to 16.36% on the flop. Scholl was looking for some help on the turn, but instead the left him drawing dead as Chen improved to trips. The meaningless was run out on the river for good measure as Scholl made a beeline for the exit.
Ben Yu raised preflop, and action folded around to Darin Thomas, who defended his big blind. The flop came , and Thomas check-called Yu's bet, then check-called again when the hit the felt on the turn. The river was the , and Thomas again checked to Yu, who bet out. Thomas thought for a minute, counted out the chips to call, then put them back in his stack and slid his cards toward the dealer.
David "ODB" Baker raised to 600 from middle position and action folded around to 2001 World Series of Poker Main Event champ Carlos Mortensen, who made the call from the big blind. Mortensen then checked the flop, Baker bet and Mortensen woke up with a check-raise to 600, leaving himself the same amount behind. Baker pushed back with a three-bet and then called when Mortensen four-bet all in.
Mortensen:
Baker:
Baker held top set, which meant Mortensen was in need of either an ace or running diamons. The turn was no help and neither was the river. Mortensen silently gathered his things and exited the Amazon Room.