Event 1 - £1,500 No Limit Hold'em Day 1a | 2008 World Series of Poker Europe

09-19-2008 23:51 UTC+2

No Blank for Blanco

[user22113]

Cristiano Blanco raises from UTG to 1,800 and is called by the big blind, a young, Scandinavian-looking kid. They see a flop of {K-Clubs}

and the big blind checks, Blanco then bets 3,700 into the pot, only to see his opponent quickly reraise all in for an additional 10,225.

Blanco counts out the extra chips, which represents the majority of his stack, and then decides to make the call with his {A-Hearts}

. It's ahead, but vulnerable to the drawtastic {J-Spades}

that the big blind shows. The turn is the {3-Diamonds}

but the river is not the two pair the Italian wants to see, as it's the {A-Clubs}

, leaving him crippled and propelling his opponent up to almost 30,000.

Tags: Cristiano Blanco

09-19-2008 23:33 UTC+2

Trickett or Treat

MarcC

Sam Trickett raised to 1,600 from early position before an opponent, two seats along, reraised all in for 10,750. It was folded back to Trickett, who snap-called with {A-Diamonds}

and he had his opponent in big trouble holding {10-Spades}

.

The board ran {3-Spades}

.

The first piece of bad news came for Trickett on the flop, and the second piece came on the river. Aces cracked sending the on-form Trickett back down to 6,300.

Tags: Sam Trickett

09-19-2008 23:32 UTC+2

Channing Not Feeling It

[user22113]

Neil Channing was one of those slightly bemused by the music and singing going on behind him, though he admitted that today he wasn't really "feeling it." For the tournament that is, not the music.

"I've misplayed two hands today. And this really is an all-in or pass tournament, so you can't afford to misplay hands."

He's currently under pressure with around 9,000.

Tags: Neil Channing

09-19-2008 23:21 UTC+2

One-Hit Wonder

MarcC

A four piece all-female band had just set up less than ten yards away from where a few of our tables are situated. They didn't even make it all the way through their rendition of "Fever" before some players started complaining.

To be fair, the volume was very loud and it must have been a big distraction. One player, who was particularly close to the band, resorted to turning around and telling them to, "Shut up!"

Needless to say one song was all we got.

09-19-2008 23:09 UTC+2

The Suit Fits Seidel

MarcC

Erik Seidel raises to 1,600 from early position, before the short-stacked Stuart Taylor moves all in for 3,900 from the button. It's folded back around to Seidel, who makes the call with {10-Clubs}

and he's racing Taylor's {K-?}

.

The board comes {6-Spades}

.

An overcard comes but it's the wrong one, meaning Taylor is the first victim from this table since our return.

Seidel on 18,000 right now.

Tags: Erik Seidel

09-19-2008 23:02 UTC+2

Leif Can't Find the Force

[user25067]

Shaggy-haired Leif Force, who banked over a million dollars for his 11th-place finish in the 2006 WSOP Main Event, survived to the dinner break, but not for much longer. On one of the first hands back, he moved all in for his last 4,400, his {K-Diamonds}

unable to improve against his opponent's {A-Spades}

when the board came {9-?}

.

Tags: Leif Force

09-19-2008 22:54 UTC+2

Play Resumes

MarcC

Two hours is more than enough time to refill. The players are back and cards are in the the air.

Level: 7

Blinds: 300/600

Ante: 75

09-19-2008 20:58 UTC+2

Dinner Time

[user46392]

Players are about to head off on a two-hour dinner break to sample some of the many culinary delights that central London has to offer. Join us back at the Empire at 10pm, British Summer Time (GMT +1).

09-19-2008 20:57 UTC+2

"Don't Worry, I'll Show"

[user4144]

With a

board lying patiently on the felt, Brandon Cantu popped out a bet of 4,200 and awaited his opponent's decision. As William Martin deliberated, Cantu commented, "Lay it down, I'll show." Martin made a defiant call.

A {10-Spades}

on the river triggered a deep reach from Cantu, who shoved in just about enough chips to put his foe all in. As Martin ummed and aahed, Cantu repeated his previous offer: "Don't worry, I'll show," slurred the former WPT winner.

Martin ultimately released his hand, and was shown {10-Hearts}

.

Tags: Brandon Cantu William Martin