2008 PokerStars.com EPT London

£5,200 EPT London Main Event
Day: 1a
Event Info

2008 PokerStars.com EPT London

Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
44
Prize
£1,000,000
Event Info
Buy-in
£5,200
Prize Pool
£3,349,200
Entries
596
Level Info
Level
29
Blinds
60,000 / 120,000
Ante
0

Level: 7

Blinds: 200/400

Ante: 50

136 Players Remaining

We're still awaiting on the official numbers, but somewhere around 292 or so players bought into Day 1a. There are currently 136 players remaining and more than half of the field has already been eliminated.

"Those Eurodonks are falling like flies," explained one anonymous member of the Canadian press.

Slow Start

It would appear as though the players enjoyed their McDonald's a little too much, because the play since returning has been lackluster to say the least. I did spot one hand of note though, Arnuad Mattern's bet leading for 2,025 on a {2-Spades}{10-Clubs}{8-Hearts} flop before check-folding the {Q-Spades} turn to a bet of 2,500 from Ian Frazer. The Prague EPT winner still has chips though, his 33,600 comfortably above the 20,700 average. Frazer, meanwhile, is in full flow now with a chip lead threatening 47,000.

Where's Philippe Rouas?

Philippe Rouas bought into Day 1a of the EPT London, but he was playing at the WSOP-E across town at the Empire Casino. His empty chair at the Vic was getting blinded out. Rouas eventually busted out in 14th place at the WSOP-E... almost 90 minutes ago. He has yet to show up here at the Vic and play his dwindling stack.

Joe Hachem Loves Poker; Sorel Mizzi Doubles Up

The EPT London was supposed to be capped at 500 runners. However, the tournament staff permitted alternates. Over 40 of them were in the mix today which meant that the staff added four tables. There was no more space on the floor which meant that a portion of the dining room was utilized for Day 1a.

One of the tables in the dining room included Chad Brown and Sorel Mizzi. Former world champion Joe Hachem (scheduled to play in Day 1b) stopped by the table to chat with Chad Brown, a fellow member of Team PokerStars. Several photographers cluttered the sparse space in-between tables to snap photos as the dining area became illuminated with flashes.

While the media seized an opportunity for a quick photo op, there was an ongoing hand. I caught the action a little late. An unknown player raised from the button. Sorel Mizzi reraised from the small blind for 6,000 more. His opponent went into the tank for several minutes (while photographers continued to snap photos of Hachem and Brown). Eventually the player from the button called.

The flop was {6-Hearts} {5-Spades} {3-Clubs} . Mizzi fired out 3,500. His opponent moved all in and Mizzi called for the remainder of his chips, or 7,450 in total.

Mizzi: {9-Hearts} {9-Diamonds}
Opponent: {10-Diamonds} {10-Spades}

The turn was the {7-Diamonds} and Mizzi picked up a gutshot draw. The river was the {8-Clubs}. Mizzi spiked his straight and avoided elimination. He increased his stack to over 33,000.

"I love this game," mentioned Hachem as the dealer pushed the pot towards Mizzi.

Tags: Chad BrownJoe HachemSorel Mizzi

Level: 8

Blinds: 300/600

Ante: 75