Vilamoura Championship Main Event Day 1b | 2009 PokerStars.com EPT Vilamoura

11-18-2009 12:57 UTC

One More Name

Just taking his seat is another familiar face from the last EPT stop in Warsaw. A couple weeks ago, Frenchman Christophe Benzimra played over there at the Casinos Poland, and you might say he performed well. From a field of 203 runners, Benzimra charged his way to a tough final table, and he performed admirably on the final day. With solid, timely play (and a lucky set of jacks in a three-way all in), Benzimra took down the title and nearly 1.5 million PLN.

Can he become the first man to go back-to-back in the EPT?

Tags: Christophe Benzimra

11-18-2009 12:43 UTC

Anyone Else?

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Sami "LarsLuzak" Kelopuro has just now sauntered in, and also the following folks may well have been here on time, but have only just come to our attention:

Simon Nowab
Rob Yong
Ivo Donev
Julian Thew
Davidi Kitai
Jan Heitmann
George Danzer
Johan "busto_soon" van Til
Juan Manuel Pastor

There are a couple notable absences, too. Peter Eastgate and JP Kelly are both on the list for today, but neither has yet put in an appearance. Get out of bed, boys!

11-18-2009 12:42 UTC

Planting a Seed

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In the first hand of his day, Huck Seed was involved in a pot that sent him spiraling deep into the tank on the river.

On a board showing {5-Diamonds}

, Seed went heads up to the river, building a small pot of 750 chips. When the last card fell, Seed fired out a bet of 700, and his opponent stuck in a raise to 2,800. Seed would spend at least five full minutes in the tank as he shot sideways glances toward the man on his left. He grabbed his tall tower of chips and appeared as if he wanted to re-raise. Then it looked like he was going to fold. Then he looked raisey again.

Finally, Seed elected to save his remaining 29,700 chips for a better spot, and he released his cards into the muck, looking abnormally unhappy just one hand into play.

Tags: Huck Seed

11-18-2009 12:33 UTC

Who Is Here Late?

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Praz Bansi has just strolled into the tournament room. He spent some time chatting it up with his fellow Brits before taking his chair. Sam Chartier is in the house too, as is the other half of Team Boatman, Ross.

Oleksandr Vaserfirer is here too, and he'll be trying to improve upon his runner-up finish from the last EPT stop in Warsaw.

The Italian pro contingent has just arrived as we speak, with Dario Minieri and Luca Pagano joining the action in tandem. Pagano is also fresh off a final table in Warsaw, an achievement which gave him the record for most EPT final tables.

And last but not least, former poker press member (we look out for our own!) Filipe Pacheco is here and trying to pad his retirement fund with a win here this week.

11-18-2009 12:18 UTC

Who Is Here On Time?

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As expected, a veritable bunch of poker stars (if you'll pardon the pun) have braved the early start. Among their number:

Alex Kravchenko
Andy Black
Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier
Huck Seed
Julien Brecard
Sebastian Ruthenberg
Vanessa Rousso

11-18-2009 12:13 UTC

Let's Get This Day 1b Party Started!

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In the immortal words of Thomas Kremser, shuffle up and deal.

Level: 1

Blinds: 50/100

Ante: 0

11-18-2009 11:41 UTC

Day 1b is Ready to Roll

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Good morning from the coast of Portugal, and welcome back to the Casino Vilamoura for the second flight of Day 1. Yesterday's opening day saw 136 players kickoff the event, and we expect to see more than that file through the double doors come noontime.

Players are just beginning to meander their way into their seats, and we've already spotted a few familiar faces amongst the stragglers. We're scheduled to begin in 20 minutes, but if yesterday is any indication, it might be a bit longer before things get rolling. Stay tuned; we'll be back with the shuffle up and deal.