Pedal to the Metal

Day 3 of the 2009 L.A. Poker Classic is upon us at the Commerce Casino. When all of the bags were logged and counted last night, 167 players had survived Day 2. All runners were led by Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari, who magicked himself 405,000 chips. Kofi Farkye, with 391,000 chips, is nipping at Esfandiari's heels.

We don't expect to burst the money bubble today, but we should get fairly close. With 63 players getting paid in this tournament, look for around 70 to make it to the end of Day 3. Those 70 will hope to put themselves in position to easily cruise past the money bubble tomorrow in order to make a deep run in the tournament. But of course, a small handful will come back tomorrow only to go home empty-handed.

Players will be in their seat in twenty minutes. We'll have all of the action at that time.