The Game's Afoot

It's Day 4 at the 2009 L.A. Poker Classic Main Event. Sixty-three players have survived three grueling days and 16 levels of poker to make it to this point. With a guaranteed payday secured, they'll now be jockeying for a deep run and more prize money.

Antonio Esfandiari was the last remaining former LAPC WPT champion in the field. He started Day 3 with the chip lead, but wound up bubbling just off the money in 65th place. With his elimination, we are assured of crowning a new champion on Thursday evening.

The top three players in the chip counts -- Kofi Farkye (837,500), Mike Sowers (741,500) and Donald D'Auria (666,500) -- have a leg up on the field, but it's a long row to hoe from here to the six-handed final table. There are still two full days of poker to play before we get there and as Antonio Esfandiari can freshly attest, anything can happen between now and then.

Cards will be in the air in 20 minutes. Despite running about 15 minutes into Level 17 last night, the tournament clock is currently set for a full 90 minutes of Level 17 to start the day. Keep your browser pointed to PokerNews throughout the day for live updates from the tournament floor!