It has been a good week of poker for Holly Hodge of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, having made not one but two final tables in ladies events. Just a couple of days ago over at the Binions Poker Classic, Hodge finished sixth in that $200 buy-in event (out of 85 entrants).
She's already assured herself a much, much bigger payday by making it to Day 3 of this one. This year is turning about to be a big one for another reason for Hodge -- she's four months pregnant with her first child.
Vanessa Hellebuyck of France began playing poker in 2006. She's had a great year thus far in 2010, with multiple European Poker Tour final tables in ladies events at Berlin, San Remo, and Monaco.
Hellebuyck is very selective with the tourneys she plays, as she most enjoys spending time with her two daughters.
Player introductions are currently underway, but before our Tournament Director Robbie Thompson started with those, WSOP Media Director Nolan Dalla took the microphone.
"I have a few words," began Dalla. "There was some controversy this year," he continued, alluding to the entry of a few men in this event, done as a protest of having ladies-only events.
"I want you to know we will always support ladies poker events," said Dalla. "The WSOP will always support the ladies poker championship. The ladies deserve their day. Congratulations to you!"
Just a few more introductions, and cards will be in the air.
Action folded around to Holly Hodge who raised to 36,000. It was folded around to Kami Chisholm who reraised to 81,000. The button and blinds folded back around to Hodge, who opted not to call the additional 45,000.
Chisholm took down the pot without further resistance.
The table folded around to Sidsel Boesen who raised to 27,000 from the cutoff, and the button and both blinds -- including Timmi Derosa in the BB -- got out of the way.
"Don't start that," said Derosa with a smile. "We'll have to start trash talking!"
Sidsel Boesen raised to 27,000 from the hijack only to have Bonnie Overfield move all in from the cutoff. Action folded back to Boesen who laid down her hand. Overfield added 44,000 to her stack, brining her to 270,000.
. Kami deliberated for a moment, then pushed out a bet of 35,000. Timmi quickly let it go.