2011 World Series of Poker
Woods Gains Momentum and Takes Chip Lead
Kim Nguyen raised on the button and Darren Woods made the call. He then check-called a bet on the flop, which he also did on the turn. When the peeled off on the river, both players checked and Woods showed to take down the pot.
Woods has the momentum here in the early stages of heads-up play. He now has the chip lead with 1.65 million to Nguyen's 1,000,000.
Will a Woman Win?
Not since Vanessa Selbst took down the $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha tournament back in the 2008 WSOP has a woman won an open event. That may all change tonight if Kim Nguyen can hold on to claim victory. Ironically, Selbst won Event #19 of the 2008 WSOP, the same event number Nguyen is playing now.
If Nguyen does win, she'll join a short list of women players who have won a WSOP bracelet in an open event: Annette Obrestad (2007 WSOP-Europe Main Event), Katja Thater (2007 Razz), Kathy Liebert (2004 Limit Hold'em Shootout), Cyndy Violette (2004 Seven Card Stud Hi Lo Split 8 or Better), Annie Duke (2004 Omaha Hi Lo Split 8 or Better), Jennifer Harman (2002 Limit Hold'em & 2000 No Limit 2-7 Lowball), Nani Dollison (2001 Limit Hold'em), Jerri Thomas (2000 Limit Seven Card Stud), Maria Stern (1997 Limit Seven Card Stud), Linda Johnson (1997 Limit Razz), Barbara Enright (1996 Pot Limit Hold'em), and Vera Richmond (1982 Limit Ace to Five Draw).
Color Up and Break
The tournament staff is now coloring off the orange T1,000 chips and introducing the dark-green T25,000 chips; as such, the players are on a brief break.
Level: 26
Blinds: 15,000/30,000
Ante: 0
Woods Keeps the Ball Rolling
Kim Nguyen raised from the button and was called by Darren Woods, leading to a flop. Woods check-called a bet, as he did on the turn. Both players then checked the river. Woods showed , and Nguyen flashed a before mucking her hand.
Player | Chips | Progress |
---|---|---|
Darren Woods |
1,800,000
150,000
|
150,000 |
|
||
Kim Nguyen |
850,000
-150,000
|
-150,000 |
Trading Chips
The past few hands have seen Kim Nguyen and Darren Woods essentially passing chips back and forth. However, it appears Nguyen is slowly chipping her way back into contention.
Player | Chips | Progress |
---|---|---|
Darren Woods |
1,500,000
-300,000
|
-300,000 |
|
||
Kim Nguyen |
1,150,000
300,000
|
300,000 |
One for Nguyen
As usual, Kim Nguyen raised from the button and Darren Woods called from the big blind. Woods then check-called a bet on the flop, leading to the turn. Woods checked, Nguyen quickly bet, and Woods opted to lay it down.
Player | Chips | Progress |
---|---|---|
Darren Woods |
1,550,000
50,000
|
50,000 |
|
||
Kim Nguyen |
1,100,000
-50,000
|
-50,000 |
The River Runs Through the Woods
Kim Nguyen raised on the button and this time Darren Woods three-bet from the big blind. Not only did Nguyen make the call, she called every single one of Woods' bets as the board ran out . Woods showed a (X) for the rivered straight to take down the pot.
Sunglasses
Darren Woods raised on the button and Kim Nguyen came along for the ride. Nguyen then checked the flop, inspiring Woods to bet. Nguyen woke up with a check-raise, and Woods conceded the hand.
We forgot to mention, prior to the hand Nguyen decided it was time to put on sunglasses. Looks like that may have been a good decision.
Player | Chips | Progress |
---|---|---|
Darren Woods |
1,650,000
-250,000
|
-250,000 |
|
||
Kim Nguyen |
1,000,000
250,000
|
250,000 |