Kessler is Cursed
Level 8
: Blinds 500/1,000, 1,000 ante
Limits: 1000-3,500
Jiacong Zhang opened to 3,000 from early position, and Stuart Rutter called from middle position. Action folded to Allen Kessler in the big blind, who moved all in for his last 9,300. Both Zhang and Rutter called, prompting Kessler to say, "the PokerNews curse," suggesting the presence of a reporter had already sealed his fate.
With Kessler at risk, the flop came K♦2♣9♣ and both players checked. On the J♦ turn, Zhang bet pot, forcing Rutter to fold.
Allen Kessler: A♣K♠K♥3♦ 
Jiacong Zhang: A♦Q♠10♦7♥
Kessler had flopped top set, but Zhang turned a straight, leaving Kessler needing the board to pair to survive.
The 7♦ river changed nothing, sending Kessler to the rail, still muttering about the "PokerNews curse" as he exited.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
100,000
100,000
|
100,000 |
|
90,000
90,000
|
90,000 |
|
Busted |