button in SafariDaniel Negreanu and Michael Mizrachi Among 8 to Progress in $25,000 Heads-Up Championship
Once per year, a star-studded field descends upon the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas to compete in one of the most highly anticipated events of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Today was no different, as Event #7: $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship took center stage. A field of 64 players battled through three rounds of mano-a-mano action, with just eight contenders remaining by day's end.
Such is the popularity of the event that the World Series added a second starting flight to the schedule this year, giving players a second chance to advance, should they need it.
One player who will not need a second entry is Daniel Negreanu. The recently announced father-to-be celebrated in style. First, he swept aside a former champion of this event in Darius Samual, before dispatching Brock Wilson in the second round and completing a hat-trick of victories with a win versus Harvey Castro.
On the other side of the draw, two giants of the game collided. Reigning WSOP Main Event Champion Michael Mizrachi had already overcome Shannon Shorr and Jun Obara in the first two rounds of the day, only to set up a seismic clash with all-time WSOP bracelet leader Phil Hellmuth. Ultimately, the match would be decided by a cooler. Both players made two pair on the turn, but Mizrachi had the better of it, sending Hellmuth to the rail.
While Martin Kabrhel was the fastest out of the blocks, he was unable to maintain his momentum as the day progressed. After breezing through his first round match versus Brandon Wilson, when Wilson’s ill-timed attempt at a bluff catch sent Kabrhel to the next round, Round 2 would prove a bridge too far for Kabrhel. He fell at the hands of Masato Yokosawa, whose own journey was ended by Justin Saliba. That victory for Saliba ensured his safe passage to the next round.
Alex Foxen was the final player to book his spot on Day 2. After defeating Vinny Lingham in his first match, he then beat his namesake, Alex Keating, before finishing the day with a victory over Joey Weissman.
Completing the lineup of those heading to Day 2, Dimitar Danchev, Barak Wisbrod, Cary Katz, and Henri Puustinen all successfully navigated their three match-ups to advance.
Day 1a Bracket
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 30, a fresh 64-player bracket will be created, with the first round of Day 1b set to begin after the draw is completed at noon local time. Following the same structure as today’s flight, Round 1 will be followed by two more rounds at 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, with just eight players surviving.
Be sure to tune in to PokerNews to follow all the major moments and find out who will advance to the penultimate day of the $25,000 Heads-Up Championship.