Event 3 - £5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Day 1 | 2009 World Series of Poker Europe

09-23-2009 13:54 UTC+2

Multi-Tasking

[user4144]

It's not just the online whizzes who need to be tarred with the 'sick' and 'degenerate' brush. It would appear that despite a late night last night in Event 2, the five remaining finalists have returned this afternoon to tackle the Omaha event, regardless of their upcoming final at 2pm. Robin Keston and Erik Cajelais have already been spotted. I don't know, these young multi-tabling Internet kids...

09-23-2009 13:49 UTC+2

T-28 Hours

[user4144]

Arriving this morning after a good night's sleep, I'd completely forgotten about Paul Zimbler and his world heads-up record attempt, but there he was, still up on the balcony, battling away against JJ Hazan after spending the entire night in the Empire Casino (he wouldn't be the first...)

"Wow, just 28 minutes remaining," I joked. A fatigued Zimbler didn't appreciate the gag. "How are you feeling?" I asked, diverting attention. "Fine," he replied in a word.

But Zimbler's not just overcoming tiredness, but also his opponents. He's won 68 of 128!

Tags: Paul Zimbler

09-23-2009 13:45 UTC+2

First Level Half Full or Half Empty?

[user46298]

We're up to 140 players in today's event, a fairly big number considering the fairly big buy-in which amounts to an even bigger dollar figure. Pot Limit Omaha's seen a surge in popularity online live, as Hold'em experts try their hand at a game with double the cards (and therefore double the fun). Add the Europeans and fairly small number of Americans who've been playing this game for years and you get a mixed bag of entrants who are definitely going to be creating action right from the start.

A couple of late arrivals: Mike Matusow, who's just popped in to James Akenhead's left (joining Davidi Kitai, Andy Bloch, and Michael Greco on what looks to be a pretty interesting table), and Tony G, who's sat opposite Annette Obrestad.

09-23-2009 13:35 UTC+2

Star-Gazing

[user4144]

Empty seats equate to late arrivals, but, surprisingly, one of those present at kick-off was Phil Ivey, who is currently seated next to online superstar Shaun Deeb. But Ivey isn't the only big name in the field, as unveiled by my last venture into the battlefield where I spotted the likes of Barry Greenstein, Allen Cunningham, Erik Seidel, Annette Obrestad and Andy Black.

09-23-2009 13:29 UTC+2

Easy Pickings

[user4144]

"So which is your table of death?" asked Jesse May. as I stood poised at ringside, notepad in hand. A quick glance around, and there was no obvious answer - each table had a sprinkling of foreboding figures, but none were swamped. Downstairs, however, I stumbled upon a table that wasn't necessarily awash with the biggest names in poker, but, collectively, boasted an impressive CV.

Jason Mercier (bracelet winner - in Omaha, might I add)
Sorel Mizzi (second in last year's event)
Peter Jepsen (EPT winner)
Christer Johansson (Irish Open champ)
Michael Binger (bracelet winner and Main Event finalist)

Level: 1

Blinds: 50/100

Ante: 0

09-23-2009 13:09 UTC+2

£5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Event Commences

[user46298]

Event Three of the WSOPE 2009 is about to get underway. Players are slow to take their seats for the noon kickoff, and the announcement just came ringing out, "I know the structure's so good you don't feel like you have to turn up until four or five o'clock, but please, make your way to your seats now!"

Players start with 10,000 chips in this event, but have another 10,000 ready and waiting (and symbolised by a little blue chip) in case of early felting or just if it's wanted for that comfortable feeling which comes with an early big stack (blinds start at 50/100), which has to be taken within the first three levels.

The dealers are placing the late-comers' stacks in front of their seats, and it looks like they mean it this time - "Shuffle up and deal!"