EPT Barcelona Open Main Event Day 1b | 2008 PokerStars.com EPT Barcelona Open

Sep 11, 2008

Recent Exits

The last two levels have been unkind to a number of players, in particular Per Ummer, Mikael Norinder and Raul Mestre, all of whom are now adding extra weight to the poker rail.

Meanwhile, there are a number of dealers in the cardroom who seem to be making kissing/sucking noises at me, coincidentally when they require a ruling. Very odd, but I think I may be in with a chance with some of them. Should I reciprocate their affections?

Sep 11, 2008

Felipe Mojave on the Rise

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Action folded around to Felipe Mojave in the cutoff seat and he raised to 825. The button had other plans though and he tossed out 2,100. When it was back to Mojave, he casually tossed out the call.

The flop came {A-Diamonds}

and Mojave led out for 2,100. The button called and the {K-Spades}

hit the turn. Mojave check-called a bet of 4,600 from his opponent and to the river {8-Spades}

they went.

It took a while, but both men ended up checking and when Mojave tabled his {K-Hearts}

, his opponent disgustedly mucked. The Brazilian pumped his fist in celebration as he stacked the pot. Mojave looks to go as deep as he did last spring in San Remo where he finished in 13th place. He is well on his way with about 22,600 chips.

Tags: Felipe Mojave

Sep 11, 2008

Yo-Yo Fires the Bullets

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After reporting his gradual demise a few posts ago, Julian Thew's fortunes have finally changed courtesy of the pocket rockets. With a limp and a raise of 3,000 before him, Thew flung in his remaining 4,500 quicker than a Benny Hill chase on forward wind, was called by K-Q, and duly survived a raggedy board.

As a result, Thew is currently on circa 9,500 in chips.

Tags: Julian Thew

Sep 11, 2008

Paul Alterman Eliminated

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Also pushing up the poker daisies is Londoner Paul Alterman. He flopped a set of fives, but was out-gunned by a flush draw. "I had 15,000 at the time," he later said, "but you've got to win those ones."

Tags: Paul Alterman

Sep 11, 2008

Freddy Deeb Elimination

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Freddy Deeb is out. He was in cracking shape with aces versus K-Q, but lost out to a flush. "Ooh, nasty," as Knightmare's Treguard would say.

Tags: Freddy Deeb

Sep 11, 2008

Picking Up the Pace

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Despite the blinds and antes being relatively low, we're at that stage of the tournament where the small stacks are looking to double up or go home. A majority of the action right now comes from all-in confrontations where we see a short stack move in to steal the blinds or find their much needed double-up.

Sometimes it works for them, and sometimes it doesn't. One thing is for sure...the field is thinning and thinning fast.

Sep 11, 2008

Surinder Sunar Takes a Big Hit

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The action folded around to Surinder Sunar in late position and he raised to 900. When it got to the small blind, he reraised to 3,050. Sunar made the call and it was heads up.

The flop came {Q-Hearts}

. The small blind led out for 4,450 and Sunar went into the tank. Eventually he counted out a raise and pushed a total of 11,375 across the betting line. The small blind was deliberate as well, but didn't take as much time to slide his remaining stack towards the center. Sunar asked for a count, but he was covered. If he were to make the call, it would be for roughly his remaining 8,800 chips and his tournament life.

After a few moments of what looked like regret, he eventually threw his hand away. The small blind mucked instantly behind him and was quick and happy to stack over 60 percent of Sunar's chips.

Tags: Surinder Sunar

Sep 11, 2008

Frustrating Day for Yo-Yo

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Julian Thew's yo-yo seems to be broken today, as his stack has gone but one way. Evidently flustered by both a lack of cards and opportunities, I managed to pry out a few words during the break: "I just can't get going today. It's been a dreadful session, and I'm down to 4,200. When I did decide to make a move, the other short stack came over the top and I had to fold."

Perhaps Julian's fortunes will change in the upcoming blind level.

Level: 6

Blinds: 150/300

Ante: 25

Sep 11, 2008