Borgata Fall Poker Open 2011

Leaderboard Final

2011-11-28T11:12:00.002-05:00

Borgata Fall Poker Open Leaderboard - Final Results

By participating in any Borgata Fall Poker Open event (November 9-23, 2011), players earned points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.

Winners are:
1. MICHAEL MICHNIK (HOLLYWOOD, FL):
$3,500 entry into Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event (January 29 - February 3, 2012)

2. HARRY KOROTKI (OWINGS MILLS, MD)
Apple iPod Touch

3. MICHAEL LYDON (MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY)
Apple iPod Touch

4. STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY)
Apple iPod Touch

5. JOHN MCGUINNESS (TOMS RIVER, NJ)
Keurig coffee maker

6. AMANDA MUSUMECI (PHILADELPHIA, PA)
Keurig coffee maker

7. ERIC DOERR (NEWARK, DE)
Keurig coffee maker

8. DANIEL DAGOSTINO (BELLEVILLE, NJ)
Nikon digital camera

9. LANA OBRIEN (ENGLISHTOWN, NJ)
Nikon digital camera

10. AUSTEN JOHNSON (WOODSBORO, MD)
Nikon digital camera

Below are the top 200 scores for the Borgata Fall Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results from all Borgata Fall Poker Open events)

516.275 PTS: MICHAEL MICHNIK (HOLLYWOOD, FL)

416.138 PTS: HARRY KOROTKI (OWINGS MILLS, MD)

414.475 PTS: MICHAEL LYDON (MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY)

370.700 PTS: STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

366.113 PTS: JOHN MCGUINNESS (TOMS RIVER, NJ)

361.775 PTS: AMANDA MUSUMECI (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

343.625 PTS: ERIC DOERR (NEWARK, DE)

329.413 PTS: DANIEL DAGOSTINO (BELLEVILLE, NJ)

329.100 PTS: LANA OBRIEN (ENGLISHTOWN, NJ)

322.385 PTS: AUSTEN JOHNSON (WOODSBORO, MD)

312.320 PTS: JOHN DELROSSI (MANTUA, NJ)

312.000 PTS: BARRY LEVY (BROOKLYN, NY)

296.348 PTS: MARK SYKES (HAMDEN, CT)

294.500 PTS: ANDREW BADECKER (VERNON, CT)

288.350 PTS: ILYA VASSERMAN (HUNTINGDON VY, PA)

285.925 PTS: ROBERT BROWN (MILFORD, NH)

281.525 PTS: SUNG HA KIM (CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ)

279.475 PTS: JOHANSSY JOSEPH (SPRING VALLEY, NY)

277.763 PTS: THOMAS FORMICHELLA (BROOKLYN, NY)

270.825 PTS: ARIEL ALBILIA (SYOSSET, NY)

267.650 PTS: THANG VAN NGUYEN (MCLEAN, VA)

265.615 PTS: ERIC SIEGEL (BELLMORE, NY)

265.550 PTS: MICHAEL SICA JR (N BRUNSWICK, NJ)

264.140 PTS: TONY SINISHTAJ (FLUSHING, NY)

263.600 PTS: ANDREW INTERDONATO (WASHINGTON, DC)

263.225 PTS: JEFFREY PAPOLA (NEW YORK, NY)

262.738 PTS: JOHN BUGLION (COMMACK, NY)

259.508 PTS: DOUGLAS LOVELACE (MAYS LANDING, NJ)

258.538 PTS: KEVIN SAUL (WARRENVILLE, IL)

258.500 PTS: EDWARD GRAU (MIDDLE RIVER, MD)

254.500 PTS: ERIC LISICA (GLEN BURNIE, MD)

252.075 PTS: JAMES BOYLE (HAVRE DE GRACE, MD)

250.000 PTS: ROBERT BAESCH (BERLIN, MD)

240.788 PTS: JAMES SLOAT (HALETHORPE, MD)

237.965 PTS: CUONG PHUNG (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ)

235.825 PTS: ENNIO SORGINI (HOBOKEN, NJ)

233.063 PTS: MICHAEL HAHN (CARMEL, IN)

225.538 PTS: TA WEY (HACKENSACK, NJ)

224.813 PTS: HAYONG ZHOU (BALTIMORE, MD)

223.575 PTS: CHARLES BARRETT (DUNKIRK CAL, MD)

221.475 PTS: JOSEPH LIBERTA (BERLIN, NJ)

219.403 PTS: RYAN ERIQUEZZO (DANBURY, CT)

218.418 PTS: JAMES MCKEON (LATTINGTOWNE, NY)

215.840 PTS: DEAN CHEN (ELLENVILLE, NY)

215.245 PTS: WOOYANG LIN (MORRISTOWN, NJ)

212.913 PTS: DARYL BLACK (VOORHEES, NJ)

210.000 PTS: AVRAHAM LIPMAN (UNIVERSITY HTS, OH)

209.825 PTS: SON NGUYEN (ELKRIDGE, MD)

208.150 PTS: SAAD GHANEM (ROSEDALE, MD)

205.300 PTS: AARON MASSEY (ELMWOOD PARK, IL)

204.725 PTS: IBRAIM IBRAIMOVIC (BROOKLYN, NY)

204.275 PTS: NORMAN RODRIGUEZ (W HEMPSTEAD, NY)

202.150 PTS: ALEXANDER QUEEN (BETHLEHEM, PA)

201.930 PTS: ELI LOEWENTHAL (CARMEL, IN)

201.175 PTS: CARLOS COLON (EAST PATCHOGUE, NY)

201.125 PTS: ADAM AGAEV (BROOKLYN, NY)

201.000 PTS: LEONID VIZIROV (CHALFONT, PA)

200.638 PTS: BENJAMIN KLIER (VERSAILLES, KY)

200.593 PTS: CAMIL IBROCEVIC (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

199.650 PTS: CHRISTOPHER GROVE (BROOKLYN PARK, MD)

198.475 PTS: JAMES BERGEN (SYKESVILLE, MD)

196.585 PTS: JOHN HINDS (WINTERVILLE, NC)

195.984 PTS: JAMIE KERSTETTER (MONROE TWP., NJ)

194.725 PTS: PAUL RADFORD (NEW YORK, NY)

192.000 PTS: PAUL LONGO (WHITE PLAINS, NY)

190.625 PTS: TRAVIS GREENAWALT (LANDISVILLE, PA)

188.450 PTS: JACOB TOOLE (SHARON, MA)

188.388 PTS: JUSTIN FRIEDMAN (YARDLEY, PA)

188.000 PTS: CRAIG FELDHERR (MERRICK, NY)

185.888 PTS: NAVEEN THORATI (MARLBOROUGH, MA)

185.525 PTS: ARKADIY TSINIS (LAS VEGAS, NV)

184.675 PTS: TIMOTHY BRYAN (CENTERVILLE, VA)

184.188 PTS: TEDDY FATOVIC (ARLINGTON, VA)

182.955 PTS: MICHAEL LINSTER (ISLAND PARK, NY)

181.070 PTS: GREG VANDERLIP (HAYMARKET, VA)

180.788 PTS: DAVID INSELBERG (LONG BEACH, NY)

178.688 PTS: PAUL DIPOPOLO (CLAYTON, NJ)

178.163 PTS: ARTHUR BRESSLER (MANALAPAN, NJ)

176.728 PTS: ROBERT TOFT (YARDLEY, PA)

176.250 PTS: DANIEL PENRITH (SEWELL, NJ)

174.700 PTS: LEE SIM (N POTOMAC M, MD)

173.125 PTS: KHALED ALWAN (WAYNE, NJ)

173.050 PTS: BRIAN ADRAGNA (E MEADOW, NY)

172.963 PTS: GONZALO VILLARREAL (E HANOVER, NJ)

172.925 PTS: KALID ALI (SILVER SPRING M, MD)

172.488 PTS: JOHN DEGEORGE (TOMS RIVER, NJ)

172.200 PTS: ALEX SMITH (HIGHLAND PARK, NJ)

170.550 PTS: DARREN ELIAS (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

169.620 PTS: GREGORY GLASSMAN (BROOKLYN, NY)

169.288 PTS: ERIC NATISHVILI (HOBOKEN, NJ)

167.088 PTS: THOMAS GLEASON (HILLTOP, NJ)

163.850 PTS: ANTONIO WALKER (WILLINGBORO, NJ)

163.790 PTS: MICHAEL TAUMAN (METUCHEN, NJ)

163.650 PTS: LEONARDO PALERMO (TOMS RIVER, NJ)

163.200 PTS: DANIEL PIGNATARO (FAIRFIELD, NJ)

162.500 PTS: CHRISTOPH BRAND (LITTLE EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ)

162.405 PTS: JAYAKRISHNAN NAIR (REDMOND, WA)

161.875 PTS: SIROUS JAMSHIDI (BROOMALL, PA)

161.863 PTS: JAMAAL FORD (SECAUCUS, NJ)

161.513 PTS: JAY ZIMMET (MANALAPAN, NJ)

161.393 PTS: KELLY ARMENTROUT (ALEXANDRIA, VA)

161.075 PTS: SEUNGHWAN LEE (ALBERTSON, NY)

160.300 PTS: KETAN PATEL (EASTVILLE, VA)

159.538 PTS: GIONNI DEMERS (JACKSON, NJ)

158.563 PTS: WILLIAM KAKON (MIAMI, FL)

157.475 PTS: NICHOLAS SALIMBENE (BRICK, NJ)

156.875 PTS: DAVID ROTCHES (VENTNOR, NJ)

156.625 PTS: THE VO (HARRISBURG, PA)

156.350 PTS: TAM MINH NGUYEN (LANCASTER, PA)

156.225 PTS: JOHN ALMANZAR (NORTH BERGEN, NJ)

155.650 PTS: JOSEPH ISABELLA (EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ)

155.613 PTS: STEPHEN BOYER (SEBOYETA, NM)

155.538 PTS: STEVEN LEVY (PEABODY, MA)

155.310 PTS: MICHAEL DEVINSKY (MIDDLETOWN, NJ)

154.150 PTS: ROBERT HWANG (BARNEGAT, NJ)

153.025 PTS: SAHU HABIBI (NEW YORK, NY)

152.663 PTS: JOSEPH CAPPUCCIO (HAMMONTON, NJ)

151.383 PTS: SEAN LANGO (HARRISON, NJ)

151.375 PTS: TOMASZ GLINIECKI (JACKSON, NJ)

151.168 PTS: TIMMY BYRD (HAMDEN, CT)

151.150 PTS: KAREN HARUTYUNYAN (GALLOWAY, NJ)

149.400 PTS: JEREMY MAHER (WARREN, NJ)

149.200 PTS: DAVID KING (BROOKLYN, NY)

148.188 PTS: NISSIM BENJAMIN (BROOKLYN, NY)

147.488 PTS: QING GUO (EDISON, NJ)

145.138 PTS: KENNETH BROWN (TARZAN, CA)

144.733 PTS: AARON WRIGHT (BALTIMORE, MD)

144.363 PTS: DANIEL CHAN (NEW YORK, NY)

143.688 PTS: ELIANO MESQUITA (TOMS RIVER, NJ)

143.175 PTS: STEVE RYAN (NEW YORK, NY)

142.888 PTS: JASON MIN (FLUSHING, NY)

142.638 PTS: ADAM LIPPERT (BROOKLYN, NY)

141.325 PTS: LONNIE HEIMOWITZ (MONTICELLO, NY)

139.750 PTS: DENNIS THURMAN (FISK, MO)

138.550 PTS: OLIVER ENTINE (PHIADELPHIA, PA)

137.713 PTS: JINGLIN CHEN (BROOKLYN, NY)

137.435 PTS: HENRI BERBERIAN (AIX EN PROVENCE, FRA)

137.280 PTS: GUY TULL (ANNAPOLIS, MD)

135.463 PTS: GREGORY JOSLYN (MILFORD, PA)

135.425 PTS: HELLEN KIMBLE (BELLPORT, NY)

135.155 PTS: DUANE WHITE (NEW COLUMBIA, PA)

134.950 PTS: ROBERT CHUNG-SHUI (NEW YORK, NY)

133.650 PTS: KIRKOR TEKNECI (WHITESTONE, NY)

133.263 PTS: WAI CHENG (PARAMUS, NJ)

132.025 PTS: JOSHUA TEITELBAUM (BROOKLYN, NY)

131.938 PTS: CORY LITKE (PRIMROSE, PA)

131.825 PTS: BEN GELLER (FAR ROCKAWAY, NY)

131.638 PTS: WILLIAM CHILDS (ALEXANDRIA, VA)

131.600 PTS: VINCENT PIZARO (EAST MEADOW, NY)

131.113 PTS: THOMAS NYMAN (SECAUCUS, NJ)

130.563 PTS: POFUK YING (SEATTLE, WA)

130.250 PTS: FRANK INGARDIA (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

130.225 PTS: SALVATORE GIAMBRONE (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

130.000 PTS: ROBERT RADZIEMSKI (BLACKWOOD, NJ)

129.878 PTS: RICHARD SERRANO (LONG BCH, NY)

129.640 PTS: OLIVIER BUSQUET (KATONAH, NY)

129.580 PTS: PETER PARK (JERSEY CITY, NJ)

128.713 PTS: THOMAS MCGARRY (HAZLET, NJ)

128.705 PTS: ALAN MOON (SYRACUSE, NY)

128.463 PTS: LEANNE ROSENBLATT (BRIGANTINE, NJ)

128.188 PTS: THOMAS MCARDLE (BARDONIA, NY)

127.638 PTS: DIPEN PATEL (S PLAINFIELD, NJ)

127.463 PTS: NATALE KUEY (BRONX, NY)

127.388 PTS: ANTHONY KIETRYS (BEACH LAKE, PA)

127.325 PTS: BRIAN ODONOGHUE (BAYSIDE, NY)

127.138 PTS: RUSSELL CRANE (HOWELL, NJ)

126.458 PTS: DONALD MOSSEY (WILIMINGTON, DE)

125.850 PTS: MICHAEL WOLL (MANAHAWKIN, NJ)

124.963 PTS: VYACHESLAV EYZEROVICH (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

124.950 PTS: ROMAN VALERSTEIN (NEWTOWN, PA)

124.855 PTS: MATTHEW WANTMAN (STONEHAM, MA)

123.800 PTS: ARTIE SMITH (GASTONIA, NC)

123.600 PTS: JAMES PALUSZEK (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

123.450 PTS: FARROKH FORCE (BALA CYNWYD, PA)

123.375 PTS: YULIN CHEN (PISCATAWAY, NJ)

122.888 PTS: PATRICIA CAHILL (PORT JEFF STATION, NY)

121.935 PTS: ROBERT BEN AVRAM (GAITHERSBURG, MD)

121.483 PTS: KEITH SIBBALD (UPP SADDLE RIV, NJ)

120.750 PTS: JAMESON WHITAKER (ATLANTA, GA)

120.500 PTS: PETER IPPOLITO (E MEADOW, NY)

120.438 PTS: LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN (MEDFORD, NY)

119.300 PTS: ALEX NEPOMNYASCHIY (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

119.288 PTS: VLADIMIR GEYKHMAN (BROOKLYN, NY)

119.200 PTS: MICHAEL MUHAMMAD (PUYALLUP, WA)

119.093 PTS: JOSE GATMAITAN IV (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

119.075 PTS: LAWRENCE PADEN (CHESTER SPRGS, PA)

118.963 PTS: TRAY BARNARD (NEWARK, NJ)

118.375 PTS: MICHAEL DENTALE (BROOKLYN, NY)

118.320 PTS: BRYAN MOSSEY (ORLANDO, FL)

117.088 PTS: STEVEN CHO (DERWOOD, MD)

116.588 PTS: RONALD SPAIN (PLYMOUTH, MN)

115.450 PTS: WENDY RUBIN (NEW YORK, NY)

115.388 PTS: SALAH LEVY (WESTFIELD, NJ)

115.250 PTS: DZMITRY ZYBKO (LEWES, DE)

114.338 PTS: MIRSAD KOVACI (ALLENTOWN, PA)

113.563 PTS: JOSHUA BRIKIS (MURRYSVILLE, PA)

113.400 PTS: SCOTT SHOYER (FLOURTOWN, PA)

113.390 PTS: MATTHEW MAZZEO (EAST WILLISTON, NY)

113.175 PTS: WILLIAM DUGAN (VENTNOR, NJ)

113.075 PTS: CHRISTIAN FARLEY (WEST DEPTFORD, NJ)

Championship Event Recap

2011-11-24T07:45:00.005-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker 2011 Borgata Fall Poker Open Champion

The inaugural Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship's high caliber field was highlighted with three WSOP bracelet holders at the final table. In the end, it's young pro Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT), who won the event and the $388,657 first prize.

Badecker outlasted bracelet winners Freddy Rouhani and Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy and the rest of the 670 total entries to take home the coveted Borgata trophy early Thanksgiving morning.

"Borgata is hands down my most run good casino," said the 24 year old, who won a title in the September 2010 Borgata Poker Open, "I've never had a losing trip here."

Badecker defeated Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) heads up as he started with a 2 to 1 chip lead and never let the rookie poker player double-up. Badecker eliminated Nguyen with king high holding K♠ 2♦.

"This is my first year playing," said the engineer, who earned $218,531 for his three days of work. "I'm really happy coming in second considering I was short stacked all the way to the final table."

Outside of Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ) 7th/$59,084 and Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY) 6th/$73,653, Badecker's biggest final table threat was Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) who had the chip lead most of the way. But Alibilia went out 3rd/$137,594 after he was crippled by Nguyen's full house before being eliminated by Badecker.

Day 3 began with 63 players fighting for their piece of the $1,675,000 total buy-in, as everyone was in the money. The eliminations were at a steady clip until the final 10 grinded towards the serious turkey.

After Joe Wertz (Mountoursville, PA) finished 10th/$21,044, there were three knock outs on three consecutive hands that started with Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ) in 9th/$30,756, followed by Mike Linster (Island Park, NY) 8th/$44,516, and Rouhani.

Play grinded to a halt after Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ) was eliminated in 5th/$89,031, as 4-handed play lasted two hours before Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) busted 4th/$111,694.

Badecker's elimination of Park gave him more than half the chips in play as he controlled the tournament the rest of the way.

The event kicked off Sunday and, after two starting days, the entries totaled 670 and featured lots of recognizable names. WPT title holders Will "the Thrill" Failla, Cornel Cimpan, and Kevin Saul were joined by WPT Season IX Player of the year Andy Frankenberger, but none of them made the money.

Notables who cashed included 2010 Borgata Spring Open Champion Alex Queen 32nd/$7,932, 2010 Borgata Summer Open Champion Billy O'Neil, "Action" Bob Hwang 15th/$15,378, Dave Zeitlin 14th/15,378, and Victor Ramdin 48th/$6,313.

Ramdin, who added to his $3.5 million in career earnings, was impressed with the quality of the field and the turnout.

"East Coast poker showed an impressive display," said Ramdin, who held the chip lead part of Day 2. "This many people willing to play right before Thanksgiving shows we love our poker."

And the most dedicated player was Badecker who, after collecting the biggest payday of his career, got a ride for the five hour trip home to celebrate the holiday.

"It's not too often you get the whole family together at one time," he said. "I'm probably going to be a little late, but I think it will be okay as long as a bring the trophy."

Champion - Badecker

2011-11-24T06:24:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT)

$388,657

Badecker keeps the pressure on Tony Nguyen and eventually finishes him off with K♠ 2♦ vs 8♣ 9♣.

The board of A♦ A♥ 6♦ Q♥ 7♥ misses both players and Badecker wins with king high to take Nguyen's final 2.3 million chips.

"It feels great," says the 24 year old poker pro. "I've had a really successful year and I'm pretty happy to win it."

Moments after winning the Borgata Fall Poker Open Badecker tweeted:

Andrewbadecker Andrew badecker
SHIP IT! $388,657 my biggest score ever! pic.twitter.com/l40WA2rA

Badecker's Borgata Bounty

2nd Place - Nguyen

2011-11-24T06:20:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA)
$218,531

Nguyen is a short stack ninja most of Day 3, but finds away to navigate the field and final table to finish runner-up in the Championship Event.

Nguyen was at a 2 to 1 chip disadvantage heads up against Andrew Badecker and never got the double-up he needed to extend the match.

Nguyen finishes in second place and earns $388,657.

Heads Up

2011-11-24T05:50:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Trophy (& Turkey) Time!

670 entries in the inaugural Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship Event and we're down to two players. Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) and Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) are heads up for the $388,657 first place prize.

Badecker has nearly a 2 to 1 chip lead as he has 13 million to Nguyen's 7.1 million.

Blinds are 75k/150k/25k ante. The antes are now almost as much as the starting stacks of 30k when the tournament began four days ago.

We're only a few hours away from a Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but who knows how long we'll be from crowning a champion.

3rd Place - Albilia

2011-11-24T05:44:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Ari Albilia
$137,594

Albilia gives his final chips to Andrew Badecker, but it's a devastating blow by Tony Nguyen that helps send Albilia to the rail.

On a board of 2♦ 5♦ J♦ J ♥ 3♦ Nguyen bets 1.2 million, Albilia moves all in for 3.8 million total and Nguyen snap calls.

He shows 2♠ 2♣ for a full house and Albilia doesn't show. The hand leaves Albilia with only 500k and is out a few hands later.

Ari Albilia is out in 3rd place earning him $137,594.

5 Million Chip Pot to Andrew Badecker

2011-11-24T05:22:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Blinds: 75k/150k/25k ante

With 5 million chips in the pot and the board showing 9♠ 9♥ 3♥ 7♦ 4♦, both Ari Albilia and Andrew Badecker check the river

Badecker shows 3♦ Q♦ for two pairs, 3s and 9s, Albilia studies the board one last time before folding.

Badecker wins the hand and drops to 2.6 million.

4th Place - Park

2011-11-24T04:40:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ)
$111,694

After two hours of four-handed play there's finally an elimination. On a board of Q♣ 9♣ 5♠ 7♠ Peter Park bets 275k. Andrew Badecker raises to 700k and Park quickly moves all in.

Badecker gets the count of 3.6 million, a little less than half his stack, and makes the call.

Park: 5♣ 4♣ (pair of 5s, flush draw)
Badecker: J♠ 8♠ (flush draw, gutshot straight draw, two overs)

River: K♠

The river gives Badecker the flush and a he now has 12 million of the 20 million chips in play.

Park is out in 4th place and takes home $111,694.

Nguyen Doubles Through Badecker

2011-11-24T03:58:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Nguyen just won't go away as he doubles 2.2 million through Andrew Badecker. Nguyen holds K Q against Badecker's A 4, and hits trip queens to stay alive.

The four players are now very even in chips with Badecker still holding the lead:

Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) 8.2 million (68 BB)
Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) 4.5 million (38 BB)
Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) 4 million (33 BB)
Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) 3.8 million (32 BB)

Blinds 60k/120k/20k

Badecker Chipping Up Through Albilia

2011-11-24T03:25:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker has taken a couple of decent pots from Ari Albilia who folded to river bets. The two have flipped positions as Badecker is at the the 10 million mark, while Albilia is in the 5 million range.

Tony Nguyen and Peter Park continue to be the short stacks with blinds at 60k/120k/20k ante.

Nguyen Clubs Albilia on River

2011-11-24T03:12:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Keeps an Eye on the Prize

Tony Nguyen is all in for 1.1 million with A♣ 5♥ vs the 3♣ 3♥ of Ari Albilia.

Flop: K♣ Q♥ 8♣ (Alibila leads with pair of 3s)

Turn: 4♣ (Nguyen picks up flush draw)

River 3♣

Nguyen hits his flush on the river and says, "you know what this is? The nuts," he says with a hearty laugh.

Nguyen stays alive while Albilia continues to hold the chip lead at ~10 million.

Event 21 Recap

2011-11-24T03:06:00.001-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Event 21 is in the books and your champion is accountant/cellist Daniel Penrith (Washington, DC). Daniel just beat out 257 entries and took home $17,450 along with the Borgata Fall Poker Open trophy.

Event 21 was playing alongside the Championship Event and was a nice final Fall Poker Open tournament for players who busted. Everyone loved the affordable buy-in and generous 20,000 starting stacks. Not to mention if you busted out, you could re-enter within the first six levels.

From 11am all the way to the heads-up, John Almanzar held the chip lead. He shot up to 45,000 early on with AA then never looked back.

Some Borgata familiar faces who entered the field included: Andrew Interdonato, Cuong Phung, Kalid Ali, Matthew Piccolo, Micky Woll, and Ta Wey.

Top 27 were happy to win their share of the $64,250 Total Buy-In.

An interesting final table consisting of Michael Miller, John Almenzar, Patricio Trejo, Moshe Dahari, Brian Spencer, Thomas McGarry, Arturas Tamosiunas, Pavel Krapivin, Daniel Penrith, and Marco Huijgen. Pavel Krapivin finished 3rd for $5,921 after knocking out everybody at the final table. Everytime I looked up Pavel had either K-K or A-A.

Our almost wire to wire chip leader fell heads up in two key hands. First Daniel flopped a set of fives then followed up with a flush. 2nd Place of $10,283 was awarded to John Almenzar.

But your big Thanksgiving Day winner once again was Daniel Penrith who is heading into Philadelphia later today to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with his family. Congratulations on your huge payday of $17,450. Not a bad day at the office.

Park & Badecker Trade Double-Ups

2011-11-24T02:46:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Peter Park and Andrew Badecker trade 2.3 million chips as they double-up each other. First Park's pocket aces hold against 10♣ 9♣, but Park ships it right back when Badecker hits a full house with K♥ 7♥ against Park's AK.

4-handed play continues with blinds 50/100k/15k ante.

Event 21: 1st Place - Penrith

2011-11-24T02:38:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Daniel Penrith (Washington, DC)

$17,450

A happy Thanksgiving for Daniel Penrith who just took down Event 21 to the tune of $17,450.

Daniel lives in DC but is home for the holidays in Philadelphia with his family. He thanks all his family and friends for their support and for being the best.

In addition to poker, Daniel is an accountant and plays the cello.

"It was a long-winded journey" said the tired Champion who has been playing holdem since 11am. Daniel was behind when the heads-up started. In just a few hands it was over.

Daniel's set of fives followed by a flush was enough to chop down the perennial chip lead of John Almanzar.

Daniel takes home the Borgata Fall Poker Open trophy in addition to the $17,450 worth of pumpkin pie. Great job!

Daniel Penrith finished in 1st Place earning $17,450.

Final Four Chip Counts

2011-11-24T02:30:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Park, Albilia, and Badecker

Blinds 50k/100k/15k ante

Name-Chip Count (in millions)

Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) 9.6
Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) 5.2
Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) 2.6
Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) 2.5

Nguyen Doubles Through Park

2011-11-24T02:27:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Nguyen's KQ catches two pairs on the flop and he doubles through Peter Park's pocket 9s.

Nguyen doubles 1.2 to 2.4 million, while Park drops to 2.5 million.

Event 21: 2nd Place - Almenzar

2011-11-24T02:25:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

John Almenzar (North Bergen, NJ)
$10,283

John Almenzar was basically the chip leader from wire to wire, except for the last two hands.
Think about how difficult that is to accomplish.

What a great tournament run for John Almenzar who captured the chip lead from the get-go when he limped with AA, found 3 callers and shot up to 45,000.

From that point he never looked back.

Got unlucky heads up as Daniel flopped a set of fives and took down a big pot against him.

John's final hand was 6-7 vs. 7-9. Both guys were suited but only Daniel found his flush.

Great job to John Almenzar and his incredible run.

John Almenzar finished in 2nd Place earning $10,283.

5th Place - Devinsky

2011-11-24T02:22:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ)
$89,031

Devinsky ships his last 1.1 million to Ari Albilia when his pocket jacks loses the race to AQ.

An ace hits the flop to send Devinsky home in 5th place, earning him $89,031.

Event 21: 3rd Place - Krapivin

2011-11-24T02:15:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Pavel Krapivin
$5,921

Pavel had an amazing final table. He literally knocked out all of the other players.

Maybe he was doing the dirty work for John and Daniel who still remain and will play heads-up.

Pavel had K-K twice and A-A. His hands were holding up like a champ.

The hand that crippled him was when he lost a race to Daniel. Pavel had K-Q suited and Daniel had A-4. Daniel shoved pre-flop. Pavel thought hard then called. They both had practically the same amount of chips. Daniel at risk.

Flop gave Daniel a pair of fours. The turn gave Pavel an open-ended draw. Blank on the river.

Board: J-4-6-10-5.

Pavel played well and just came up short. Congratulations on a great cash prize.

Pavel Krapivin finished in 3rd Place earning $5,921.

Badecker Straightens Out Devinsky

2011-11-24T02:10:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

The board shows 9♦ 8♠ J♦ 9♥ K♥ and Andrew Badecker moves all in for 1.6 million.
Mike Devinsky makes the call and Badecker shows him Q♠ 10♦ for a flopped straight.

The healthy pot goes to Badecker and takes him to 5 million, while Devinsky is down to 900k.

"It's okay," says Devinsky, "I'm down to 10 bigs, I know what to do with that."

Devinsky Doubles Through Badecker

2011-11-24T01:50:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinsky is all in for 1.9 millioin with Ah 6♠ vs the A♠ K♠ of Andrew Badecker.

Flop: 5♣ 6♥ 7♠ (Devinsky pair of 6s)

Turn: 2♥

River: 3♣

Devinsky's pair of 6s hold and he doubles up to 4 million, while Badecker drops to less than 2 million.

Event 21: 4th Place - Spencer

2011-11-24T01:47:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Brian Spencer - (Tinton Falls, NY)
$4,799

Brian Spencer was short stacked and managed to double up with J-2 when John Almenzar called him in the bb without looking. John's 6-4 did not improve and Brian's J high played.

A couple orbits later our CPA from Tinton Falls was short again so shoved with 4-3 of hearts.

Two callers who were more than willing to check it all the way down to knock out a player.

Sure enough they both ended with better hands.

Pavel's A-3 won on a board of 6-J-9-7-A. Other Opponent had 6-3.

Good couple of days for Brian Spencer who finished 23rd in yesterdays $100 Bounty Event.

Hi to Brian's parent's, sister, and nephew. Congratulations on back to back cashes!

Brian Spencer finished in 4th Place earning $4,799.

Event 21: 5th Place - Dahari

2011-11-24T01:35:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Moshe Dahari (Long Beach, NY)
$3,739

Moshe Dahari has been trying to cash and get on the Borgata board for quite a while. Tonight persistence paid off. The engineer took a gamble with 8-6 clubs and ran into Pavel's A-A.

Board ran: 10-2-2-9-4.

"I got killed on that hand" said Moshe who is gonna rest up for tomorrow.

Moshe gives a shout out to Heather who is following the borgatapokerblog at home.

This is Dahari's biggest cash and he was very excited.

Moshe Dahari finished in 5th Place earning $3,739.

6th Place - Josephy

2011-11-24T01:18:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy (Muttontown, NY)
$73,653

Blinds 40k/80k/10k ante

JohnnyBax is short stacked and moves all in with J♥ 9♥ and trails the J♦ J♣ of Tony Nguyen.

Flop: 2♣ 9♣ 4♥ (JohnnyBax trails with a pair of 9s)
Turn: 3♦
River 4♣

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy dosen't hit trip 9s and is out in 6th place, as the WSOP bracelet holder takes home $73,653.

Event 21: 6th Place - McGarry

2011-11-24T01:16:00.001-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Thomas McGarry (Hazlet, NJ)
$3,116

It was pocket tens that did Thomas McGarry in - twice. First he folded tens and if he hadn't folded he would have ended up with a full house and a monster scoop.

Then he shoved with 10-10 and ran into K-K of Pavel Krapivin.

There was plenty of drama on the hand as Pavel hit a King in the window then Thomas nailed a ten on the turn. Set of kings over a set of tens crippled McGarry.

He did manage to quad up on the next hand as he picked up QQ and hit a Queen on the flop.

Alas he was still very short and got it in with A-3. Wouldn't you know it, Pavel picked up Cowboys again. KK held on a board of Q-3-7-Q-6.

Thomas will be heading home for Thanksgiving and said the turkey will taste that much better since he'll be bringing home $3,116 worth of gravy.

Thomas McGarry finished in 6th Place earning $3,116.

Devinsky Doubles Through JohnnyBax

2011-11-24T01:12:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinsky is all in and at risk for 1.3 million with A♣ J♦ vs the K♠ K♦ of Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy.

Flop: 2♥ 5♣ 3♠ (Devinsky with wheel draw)

Turn: 8♦

River: A♠

An ace on the river gives Devinsky the double up to 2.7 million and drops JohnnyBax to 400k.

7th Place - Rouhani

2011-11-24T01:06:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Freddy Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ)
$59,084

Rouhani shows a lot of patience and was the short stack all day. The WSOP bracelet holder raises to 250k, leaving himself just 60k behind.

Tony Nguyen calls, thinks Rouhani is all in, and exposes his hand. Once he realizes Rouhani still has chips the two see a flop of 9♦ 4♠ 4♥.

Rouhani checks, Nguyen moves all in and Rouhani says, "what do you have down there, ace-king of spades," as he throws in his 12 blue chips.

Nguyen: A♠ K♠
Rouhani: Q♠ J♠

Rouhani is in a world of hurt and doesn't connect on the turn or river to finish in 7th place for $59,084.

Event 21: 7th Place - Huijgen

2011-11-24T00:56:00.001-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Marco Huijgen (New York, NY)
$2,493

Marco jammed his short stack holding A♣ J♦. Daniel Penrith thought long and hard then decided to call tabling K♥Q♥ of hearts.

Board ran: 10♦ J♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ . Penrith's flush sent Marco to the rail.

Marco was happy with his one day's worth of work (even though he would have liked to finish higher). He also wanted to thank Ricky T, a friend who has mentored him in the poker world.

Marco Huijgen finished in 7th Place earning $2,493.

8th Place - Linster

2011-11-24T00:50:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
$44,516

The Mike and Mike show concludes with Mike Linster losing his last 500k with AQ vs the pocket kings of Mike Devinsky.

Linster, who was twice coolered at the final table, finishes in 8th place and takes home $44,516.

Event 21: 8th Place - Trejo

2011-11-24T00:45:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Patricio Trejo (Chille)
$1,870

The dream ends for Patricio Trejo who shoved with K-10 off-suit on the button but ran into Brian Spencer's A-A.

Board ran: 8-8-7-2-A.

Patricio Trejo finished in 8th Place earning $1,870.

Event 21: 9th Place - Tamosiunas

2011-11-24T00:35:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Arturas Tamosiunas (Lithuania)

$1,246

Rough way for Arturas Tamosiunas to go out. He got his last 180,000 chips in with the best hand - KK. Arturas raised 75,000 on the button and was called by the small blind and big blind.

Flop came J-10-5 so Arturas shoved the rest of his 180,000. Small blind isolated and tabled 5-5 for a set.

To make matters worse, another five hit the river giving Pavel Krapivin quads.

Arturas is a student back home in Lithuania. He was sad to leave the final table but happy to earn $1,246.

Arturas Tamosiunas finished in 9th Place earning $1,246.

9th Place - Maguire

2011-11-24T00:20:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ)
$30,756

Maguire ships his last 1.25 million with pocket jacks but runs into the pocket kings of Ari Albilia.

The kings hold and Maguire is out in 9th place for $30,756.

Albilia extends his chip lead and is now up to 8 million.

Event 21: 10th Place - Miller

2011-11-24T00:11:00.002-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Michael Miller
$810

Michael Miller was short stacked at the final table and lost a coin flip.

Michael Miller finished in 10th Place earning $810.

Jacks Cooler Linster, Park Doubles

2011-11-24T00:10:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Blinds 30k/60k/5k ante

Tony Nguyen opens from the button to 130k
Mike Linster 3-bets to 250k
Peter Park 4-bet shoves to 1.25 million
Nguyen folds
Linster tanks and says, "this is a cooler," and calls with slightly more than Park.

Linster's worst fears are realized when is JJ is against Park's QQ.

The board is clean and Park doubles to 2.5 million, while Linster drops to 200k.

Event 21: Final Table Set

2011-11-24T00:05:00.002-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Final Table of Ten is set in the Poker Room

Seat Pos.....Player
1. Michael Miller
2. John Almenzar
3. Patricio Trejo
4. Moshe Dahari
5. Brian Spencer
6. Thomas McGarry
7. Arturas Tamosiumas
8. Pavel Krapivin
9. Daniel Penrith
10. Marco Huijgen

John Almenzar is the massive chip leader. For now the other nine will have to battle it out.

Quacked Up, Ducks on the River

2011-11-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

The Mike and Mike show go to a river on a board of 6-J-10-10-2. Mike Linster checks, Mike Devinsky bets 985k and Linster tanks.

Linster finally calls and Devinsky says, "full house," turning over 2♠ 2♣ .

Linster who check-called every street can't believe he loses on the river as he shows two red eights.

Double-Ups, Blinds Up

2011-11-23T23:47:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker doubles 1.1 million through Tom Maguire.

Badecker: 8 8
Maguire: A K

Flop: A-J-8

Badecker's set of 8s keeps him alive and drops Maguire to 400k.

Maguire then doubles through Cliff Josephy with AJ vs Josephy's pocket 7s. Maguire hits an ace on the turn to take 505k to more than one million while Josephy drops to 2.5 million.

Blinds up, 30k/60k/5k ante.

10th Place - Wertz

2011-11-23T23:10:00.005-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Joe Wertz (Montoursville, PA)

$21,044

Joe Wertz looks down at A-10 in the big blind and jams his last 600,000. Snap call from Mike Linster (Island Park, NJ) who tables A-K.

Joe sees a ten in the window and is feeling good until a king spikes the turn.

Joe made the final table of ten but is the first player out.

He finished 2nd in the 2010 Borgata Winter Open deepstack tournament.

Mike Linster is now up to 4,000,000 and looking to carve up the other players like a Thanksgiving Day turkey.

Joe Wertz finishes in 10th place earning $21,044.

Top Ten

2011-11-23T23:00:00.004-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Final Table

Seat-Name-Chip Count

1 Joe Wertz (Mountoursville, PA) 785k
2 Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY) 2 million
3 Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ) 1.2 million
4 Thang Van Nguyen (McLean, VA) 1.8 million
5 Mike Linster (Island Park, NY) 2.5 million
6 Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) 1.8 million
7 Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ) 2.9 million
8 Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) 4.6 million
9 Freddy Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ) 1.7 million
10 Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) 1.5 million

11th Place - Peters

2011-11-23T22:40:00.004-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Art Peters (Brick, NJ)
$21,044

Mike Linster raises UTG to 100k and Art Peters completes from the big blind and checks dark.

Flop: J♣ 9♣ 4♣
Linster bets 200k, Peters moves all in for 900k total, and Linster calls.

Linster: K♣ J♦ (top pair, flush draw)
Peters: 8♣ 10♣ (open ended straight flush draw)

Turn: 2♣ (Linster better flush)

River: 4♦

Peters was live to the Q♣ and 7♣, but when he misses the straight flush he's out in 11th place for $21,044.

Linster wins the 2 million chip pot and sends the remaining 10 players to the final table.

Mikey Sucks Out Again

2011-11-23T22:36:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

For two days, Nick Manfredo has been shouting out a quote - "Mikey sucks out again", referring to Mike Linster's ability to catch every card he needs. Mandredo is on the rail watching.

Fresh off his tournament saving Queen on the river last level, Mike does it again.

On the button jam holding Q-J and runs into Mike Devinsky UTG holding A-A.

Linster sees the aces and sighs. Devinsky says, "It ain't over yet."

Sure enough the board runs out: 9-7-J-6-Q.

After hitting the miracle two-pair, again Linster celebrates and tells the table, "You guys can't win this tournament".

Mike Linster doubles his 890,000 stack.

Chip Counts

2011-11-23T22:21:00.005-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Chip Counts:
1. Ari Albilia.................4,500,000
2. Mike Devinsky........3,400,000
3. Tony Nguyen...........2,200,000
4. Cliff Josephy.............2,100,000
5. Tom Maguire............1,200,000
6. Freddy Rou................1,100,000
7. Peter Park..................1,800,000
8. Andrew Badecker..........1,400,000
9. Art Peters.......................880,000
10. Michael Linster...............700,000
11. Joe Wertz..........................670,000

Gentlemen are still on two tables.

Break is over and the next 1 hour and fifteen minute blind level begins.

Total Buy-In - $1,675,000

4-Bet Shove Before Break

2011-11-23T22:15:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Peter Park opens from the cutoff to 90k
Mike Linster 3-bets to 220k from the button
Mike Devinksy tanks from the small blind and folds
Park moves all in for 1.4 million and has Linster covered
Clock hits zero and the other nine players are on a 10 minute break

Linster can't believe Park has 4-bet shoved on the last hand before break. "If I fold will you show," asks Linster. Park nods yes.

After a couple of minutes of wondering if Park has AK, Linster folds.

Park shows J♠ J♥ and Linster says, "you had the best hand, I had eights."

Park breathes a sigh of relief and was hoping that Linster didn't have pocket queens.

All eleven players are on break as the orange (1k) chips are removed from play. Blinds moving up to 25k/50k/5k ante.

We're Jammin'

2011-11-23T22:07:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY) seems to have one main gear which is ALL-IN. He's been shipping all his chips in pre-flop more than the other players at the table.

Andrew Badecker folded more than once on Cliff's shoves. The last time Cliff jammed he showed 10-10.

In this big hand, Andrew raised and Cliff shipped his 995,000. Andrew had 9-9 and called.

Off to the races with Cliff's A-Q vs. Andrew's 9-9.

Board ran: 4-Q-4-6-8.

Andrew takes a huge hit to his stack and Cliff doubles up close to two million.

Break quickly approaching. Chip counts coming...

12th Place - Olivieri

2011-11-23T21:42:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Nick Olivieri (Staten Island, NY)

$21,044

After being crippled by Michael Linster's hitting his Queen on the river, Nick Olivieri chose to shove his last 290,000 in the small blind holding J-9 off.

Devinsky called in the big blind tabling J-10 off.

On a flop of J-10-8, Devinsky hits top two but Olivieri picks up the open ended straight draw.

Runner-runner 6-6 spelled defeat for Nick who did manage to make it to the next pay level jump. Congratulations on your 12th Place cash.

Nick Olivieri finished in 12th place earning $21,044.

13th Place - Spinella

2011-11-23T21:31:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Anthony Spinella (Waxhaw, NC)

$15,378

Anthony Spinella was short stacked in the small blind holding K-10. He had 650,000 or 15 bigs and decided to shove.

Mike Devinsky had deuces in the big blind and called.

Board ran: A-A-3-A-4.

Devinsky withthe full house and the knock-out. If another Ace hits the river, he loses the pot.

Anthony Spinella finished in 13th Place earning $15,378.

Linster Does It Again

2011-11-23T21:24:00.004-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Michael Linster (Island Park, NJ) jams in the small blind holding K-Q. Nick Olivieri (Staten Island, NY) wakes up to A-K in the big blind. "I ran into a cooler" says Linster.

Flop comes down three clubs - J-K-4.

Linster needs a Queen or his tournament is over. Brick on the turn but a Queen on the river.

Michael leaps off his chair celebrating with the scoop.

He's up to 878,000 and Olivieri is crippled to 310,000.

14th Place - Zeitlin

2011-11-23T21:10:00.004-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Dave Zeitlin (Brooklyn, NY)

$15,378.

End of the road for Dave Zeitlin who was in the small blind and got his remaining 450,000 in good tabling 9-9. UTG, Ari Albilia thought for five seconds then made the call holding K-10 of hearts.

Disaster flop for Zeitlin who watches Ari hit both his cards. Dave did pick up a gut-shot needing the J but couldn't connect on the turn or river.

Flop: 10 - K - Q
Turn: 7
River: 3

Ari Albilia is up over 4,000,000.

Dave Zeitlin finished in 14th place earning $15,378.

Devinsky Dazzles

2011-11-23T21:02:00.004-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinsky takes down a huge pot and shows the 4 of hearts.

Mike opens for 70,000 and Peter Park 3-bets to 170,000. Mike 4-bets to 270,000 and Peter calls.

Flop falls 6-3-5 rainbow.

Mike bets 175,000, Peter raises to 400,000 and Mike shoves his last 1,000,000 causing Peter to snap fold.

Devinsky showed the 4 of hearts and scooped. After winning another hand since, he's up to 2.5 million.

15th Place - Hwang

2011-11-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ)
$15,378

Hwang opens to 180k
Andrew Badecker makes it 400
Hwang moves all in for 1 million total
Badecker snap calls

Hwang: A♠ K♠
Badecker K♥ K♣

Hwang is in bad shape and when the board runs out 6-2-J-K-4, Badecker's set of kings takes the
2.4 million chip pot and he now has 3.1 million.

Hwang is out in 15th place earning $15,378.

Event 21: Don't Doubt Thomas

2011-11-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Thomas McGarry - 400,000 - Chip Leader

Thomas McGarry (Hazlet, NJ) leads the remaining 34 players with a huge stack of 400,000.

McGarry grew his stack from 170,000 to 340,000 after his A-K saw a flop of A-J-8 and Opponent's A-Q was betting into him.

Turn card Q had Thomas in a world of hurt. All the chips got in the middle and McGarry was drawing thin but had outs.

River 10 shipped the pot to Thomas who held Broadway.

Top 27 make the money. 27th Place - $561. 1st Place - $17,450.

Playing Event 21 until it's over tonight.

Ari Takes Chip Lead, JohnnyBax Loses Big Pot

2011-11-23T20:27:00.003-05:00

Ari Albilia and Cliff Josephy, AKA JohnnyBax, are in a 2.4 million chip pot and when Josephy calls the 2/3 pot river bet he sees the bad news.

Albilia with a turned set of 10s rakes the pot as Josephy mucks.

Alibilia takes the chip lead with 3.3 million, while JohnnyBax drops to 650k.

Event 21: Chip Czar

2011-11-23T20:26:00.002-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

John Almenzar - 360,000

John Almenzar (North Bergen, NJ) is 2nd in chips overall and #1 at his table.

One hand before dinner break catapulted his stack.

John had 5-5 up against A-K and A-Q. Flop gave him a set and his Opponent's top pair. One man got away while the other stacked-off to John.

Play has resumed with blinds at 4000 / 8000 and 500 antes.

16th Place - Massey

2011-11-23T19:55:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Aaron Massey (Elmwood Park, IL)
$11,331

Just after returning from dinner break Massey is UTG and shoves 236k (8 BB) and Mike Devinsky calls.

Massey: J♥ 8♥
Devinsky: 5♣ 5♦

Massey can't win the race and is out in 16th place for $11,331.

Fast Food

2011-11-23T19:16:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

The remaining 16 players are on a 30 minute dinner break. Tournament officials want to keep things moving so play doesn't go too long into Thanksgiving morning.

On the last hand before break, Peter Park wins a one million chip pot as Mike Devinsky folds to a river bet. Park now has 2.4 million and is the big stack on table 1. On table 2 three players are in the 2-2.1 million range.

Chip Stacks (in millions)

Peter Park 2.4
Cliff Josephy 2.1
Andrew Badecker 2.1
Thang Van Nguyen 2.0

The average stack is 1.3 million (42 BB) and when play resumes at 7:45 pm blinds will be 15k/30k/4k ante.

17th Place - Napolitano

2011-11-23T18:51:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Vinny Napolitano (Brooklyn, NY)
$11,331

On a rainbow board of 9-8-2, Napolitano moves all in for 275k and Nick Olivieri snap calls with pocket 2s for a set. Napolitano is drawing thin with K J and is out in 17th place for $11,331.

18th Place - Spitzberg

2011-11-23T18:40:00.002-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Paul Spitzberg (Tenafly, NJ)
$11,331

Joe Wertz opens the pot with pocket 7s and Spitzberg jams 450k. After a brief tank Wertz is against KQ offsuit.

The board brings three diamonds and gives Spitzberg a sweat with a four flush draw, but the river bricks and he's out in 18th place for $11,331.

Final Two Tables

2011-11-23T18:30:00.004-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

WPT Title Holder Kevin Saul on the Rail
Supporting Friend Aaron Massey

Table 1

Seat-Name

1 Aaron Massey (Elmwood Park, IL)
2 Vinny Napolitano (Brooklyn, NY)
3 Art Peters (Brick, NJ)
4 Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ)
5 Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
6 Nick Olivieri (Staten Island, NY)
7 Anthony Spinella (Waxhaw, NC)
8 Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ)
9 Freddy Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ)

Table 2

Seat-Name

1 Dave Zeitlin (Brooklyn, NY)
2 Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT)
3 Paul Spitzberg (Tenafly, NJ)
4 Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY)
5 Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ)
6 Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY)
7 Thang Van Nguyen (McLean, VA)
8 Joe Wertz (Mountoursville, PA)
9 Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ)

19th Place - Burgess

2011-11-23T18:15:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Jerry Burgess (Louisburg, NC) is out in 19th place earning him $8,903.

Table three is now down as the final 18 players are on two tables.

Kings Hold x 2 = Gomes 21st, Berger 20th

2011-11-23T17:50:00.008-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Two more are on the rail as pocket kings hold twice.

Seth Gomes (New York, NY) loses his last half million chips to Mike Devinsky when his 66 is dominated by KK. Gomes is out in 21st place.

That's followed by Bob Hwang knocking out Alex Berger (New York, NY) with cowboys vs AQ. Berger sends 600k to Hwang as he finishes in 20th place.

Gomes and Berger both earn $8,903.

Players are on a 15 minute break; play resumes with blinds 12k/24k/3k ante.

Event 21: Chip Leader

2011-11-23T17:40:00.004-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Players Gift Chip Lead to Spencer

Last Main Event is also going on in the Poker Room where 257 entries are going after the first place prize of $17,450.

The chip leader is Brian Spencer (Tinton Falls, NJ) who has 160k (53 BB). The other big stack is Brian Adragna (East Meadow, NY) who's at 130k.

74 players remain with an average stack of 69k (23 BB).

Blinds are 1,500/3k/400 ante.

Down to 21

2011-11-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Just like that -- another five players have hit the rail.

Each of these players will pick up $8,903:

Place - Player (Hometown)

26 - MATTHEW BURNITZ (CHESTBROOK, PA)

25 - FRANK WALKER (ROCKAWAY PARK, NY)

24 - SAKIP SHEHU (BROOKLYN, NY)

23 - COREY LIEBLEIN (SANDS POINT, NY)

22 - WILLIAM RIGLER (AVONDALE, PA)

21 Players remain. Average stack is 957k.

27th Place - Steve Ryan

2011-11-23T17:07:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Steve Ryan got his last chips in with KQ, but ran into a pot contested between Peter Park and Arthur Peters. Arthur ended up with a set and all the chips and Steve ended up with 27th place.

He'll collect $8,903 for his efforts.

Cliff Josephy and Anthony Spinella are side-by side on table two and both have over a million chips. They were involved in a pot and got to the river with a board of K 8 7 T A. Cliff led out for 100k. Anthony kicked it up to 400k. Cliff shoved and Anthony snap-called.

Of course then they both rolled over QJ for the nuts and split the pot.

36th - 28th Places

2011-11-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Each of these players will pick up $7,932:

Place - Player (Hometown)

36 - WILLIAM ONEIL (BERWYN HEIGHTS, MD)

35 - TODD TERRY (HOBOKEN, NJ)

34 - JOHN MYUNG (VIENNA, VA)

33 - SACHIN RAMRAKHANI (FORT LEE, NJ) - 225,000

32 - ALEXANDER QUEEN (BETHLEHEM, PA)

31 - PAUL SCATURRO (OLD BRIDGE, NJ)

30 - VASILLIOS HRISAFINIS (BRICK, NJ)

29 - SCOTT BLACKMAN (EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ)

28 - YAT CHENG (BROOKLYN, NY)

Redraw at 27

2011-11-23T16:31:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

And just like that, four more players busted out.

Scott Blackman got his chips in with A3 off and ran into the AQ of Cliff Josephy. The best hand held up and Cliff chipped up to about 1.6 million. Scott finished 29th.

Level 23 concluded and following the redraw for the final three tables, play resumed with level 24, blinds 10k/20k with 2k antes.

Leaderboard

2011-11-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

There have been some big pots moving around the felt, but no one else has busted out.

The current chip leaders are:

Thang Van Nguyen - 1.7 million
Cliff Josephy - 1.35 million
Paul Spitzberg - 1.3 million
Anthony Spinella - 1.25 million
Joe Wertz - 1.2 million

31 players remain.

Big Pots

2011-11-23T16:03:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

On the river with a board of Q♦8♦5♥Q♥2♥, Corey Lieblein fired 45k. Cliff Josephy popped it for another 200k on top. Corey thought briefly, then called.

Cliff rolled over two black 8s for 8s full of queens. Corey mucked. With that pot, Cliff chipped up to ~1.2 million.

Andrew Badecker shoved for 380k from the small blind after Vasillios Hrisafinis raised. Andrew's A7 caught a 7 on the turn to beat Vasillios' pocket 4s and Andrew doubled up to ~780k.

More Departures

2011-11-23T15:45:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Todd Terry got his last chips in with A8, but ran into pocket Tens. Todd finished 35th ($7,932).

After Paul Spitzberg opened up early, action folded to Alex Queen on the button. He shoved. Paul called, showing AK off. Alex was dominated with AJ offsuit.

The board fell 9 9 5 2 7 and Paul's hand was good. He chipped up to ~1.3 million.

Alex Queen finished in 32nd place ($7,932).

Break Time Tweets

2011-11-23T15:27:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Here are some tweets from the championship players, sent during the break.

toddbterry Todd Terry
110k. AKs < AA aipf.

SugDpoker David Zeitlin
517k going to 8k-16k. 35 players remain.

JohnnyBaxPoker Cliff Josephy
824k going to 8k-16k/200. 35 left. Avg around 575k.

nevermissmassey Aaron Massey
Break. 211k 35 players left blinds 8-1600 grinding for my life out here but I've got all the heart. Destiny lies within the next 2 levels

SteveRyanPoker Steve Ryan
Break. Im sure some of these other phenomenal players deserve to win. But I think my brother would have wanted me to win :)

Break Time Leaderboard

2011-11-23T15:09:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

End of level 22 and time for a break. 35 players will enjoy 15 minutes away from the felt.

William O'Neil is not one of them. He busted out in 36th place ($7,932).

Chip leaders as of break:

Thang Van Nguyen - 1.5 million
Joe Wertz - 1.35 million
Anthony Spinella - 1 million

Play resumed after the break with level 23, blinds 8k/16k with 2k antes.

45th - 37th Places

2011-11-23T14:56:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Each of these players will pick up $6,313:

Place - Player (Hometown)

45 - NICHOLAS MANFREDO (LEVITTOWN, NY)

44 - SEAN KNITTER (JENKINTOWN, PA)

43 - LAWRENCE SHARP (NORTH WHALES, PA)

42 - NICHOLAS PETICCA (WALLINGFORD, PA)

41 - ADAM BITKER (NEW HAVEN, CT)

40 - SIROUS JAMSHIDI (BROOMALL, PA)

39 - GIORGI KITESASHVILI (TBILISI, GEO)

38 - SCOTT WARDELL (TABERNACLE, NJ)

37 - STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

Down to 36

2011-11-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

In another battle of the blinds, Joe Wertz shoved from the small and Scott Wardell called all-in from the big.

Joe had A2 and was dominated by Scott's A7. Then the board came 9 5 3 2 A and Joe claimed the pot with Aces-up.

Not a nice thing to do to your former roommate. Scott was okay with it though as he collected his paperwork for 38th place.

Steven Rodriguez got his chips in the middle on the turn with a board of 9 9 3 6, holding 76 suited for two pair. His opponent had pocket 6s and had turned the full boat. Steven was tossed in 37th place.

Steven had a good run during this series with four cashes, two of which were 3rd place finishes.

36 players remain at four tables.

The Deets Are In the Tweets

2011-11-23T14:23:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Some of the latest Tweets from players in the championship event:

SteveRyanPoker Steve Ryan
Good sweats with fellow new yorkers Sach and Dave Z. All Grindin 45 left

nevermissmassey Aaron Massey
360k 45 left at 6-12k were doin it

ArgentinaBoy Alex Queen
Just won kk to jj aipf back up to 400k, 43 left avg is 450k

JohnnyBaxPoker Cliff Josephy
Lost 600k+ pot with AA v AK allin pre. Got about 700k now.

SugDpoker David Zeitlin
Got almost a full double with JJ vs AK, got 300k now. 39 players left.

54th - 46th Places

2011-11-23T14:05:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Each of these players will pick up $6,313:

Place - Player (Hometown)

54 - CHARLES FUREY (BRIDGEWATER, NJ)

53 - EUGENE JUERGENS (BRIGHTON, MI)

52 - PETER IPPOLITO (E MEADOW, NY)

51 - LEONID LERNER (BROOKLYN, NY)

50 - ROBERT CHUNG-SHUI (NEW YORK, NY)

49 - ELI LOEWENTHAL (CARMEL, IN)

48 - ANNAND 'Victor' RAMDIN (LAS VEGAS, NV)

47 - JOHN ANDRESS (DOYLESTOWN, PA)

46 - CHRISTOPHER GROVE (BROOKLYN PARK, MD)

Blinds Up, Table Down

2011-11-23T13:53:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Blinds are up to 6k/12k with 1k antes.

Chris Grove was all-in with pocket 4s and was racing against AQ... he lost the race and finished in 46th place.

Table 6 broke and they're now at five tables of nine -- 45 players remain. The next nine to go will earn $7,123.

Table 1 is now home to Sirous Jamshidi, Alex Queen, Freddy Rouhani, Paul Spitzberg, Todd Terry, and David Zeitlin.

More Action

2011-11-23T13:37:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

In a battle of the blinds, Victor Ramdin (sb) was all-in with AJ suited against Steven Rodriguez' pocket Tens. Victor flopped the world with a Royal draw, but missed all his outs on the last two.

Victor finished in 48th place.

Alex Queen was all-in with pocket 9s against Todd Terry's AJ offsuit. An Ace on the river shipped the double-up to Todd, who is up to ~490k. Alex was left with ~180k.

More Departures

2011-11-23T13:18:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Leonid Lerner got his chips in from the button with pocket Kings, but ran into Joe Wertz' pocket Aces. The Aces held up and Leonid was busted in 51st place. Joe chipped up to ~900k.

Eli Loewenthal had a rough day today. His last hand was all-in with AK against pocket Queens. Eli flopped a King, but then a Queen hit the turn. Eli was busted in 49th place.

63rd - 55th Places

2011-11-23T13:05:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

These guys each earned $5,504 for their efforts:

Place - Player (Hometown)

63 - BRIAN LEE (GROTON, MA)

62 - SUNG HA KIM (CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ)

61 - JOSEPH DITTMAR (HICKSVILLE, NY)

60 - JONATHAN HAMILTON (WARWICK, NY)

59 - JOSEPH CAPPUCCIO (HAMMONTON, NJ)

58 - LEONARDO PALERMO (TOMS RIVER, NJ)

57 - GANESH LETCHUMANAN (FALLS CHURCH, VA)

56 - JACK BARNES (BRICK, NJ)

55 - ARKADIY TSINIS (LAS VEGAS, NV)

Eleven Gone in 25 Minutes

2011-11-23T12:49:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Somebody lit a fire under these guys. 25 minutes into the 5k/10k level, we've lost 11 players. All the placements will be posted when I can catch up with them, but here are some of the stories:

Leonardo Palermo shoved with pocket 7s, running into pocket Jacks. The Jacks held and Leonardo busted out in 58th place.

Anthony Spinella crippled Arkadiy Tsinis when his 87 out-flopped Arkadiy's AK. Arkadiy then shoved the next hand with QJ and Anthony looked him up with A8. The best hand held and Arkadiy was busted.

Eugene Juergens got all-in pre-flop with pocket 3s against the pocket Queens of Cliff Josephy. The Queens held up and Eugene was busted in 53rd place. Cliff chipped up to ~800k.

Tsinis Leaves Knitter Short

2011-11-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

After a raise from Sean Knitter, Arkadiy Tsinis 3-bet an additional 25k from the big blind.

Sean called and the flop came K K 7. Arkadiy fired 15k and Sean called.

Turn was a 5. Arkadiy fired 25k and Sean called.

Arkadiy Tsinis waits while Sean Knitter tanks

River was an 8 and Arkadiy moved in. Sean tanked, then let it go. He was left wtih only about 140k.

A short break was taken to color up the 500 purple chips.

Play resumed with level 21, blinds 5k/10k with 1k antes.

Kiteashvili Doubles Thru Linster

2011-11-23T12:19:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Short-stacked Giorgi Kitesashvili was all-in pre-flop, getting called by big stack Michael Linster.

Michael hoped his pocket 3s were racing against overcards, but they weren't. Giorgi held pocket Aces.

The board came T 6 6 2 J and Giorgi doubled up.

Championship Finale Has Begun

2011-11-23T12:04:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Today is the third and final day of the Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship event, which is taking place in the Poker Room.

63 players are returning and all are guaranteed to leave with at least $5,504. Of course they're all shooting for the top prize of $388,657.

Play resumed with blinds of 4k/8k with 500 antes. 15 minutes remain in this level.

Cards are in the air!

Event 21: More Faces

2011-11-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Blinds are up to 75/150 for level 3.

Late registration for this event is allowed through the end of the re-entry period, which means late arrivals can get in until about 1:20pm.

More familiar faces:
Andrew Interdonato
Brian Haveson
Matthew Piccolo
Tim Ulmer

Event 21: Familiar Faces

2011-11-23T11:27:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Even though it is the day before Thanksgiving and the busiest travel day of the year, there are still quite a few regulars here playing.

15 tables are in action, with the 10 seat reserved for the early re-entries.

Among those playing are
Mickey Woll
Eric Siegel
Ta Wey
Bob Santilli
Michael Shasho
Svetlana Gromenkova
Howard Wolper

Event 21: Underway

2011-11-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

The final main event of the 2011 Borgata Fall Poker Open is underway!

Today's event is a Big Stack, so players began with 20,000 chips.

It is also a re-entry event, which means that players who bust out during the first 6 levels may re-enter as many times as they like.

Levels 1-8 are 20 minutes long. Beginning with level 9, they increase to 30 minutes.

Level 1 blinds are 25/50.

Wednesday, November 23

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Events (Poker Room/The Signature Room)

11AM: Event 21 - $250 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips
Players that "bust" within the first 6 Levels may Re-Enter (unlimited Re-Entries)
Levels 1-8: each will last 20 minutes | Levels 9+: each will last 30 minutes
1-Day event

12PM: Event 19 - $2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP Double Play NLH
$1,000,000 GUARANTEED

Day 3 - Wednesday, November 23 at 12PM

6PM: Event 46 - $100 + $20 + $25 Green Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em

Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
This is a Bounty tournament. Players must have their Bounty chip clearly displayed on table in order to remain active in tournament.
Levels will last 20 minutes
1-Day event

Start of Day 3 Table Assignments

2011-11-23T07:45:00.000-05:00

Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship
$2500 + $200 Double Play No Limit Hold'em
November 20-23, 2011

Entries: 670
Total Buy-In: $1,675,000

Players Remaining: 63
Average Stack: 319k

T | S: NAME - CHIP COUNT

01 | 01: SIROUS JAMSHIDI (BROOMALL, PA) - 79,000

01 | 02: BRIAN LEE (GROTON, MA) - 214,500

01 | 03: JERRY BURGESS (LOUISBURG, NC) - 209,000

01 | 04: PAUL SCATURRO (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) - 103,000

01 | 05: FARZAD ROUHANI (BRIGANTINE, NJ) - 433,500

01 | 06: JOHN ANDRESS (DOYLESTOWN, PA) - 305,500

01 | 07: TODD TERRY (HOBOKEN, NJ) - 411,500

01 | 08: SCOTT BLACKMAN (EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ) - 175,000

01 | 09: FRANK WALKER (ROCKAWAY PARK, NY) - 471,500

02 | 01: JOSEPH CAPPUCCIO (HAMMONTON, NJ) - 195,000

02 | 02: ARTHUR PETERS (BRICK, NJ) - 238,500

02 | 03: CHARLES FUREY (BRIDGEWATER, NJ) - 128,000

02 | 04: ARKADIY TSINIS (LAS VEGAS, NV) - 242,500

02 | 05: ANTHONY SPINELLA (WAXHAW, NC) - 149,500

02 | 06: SEAN KNITTER (JENKINTOWN, PA) - 215,000

02 | 07: VASILLIOS HRISAFINIS (BRICK, NJ) - 419,000

02 | 08: YAT CHENG (BROOKLYN, NY) - 766,000

02 | 09: NICHOLAS PETICCA (WALLINGFORD, PA) - 117,000

03 | 01: ADAM BITKER (NEW HAVEN, CT) - 444,000

03 | 02: SCOTT WARDELL (TABERNACLE, NJ) - 264,000

03 | 03: JACK BARNES (BRICK, NJ) - 90,050

03 | 04: NICHOLAS MANFREDO (LEVITTOWN, NY) - 369,500

03 | 05: AARON MASSEY (ELMWOOD PARK, IL) - 188,500

03 | 06: ELI LOEWENTHAL (CARMEL, IN) - 340,500

03 | 07: CLIFF JOSEPHY (MUTTONTOWN, NY) - 495,500

03 | 08: LEONID LERNER (BROOKLYN, NY) - 256,500

03 | 09: JOSEPH WERTZ (MONTOURSVILLE, PA) - 673,000

04 | 01: WILLIAM ONEIL (BERWYN HEIGHTS, MD) - 527,000

04 | 02: ARIEL ALBILIA (SYOSSET, NY) - 175,000

04 | 03: SACHIN RAMRAKHANI (FORT LEE, NJ) - 225,000

04 | 04: COREY LIEBLEIN (SANDS POINT, NY) - 134,000

04 | 05: SAKIP SHEHU (BROOKLYN, NY) - 289,500

04 | 06: JOSEPH DITTMAR (HICKSVILLE, NY) - 323,500

04 | 07: LEONARDO PALERMO (TOMS RIVER, NJ) - 159,000

04 | 08: LAWRENCE SHARP (NORTH WHALES, PA) - 220,500

04 | 09: STEVE RYAN (NEW YORK, NY) - 193,000

05 | 01: JOHN MYUNG (VIENNA, VA) - 737,000

05 | 02: WILLIAM RIGLER (AVONDALE, PA) - 399,000

05 | 03: ANDREW BADECKER (VERNON, CT) - 591,000

05 | 04: SETH GOMES (NEW YORK, NY) - 356,500

05 | 05: THOMAS MAGUIRE (FLORHAM PARK, NJ) - 240,500

05 | 06: ALEXANDER BERGER (NEW YORK, NY) - 142,000

05 | 07: MATTHEW BURNITZ (CHESTBROOK, PA) - 344,000

05 | 08: MICHAEL DEVINSKY (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) - 651,000

05 | 09: GANESH LETCHUMANAN (FALLS CHURCH, VA) - 120,500

06 | 01: CHRISTOPHER GROVE (BROOKLYN PARK, MD) - 260,500

06 | 02: PAUL SPITZBERG (TENAFLY, NJ) - 792,000

06 | 03: THANG VAN NGUYEN (MCLEAN, VA) - 645,000

06 | 04: ROBERT CHUNG-SHUI (NEW YORK, NY) - 141,500

06 | 05: ANNAND RAMDIN (LAS VEGAS, NV) - 226,500

06 | 06: STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY) - 156,500

06 | 07: PETER IPPOLITO (E MEADOW, NY) - 228,000

06 | 08: VINCENT NAPOLITANO (BROOKLYN, NY) - 290,000

06 | 09: DAVID ZEITLIN (BROOKLYN, NY) - 500,000

07 | 01: JONATHAN HAMILTON (WARWICK, NY) - 90,000

07 | 02: ALEXANDER QUEEN (BETHLEHEM, PA) - 426,500

07 | 03: GIORGI KITESASHVILI (TBILISI, GEO) - 108,500

07 | 04: SUNG HA KIM (CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ) - 51,500

07 | 05: PETER PARK (JERSEY CITY, NJ) - 340,500

07 | 06: NICHOLAS OLIVIERI (STATEN ISLAND, NY) - 232,500

07 | 07: MICHAEL LINSTER (ISLAND PARK, NY) - 663,000

07 | 08: ROBERT HWANG (BARNEGAT, NJ) - 728,500

07 | 09: EUGENE JUERGENS (BRIGHTON, MI) - 423,000

Noon Restart

2011-11-23T04:39:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

There was conflicting information as to the time of the Day 3 restart. Tournament Director Tab Duchateau has declared that the chase for the $388,657 starts at high noon!

Look for a full list of chip counts and seat assignments after 9 am.

End of Day 2 Chip Counts (Big Stacks)

2011-11-23T04:15:00.003-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Remaining 63 players have all made the cash and will return tomorrow at noon to play the Championship Event out until it concludes.

When we return there will be fifteen minutes left where the blinds will be 4000 / 8000 with a 500 ante. Ave stack - 319,000 (40 BB)

Player...........................Chips
1. Paul Spitzberg................... 792,000
2. Yat Cheng......................... 766,000
3. John Myung..................... 737,000
4. Action Bob Hwang........... 728,500
5. Joseph Wertz................... 673,000
6. Mike Linster.................... 663,000
7. Mike Devinsky................. 651,000
8. Thang "Tony" Nguyen...... 645,000
9. Andrew Badecker............ 591,000
10. David Zeitlin.................. 500,000
11. Cliff Joseph................... 495,000

Notable Stacks:

Freddy Rouhani.................... 433,000
Alex Queen.......................... 426,000
Todd Terry........................... 411,500
Eli Lowenthal....................... 340,500
Victor Ramdin...................... 226,500
Sean Knitter........................ 215,000
Joe Cappuccio...................... 195,000
Steve Ryan.......................... 193,000
Barkley Hamilton................... 90,000
Sirous Jamshidi.................... 79,000

Bubble Bursts - It's Over For Tonight

2011-11-23T04:05:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

After 30 minutes of hand for hand action, it took a cooler to end play for the night.

Paul Darden got his last 302,000 in good with A-A vs. Action Bob Hwang's Q-Q.

Action Bob sees a Queen in the window which ultimately sends poker pro Darden to the rail as the tournament bubble without any money. Darden has a WSOP bracelet but will not add a 2011 Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship to his already impressive resume.

Board runs out: 6-8-Q-7-J.

Hwang admitted he got lucky as he bagged and tagged 728,500.

That's poker!

63rd Place will receive $5,504 and 1st Place earns a whopping $388,657.

Monster Pot

2011-11-23T03:23:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

John Myung (Vienna, VA) soars up to 800,000 after the two big stacks at the table tango on a board of A-A-K-3-K. John vs. Sung Ha Kim (Cliffside Park, NJ).

When the river K hit, John bet 60,000. Sung cut out 60,000 then went into the tank. He stood up and stretched. He raised another 80,000 leaving only 80,000 behind. John quickly pushed all-in.

Sung folded and John didn't have to show. He scooped a monster pot and is now amongst the chip leaders as the bubble looms.

Start of Day-2 chip-leader, Andrew Interdonato is out as his 99 falls to A-J.

Event 20 Recap

2011-11-23T03:00:00.006-05:00

$270 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH

They came from as far away as Hawaii, California, Minnesota, and Florida to play in the tournament, but the winner only needed to take a short elevator ride from his Borgata hotel room to win Event 20 of the Borgata Fall Poker Open.

Jimmy Bergen (Eldersburg, MD) outlasted the 223 player field thanks to a pivotal river card while playing 4-handed that clinched the title and the $16,353 first prize.

"I didn't even know there was tournament until 10 minutes before it started," said Bergen, who was still in town after he busted from the Championship Event. "We were going to get up and leave when he (friend Ari Eiblum) said this was today."

Bergen was the chip leader on the key hand when he called the all in bet of Ron Vitello (Cherry Hill, NJ) who was the second biggest stack. Bergen's pocket 5s was dominated by pocket 7s, but he hit a straight on the river to take a commanding chip lead and the title.

"That was the whole tournament right there," said Bergen, who cashed in this year's WSOP Main Event. He finished ahead of Tyler Chen (Piscataway, NJ) 2nd/$9,637, Nissam Benjamin (Brooklyn, NY) 3rd/$5,548, and Vitello 4th/$4,497.

For Vitello, a WSOP circuit ring winner, it was a disappointing finish after he had 500k in chips on the money bubble, 1/5 of the chips in play. He carried the big stack to the final table, but Vitello's fate was sealed when the 8♠ hit the river to end his day.

The geographically diverse field featured many players who made the money including Ronald Spain (Plymouth, MN) 27th and Kevin Sullivan (Los Angeles, CA) 26th, who both earned $526. While Bundhit Intachai (Waipahu, HI) 20th and Timothy Bryan (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 18th both took home $584.

The entries also included two players who were eliminated from Day 2 of the Championship Event and quickly entered the tournament, but neither Ari Engel nor Mike Melkersen cashed.

Other successful Borgata regulars who contributed to the $60,210 total buy-in, but didn't cash, included Event 14 winner Johannsy Joseph, Dave Inselberg, Ryan Eriquezzo, Adam Lippert, Matt Mazzeo, Mike Summers, Patti Barsanti-Chou and Howard Wolper.

The rest of the final table included Lawrence Payden (Chester Springs, PA) 5th/$3,504, Alan Haddy (Oakland, NJ) 6th/$2,920, Alfred Benecke (Brooklyn, NY) 7th/$2,336, Vick Harris (Forest Hills, NY) 8th/$1,752, Wayne Wolff (Middlesex, NJ) 9th/$1,168, and Ilya Vasserman (Huntingdon, NY) 10th/759.

Alli Schultz (Upper Saddle River, NJ) was the last woman standing and finished 14th ($642).

But she and the rest of the field couldn't overcome Bergen who was an ace magnet.

"I got a lot of good cards, especially at the final table," he said. "I must have had an ace at least 50 times. They (Chen & Benjamin) were laughing and asked if I had an ace and I showed it every time.

"I played good cards, used my position and didn't get sucked on too many times," said Bergen, who also took home the coveted Borgata trophy.

Another Straight For Spitzberg

2011-11-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Paul Spitzberg (5♣ 8♥) turns a straight at the same time Nicholas Manfredo hits a set of fours.

Board ran Q♠ 6♦ 7♥ 4♠ A♠ .

Nicholas bets the river and Paul only calls, afraid of the spades.

Manfredo was happy to dodge a bullet as he would have dusted off even more chips if Paul jammed.

Paul up to 600,000 and Nicholas down to 460,000.

No Nit Burnitz

2011-11-23T02:44:00.000-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Matthew Burnitz - 800,000

The tallest guy in the room now has the most chips and his name is Matthew Burnitz (Chestbrook, PA).

"I had 12,000 for eight hours on Day 1" said Matthew whose patience has paid off.

He's been shifted around to five or six different tables overall, now settling in at table 1 in seat 9.

Burnitz just playing his game and picking his spots and getting paid off on his big hands.

Table Threeeeeeeeeee

2011-11-23T02:30:00.001-05:00

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker's table broke up and he got a new zipcode over at table 3, seat 8. Warning to Andrew, this is a major suck-out table. Guy in the five seat got it in with Q-4 against Q-J. He calls for a "four on the flop" and BOOM, there it is.

Also at table 3 is Andrew Interdonato still nursing a below-average stack after starting the day as the overall chip leader.

Nicholas Manfredo began Day-2 with 199,200 and now sits in seat-2 with 640,000.

8 tables remain and this tournament is starting to feel real to many of the players as the money approaches.

Top 63 get their share of some serious cash.

Event 20 Champion: Bergen

2011-11-23T02:28:00.001-05:00

$270 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH

Jimmy Bergen (Eldersburg, MD)
$16,353

Event 20: 2nd Place - Chen

2011-11-23T02:26:00.000-05:00

$270 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH

Tyler Chen (New York, NY)
$9,637

Event 20: 3rd Place Benjamin's

2011-11-23T02:23:00.000-05:00

$270 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH

Nissam Benjamin (Brooklyn, NY)
$5,548

Event 20: 4th Place - Vitello

2011-11-23T02:21:00.000-05:00

$270 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH

Ron Vitello (Cherry Hill, NJ)
$4,497

Event 20: Clinching Hand

2011-11-23T02:20:00.009-05:00

$270 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH

Chen, Bergen, & Benjamin

The biggest hand of the tournament comes on the first hand of a new level.

Blinds: 30k/60k/5k ante

Stacks:

Jimmy Bergen 1.2 million
Ron Vitello 710k
Tyler Chen 400k
Nissam Benjamin 350k

Action:

Bergen raises from the button, Vitello moves all in, and Bergen calls.

Bergen: 5♠ 5♦
Vitello: 7♠ 7♦

Flop: 9♥ 6♦ 4♠ (Vitello leads)

Turn: 7♣

Despite hitting a set, this is the second worse scenario for Vitello as it gives Bergen an open ended straight draw. Bergen goes from two outs (5♣ 5♥) to eight outs, as any 4 or 8 gives him a straight.

River: 8♠

And with that Bergen hits a straight on the river to knock Vitello (Cherry Hill, NJ) out in 4th place ($4,497).

Bergen has 2 million of the 2.7 million chips in play and one hand later takes down the tournament.

"That was the whole tournament right there," says Bergen who wins the title.

Tyler Chen (New York, NY) finishes 2nd for $9,637, while Nissam Benjamin (Brooklyn, NY) takes third and $5,548.

Jimmy Bergen (Eldersburg, MD) is the Event 20 champion, earning $16,353 in the victory.