With only 13 players to go and slightly above average chips and one of the best track records on the world circuit, British Columbia’s Shawn Buchanan is certainly poised to take another bracelet shot today in the 2011 World Series of Poker’s $2,500 2-7 Triple Draw (Limit) Event #49.
This is Shawn’s fifth deep run and guaranteed cash over this year’s WSOP, his best in the money finish so far being 2nd place in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E Championship, with the other 3 being 22nd place or better. Buchanan will have bagged over $400,000 in 2011 World Series of Poker winnings so far, no matter what happens today, though a win here could put that closer to $600,000 before the Main Event even begins.
Look also for Buchanan to also enter the $50,000 Players Championship Event, known to be one of the favorites of this mixed game specialist. Nicholas Verkaik of Ontario also still has a shot at taking down #49 and joins Shawn as one of the only two Canadians to cash in this event regardless of final finish order.
Event #46: $10,000 Six Handed No Limit Hold’em Championship (Suspended)
Play is now Heads Up, as a winner couldn’t be decided over ten levels of play on Day 3 yesterday. USA player Joe Ebanks will return to face the United Kingdom’s well known internet and live poker force Chris Moorman, with Joe holding a commanding chip advantage of over 11 million to Chris’s 3.2 million count. First prize is a massive $1,158,487 with the runner up receiving $716,282; however, nothing short of the WSOP gold will most likely satisfy either opponent. Online poker legend Russell “rdcrsn” Carson was the only Canuck to cash, finishing in 22nd on Day 3 for $35,377.
Event #47: $2,500 Omaha/ Seven Card Stud Hi-Low 8 or Better
USA’s Owais Ahmed claims the victory and spoils of $255,959 and a shiny WSOP bracelet, after defeating popular player Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi in Heads Up play. Ontario players Mike “Go LeafsGoEh” Leah and Matthew Wood were the only from north of the border to hit the payouts from the 450 entry field, with Leah claiming his 5th 2011 WSOP cash for $6,214 in 31st place and Wood coming in 41st $4,494.
Event #48 :$1,500 No Limit Hold’em
Day 3 of this tournament will is down to just three tables, with only 30 of the original 2713 entry field remaining. 4 Canadians still have a shot at taking home the title; two of whom will take their seats with chip counts in the top 8. Quebec’s Francois Billard is currently 6th overall, while Ontario’s Fallsview Classic Champion Simon Charette sits in 8th. Alberta’s Neil Maier and Paul Botelho are both hold below average chips going in, but a few good spots could see that change quickly. Along with the bracelet, first place rings in over $650,000 for this one and a winner should be determined today. Ontario players Sorel Mizzi and Teresa Duck narrowly missed returning on to fight another day; going out in 32nd and 33rd spot to each claim $15,089.
Event #50; $5,000 “Triple Chance” No Limit Hold’em
Day 1 is in the books, with 2/3 of the 817 player starting field already sent to the rail. 297 players remain, with a few household Canadian poker player names still in the mix with well above average chips. Anh Van Nguyen sits in great shape chip count wise to start Day 2, as do Mike Leah, Matt Marafioti and BC’s Madison Bergeron; just to drop a few of our top counts. First place is over $825,000, with money bubble looking to burst later today.
Starting Today; Event #51, $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low 8 or Better & Event #52 $2,500 Mixed Hold’em Limit/No Limit
A couple more tournaments outside the popular No Limit Hold’em only get underway today, but look for many that have grinding the entire series to get a few days of a rest in before all the big action starting over the weekend and the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event next week. Tomorrow the Woman of Poker take their seats for the $1,000 Ladies No Limit Hold’em Championship, with Saturday scheduled to start both a massive 2 start day $1,000 No Limit Hold’em and the $50,000 Poker Players Championship. Expect to see a bit of “calm before the storm” at the tables as players prepare for the most prestigious tournaments and anticipated schedule of the final weeks of the 2011 World Series of Poker.
