Why do I always need the loo when there's a break? Is that an act of the poker gods, I certainly hope not, but either way, the players are back after a 20 minute break and raring to go. One of those enthusiasts is Paul Parker, who I bumped into during the brief pause. "I was sky high at 23k at one point, but got a nosebleed and went back down to 20k. the blinds are starting to kick in already!".
Max Ward, donning his APAT shirt, is alive and kicking, but only because I haven't seen him play a hand. Currently on 17.5k, I'm yet to see him get his hands dirty, but I'll keep an eye out for any potential movement.
One player who has been a busy bee is veteran Peter 'The Bandit' Evans. He was taken out by Arnaud Mattern, the Late Night Poker star calling a pre-flop raise with
and re-raising his 10k all-in on a two hearted Flop. Arnaud called with Aces and that was all she wrote for the Midlander.
Sharing a quadrant with Paul Parker is James Akenhead. He just took the blinds with a 1,800 raise to add 600 to his 28k stack. Opposite him is Mick McCloskey, struggling with just 8k.
During the break, I couldn't help but watch in awe the crowd in the exhibition room queuing up to see the Devilfish. It still amazes me that these people, who I consider to be as normal as butter on toast, being worshipped as celebrities, lines of fans holding memorabilia and praying for that Devilfish handshake and signature. Even to touch him would make their day! The same applies for Marcel Luske, he's equally as popular, tourists hugging him, trying to be his friend and generally falling at his feet. It's a part of poker I just can't fathom - you can play on an equal plain as these guys on practically any day of the week, yet they're still treated like film stars. You won't believe how often I hear people saying "Oh look, there's Phil", or "Daniel, Daniel, over her", as if they know them.
Oh well, mini-rant or mind boggling over - here's some norkage to soothe my 'How the hell are these tv guys so popular' thoughts...
--------------------------
Allen Cunningham has busted the guy to his right. The other player raised in the small blind with A-Q and Allen called in the big with J-T. The flop was K-J-T but it was the J turn that sent all the chips into the middle. Cunningham is over 40k now. Thanks to ace reporter Jeff Kimber for that piece of info.
Stuart Fox is still on his starting stack, "I have Tony Hachem to my left and he's in every pot, it's like he has something to prove...."
Fabrice Soullier won a big race, his
beating
on a
board.
Fun pot now on Paul Jackson's table.
board
First guy bets 2,200. Second guy makes it 5,200. First guy makes it 15,200. Second guy is all-in for 25,925. First guy, "Now I have to call."
First guy:
Second guy:
Turn:
River:
Author