Event 3: Jaime Doubles

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

On the river with a board of 5♣3♣3♥J♣7♣, Manuel Jaime (New York, NY) was all-in.

Manuel Jaime

Mickey W (New York, NY) gave it some thought before making the call.

Mickey held pocket Aces with the A♣ for the nut flush.

Manuel held 5♦3♦ for the flopped full house.  He doubled up to over 300k.

Mickey was left with ~12k and busted out soon after.

Event 3: CJ Crushed

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Level 16:  Blinds 2k/4k with 400 ante.

Apparently CJ's luck turned as soon as I walked away from the table.

She lost a couple of big pots and then was all-in with J7 against Paul Gileno, who held pocket Queens.

The flop brought both a Queen and a 7, giving Paul a set and CJ a pair.

Turn was another 7, improving Paul's hand to a full house.  CJ was left looking for the case 7 on the river.

River was a brick, however, and she was busted.

41 players remain.  Average stack is 130k.

Event 3: CJ Crushing

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

CJ (Bensalem, PA) was short-stacked and all-in for 41,700.

Mickey W (New York, NY) called.

Then the player in seat 3 moved in over the top.

 CJ and Mickey W

Mickey called 61,300 all-in for the side pot and the hands were tabled:

CJ:  AK
Mickey: KK
Seat 3:  QQ

Everyone knew the Ace was coming.  The board fell A 8 2 J 4.

CJ tripled her stack to over 125k.

Mickey took the side pot, which left him with ~125k.

Soon after a short-stack holding pocket 9s was all-in and called by CJ who held AK again.

A King on the flop sent the pot to CJ.  She chipped up to ~175k.

Event 3: Blinds Up!

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Level 15:  Blinds 1,500/3,000 with 400 ante.

Blinds are up and more regulars are out the door:

Not So Lucky Lee Kirsch
Maruti Yarlapati
Leonardo Palermo

Event 3: Break Time

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

End of level 14 and time for a break.

46 players remain.  Average stack is 116k.

Mike Hahn

Mike Hahn has reclaimed his chip lead in a big way.  He's up to ~466k and well ahead of the field.

19 more must go to reach the money.  Only the final 27 will get paid.

Event 3: Irish Paul

  $500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

On a flop of Q T 7 -- all spades -- seat 3 bet, and 'Irish' Paul Mullins (Silver Spring, MD) pushed out a stack of gray chips, essentially covering his opponent.

'Irish' Paul Mullins

Seat 3 tanked for a bit, chatting to try to sort out what he was up against.

Eventually he showed a red Queen and folded his hand.

Irish Paul showed the Queen of clubs before collecting his pot.  Although he didn't show the other card, he told the table he had QT of clubs for two pair (no spade).

Seat 3 said he also had no spade, "or I would have called". 

Irish Paul is up to about 330k and may have taken the chip lead away from Mike Hahn.

Event 3: Another Contender

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Level 14:  Blinds 1,200/2,400 with 300 ante.
 

 Paul Gileno

Paul Gileno (Meriden, CT) has quietly grown his stack to ~260k, putting him among the chip leaders.

'Lucky' Lee Kirsch

He's sharing the felt with 'Lucky' Lee Kirsch, who managed to get all-in with the only stack at the table that was shorter than his.

Lee's AQ was ahead of his opponent's K8.  The board came T 9 5 A x and Lee took the pot, chipping up to ~30k.

Event 3: Ups & Downs

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Blinds up!

Level 13:  Blinds 1k/2k with 300 ante.

63 players remain.  Average stack is 85k.

Several familiar faces have exited the tournament:

Craig Feldherr
Antonio Walker
Mickey Woll
Michael Marder
Alan Kraut
Patti Barsanti-Chou

Event 3: Rinaldi Doubles Big

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Philip Rinaldi (Silver Spring, MD) was all-in for 81,900 on the turn with a board of 6 5 2 6 rainbow.

Eric Pfeil (Johnstown, PA) was on the button and tanked for a couple of minutes.  Eventually the clock was called.

Philip Rinaldi, giving nothing away

Before his time expired, Eric made the call, showing pocket 4s.

Philip held pocket Queens and was way ahead.

River was a Jack and Philip doubled up to ~250k, in a dead heat with chip leader Mike Hahn.

Philip is fresh from his 10th place finish in Event 2 ($350 Black Chip Bounty NLH) which earned him $1,258.

Event 3: Rittmeyer Doubles

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Three players saw a flop of Q T 8 rainbow. 

David Rittmeyer (Towson, MD) was in the big blind and checked.

David Rittmeyer

The player in seat 8 bet 9k. 

The player in seat 2 (button) shoved. 

David called all-in for less.

Seat 8 gave it some thought, then mucked (he later said he had KJ for the open-ended draw).

The other two tabled their hands:

Seat 2 - KQ for top pair
David - Q8 for two pair

Turn was a 9, which would have completed the straight for seat 8.

River was a 4 and David more than doubled up to ~75k.

David is a familiar face in the tournaments here at Borgata.  He has a couple of final tables with his best finish being a 3rd place in the 2011 Summer Poker Open $400 NLH, good for $6,340.

Event 3: Back From Dinner

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Level 12:  Blinds 800/1,600 with 200 ante.

Players are back to the felt following dinner.

They'll play until about 2am, then bag their chips for the night.

Day two begins at noon Saturday.

Mike 'Litte Man' Sica Update

If you've hung around poker tournaments for any length of time, you've met Mike 'Little Man' Sica (N Brunswick, NJ).

Mike 'Little Man' Sica

He's always got a kind word and a "God Bless You" for everyone and always got a toothpick holder if you need a toothpick.

Back in April, Little Man discovered he had lung cancer and has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

He sent me a text today telling me to let everyone know he's hanging in there.  He has good days and bad days and hopes to be playing again soon.

We're all wishing Little Man the best of luck with his treatments and look forward to seeing him back on the felt.

Event 3: Dinner Time

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

At the end of the level, they rang the dinner bell and sent about 80 players off to dinner.

Play will resume at about 8:15 pm with level 12 and blinds of 800/1,600/200 ante.

Mike Hahn is the chip leader with about 240k.

Event 3: Chipping Up

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry) 

Carmen DiMaria

Carmen DiMaria (Westfield, NJ) has grown his stck to about 180k and in good shape heading into the dinner break.  "Tell her it's because an angel came down and gave you those chips" a tablemate said.  If it weren't for luck, Phil Hellmuth would win them all, so we all need a little luck sometimes.

Justin Cosentino

Justin Cosentino (Park Ridge, NJ) had already built a nice stack of about 150k when a short stack shoved.  Justin called with AK off and was dominating the shorties A9 suited.  A King of the flop was all he needed to collect another pot, chipping up to ~175k.

Event 3: Still In the Fight

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Level 11:  Blinds 600/1,200 with 200 ante.

Blinds are up with about 95 players still in the mix.  Average stack is ~56k.

These are some of the familiar faces I spotted:

Leonardo Palermo
Mickey Woll
Antonio Walker
Christine Brewer
Lucky Lee Kirsch
Michael Marder
Craig Feldherr
Philip Rinaldi
Patti Barsanti-Chou
Alan Kraut
Maruti Yarlapati

Phong 'VIP' Nguyen got his last chips in with KQ, but ran into AK.  He reported to the rail during the previous level.

Event 3: Hahn Solo

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Mike Hahn (Indianapolis, IN) is back at Borgata and setting himself up for a deep run as he's alone at the top of the chip counts with 190k (190 bb).

The next big stacks are in the 125k-150k range as Level 10 (500/1k/100 ante) continues.

Hahn had a couple of deep runs here during the 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open including a final table.  Since then he's had a couple of decent scores to take his career tournament earnings to more than $250,000.

Hahn also won his first WSOP Circuit ring earlier this year and is looking to add to his bankroll.

The top 27 cash in this event with first prize coming in at $36,264.

Surprise, Birthday Boy!

Surprise!  It's your birthday!

Big Happy Birthday Wishes go out to everyone's favorite swing shift floor man Andrew Wong!

He's celebrating his 39th birthday today, working tournaments here at the Borgata Summer Poker Open.

Event 3: Payouts

Borgata Summer Poker Open
Event 3: $500 + $60 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em

Entries:  267
Total Buy-In:  $133,500

PAYOUTS:
1:         $36,264
2:         $21,367
3:         $12,302
4:           $9,971
5:           $7,770
6:           $6,475
7:           $5,180
8:           $3,885
9:           $2,590
10-12:   $1,683
13-15:   $1,424
16-18:   $1,295
19-27:   $1,165

Event 3: Show & Tell

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

A series of players can't help but show their cards in various scenarios.

First David Gerassi (Oceanside, NY) gives Mike Marder (Sewell, NJ) the courtesy of showing him AK after Marder folds to Gerassi's all-in bet.

On another table, Patrick Curzio (Fairfax, VA) bets a board showing three spades and then shows 3♠ 5♠, after his opponent folds, for a flopped flush.

And finally Moshe Dahan (Brookln, NY) shows Sam Ruszkay (Paoli, PA) the end of the road when she misses a flush draw against his flopped pair of aces while holding AK.

Players are on break as the green (25) chips are removed from play.

108 players remain with an average stack of 49k (49 bb) with blinds going to 500/1k/100 ante.

Event 3: "Ohmigod!"

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry) 

 Kovaci Ducks Mazzeo's Trips

Ohmigod! isn't just the name of his gourmet cookie business, but the reaction by Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo (East Williston, NY) when his opponent turns over the winner.

Mazzeo is ahead the entire hand and leads every street until the river when he checks the board of 3 3 9 J 2.

Mirsad Kovaci (Allentown, PA) bets 10k, Mazzeo moves all in and Kovaci snap calls turning over pocket 2s for a rivered full house

"Ohmigod!" says Mazzeo who shows A 3 and for trip threes.  "Good luck everybody," says a stunned Mazzeo whose day is over.

"Deuces is a big hand there," jokes Kovaci, knowing that he was fortunate to hit the two-outer.  "He raised preflop so I figured Ace-King."

Mazzeo says the business is doing well, squeezing poker into his schedule when he can.

We featured the cookies earlier in the blog <---Click Here
and Mazzeo may need to eat some of his famous Raspberry Madness because the game can drive you crazy.

Level 9 (400/800/75 ante) continues.

Event 3: Tall Task

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

 Featured Table

Our feature table has a lot of recognizable faces including: Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo, Phong "VIP" Nguyen, Mirsad Kovaci, Craig Feldherr and Neville Darrell.

The necomer to the group is Keith Sierdazki who tangled in a hand with Feldherr earlier in the day.

Level 8 (300/600/75 ante) is underway.

Event 3: Is Anyone Here a Marine Biologist?

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

With registration closed, play is settling down and the big stacks are starting to surface.  There aren't any monster stacks, but a couple of players are in the 95k range.

The short list includes Dave Gerassi (Oceanside, NY) and Steve Gerber (Cresskill, NJ) who are side-by-side and having a great time.  "He has better hands than me," says Gerber. "He hits sets and flushes."

When Gerassi reveals that he has a risk management consulting business it opens up a whole bunch of Seinfeld jokes.

"Yeah and he's a marine biologist on weekends and hangs out with his friend Cosmo," laughs Gerassi.

These are all George Costanza references including the episode where Jason Alexander's character prepares to give a lecture on risk management, something he knows nothing about.

"I never thought about it," says Gerber when asked if his job helps his poker game, "I guess so."

And even if it doesn't, Gerber can always fake it.

Level 7 (250/500/50 ante) continues.

Event 3: Registration Closing

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Level 6 (200/400/50) is winding down and the short stacks are looking for that last second double-up before registration closes.

Players will have through the break to re-enter or late register for this event. Players may also surrender their stack for a fresh 20k.

We'll update the final totals after the cage verifies the total entries

Event 3: Picture Perfect Moment

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

 Eilers & Harkins

While playing this tournament, Event 2 winner David Eilers (Rocky Mount, NC) gets his custom framed winners photo from Erik Harkins of Image Masters.

With Father's Day right around the corner, these framed photos would make perfect gifts!

Event 3: Grinding Past Guarantee

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

The $100,000 Guarantee has already been passed as there are 230 entries and counting.

Level 5 (150/300/25 ante) continues while registration is open through Level 6 (~3:40 pm).

Here's a look at some late arrivals:

Patti Barsanti-Chou
Allen Chou
Charlie Minter
Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo
Mickey Woll
Leonardo Palermo
Grace Sun
Christine Brewer
Mike Marder
Abe Alqanawi
Phong "VIP" Nguyen

Event 3: Poker Couple is All In

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Burnitz & Ruszkay

Poker romances often start because of the couple's time spent around the game, but for Matt Burnitz (Wilmington, DE) and Sam Ruszkay (Paoli, PA) it's a different story.

Ruszkay didn't know a thing about poker when they first met in 2006, but since then she's learned the game and is finding success.  "He's taught me everything I know," she says fresh off an Event 1 cash, the second of her tournament career.

"She didn't know much," says Burnitz, who has $630,000 in career tournament earnings, "so the level she's at now speaks volumes about her game."

Not only is Ruszkay plunging head first into Texas Hold'em, but she's taking the wedding plunge as the two are set for their wedding later this month.

"She's been playing a lot the last six months," says Burnitz, who is a full time pro whose biggest score came last September when he finished runner-up in the 2012 WPT Borgata Poker Open for $489,000.

The two will have a small ceremony after the Championship Event of the Borgata Summer Poker Open, but there won't be time for a honeymoon.

"He's off to Vegas for the World Series (WSOP)," says Ruszkay, "and I have to work."

Ruszkay, who works in the healthcare industry, will travel more in the future with Burnitz on the tournament circuit.  "Strictly recreationally," she says, "I want to stay up on my game and not lose what I have."

"She's a lot better at staying focused," says Burnitz, "she mentally strong and doesn't go on tilt easily.  It's easy to know, but hard to implement."

That's one thing Burnitz is learning from his future wife as they teach each other different aspects of the game.

"Strategy and betting," are two things Ruszkay highlights. "He's good at math, pot odds, percentages, stuff like that. It's not my strong suit."

Burnitz will be here throughout the series, while Ruszkay will play "when I can," before going all in with the wedding.

Burnitz at the 2012 WPT Final Table, Ruszkay at Borgata

IMPDI Worldwide Provides Championship Photos

Once again, Eric Harkins of IMPDI Worldwide, is at Borgata to provide professional photos for our players.

As an added bonus during the series, IMPDI is providing a customized 16 x 20 framed photo with Borgata chip and event information plaque to the winner of each Borgata Summer Poker Open trophy event (see sample to right).

For all looking to purchase items, visit IMPDI in the poker room.
Photos are organized in a quick-to-find method via groupings of identified tables from the Borgata Summer Poker Open events (i.e., Event 01 Tables 01, 02, 03, 04).

IMPDI will provide custom-matted items at the media table in the poker room during the Borgata Summer Poker Open tournament series.  Customized items include text, logos, borders and frames.

You may also view the online store by clicking on the banner that says PLAYER PHOTOS.  Whether on property or at home, you may view the galleries quickly and easily just by scrolling down a gallery.

All standard photo sizes and other photo gift items are available through IMPDI's lab - which will produce and ship directly to the customer.

Pricing is the same at both the media table or the online store (only difference is shipping charges for online store and immediate delivery at the media table).

• $20:      5 x 7
• $30:      8 x 10
• $75:    11 x 14
• $100:  16 x 20

Frames come in two sizes:

• $90:  Small (11 x 14) frame - with event information plaque
• $150: Medium (16 x 20) frame - with Borgata chip and event information plaque

Other items available at the media table are:

• CDs of a player's images
• single digital files
• custom 11 x 14 which includes 2-3 photo collages

Stop by and see Eric!

Event 3: Break Time Tweets

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

25,850 on break going to 200bb
— AJ Devine (@Champ1192) June 7, 2013

11k @ first break...I'm so bad...
— Eric Pfeil (@ericpfeil) June 7, 2013

Up to 60k at 75/150 #BSPO
— Alan Kraut (@AlanKrautPoker) June 7, 2013

And a leftover from Chad Power and Nancy Martin after "Pinky Power" earns Power a third place finish in Event 1 for $36,157.

@thereader23 Thanks Nancy, I still have your nail polish!I'll keep it on me for the next time I see you.
— Chad Power (@Chad_Power) June 7, 2013

Event 3: Queens Sent Straight to Rail

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Kal Alwan (Wayne, NJ) didn't even get his seat warm and is already grabbing a re-entry ticket.

"First hand I played," laments Alwan whose pocket Queens are cracked by Dan Pignataro (Fairfield, NJ) who flops a straight while holding 7 8.

Pignataro gets the double up to 40k when 5 6 9 hits the flop, while Alwan's out the next hand.

Level 3 (75/150) is in the books and players are on a 10 minute break.

Event 3: Kings Hold

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

"You don't feel to good after you just lost with them," says Keith Sierdazki (Fredon, NJ) after running Kings into Aces, "and then you see them again."

Sierdazki says he loses the minimum against Craig Feldherr (Merrick, NY) who has pocket aces in a hand that goes all the way to the river.  A few hands later Sirdazki slow plays K♦ K♣ and gets a call from a player holding A♠ Q♣.

"I'll lose," says Sierdazki who is at risk for ~18k, and has to sweat the over card and a flush draw on the turn when the board runs out 10♠ 4♥ 7♠ 9♠ 2.

Sierdazki slightly more upbeat after winning the hand and taking his stack to 45k.

Level 3 (75/150) continues.   

Event 3: Chip & a Chair Guy

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Gaston (right) with his 1 BB, 

while Cosentino (left) Rakes the Pot

Tyler Gaston (Pickerington, OH) says, "I'll be the chip and a chair guy," after shipping a double-up that leaves him with one (100) black chip (1 bb).

Gaston hit top two pairs with 5 6, but is up against Justin Cosentino (Park Ridge, NJ) who has a set of Kings on the turn.

Cosentino doubles his stack while Gaston is left hoping for the miracle "chip and a chair" comeback which doesn't happen.

Gaston grabs a re-entry ticket after busting the next hand and says he'll be here for most of the series.

Level 2 (50/100) continues.

Event 3: Bounty Hunters Returns

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Fresh off his Event 2 win early this morning, David Eilers (Rocky Mount, NC) is back for more poker.

After grabbing 18 bounties last night, an extra $1,800 on top of his $27,091 payday, Eilers is looking for another deep run.

Also in the field is Scott Hillier (Manahawkin, NJ), who grabbed eight bounties yesterday, but went out on the bubble and just missed the money.

A look at some friendly faces in the field:

David Eilers
Scott Hillier
Guyana Petrossian
John Almanzar
Howard Wolper
Mirsad Kovaci
Craig Feldherr
Lyle Diamond
Alan Kraut

And many other players continue to filter in.

Borgata Summer Poker Open Leaderboard Update (6/7)

Borgata Summer Poker Open Leaderboard
By participating in any Borgata Summer Poker Open event (June 4-21, 2013), players earn points based upon the Borgata Summer Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.

Below are the top scores for the 2013 Borgata Summer Poker Open Leaderboard*

(Final Results from Main events: 1, 2 | Secondary events: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)

312.000:  MICHAEL BONNEY
244.935:  DAVID EILERS
218.400:  KHOI TA
216.400:  GRAESON BURNETTE-PEAKE
202.175:  STEVEN POLIMENI
188.025:  JOHN WHITING
174.100:  SCOTT HILLIER
171.600:  CHAD POWER
158.500:  DAVID DENOON
155.700:  RICHARD DEVIVO
152.880:  CHRISTIAN FARLEY
152.400:  IOANNIS VITSENTZOS VITSENTZOS
152.325:  JEFFREY GURFINKEL
151.150:  SHE LOK WONG
149.400:  MOHD EID
136.000:  ILYA VASSERMAN
130.200:  BENJAMIN LAVES
126.500:  ARMANDO THEN
126.000:  STEVEN TABB

Event 3: Early Tweets

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Been so rusty after not playing since April. Made way too many mistakes first 2 events. Time to get my head out my ass. Event 3 today #BSPO
— Alan Kraut (@AlanKrautPoker) June 7, 2013

Event #3 today is a big stack $100k guarantee.20k in starting chips.Cards in the air @ 11am.#BSPO
— Eric Pfeil (@ericpfeil) June 7, 2013

Event 3: Another Trophy Up for Grabs

$500 + $60 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

After handing out two trophies early this morning, players are back for another shot at Borgata hardware.

This $100,000 Guarantee is the second guarantee of the series and the largest buy-in to date for the Borgata Summer Poker Open.

Players start with 20k in chips and levels are 40 minutes long (Day 2 / 50 min.).

This two-day tournament, which concludes Saturday, features re-entry for six levels and is officially underway!

Friday, June 7

TODAY'S EVENTS (Poker Room) 

11AM: Event 3 - $500 + $60 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)  $100,000 GUARANTEED

• Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips 
• Day 1 Levels:  will last 40 minutes each | Day 2 Levels:  will last 50 minutes each
• Players may Re-Enter through Level 6 
• 2-Day event.  Day 2 starts Saturday at 12PM. 

3 PM: Event 26 - $250 + $30 Survivor No Limit Hold'em

• Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips 
• Levels 1-10: will last 25 minutes each | Levels 11+: will last 30 minutes each
• Approximately 1 in 10 will win $2,500 CASH
• 1-Day event

7 PM: Event 27 - $150 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry) 

• Players start with 15,000 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 1-12: will last 20 minutes each | Levels 13+: will last 25 minutes each
• Players may Re-Enter through Level 7 
• 1-Day event

Event 1: Photo Slideshow

May not work on mobile devices.

Event 1: Recap

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

It was to be a marathon opening event at the Borgata Summer Poker Open, and when the dust settled, it would be Michael Bonney (Mays Landing, NJ) who would be the last person standing.  Khoi Ta (Greenbelt, MD) used some great spots and excellent play to give himself a heads up opportunity for the title, but would come up just short.  Bonney recently had his first child, and the $98,502 he collected along with the trophy couldn't come at a better time for him.  The table games supervisor at Harrah's said to his friends when they asked if he's taking off tomorrow, "I gotta work a double man, and I'm going."

Bonney found himself short during the final table, but managed to find himself three handed, along with Khoi Ta and Chad Power.  He won a 10,000,000 pot from Ta after making a flush and getting paid on the river, and followed that two hands later with a 14,000,000 win in a pot with Power.  He went from the shorty to the chip leader in the blink of an eye.  Power (who was out Day 1A chip leader) would finish third ($36,157), after an ill time bluff found him drawing close to dead on the flop.

This opening event would attract 1,383 entries, with a total buy-in of $484,050.  Even with the WSOP going on, we saw the guarantee of $300,000 crushed, and many of the east coast's best poker players were in attendance.  Michael Marder (Sewell, NJ) continued his solid tournament play, and followed up his Delaware Park main event third place finish with an 18th place finish in this event - good for $2,480.  Chris Farley (West Deptford), another Borgata tournament regula,r would find himself at the final table - finishing fourth for $30,363.  At one point, this tournament seemed to be Baruch Altman's (Monsey, NY) to lose, as he held of 20% of chips in play with 27 remaining.  We all know that it's never easy to ride the big stack to the win, and he would end up in fifth place, taking home $25,263.  Mark Sykes (Margate, NJ) would also reach the final table, taking home sixth place ($20,395).

Michael Bonney had only two prior cashes in his lifetime (both here at Borgata), totaling just under $5,000.  His resume now looks a little bit better as he eclipses the $100,000 lifetime earnings mark, and looks to parlay this win into a possible Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship deep run.  The opening event of each seasonal series gives both the tournament grinder and recreational player an opportunity for the huge score.  This event didn't disappoint at all, as we now have made "notables" of a handful of players we knew little of prior.\


FINAL RESULTS

Event 1: 1st Place - Bonney ($98,502)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Michael Bonney (Mays Landing, NJ)

1st Place - $98,502

Event 1: 2nd Place - Ta ($57,943)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Khoi Ta (Greenbelt, MD)

2nd Place - $57,943

Event 1: Break Before Heads Up

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Players are on a ten minute break, and the blinds coming back will be 150,000/300,000/40,000.  The heads up chip count:

Michael Bonney - 20,500,000
Khoi Ta - 14,000,000

Event 1: 3rd Place - Power ($36,157)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Chad Power (Pittsburgh, PA)

3rd Place - $36,157

In a blind v. blind situation, Power raised to 500,000 from the small and was called by Ta in the big blind.  The flop came out 2 5 6, and Power checked to Ta, who fired out a bet of 500,000.  Power thought briefly before declaring himself all-in, and he was snapped by Ta.  Khoi immediately flipped over 3 4 (straight), and Power turned over his Q 8.  Power actually had chop outs on the turn when a four hit, but the miracle river was not to be.

Event 1: We're All Even

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

After Michael Bonney doubles through Khoi Ta, we are now sitting basically all even in chips three handed.  Each player has roughly 11,000,000-11,500,000.

As we were typing this entry though, Bonney got involved in a sizable pot with Power.  We walked up just as Bonney had called Power's 5,000,000 raise on the turn (Board: 6♥ 8♦ 10♥ J♠). After a king hit the river, Powers then checked, and Bonney announced himself all-in.  Powers followed by mucking his hand, and it's not Bonney the chip leader.

Event 1: Three Handed Counts

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Three handed chip counts:

1. Chad Power - 12,000,000
2. Khoi Ta - 15,900,000
3. Michael Bonney - 5,800,000

Event 1: 4th Place - Farley ($30,363)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Chris Farley (West Deptford, NJ)

4th Place - $30,363

Event 1: 5th Place - Altman ($25,263)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Baruch Altman (Monsey, NY)

5th Place - $25,263

Event 2: Photo Slideshow

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Event 2 Recap

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

After nearly 17 hours of play, David Eilers had mowed down the competition to win $27,091 and his first Borgata Open trophy.  He also collected 18 bounties along the way, making him the top Bounty Hunter.

Professional poker player Steven Tabb padded his poker resume with a second place finish, good for $15,965, plus 8 bounties.  He already has more than $435,000 in tournament earnings to his credit including a $71k win in a Borgata $1k Deep Stack Double Play event in February.

Third place went to Wall Street trader Yannis Vitsentzos along with $9,192. 

285 Bounty Hunters took a shot in this event, creating total buy-ins of $99,750 and putting an additional $28,500 worth of bounties into play.  Although lots of players collected bounties, only the final 27 collected a piece of the prize pool.

It was approaching 4am when they finally finished and everyone was anxious to get to bed.  Eilers owns a BBQ Restaurant back home in North Carolina and has to get back to work, but is hoping to get his wife to cover for him so he can stay and play the $500 + $60 Big Stack NLH event later today.  If not, he'll try to be back for the Championship event.

"Borgata runs the best tournaments in the country, by far" Eilers said.

In addition to the prize money and shiny Borgata Summer Poker Open trophy, Eilers will also receive a 16x20 framed photo of himself, taken by professional photographer Eric Harkins of Image Masters.


Final Table Results
1 - David Eilers (Rocky Mtn, NC)  $27,091
2 - Steven Tabb (Newton, MA)  $15,965
3 - Yannis Vitsentzos (New York, NY)  $9,192
4 - Sam Datta (Montville, NJ)  $7,450
5 - Mikhail Mironenko (Brooklyn, NY)  $5,805
6 - Mike Durazzo (Toms River, NJ)  $4,838
7 - Paul Tong (New York, NY)  $3,870
8 - Joe Lee (Cresskill, NJ)  $2,903
9 - A. Nonymous  (Fox Chase Manor, PA)  $1,935
10 - Philip Rinaldi (Silver Spring, MD)  $1,258

FINAL RESULTS

Event 1: Break Time And Level Up

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Players are now going on a ten minute break, and when they return to Level 35, the blinds will be increasing to 120,000/240,000/30,000.

Event 1: Chip Counts

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Here are your updated five handed chip counts:

1. Chad Power - 4,700,000
2. Khoi Ta - 17,000,000
3. Chris Farley - 2,900,000
4. Michael Bonney - 3,100,000
5. Baruch Altman - 6,500,000

Event 1: 6th Place - Sykes ($20,395)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Mark Sykes (Margate, NJ)

6th Place - $20,395

Event 2: 1st Place - Eilers

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)        

David Eilers (Rocky Mtn, NC)

$27,091

David Eilers held the chip lead for most of the day, except for short periods at the final table.  He was also the top Bounty Hunter, collecting more Black Chips than anyone else.

It was late when they finally finished and everyone was anxious to get to bed.  David owns a BBQ Restaurant back home and has to get back to work, but is hoping to get his wife to cover for him so he can stay and play the $500 + $60 Big Stack NLH event later today.  If not, he'll try to be back for the Championship event.

"Borgata runs the best tournaments in the country, by far" David said.

In addition to the prize money and shiny Borgata Summer Poker Open trophy, David will also receive a 16x20 framed photo of himself, taken by professional photographer Eric Harkins of Image Masters.

Event 2: 2nd Place - Tabb

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)       

Steven Tabb (Newton, MA)

$15,965

Steven Tabb is a professional poker player with over $435,000 in lifetime tournament earnings.  This is his highest reported finish in a Borgata Open series main event.  He won the Borgata Deep Stack Double Play $1,000 NLH event in February of this year, picking up over $71,000.

We'll be seeing more of him during the series as he likes the tournament structures here, but thinks this should have been a two day event. (Technically it was, since they started on Thursday and finished on Friday.)

Event 1: Power Down

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

After losing the hand with kings, Chad Power only made a small knick in his chip stack, but after just doubling up Khoi Ta, he's not "back to the grind."  Power had A 5 and was up against the pocket sevens of Ta.  The board ran clean for Ta and he would double up to over 10,000,000.  Power is now down below 5,000,000, and has seen somewhat of a roller coaster last few levels.

Event 2: 3rd Place - Vitsentzos

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)       

Yannis Vitsentzos (New York, NY)

$9,192

Yannis Vitsentzos finished 3rd for $9,192.  He's a Wall Street trader, which is a much higher stress occupation than poker.  He's looking forward to playing some more events during the Summer Open.

Event 2: 4th Place - Datta

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)        

Sam Datta (Montville, NJ)

$7,450

Event 1: Baruch Is Back

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Baruch Altman recoups some of the chips he lost earlier to Chad Power, as Power calls Altman's all-in and puts Baruch at risk.  The hands are tabled:

Altman: A Q              Power: K K

Flop: A A 4

Turn: 8

River: 5

Altman is back up to 5,000,000, while powers dips below the 10,000,000 mark.

Event 2: 5th Place - Mironenko

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)       

Mikhail Mironenko (Brooklyn, NY)

$5,805

Mikhail Mironenko was short-stacked and the next player to hit the rail.  He finished 5th for $5,805.

Event 2: 6th Place - Durazzo

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)       

Mike Durazzo (Toms River, NJ)

$4,838

In a battle of the blinds, Mike Durazzo (sb) was all-in against Sam Datta (bb).

Mike - AK
Sam - AQ

Board Q T 7 7 2

Sam paired his kicker to take the pot and collect Mike's bounty. 

Mike will collect $4,838 for his 6th place finish.

Event 1: Blinds Up...Power Up!!!

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Power Waits For Altman To Count Out The Double

Level 33 is about to begin, with blinds increasing to 100,000/200,000/30,000.  Just one hand ago, we saw a massive swing in the chip lead.  On a flop of 7 6 J, Baruch Altman check raised Chad Power all-in, and after Chad called we would have a 13,000,000 pot.  Chad showed J J (top set) while Altman tabled K J, and Baruch was in a ton of trouble.  After the board paired on the turn, Altman would be drawing dead.  Power is up to 13,000,000 while Baruch has dropped down to 2,900,000.

Event 2: 7th Place - Tong

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

Paul Tong (New York, NY)

$3,870

Paul Tong got his last chips in with KJ and ran into the pocket Tens of master Bounty Hunter David Eilers.

The board fell 9 8 7 5 5 and changed nothing.  David chipped up to ~1.4 million and collected his 18th bounty.

Paul took $3,870 for his 7th place finish.

Event 2: 8th Place - Lee

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

Joe Lee (Cresskill, NJ)

$2,903

Joe Lee got all-in with AQ against the pocket Kings of David Eilers.

The Kings held and Joe was dispatched in 8th place, earning $2,903.

David picked up his 17th bounty of the day and chipped up to ~1.1 million.

Event 1: 7th Place - Tucker ($15,755)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Samuel Tucker (Odenton, MD)

Tucker was eliminated in 7th place (was the short stack coming back from break), but that's not what the table can't stop talking about.  Mark Sykes and Khoi Ta got it in pre-flop, and both tabled the same hand (A K).  Sykes was suited in spades, while Ta was suited in hearts.  Ta flopped one heart, and eventually went runner-runner hearts to take down the pot and double up to just under 8,000,000.

Event 2: 9th Place - A. Nonymous

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)       

A. Nonymous (Fox Chase Manor, PA)

$1,935

Yannis Vitsentzos opened for 105k and got calls from A. Nonymous and Paul Tong (button). 

The flop was 6 4 3 with two hearts and Yannis shoved for 420k.

A. Nonymous called and Paul folded.

Yannis - JJ
A. Nonymous - TT

The last two fell 2 A and Yannis doubled up to ~1.3 million, good for a massive chip lead over the table.  A. Nonymous was left with less that 100k.

He got all-in for 68k utg and David Eilers (sb) looked him up.

A. Nonymous - K7
David - QJ

Board - T 9 7 8 9

David made a straight on the turn to take the pot.  A. Nonymous busted out in 9th place, earning $1,935.

Event 1: 8th Place - Akerman ($11,588)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Irina Akerman (Honey Brook, PA)

Irina Akerman (Honey Brook, PA) was all-in for her final 345,000, and was called by both Altman (small blind) and Sykes (big blind).   The board ran out J 10 9 4 2, and Akerman was first to table her K Q after both players checked down each street.  Altman showed 2 3 for a rivered pair of deuces, and Irina would be sent home in 8th place.

Event 2: Stuck At Nine

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)     

Level 23:  Blinds 12k/24k with 3k ante.

Another level gone and still at nine players.

The all-ins are not getting called, so the blinds and antes are moving around the felt.

Play continues.

Event 1: Break Time

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Players are going to be going on a (10) minute break at the end of this level (4 minutes).  When they return, the blinds will be increasing to 80,000/160,000/20,000.

Event 2: Tight Play

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

Paul Tong opened for 40k.

David Eilers (sb) called.

Mikhail Mironenko (bb) shoved for 340k more.

Paul folded.

David gave it some thought, then open-folded AK offsuit, shocking some at the table.

Mikhail picked up the pot.

The final 9 have apparently gone into lock down.

Event 1: 9th Place - Whiting ($8,344)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Gregory Whiting (Philadelphia, PA)

Gregory Whiting (Philadelphia, PA) was left short after losing to Akerman only a few hands prior, and open shoved his final 520,000.  Mark Sykes called from the hijack, and Whiting would be in bad shape:

Sykes: K K        Whiting: 3 3

Flop: 10 J 6

Turn: 9

River: X

Sykes is now up to 5,000,000, and that sits above the current chip average of 4,300,000.

Event 2: 10th Place - Rinaldi

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

Philip Rinaldi (Silver Spring, MD)

$1,258

A. Nonymous opened for 65k.

Philip Rinaldi shoved his short-stack from the big blind.

A. Nonymous called, showing A7.

Philip was ahead with AT.

The board ran out Q 7 6 2 6 and A. Nonymous took the pot.

Philip was eliminated in 10th place, earning $1,258.

Nine players remain.  Average is 475k.

Event 1: Akerman Doubles

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Irina Akerman (Honey Brook, PA) was the short stack of the nine remaining, and she was all-in against Gregory Whiting...and racing.  It was the A J of Akerman against the 5 5 of Whiting, and after flopping a jack and assuming the lead, she would never look back.

Akerman - 2,400,000

Whiting - 490,000

Event 2: Stuck At Ten

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

Level 21 ticked away with no fireworks.  They played a complete level without losing a player.

The final ten are on a break until ~2am, when they will return to

Level 22:  Blinds 10k/20k with 3k ante.

Event 1: Blinds Going Up

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

The tournament director has just announced the beginning of Level 31, with the blinds increasing to 60,000/120,000/20,000.  The final table chip average with 9 players remaining is now 3,900,000 (~33 big blinds).

Event 1: 10th Place - Edwards ($5,493)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Luke Edwards (Mansfield, OH)

Luke Edwards shoved over Michael Bonney's flop bet on a board of 4 5 6, and Bonney sheepishly made the call:

Edwards: K 5           Bonney: A 4

The turn brought and ace, and that would be the end of the night for Edwards, who would go home $5,493 richer.

Event 2: Shuffling Chips

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)      

The final ten players are pushing small pots around the table.

There hasn't been a called all-in since David Eilers doubled up.

Play continues here in the back of the poker room.

Event 1: Power Doubles

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Chad Power doubles up via Mark Sykes, chipping up to over 3,000,000.  Power flopped the nut flush on an ace high board, and Syke's was drawing dead on the turn.  Sykes is down to 2,700,000, but still sits with over 25 big blinds.

Event 2: Eilers Reclaims Lead

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)     

Level 21:  Blinds 8k/16k with 2k ante.

On a flop of 7 6 5, David Eilers (second in chips) got all-in against Paul Tong (chip leader).

David - 88 (open ended)
Paul - JJ

Turn was a 9 giving David the straight.  Paul was drawing dead. 

River was an irrelevant 9 and David doubled up to over 900k.

Paul dropped to just under 500k.

Still ten players.  Average stack is 428k (27 big blinds).

Event 1: Final Table (Updated Chip Counts)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Here is your Event 1 Final Table:

1. Chad Power - 2,100,000
2. Samuel Tucker - 1,300,000
3. Khoi Ta - 5,900,000
4. Chris Farley - 1,300,000
5. Gregory Whiting - 1,800,000
6. Irina Akerman - 1,900,000
7. Michael Bonney - 6,200,000
8. Luke Edwards - 3,100,000
9. Baruch Altman - 8,600,000
10. Mark Sykes - 3,400,000

Event 1: 11th Place - Tran ($5,493)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Tony Tran (Charlotte, NC)

As Gorin was walking out of the tournament area, we were called to Table 2 where there was a three way all-in:

Tran: 5♦ 5♣         Bonney: K♥ K♠           Edwards: A♦ 10♦

Flop: 5♥ 7♥ 8♣

Turn: K♦

River: 3♥

Tran was the shortest stack of the three, with Bonney's winning all-in amount sitting at 1,900,000.  Bonney is now up to 5,750,000.

Event 2: Final Table Chip Counts

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)     

Here's the final table lineup with approximate chip counts:

1 - Mikhail Mironenko (Brooklyn, NY) 280k
2 - A. Nonymous  (Fox Chase Manor, PA) 560k
3 - Mike Durazzo (Toms River, NJ) 230k
4 - Sam Datta (Montville, NJ) 260k
5 - Paul Tong (New York, NY) 880k
6 - Philip Rinaldi (Silver Spring, MD) 249k
7 - Joe Lee (Cresskill, NJ) 430k
8 - Steven Tabb (Newtown, MA) 438k
9 - Yannis Vitsentzos (New York, NY) 400k
10 - David Eilers (Rocky Mtn, NC) 565k

Play has resumed.

Event 1: 12th Place - Goris ($5,493)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Christian Gorin (Bronx, NY)

Christian Goris (Bronx, NY) was the shortest stack remaining in the field, and has just been eliminated by Mark Sykes.  After the next elimination, we will have reached our final table, and will bring you the seating assignments and chip counts.

Event 2: 11th Place - Harding

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)     

Kenneth Harding (Massapequa, NY) raised from the button, then Philip Rinaldi (Silver Spring, MD) shoved from the big blind.

Kenneth called all-in, showing Q8 suited.

Philip had K8 offsuit.

The board ran out K 7 6 4 J and Philip took the pot.

Kenneth busted in 11th place, earning $1,258.

The final ten drew for seats, moved to the final table, then took a short break.

Event 1: Level Up

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Blinds are going up after this current hand, increasing to 50,000/100,000/10,000.  The chip average sits now at 2,800,000 (28 big blinds).  Khoi Ta (Greenbelt PG, MD) is now second in chips, with just over 6,000,000.

Event 1: 13th Place - Perry ($3,708)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Jacob Perry (Branchville, NJ)

Jacob Perry (Branchville, NJ) was one of the shorter stacks towards the later stages of this event, and although he was all-in and ahead against Baruch Altman, he'd be sent home:

Altman: A♠ 10♣       Perry: A♣ Q♠

Flop: 10♠ 9♠ 6♣

Turn: 3♦

River: K♥

Altman had doubled up two players since having 8,000,000, but after taking Perry's last 670,000, is up over 6,400,000.

Event 2: 12th Place - Shirani

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)    

Arash Shirani (Germantown, MD) got his last chips in blind versus blind.

His AT of clubs was ahead of his opponent's 53 of clubs, but then the flop came A 5 3, giving his opponent two pair.

Then another 3 on the turn left Arash drawing slim and needing an Ace.

River was brick, though, and Arash busted out in 12th place.  He'll pick up $1,258 to go with the 8 bounties he's already collected.

Event 1: 14th Place - Born ($3,708)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Jimmy Born (Clarksville, MD)

Event 1: 15th Place - Samples ($3,708)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Andrew Samples (Yardley, PA)

Event 2: 18th - 13th Places

$350 + $50 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry)    

Level 20:  Blinds 6k/12k with 2k ante.

Earning $968
18 - Douglas Torrey (Boonton, NJ)
17 - Ronald Svec (Wall Twp, NJ)
16 - John Alexander (Montville, NJ)

Earning $1,064
15 - Steve Eyzerovich (Staten Island, NY)
14 - Joseph Pitti (E Meadow, NY)
13 - Maruti Yarlapati (Pinebrook, NJ)

Event 1: 16th Place - Diakos ($2,480)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Athanasios Diakos (Jersey City, NJ)

Event 1: 17th Place - Zemlyansky ($2,480)

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Mikhail Zemlyansky (Hewlett, NY)

After doubling up Luke Edwards, Mikhail Zemlyansky was left crippled, and would be eliminated only two hands later.  He collects $3,708 for his 17th place finish,.

Event 1: Whiting and Edwards Double

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Both Gregory Whiting and Luke Edwards double up to over 2,000,000, as Edwards A 3 holds up against the J 10 of Zemlyansky and Whitings K K had Farley's A K drawing dead on the turn.

Event 1: Back In Action

$350 + 50 Deep Stack NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Players have returned from break, and Baruch Altman has an astounding chip lead, as he holds 20% of the chips in play (8,000,000).