Look, I don’t mean to be sounding like a smarty-pants, but I told you so! Incredibly, we’ve lost 100 of the 481 players in the first two hours. Major moves with Alex Balandin chip leader closing on $1M, David Chiu right there. I’m not sure what everyone did last night, but they must have all just practiced saying all-in. With the M’s so low for so many players, this was bound to happen. But it’s been incredible to watch.
Current chip leader Alex Balandin. The Tournament Director gave me official word that we would play down five levels, which would mean we’d get down to 100-150 players I would guess. Alot of doubting Thomases here in the Media Room that this is the case, but what a whirlwind these next levels will be. Average stack has now climbed to $229k, up $40k in an hour. There is a cemetary of dead poker players who walked out in the time it would take to go see a movie: Ted Forrest, Cyndy Violette, Tom McEvoy, Susie Isaacs, Mark Vos, and Melissa Hayden are gone.
Jason Strasser has spend an hour of calm, moved up to $600k, and is looking like he’ll still be a force. Denominations of chips: pink=$500, yellow=$1,000, orange=$5,000. More later.
cc- word is that floor security is tightening. will you lose your floor pass, and if so, how will it affect your coverage? also, any word on negreaneu? i’m assuming he’s still in as you didn’t list him with the RIP pros.
excellent coverage and analysis Craig. i’m hoping to see Allen Cunningham and Hachem get through the day. they’re both looking ok so far.