Prizewinners
12:26am: Mike Watson wins 2016 PCA Main Event
CLICK HERE TO READ A WHOLE WRAP UP
We have a winner and his name is Mike Watson. Tony Gregg was denied a PCA title despite his third final table on this event over the years.
We'll have a whole wrap up of the day very shortly, but first here was the general hand.
Tony Gregg limped with the A♠8♣ and Mike Watson checked his option with the 7♥4♠.
The flop was a captivating one; 2♥8♥6♥. All hearts meant Watson had a flush draw, plus a straight draw. Gregg, meanwhile, had top pair.
Watson checked and Gregg quickly bet 400,000. But now Watson raised it as much as 1.2 million, leaving Gregg with a large decision to make. He decided to shove for 4.1 million and Watson was priced in; he made the decision and it was all all the way down to these final two cards. Tony Gregg was ahead, but Watson had 12 outs.
The 7♠ landed at the rurn, giving Watson a couple or even more outs - 16 to be precise.
The 5♥ sealed the deal for Watson. It is all over.
--JS
12:11am: Big chip swingLevel 34 Blinds 125,000-250,000 (25,000)
Tony Gregg opened to 500,000 with the A♦Q♥ only to look Watson put out a 3-bet to 1,350,000. Ace queen is much too good a hand heads as much as fold to that sort of pressure though, and Gregg counted out a 4-bet of 2,875,000 and put it out within the middle. Watson called and we went to a flop.
The dealer opened up the J♥8♣5♠ at the flop and now Watson checked. Gregg opted to bet 1,650,000 but he'd been outflopped, so naturally Watson wasn't done. Watson check-raised all-in and Gregg was forced to offer it up.
There's a large difference between the 2 now: Mike Watson has 22 million and Gregg is right down to just 5 million. --JS
11:25pm: Watson hits his King and gets paidLevel 33 - Blinds 125,000 - 250,000 (50,000 ante)
Tony Gregg just can't catch a break in this day and age. He lost another one now when Watson's K♠7♥ hit the K♥J♦4♦ flop significantly better than Gregg's pocket Sevens. Watson check-called a 350k bet at the flop and both players checked the 9♠ activate. the 6♥ river it was Watson's opportunity to check out and get some value along with his pair of Kings. He bet a groovy million and Gregg called, only to get the bad news. Mission accomplished for Watson. - RJ
11:21pm: AN EXTRAORDINARY pre-flop 3-betLevel 33, Blinds 125,000-250,000 (50,000)
Here's something we have not seen much of on this heads up match - a pre-flop 3-bet.
Watson opened to his standard 500,000 with K♣9♣ but Tony Gregg should have seen something and 3-bet to 1,350,000 with the J♠T♦. Watson called.
The 7♥6♦5♠ flop missed both players, and when Gregg checked Watson won it with a 1 million bet. Watson has 15.3 million to Gregg's 11.7 million. --JS
11:09pm: Watson bluffs, but Gregg's got itLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (50,000)
Watson opened to 500,000 with the Q♥3♥ and Gregg made the decision with the Dolly Parton, 9♦5♦. The flop was the 2♦8♣7♥ and Gregg checked it to the raiser. Watson bet 500,000 again with complete air and Gregg called along with his gutshot.
BOOM! The 6♣ at the turn gave Gregg the straight but he chose to test it, as did Watson. The J♣ at the river will have completed a couple of potential hands equivalent to flush draws and straight draws, and Gregg opted to test his straight again. He was clearly hoping Watson would bet.
Gregg got his wish. Watson counted out a raffle of 1.2 million and slid it around the felt. Gregg took his time before creating a re-raise to three million exactly, and Watson snap folded.
The two are almost even in chips now, with Gregg having 13 million to Watson's 14 million. --JS
11:00pm: Watson's lead gets biggerLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)
We've just seen an enormous hand which has sent Mike Watson's stack over the 20 million mark.
Gregg opened to 450,000 with the J♥9♥ and Watson made the decision with 8♣7♠. The flop came 9♠K♥T♥ - something for everybody - and Watson checked to the pre-flop raiser. Gregg made it 450,000 again along with his pair of nines, flush draw and straight draw but Watson check raised as much as 1,350,000 together with his open ender. Gregg didn't take too long to call.
The J♠ came at the turn and now Watson checked, allowing Gregg to place out a big gamble of 1,450,000 having hit two pair. Watson had made his straight though - albeit the low end - and he made the call, perhaps worried a couple of queen.
The 5♠ at the river wasn't much of an action card and both players checked. Watson raked within the pot together with his straight.
Mike Watson 20,630,000Anthony Gregg 6,950,000 --JS
10:15pm: DealLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)
Players came back from dinner break and struck a deal. It was quick and easy. Tournament staff showed players the numbers they usually instantly agreed. There has been no debate, no negotiating, only a quick nod, a couple of signatures and a handshake.
Mike Watson: $695,175Tony Gregg: $612,175
This leaves the players battling for $33,000 and the title of 2016 PCA Champion. It is a title that may tick numerous boxes off for Gregg.
Gregg's made three PCA final tables and gotten heads-up and lost before. A win here would also give him the EPT title he needs for the Triple Crown. --AV
8:50pm: Heads-up chip counts
Everyone is on a dinner break. They'll be back at 10pm.
| Mike Watson | Canada | 17,700,000 |
| Tony Gregg | USA | 9,875,000 |
8:50pm: Phillip McAllister eliminated in 3rdLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)
Phillip McAllister looked down at J♥J♦ and just called from the small blind.
Mike Watson then moved all-in from the small blind with 8♣7♣ and McAllister snap-called.
The flop came T♣5♣7♠ to pair Watson's seven and provides him a flush draw. Then the 3♣ came at the turn to present Watson the flush and leave McAllister drawing dead. The river was an inconsequential 5♠ and the tournament went heads-up.
McAllister won $356,020 for finishing 3rd and Tony Gregg and Mike Watson took their 75-minute dinner break.
Mike Watson -- 17,700,000Tony Gregg -- 9,875,000
8:12pm: Tales from the rail part 3: The wastelandLevel 31 - Blinds 60,000 - 120,000 (20,000 ante)
The departure of Toby Lewis from the principle Event has also caused ruptions at the rail. With Chris Moorman, Ludovic Geilich, Maria Ho and their respective entourages all primarily supporting Lewis, there's now an enormous hole at the rail where they used to be.
Even though their bodies are not any longer present there are definitely clear signs that the Lewis Rail used to be in operation. Strewn a number of the floor are empty beer cans, half-full champagne flutes, a bucket of ice (that when housed Grey Goose) and, curiously, a ton of uneaten chocolate. Lewis and his friends are currently celebrating/commiserating in a single of the Atlantis Resort's fine establishments - so far as the rail is concerned, they are going to be greatly missed.
In other rail news, the massive crews for Tony Gregg and Mike Watson - whose fans have taken to barking like a dog on every occasion he wins a pot - are still intact. Spare a thought for the opposite Brit, Phil McAllister, as he seems to either be flying solo or have very, very quiet supporters. I'm sure he won't mind however, as he's crushing this final table. - RJ
7:55pm: Toby Lewis out in 4th for $267,340Level 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000 ante)
We've just lost British superstar Toby Lewis in brutal fashion.
Phillip McAllister limped at the button with 9♥6♥ and Lewis shoved all in from the small blind for 3,375,000 with K♠9♠. Mike Watson awoke with A♣J♦ within the big blind and moved all in over the top, and McAllister quickly got out of the way.
Lewis was behind, and remained so when the T♣6♠3♥ flop was dealt. However, the turn card was the K♥, pairing Lewis and putting him well in front.
Only an ace or queen for a straight at the river would eliminate Lewis otherwise it might be a pleasant double as much as 7 million. However the river was indeed a queen and Lewis went to hug his rail.
He takes home $267,340 for 4th. Mike Watson now has 12,880,000. --JS
Excited
Nervous
Gutted
7:31pm: Chip counts at break
Players might be coming back to Level 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)
| Mike Watson | Canada | 8,805,000 |
| Tony Gregg | USA | 8,540,000 |
| Phillip McAllister | UK | 7,735,000 |
| Toby Lewis | UK | 2,855,000 |
7:25: Aces for LewisLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)
Toby Lewis opened to 320,000 from under the gun, and with good reason; he had pocket aces. He got exactly what he desired to when Tony Gregg 3-bet from the small blind with K♦Q♥ to 890,000. A 4-bet from Lewis to 1,900,000 would take it down though. --JS
7:20: Watson's one betterLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)
Tony Gregg opened to 320,000 with the T♥8♣ and Phillip McAllister opted to simply call with pocket queens. Mike Watson was within the big blind and he called too.
The K♣2♣T♣ flop brought an overcard to McAllister's hand, and middle pair plus flush draws for Gregg and Watson. However, all players checked. The 3♣ turn made it four clubs on board and gave Gregg and Watsat the flush. Again, though, everyone checked.
And so we saw the A♥ on the river. Watson now correctly figured his flush was the most efficient hand so bet 600,000 for value, Gregg called and McAllister threw his ladies away. Watson's hand was one better than Gregg's and he took it down.
Mike Watson 8,805,000Tony Gregg 8,540,000Phillip McAllister 7,375,000 --JS
7:15pm: Gregg doubles through Lewis, takes leadLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000)
Toby Lewis raised to 320,000 from under-the-gun and Tony Gregg three-bet to 875,000 from the small blind.
Lewis re-raised all-in and Gregg called.
Gregg was at-risk and showed 9♠9♦ to Lewis's A♥K♦.
Tony Gregg
The board ran T♦4♠8♣Q♣9♠ and Gregg doubled as much as 8.8 million while Lewis dropped to 3.8 million. --AV
Well, isn't that special
6:55: Amazing fold from LewisLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)
Toby Lewis just made an international class fold and has shown the skill level that has carried him this far within the tournament.
Tony Gregg limped the button with T♣9♣ and Lewis checked his big blind with A♥8♣. The flop was kind to Gregg because the 5♥9♦4♥ gave him top pair. Lewis checked and Gregg bet 215,000 which was called.
The turn was the A♦ giving Lewis top pair and the lead within the hand. He checked it though and Gregg continued for 485,000. Lewis thought for a short time and decided to stay around.
The river flipped things once again, because the 9♥ gave Gregg trips. Lewis checked all over again and Gregg put out a price bet of 790,000 right into a pot of slightly below 2 million. Lewis looked confused and disappointed, but appeared to know he was behind. "This limping the button stuff is killing me," he said, the tip Boss Tony Gregg.
Somehow he managed to fold the ace - an improbable lay down. Lewis now have 6.32 million and Gregg has 2.98 million. --JS
Aces for LewisLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)
Toby Lewis opened to 320,000 from under the gun, and with good reason; he had pocket aces. He got exactly what he desired to when Tony Gregg 3-bet from the small blind with K♦Q♥ to 890,000. A 4-bet from Lewis to 1,900,000 would take it down though. --JS
6:38pm: Gregg 3-betting lightLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)
Toby Lewis opened to 320,000 under the gun with A♠J♦ and Anthony Gregg, the shortest stack on the table, 3-bet to 865,000 from the massive blind with just K♦3♠. It was enough to make Lewis fold and produce Gregg's stack to 4.4 million. --JS
Ha!
6:33pm: Vladimir Troyanovskiy eliminated in 5thLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000)
Tony Gregg raised to 350,000 from under-the-gun and Vladimir Troyanovskiy called from the large blind.
The flop came A♣4♥8♥ and Troyanovskiy moved all-in for 700,000. Gregg snap-called and showed top pair with A♠Q♣ while Troyanovskiy showed a flush draw with 7♥3♥.
The turn brought a T♦ and a 9♣ came at the river to eliminate Troyanovskiy.
Gregg chipped as much as 4.06 million while Troyanovskiy won $207,940 for his 5th place finish. --AV
6:20: Watson playing cageyLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)
Most players who've turned a flush would bet their hand for value, but Mike Watson opted for a cagier route.
Phillip McAllister opened to 380,000 with K♣5♣ and Watson called from the massive blind with T♦8♦. The flop gave Watson a flush draw and it was middle pair for McAllister - 4♦9♥5♦. Watson checked his draw and McAllister continued for 365,000, and Watson was going nowhere.
On the turn we saw the J♦ hit the felt, giving Watson the flush. He checked it, clearly hoping McAllister would continue his aggression, but now he decided to test back. The Q♠ at the river didn't change anything, and Watson checked again, again hoping to peer McAllister put some more chips within the middle. Unfortunately for him McAllister checked. Watson won the pot, but could it has been bigger? --JS
6:10pm: Toby Lewis doubles through WatsonLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000)
Toby Lewis doubled at the first hand back from break.
And he did it by limping from the small blind with 9♠9♦. Mike Watson looked down at 9♦7♥ and checked his option.
The flop came 4♥7♣2♥ and Lewis check-raised to 750,000 after Watson bet 200,000. A 3♠ came at the turn after Watson called and Lewis moved all-in for 2.02 million.
Watson thought for roughly three minutes after which threw in chips for a call.
Lewis showed the overpair and had to dodge a seven at the river.
River: K♦
Lewis doubled as much as 5.975 million while Watson dropped to 5.35 million.
Toby Lewis...did I hold?
5:43pm: Chip counts on the break
Players can be coming back to Level 32 - Blinds 80,000 - 160,000 (25,000 ante)
| Phillip McAllister | UK | 11,415,000 |
| Mike Watson | Canada | 8,200,000 |
| Tony Gregg | USA | 2,885,000 |
| Toby Lewis | UK | 2,960,000 |
| Vladimir Troyanovskiy | Russia | 2,110,000 |
5:40pm: Troyanovsky all the way down to 13 big blindsLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (10,000)
A dangerous flop just cost Vladimir Troyanovskiy a large chunk of chips, and he's well and actually within the danger zone now with just 13 big blinds remaining.
Mike Watson had opened to 250,000 with the Q♥Q♦ and Vlad 3-bet to 575,000 with the A♠J♦. Watson called and we went to a flop, which was the J♣4♦8♣. Watson checked to Vlad who continued for 425,000 having hit top pair, but he was still trailing the women of Watson.
The T♣ at the turn bogged down the Russian as both players checked, taking us to the 6♦ at the river. The pot was 2,280,000 and Watson put out a big gamble of 1,125,000. Vlad didn't take an excessive amount of time to make the call, and was dissapointed to look that prime pair was no good.
Mike Watson now has 8.2 million, while Troyanovskiy is right down to just 2 million. --JS
Vladimir Troyanovskiy
5:30pm: Tales from the rail part 2: Greg on GreggLevel 31 - Blinds 60,000 - 120,000 (20,000 ante)
2012 WSOP Main Event winner Greg Merson is at the rail supporting buddy Tony Gregg. He's sat with every other poker players they usually were overheard discussing Gregg's way to tournament poker - it made for some fascinating listening.
One said that Gregg is, "absolutely the worst at ICM*. He just desires to win." Merson then concurred and told a narrative about Gregg being deep within the WSOP Main Event and five-bet jamming with air when he easily may have bogged down and moved up the payout ladder without taking any risks. In Merson's language, "it was ICM suicide."With Gregg currently the fast stack on the table it is going to be interesting to peer which approach he's taking for the rest of the day. Do not be surprised if it's an aggressive one.
Meanwhile, Liv Boeree, Maria Ho and Jonathan Little have now showed up at the rail too. Boeree is extolling the virtues of the Burning Man festival. The others are watching the poker.
*ICM is a poker term that stands for Independent Chip Model. It is a system that works out your best play, taking into consideration not just your cards but in addition the chip stacks of yourself and the opposite players on the table. But you knew that already, of course.
- RJ
5:15pm: Lewis takes one from WatsonLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (20,000)
Toby Lewis min-raised at the button to 240,000 with K♥4♥ and Mike Watson called out of the small blind with K♣T♦. Vladimir Troyanovskiy left the party and his big blind and we went to a flop of 4♣9♣Q♦, giving Lewis the lead together with his pair of fours.
It was all quiet at the flop and the A♣ turn with both players checking, however the K♦ at the river was an enchanting card. It paired Watson but gave Lewis two pair, and he decided to check out and get some value. His 400,000 bet into the 700,000 pot was too tempting for Watson who made the call, giving Lewis the win on this one.
Toby Lewis 4,100,000Mike Watson 4,960,000 --JS
5:08pm: Four-way potLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (20,000)
It was almost a family pot but Phillip McAllister folded from under-the-gun.
Toby Lewis raised to 240,000 from the cutoff and everybody else called. The flop came 9♣T♥T♠ and Lewis bet 350,000 when checked to. Watson called with A♥T♦ for trip tens.
Vladimir Troyanovskiy had a straight draw with Q♦J♣ but folded. Gregg missed the flop with A♦7♦ and folded as well.
Lewis, who had K♠J♠, checked when the 4♦ came at the turn and folded when Watson bet 700,000.
The hand put Watson as much as about 7 million. --AV
Mike Watson
4:55pm: Lewis' lady wins itLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (10,000)
It just hasn't been Anthony Gregg's day to this point. He's getting no action when he has big hands, and has had the second one best hand many of the time when he's in pots that visit showdown.Gregg opened to 255,000 with the 9♦7♦ at the button and Toby Lewis called from the large blind with K♦Q♠. The flop was T♠Q♦8♦ and Lewis chose to test his top pair. Gregg checked his open-ended straight draw and flush draw too.
The turn was the 9♣, pairing Gregg. Both players checked again and we saw the 8♠ at the river. Now Lewis put out a raffle of 300,000 and Gregg would call along with his beaten pair.
Toby Lewis 4,220,000Anthony Gregg 2,890,000 --JS
4:30pm: McAllister still risingLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (20,000)
Phillip McAllister is as much as 9.8 million.
He didn't win a large pot to rise up there either. McAllister have been raising and taking down preflops fairly frequently.
He took a rather bigger pot off Tony Gregg too.
In that hand, Gregg called from the small blind and McAllister raised to 240,000 from the large blind. Gregg called and the flop came 8♥7♥7♦ and Gregg checked. McAllister bet 190,000 and Gregg folded.
The hand put McAllister as much as 9.8 million while Gregg dropped to 2.9 million. --AV
4:11pm: Tales from the railLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-100,000 (20,000 ante)
At any EPT final table there are always a variety of star poker players watching the action or cheering on their friends who're up there at the stage. That's magnified much more if you find yourself on the PCA, and when the overall table contains one of the most Most worthy names within the game. The rail for today is packed - listed below are probably the most highlights of what is going on.
Chris Moorman, his friends and their WAGs are in the home to support Toby Lewis. They're being very reserved at the moment but a huge, enormous bottle of Grey Goose is on ice at their feet. Once a few of that sweet, sweet vodka starts taking effect I PONDER if we can begin to see the makings of another infamous British rail.
Meanwhile, the Greenwood family - the poker playing trio of Sam, Luc and Max and their parents - are making reservations for a dinner (we're guessing Nobu) tonight that still includes Justin Bonomo and "Scott" (we're guessing Seiver). With the web worth at that table, they could also be capable of afford the astronomical sushi and black cod entrees - just.
Finally, Tony Gregg has brought his parents along as he attempts so as to add another title to his already magnificent resume. They're seated within the front row and, after he folds a hand, Gregg goes over to take a seat and chat along with his family. Tenth place finisher Matt Waxman may be at the Gregg rail - nice to grasp that he has no hard feelings over just missing out on an appearance himself.
Rest assured that the PokerStars Blog will bring you to any extent further developments, at the table or at the rail, as they happen. - RJ
3:55pm: Chip counts on the break
Players might be coming back to 60,000/120,000 (20,000 ante).
| Phillip McAllister | UK | 8,775,000 |
| Mike Watson | Canada | 7,615,000 |
| Vladimir Troyanovskiy | Russia | 4,000,000 |
| Tony Gregg | USA | 3,840,000 |
| Toby Lewis | UK | 3,480,000 |
McAllister extends lead, first break of the dayLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)
In the last hand of the level, Vladimir Troyanovskiy raised to 225,000 from the button and Phillip McAllister called from the massive blind. The flop came T♦4♥2♥ and both players checked.
The turn brought a 9♠ and McAllister bet 325,000.
McAllister had just hit two pair with T♣9♣ while Troyanovskiy just paired his nine with K♥9♦.
So Troyanovskiy raised, to 860,000.
McAllister called and an 8♦ completed the board. Both players checked and McAllister's tens and nines took the pot.
The hand put McAllister as much as 8.77 million while Troyanovskiy dropped to 4 million. --AV
3:44pm: Bluffing with six-highLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)
There aren't any easy pots on the final table. With five professionals left, every pot won is hard-earned.
Toby Lewis raised to 200,000 from the button and Vladimir Troyanovskiy looked down at 6♦5♣.
It was adequate for a call.
The flop came Q♣3♦2♥ and Troyanovskiy checked. Lewis bet 250,000 along with his pair of twos and Troyanovskiy thought. Then he raised to 580,000 and got Lewis to fold.
The hand put Troyanovskiy as much as 4.2 million while Lewis was left with 4.1 million. --AV
3:35pm: Fives are good for GreggLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)
Anthony Gregg didn't get out-flopped - that's big news in this final table, because the tournament beast hasn't had the luckiest begin to the day.
Gregg opened to 225,000 at the button with 5♠5♣ and Toby Lewis defended his big blind with A♥T♣. The flop was the 9♥2♥2♣ and Lewis checked, leaving Gregg to make a 150,000 bet. Lewis called.
To the turn we went and it was another safe card for Gregg - the 4♠, however he opted to test as did Lewis before him.
The 3♥ came at the river and after Lewis checked Gregg made it 400,000. Lewis gave it up and Gregg raked within the pot.
Anthony Gregg 3,480,000Toby Lewis 5,040,000 --JS
Toby Lewis
3:20pm: Another loss for GreggLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)
Things haven't been going well for Tony Gregg so far.
Things looked good at first, he found pocket jacks from under-the-gun and raised to 225,000. Vladimir Troyanovskiy called from the massive blind with A♣T♠ and coupled his ace at the A♥9♥9♦ flop.
Both players checked and an 8♦ fell at the turn. Troyanovskiy bet 225,000 and Gregg called.
River: A♠
Another ace for Troyanovskiy and another bet, this time for 415,000.
Gregg folded and was all the way down to 3.19 million while Troyanovskiy chipped as much as 4.1 million. --AV
Troyanovskiy
3:06pm: 1,000,000 for kingsLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)
Tony Gregg raised to 225,000 from under-the-gun with Q♣T♣ and Mike Watson re-raised to 625,000 from the small blind with pocket kings.
Gregg called and the flop came A♠J♠9♣. Watson checked and Gregg bet out 465,000. Watson called and a 9♦ came at the turn.
Both players checked and checked again when a 3rd 9 came at the river.
Watson's kings took the pot and he chipped as much as 6.8 million while Gregg dipped to 3.4 million. --AV
Tony Gregg
3:02: Watson plays it safeLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000 ante)
Vladimir Troyanovskiy opened under the gun to 210,000 with suited connectors, the T♥9♥. It was folded around to Mike Watson within the big blind who 3-bet to 575,000 with A♣Q♣.
The board was all diamonds - Q♦3♦9♦ - and with neither playing holding a diamond both players checked. Watson was ahead with top pair to Vlad's second pair.
The 2♦ landed at the river and also you began to get the sensation that whoever bets would take the pot down. However, both players checked once again.
The river was the 8♣ and both players continued the safe play by checking. Watson took down the pot together with his pair of queens.
Mike Watson 5,570,000Vladimir Troyanovski 4,370,000 --JS
2:45pm: (Hiccup)
For anyone wondering what happened last night, you are not alone. Take a look at a snappy speculative reflection on last night's PCA party.
2:45pm: Pairs versus pairs, McAllister takes the leadLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)
Phillip McAllister took the lead after two pair bested Mike Watson's.
McAllister raised from the button and Watson defended his big blind. Both players connected with the J♠8♥4♦ flop, but McAllister's J♦8♣ connected a little bit greater than Watson's J♣5♠.
Watson check-called a 380,000 bet and did the similar when the 7♣ came at the turn. A 5♥ completed the board and coupled Watson's five.
Watson checked again and McAllister bet 730,000. Watson quickly called and showed the inferior two pair.
Watson dropped to five million while McAllister took the lead with 7.4 million. --AV
Mike Watson
2:30pm: A crestfallen Kritzer talksLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)
The only recreational player on the final table was understandably deflated on the end of his remarkable run. "I'm so let down at this time but I'll recover from it in a little bit bit, it has been an awesome experience," he said. "I'll probably go cry for a bit."
A crestfallen Randy Kritzer
Kritzer acknowledged that this was by far the most efficient result he had ever had and expressed how sorry he was that it was over. "I ACTUALLY just wish to play more, man, out in 20 minutes."
Although he held his own in some esteemed company, Kritzer said it remains anyone's game. "They're all good, I COULD NOT say [who will win]."
He added: "I TRULY liked this tournament as it fits my style more. I'm a comparatively conservative guy and these long levels worked well for me."
Kritzer's performance gives hope to all recreational players. "I'VE a house game back home with like 25 to 30 guys," Kritzer said. "That was sandlot baseball and this was like they threw me into the sector Series."
That was the top for Kritzer, and now he returns to his other somewhat pressurised other occupation of neurosurgery. "When surgery goes bad, things can go really bad, but if things are going well, that is definitely more stressful," he said.
2:30pm: Kritzer eliminated in sixth; wins $153,920Level 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000 ante)
Randy Kritzer have been eliminated in sixth place for a payday of $153,920. All we will say is, he got it in good.
Kritzer opened to 225,000 from the button and Phillip McAllister defended his big blind. The flop was the 9♥6♦Q♥ and McAllister checked over to the neurosurgeon who made it 325,000 to go.
McAllister check-raised all in and Kritzer quickly called, and the cards were at their backs:
Randy Kirtzer Q♠T♣Phillip McAllister 8♠7♥
Kritzer was ahead with top pair, but McAllister had up and down straight draw outs. He'd pick up flush draw outs too on the 4♥ turn.
The river was a heart. The 8♥ to be precise. And the doctor was gone. McAllister is as much as 5,800,000 - good for second place. --JS
Randy Kritzer heads home on the end of a spectacular run
Taking turns to 3-betLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)
We're only some hands into this final table however the 3-bets have come thick and fast. Firstly was Mike Watson who 3-bet to 500,000 and compelled Anthony Gregg to fold and abandon his 175,000 open.
Next up it was Toby Lewis, who 3-bet Phillip McAllister's 175,000 to 475,000 and took it down. --JS
2:10pm: McAllister cracks Gregg's acesLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)
In the primary few hands of play, Tony Gregg lost a pot with pocket aces.
Gregg called from the small blind and Phillip McAllister checked his option with Q♠4♠. Both players checked the 8♣Q♥2♠ flop and a J♠ came at the turn. Gregg bet 125,000 and McAllister called.
The river brought a 4♦ and another pair for McAllister.
Gregg bet 285,000 and McAllister raised to 615,000. Gregg called together with his cracked aces and dropped to 3.9 million while McAllister chipped as much as 4.8 million. --AV
A bright start for Phillip McAllister
2.05pm: Players, start pleaseLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)And they're off.
2pm: Virtually readyLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)
There were 11 minutes left at the clock in Level 29 when yesterday's action concluded. So that they will play out that point before we go into Level 30, where blinds could be 50,000-100,000. The players are actually being introduced. Play will start very soon.
1:00pm: Standby for a champion
It's final table time within the 2016 PCA Main Event. Action is solely now starting, but so that you can avoid spoilers, we will be able to be engaged on the similar schedule because the live stream. For now, you'll read all in regards to the players here on our PCA Main Event final table player profiles.
Seat 1: Mike Watson (Canada) 6,585,000Seat 2: Vladimir Troyanovskiy (Russia) 5,025,000Seat 3: Randy Kritzer (USA) 2,565,000Seat 4: Tony Gregg (USA) 5,690,000Seat 5: Phillip McAllister (UK) 3,040,000Seat 6: Toby Lewis (UK) 4,665,000
Take a glance on the official website of the PCA, with tournament schedule, videos, news, blogs and accommodation details for the Atlantis Resort within the Bahamas.
Also the entire schedule information is at the EPT App, that is available on both Android or IOS.
PokerStars Blog reporting team at the $5,000 Main Event: Jack Stanton, Howard Swains, Alex Villegas and Brad Willis. Photos by Joe Giron and Neil Stoddart. For more photos from this event by Joe Giron visit Poker Photo Archive.
Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: PokerStars Caribbean Adventure]
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