Borgata Summer Poker Open

Championship Interview

2010-07-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)
Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Winner

Championship Event Final Table Recap

2010-07-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010

Players traveled great distances to play in the Summer Poker Open Championship Event, and after four long days of poker, it's a Borgata regular high stakes player who wins the title and the $180,595 first prize.

"It's fantastic, said Billy O'Neil, who usually plays the $600/$1,200 HOSE or $50/$100 NL cash games. "I got real lucky, what can I say."

It was anything but luck for the College Park, MD resident, when he beat Mirza Nagji (New York, NY) for the championship, crystal trophy and gold bracelet. Early in heads-up play, on a board of Q J 4 2 J, O'Neil bet 700k and Nagji called. O'Neil turned over 6 6 for the winner as Nagji mucked his hand and lost the 2 million chip pot.

"It was the first big pot we played," said O'Neil, who increased the slight chip advantage he had when heads-up play began. "That hand gave me a lot of momentum."

Shortly after that, the final hand unfolded on a board of 2♥ 4♣ 7♣ 6♦ 8♦. Nagji led out for 550k and O'Neil reraised to 2 million, putting Nagji all-in.

After a short pause, Nagji called only to see O'Neil's K♣ 5♠ for the winning straight. Nagji mucked the hand and settled for second place and $104,620.

"I wouldn't have called that last bet," laughed Nagji while he relived the final table. "Either he had the straight or he didn't. Up until the eight came out, I had top pair," he said after revealing he had J 7 on the final hand.

The day started with a bang as short stack Joshua Hakakian, a Pennsylvania resident, moved all-in on the first hand with AK suited, only to be eliminated by the AA of Frank Dellaria (Burgettstown, PA). After that, O'Neil took over the final table and eliminated 6 of the 8 remaining players.

O'Neil knocked out Ed Corrado (Naples, FL - 9th place), Dean Potashner (Morristown, NJ - 8th), John Borzio (Robbinsville, NJ - 6th), Steven Curtin (Indian Trail, NC - 5th), Mike Melkersen (Harrisonburg, VA - 4th) and Nagji to win the championship.

Nagji eliminated Dellaria (7th) and Todd Geddis (Asotria, NY - 3rd) to set the stage for heads-up play. Geddis is also a Borgata regular who won an on-line contest for his Championship Event entry and free-rolled his way to a $51,687 pay day.

The tournament began with 321 players and put the total buy-in at $642,000. The deep stacks (30k starting chips) and long levels (75 minutes on Days 2, 3 & 4) is one reason why players travel from as far away as Virginia, North Carolina and Florida to play at Borgata.

In the end, the two finalists have the best tournament results of their careers, both in position and money won. "When you make it that far in a tournament, with that good a competition," says Nagji, "it says a lot for yourself on how good you are and is a nice little ego boost."

"It's great, fantastic," adds O'Neil. "It's nice when somebody who plays here regularly wins any of these tournaments, ever. Because they're local and they play in the games, maybe they'll step up a little, play higher (limits)."

Dozens of people, both players and casino associates, went out of their way to congratulate O'Neil. They were thrilled to see one of their own take down the Championship Event, something he genuinely appreciated.

The Borgata Summer Poker Open still has two more champions to crown as Event 21 is still ongoing in the poker room, while Event 22 gets underway 12 pm Wednesday.

Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Final Table Results

Place-Name-Amount

1. Billy O'Neil,$ 180,595
2. Mirza Nagji, $ 104,620
3. Todd Geddis, $ 51,687
4. Mike Melkersen $ 43,592
5. Steven Curtin $ 37,364
6. John Borzio $ 31,137
7. Frank Dellaria $ 24,910
8. Dean Potashner $ 18,683
9. Ed Corrado $ 12,456
10. Joshua Hakakian $ 8,096

Champion - Billy O'Neil

2010-07-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

1st - Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)
$180,595

After 30 minutes of heads-up play Billy O'Neil beats Mirza Nagji to win the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship Event.

From the button O'Neil makes it 200k with blinds at 40k/80k/5k ante and Nagji calls.

Flop: 2♥ 4c♣ 7♣

Both players check.

Turn: 6♦

Nagji leads out for 250k and O'Neil calls.

River: 8♦

Nagji bets 550k and O'Neil reraises to 2 million, which puts Nagji all-in.

After a short pause, Nagji calls only to see O'Neil's K♣ 5♠ for the winning straight. Nagji mucks as he finishes in 2nd place.

2nd - Mirza Nagji (New York, NY)
$104,620

Event 18: $2000+$200 Championship Results

2010-07-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship
Event 18: $2000 + $200 No Limit Hold'em
June 25 - 29

Entries: 321 Total Buy-In: $642,000

FINAL RESULTS
1. WILLIAM ONEIL (COLLAGE PARK, MD): $180,595
2. MIRZA NAGJI (NEW YORK, NY): $104,620
3. TODD GEDDIS (ASTORIA, NY): $51,687
4. MICHAEL MELKERSEN (NEW MARKET, VA): $43,592
5. STEVEN CURTIN (INDIAN TRAIL, NC): $37,364
6. JOHN BORZIO (ROBBINSVILLE, NJ): $31,137
7. FRANK DELLARIA (BURGETTSTOWN, PA): $24,910
8. DEAN POTASHNER (MORRISTOWN, NJ): $18,683
9. EDWARD CORRADO (NAPLES, FL): $12,456
10. JOSHUA HAKAKIAN (WARFORDSBURG, PA): $8,096
11. ALEX KUCHIK (BROOKLYN, NY): $8,096
12. JAY JOHNSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $8,096
13. LARRY NELSON (HARLEYSVILLE, PA): $6,227
14. JAMES OSTRANDER (SOUTHERN PINES, NC): $6,227
15. FLORENTINO DELEON JR (JOPPA, MD): $6,227
16. MARK HNATOV (HUNTINGTON, NY): $4,359
17. ANTHONY BALLETTA (SANIBEL, FL): $4,359
18. JIA LIU (BROOKLYN, NY): $4,359
19. TYNG LOW (FLUSHING, NY): $3,736
20. DANIEL LEE (RICHMOND, VA): $3,736
21. AZIZ WEHBEY (WHITEHALL, PA): $3,736
22. EDIP AYAZ (NEW MILFORD, NJ): $3,736
23. DANIEL FISCHER (GLASSBORO, NJ): $3,736
24. BEHROOZ JAMSHIDI (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $3,736
25. JOSEPH DADDARIO (CHESTERLAND, OH): $3,736
26. ARBEN KUPI (ELMHURST, NY): $3,736
27. SEAN KNITTER (FOX CHASE MNR, PA): $3,736
28. MICHAEL BUTTACAVOLI (VENTNOR, NJ): $3,114
29. JOHN DORAN (WOOLWICH TWP, NJ): $3,114
30. RICHARD MISKO (HOBOKEN, NJ): $3,114
31. BRYAN GREELEY (MASTIC BEACH, NY): $3,114
32. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): $3,114
33. MICHAEL CONTESSA (ROCHELLE PARK, NJ): $3,114
34. BENJAMIN LUDWIG (SCHWENKSVILLE, PA): $3,114
35. JOSH SPIEGELMAN (PRINCETON, NJ): $3,114
36. CARL RESTIFO (WARETOWN, NJ): $3,114

Event 22: $200+$30 NLH Final Results

2010-07-01T02:13:00.000-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
June 30

Entries: 298 Total Buy-In: $59,600

FINAL RESULTS
1. JIMMY WONG (BROOKLYN, NY): $17,340
2. ANDREW BLAKE (BLOOMFIELD, NJ): $9,828
3. JACQUES MELKI (AVENEL, NJ): $5,405
4. NICHOLAS DITOMA (CORTLANDT MANOR, NY): $4,047
5. JOHN VALEVICH (BROOKLYN, NY): $3,469
6. ABRAHAM KOROTKI (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $2,891
7. JOSEPH FERRIGNO (MANCHESTER, NJ): $2,312
8. TOMMY COLAMARIA (BROOKLYN, NY): $1,734
9. LEONARDO CASTRILLON (KEW GARDENS, NY): $1,156
10. JOSEPH LOPES (WEST CREEK, NJ): $752
11. DAVID ZULLER (BROCKTON, MA): $752
12. ELISHA COHEN (NES ZIONA, ISR): $752
13. LUCAS WHEELER (NEW YORK, NY): $636
14. KERRY SMALL (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $636
15. ROBERT ETTLINGER (ENOLA, PA): $636
16. GARY STEINBERG (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $520
17. ROMEO MONTANO (EATONTOWN, NJ): $520
18. PAUL DRIVER (NEW YORK, NY): $520
19. KANG SUN (EDISON, NJ): $434
20. KENNETH FERN (BROOKLYN, NY): $434
21. KONSTANTINE BASIOS (MINEOLA, NY): $434
22. MICHAEL BROWN (ALLENTOWN, PA): $434
23. JASON SCHULTZ (EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ): $434
24. KENNETH MIHALIK (BORDENTOWN, NJ): $434
25. GREGORY CANDIDO (CORTLANDT MNR, NY): $434
26. HEATHER EVERSON (WASHINGTON, DC): $434
27. SAMMY ELKASSIR (FORT LEE, NJ): $434

Event 22 Recap

2010-07-01T02:12:00.002-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold’em
June 30

Number of Entries: 298
Total Buy-In: $59,600
Top Prize: $17,340

The final event of the Borgata Summer Poker Open featured 298 and players and Jimmy Wong (Brooklyn, NY) is the last man standing to win the first place prize of $17,340 and the championship crystal trophy.

"I wanted the trophy," says Wong, "that's all I wanted and I got it." Wong overcame a huge chip deficit three-handed to win the title over Andrew Blake (Bloomfield, NJ) and Jacques Melki (Avenel, NJ), who finished second and third respectively.

With nearly 3 million chips in play Wong only had 150k and had to double-up twice to take the chip lead and eventually the championship. First Wong had A 6 against Welki's K J and the ace high held. A few hands later he had A Q against Blake's A 2 and when a queen flopped Wong was on his way the title.

After 20 days and 22 Championship Events, the Borgata Summer Poker Open is officially in the books!

1st - Jimmy Wong (Brooklyn NY)
$17,340

Andrew Blake (Bloomfield, NJ)

2nd - $9,828

Jacques Melki (Avenel, NJ)

3rd - $5,405

4th - Nick DiToma (Corlandt Manor, NY)
$4,047

Wednesday June 30th

2010-06-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

TODAY IN THE POKER ROOM

12 PM - Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em

10,000 in starting chips
Levels last 30 minutes

7 PM - Event 46: $100 + $20 No Limit Hold'em

10,000 in starting chips
Levels last 20 minutes

Event 21: $250+$30 NLH Final Results

2010-06-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 21: $250 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
June 29

Entries: 158 Total Buy-In: $39,500

FINAL RESULTS
1. JOSEPH ALTOMONTE (WEST PATERSON, NJ): $11,801
2. KONSTANTI EHLERT (EDISON, NJ): $6,514
3. JOHN KOLINER (KINGS PARK, NY): $3,640
4. MARK STEINBERG (WOODMERE, NY): $2,682
5. THOMAS CULLIS (UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH): $2,299
6. GARY MCCOY (MECHANICSVILLE, MD): $1,916
7. ERIC JAEGER (SCARSDALE, NY): $1,533
8. GREG GALLO (N BELLMORE, NY): $1,149
9. MARK VOGLER (DEER PARK, NY): $862
10. STEPHEN BERBERICH (HAMBURG, NJ): $747
11. ANDREW KLEIN (OCEAN, NJ): $747
12. NATHAN ZEHRING (FAIRFAX, VA): $747
13. ROSANNE JAMESON (PALM COAST, FL): $651
14. JERRY JONES (SEVERN, MD): $651
15. IAN MCKENZIE (SURF CITY, NJ): $651
16. PATRICIA CAHILL (PORT JEFF STATION, NY): $575
17. FRANCIS CONCHA (HATBORO, PA): $575
18. MIKE ZHOLENDZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $575

Event 21 Recap

2010-06-30T00:15:00.012-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 21: $250 + $30 No Limit Hold’em
June 28

Number of Entries: 158
Total Buy-In: $39,500
Top Prize: $11,801

Three cashes and one final table at the Borgata Summer Poker Open wasn't enough for Joseph Altomonte (West Patterson, NJ), so he went ahead and won Event 21. "I wanted to redeem myself," he said after a dominating run through the field of 158. "Especially after coming up short of the money in the main event."

Altomonte busted in the Championship Event on the last level of Day 2 play, and said there were approximately 50 players left (36 got paid) when he hit the rail. "I have been playing pretty well, but really wanted to win one of these," he said while holding the crystal trophy that goes along with all event championships.

Kon Ehlert (Edison, NJ) and John Koliner (Long Island, NY) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Altomonte's win continues a hot summer run that includes 4 cashes in 7 events. In addition to this victory, he finished 4th in the $560 Deep Stack (Event 3), 17th in the $1k (Event 10) and he kicked off the series with a 44th place cash (Event 1).

The final day of the Borgata Summer Poker Open (Event 22) kicks off Wednesday at high noon.

1st - Joseph Altomonte (W. Paterson, NJ)
$11,801

2nd - Kon Ehlert (Edison, NJ)
$6,514

3rd - John Koliner (Long Island, NY)

$3,640

Event 18: $2000+$200 Championship Results

2010-06-29T22:00:00.000-04:00

Bling Is Out

2010-06-29T17:20:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Nagji & O'Neil Play for the trophy, bracelet &
the $180,595 first place prize

3rd place - Todd Geddis

2010-06-29T17:07:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Todd Geddis - 3rd place
$51,687

Todd Geddis moved in from the small blind and Mirza Nagji (bb) asked for the count. Todd had 820k on top of the blind. Mirza made the call, showing A3 suited. Todd had KJ and would need help to survive.

The board came A Q 6 Q 8 and was no help to Todd. He finished in 3rd place, earning $51,687.

Todd won his seat in this event in the Borgata Poker Blog website contest, so his winnings today are all profit. He calls himself "40-ish" and works in a New York City music venue. He has a couple of cashes in small events here at Borgata, but this is his first five-figure score.

He owns a lovely farm in Farmville and enjoys travel, languages, (he used to be a translator) and food. In his own words, he has " a fascination for everything".

The final two are taking a break before they start heads-up play.

Billy O'Neil leads with 5.525 million chips to Mirza Nagji's 4.105 million chips.

3 Handed

2010-06-29T16:55:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Lot's of button raises and not many flops.

Todd Geddis

Mirza Nagji & Billy O'Neil

4th place - Mike Melkersen

2010-06-29T16:14:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Mike Melkersen - 4th place
$43,592

On the last hand of the level, Billy O'Neil raised to 150k from the small blind. Mike Melkersen moved all-in from the big. Billy asked for the count (620k on top) then made the call.

Mike's AJ offsuit was ahead of Billy's Q♣4♣, but the flop was a killer: K♣T♣3♣, giving Billy the flush. Since Mike had no club in his hand, it was all over.

Mike Melkersen finished in 4th place, earning $43,592.

Mike is a 35-year-old attorney and father of two, originally from Maryland, but living in Harrisburg, VA. He's cashed four times at the WSOP, but this is his first cash in a major event at Borgata. His greatest accomplishment outside of poker: "Marrying my best friend who prevents me from becoming the degenerate gambler I am".

After that hand, the final three took a ten minute break, then resumed play with blinds of 40k/80k and 5k antes. Here are their chip counts:

Billy O'Neil - 4.34 million
Mirza Nagji - 3.3 million
Todd Geddis - 1.99 million

Billy Bleeding Chips

2010-06-29T15:59:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Billy O'Neil plays in the biggest cash games at Borgata ($50/$100 NL & $600/$1,200 HOSE) and has a lot of the high stakes players stopping by the table in between their own big hands. But the support doesn't help in a recent stretch when O'Neil loses three pots, including one that doubles-up Todd Geddis.

It starts with O'Neil losing back-to-back pots to Mirza Nagji. Nagji makes a 450k river bet with K 7 for two pairs. After O'Neil calls and sees the winner, he flashes a king on its way to the muck.

Right after that, Nagji gets another 175k from O'Neil on the river when Nagji shows the king high flush and again O'Neil mucks.

Geddis gets his double up through O'Neil when he shoves 430k all-in preflop. Geddis has A♥ 6♥ vs O'Neils 8♥ 3♥. Geddis hits the nut flush and takes his stack to nearly one million chips, while
O'Neil's stack is down to 2.1 million.

5th place - Steven Curtin

2010-06-29T15:42:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Steven Curtin - 5th place
$37,364

Steven Curtin opened for 180k and Billy O'Neil announced he was all-in on the button. The blinds got out of the way and Steven called all-in, showing AK suited. Billy was ahead with pocket 6s. His lead got bigger when the flop came T 7 6, but Steven had picked up a flush draw.

It was all over on the turn, however, as the case 6 fell, giving Billy quadzilla and the pot.

Steven 'SOS' Curtin finished in 5th place, earning $37,364.

Steven was born in Linden, NJ, but currently resides in Indian Trail, NC, outside Charlotte. He's a 40-year-old insurance agency owner and has been playing major tournaments for about two years. He finished 1st in the $350 No Limit event at the Borgata Winter Open in January 2010 ($26,175) and took 2nd in the $300 No Limit event at the Southern Poker Championship in Biloxi that same month ($16,107). His next major event will be the WSOP Main Event in Vegas next month.

When not playing poker, he volunteers with Elevation Church and enjoys magic, juggling, acting and supporting his local sports teams.

6th place - John Borzio

2010-06-29T15:28:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

John Borzio - 6th place
$31,137

Billy O'Neil opened for 150k, John Borzio called from the button, and Steven Curtin called from the big blind. The flop came 8 7 3 rainbow. Steven checked, Billy checked, then John bet 350k. Steven folded. Billy took his time, then raised another half-million on top.

John then took some time, finally announcing he was all-in. Billy said "I guess I picked the wrong time to bluff". He asked for the count and John had 610k on top. Billy finally called, tabling JT off. John was ahead with AQ off. The turn was a 6 and changed nothing. The river changed everything, however, when a Ten fell giving Billy a pair and the pot.

John Borzio finished in 6th place, earning $31,137.

John is a 59-year-old New Jersey native, currently residing in Robbinsville. He says he's a farm boy, grew up on a farm in South Jersey, fishing, boating, gardening and riding Harley's since he was 19. Today's finish is his first reported cash in a poker tournament, but probably not his last.

Lucky Number 7

2010-06-29T15:27:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

After Todd Geddis, Mirza Nagji and Steven Curtin check the flop of 7♠ 7 ♣ 7♦, the turn is the 8♥.

Nagji bets 125, Geddis folds, Curtin calls. The river is the Q♣ .

Nagji bets 275k and Curtin calls. Nagji shows 3♥ 8♠ for a full house and Curtin folds.

Nagji's stack is now at 3 million, while Curtin drops to 1.1 million.

7th place - Frank Dellaria

2010-06-29T15:04:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Frank Dellaria - 7th place
$24,910

After action folded to his small blind, Frank Dellaria moved all in. Mirza Nagji (bb) asked for the count and then made the call, showing pocket 2s. Frank was actually racing with 98 offsuit. The flop came A K 7 and changed nothing. Then a 2 fell on the turn, giving Mirza a set and a lock on the hand. River was irrelevant (4) and Mirza took the pot.

Frank Dellaria finished in 7th place, earning $24,910.

Frank was born in Burgettstown, PA and still lives there today, 57 years later. He's worked at his father's car dealership since he was 9 years old when he sold his first car -- a 1962 Mercury Comet. That car sold for $1995, which is less than it cost to enter this tournament. When not playing poker, he is an avid golfer and has made FOUR hole-in-ones!

8th place - Dean Potashner

2010-06-29T14:42:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Play resumed with blinds of 30k/60k with 5k antes. Here are some chip guess-timates as of the break:

Billy O'Neil - 1.84 million
Steven Curtin - 1.63 million
John Borzio - 1.49 million
Todd Geddis - 1.34 million
Mike Melkersen - 1.19 million
Mirza Nagji - 955k
Dean Potashner - 650k
Frank Dellaria - 565k

Dean Potashner - 8th place
$18,683

Dean Potashner moved in on the first hand and Billy O'Neil called from the big blind. Dean's J♥9♣ would need help against Billy's A♥4♥.

Then the flop came Q♥T♥8♥ and Billy flopped the nut flush, but Dean had the straight-flush redraw. He needed the 9♥ in order to survive, but the last two were bricks and Billy took the pot.

Dean Potashner finished in 8th place, earning $18,683.

Dean is a 48-year-old options trader from Harding, NJ. Many people find similarities between playing the market and playing poker. Apparently Dean's trading skills are paying off on the felt. His first reported cash was in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, January 2009, where he finished 10th in the $1k No Limit event.

Color Up Break

2010-06-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Todd Geddis opened for 150k utg, Steven Curtin called, and Mike Melkersen called from the small blind. On the flop of T 8 5 with two diamonds, Mike announced he was all in. Todd took a couple of minutes, then folded. Steven didn't take long at all to release his hand.

Billy O'Neil (hijack) and Steven Curtin (bb) tangled up in a pot. At the river, the board read Q J J 6 4 and Steven bet 300k. Billy released his hand and Steven took the pot.

End of level and players are taking ten while the staff colors up the yellow 1k chips.

9th place - Ed Corrado

2010-06-29T13:41:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Ed Corrado - 9th place
$12,456

Ed opened for 110k on the button and Billy raised to 300k from the small blind. Ed called and the flop came A 7 3 rainbow. Billy led for 200k and Ed called. Turn was a Jack. Billy announced he was all in, having Ed covered. Ed had about 320k behind. He made the call, showing A9 for a pair of Aces, but Billy had him out-kicked with AQ.

Only a 9 on the river would save Ed, but it was a 6. Billy pulled the pot.

Ed Corrado finished in 9th place, earning $12,456.

He was born in Chicago, but now resides in Naples, Florida. At the age of 79, he's retired and is a regular on the tournament circuit. His wife travels with him to casinos around the country where he has amassed over half a million dollars in tournament earnings in the last ten years, starting with a win at the US Poker Championships in December, 2000 ($40,800). His most recent cash before today was a 4th place finish at the WSOP Circuit Championship in New Orleans, where he took 4th place and $59,648.

When not playing poker, Ed can be found in the skies flying a twin engine airplane.

Chip Counts

2010-06-29T13:17:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Play has resumed with blinds of 25k/50k with 4k antes. Here are some chip estimates as of the break:

Player - Chips
John Borzio - 1.594 million
Todd Geddis - 1.444 million
Billy O'Neil - 1.375 million
Steven Curtin - 1.353 million
Ed Corrado - 940k
Mike Melkersen - 885k
Dean Potashner - 825k
Mirza Nagji - 679k
Frank Dellaria - 541k

Three-Betting All-In

2010-06-29T13:01:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Ed Corrado opened for ~120k, then Mike Melkersen moved in. The count was 523k on top. Ed tanked for a bit, then said "Screw it, I'm not gonna call" and mucked his hand. He's still got about 1 million chips. "You are wise beyond your years" said Mike, as he mucked his hand and collected his pot.

Frank Dellaria opened for 130k from the cutoff and Dean Potashner moved all-in from the button for an additional 453k. Frank gave it some thought, then surrendered. He's still got about 545k behind.

End of level and players are taking a break. Back in 15 minutes with chip counts.

Borzio Doubles; Mirza Doubles

2010-06-29T12:38:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Mike Melkersen opened for 100k, John Borzio called, and Mirza Nagji called from the big blind. The flop came J 6 4 rainbow. Mirza led out for 300k, Mike folded quickly, and John tanked. "I knew you were going to do that" he said to Mirza, then said "All-In". Mirza called quickly, showing J9 suited for top pair. John tossed this pocket 4s onto the felt (bottom set).

Everyone stood as the last two peeled off 3 2 and John doubled up to about 1.7 million. Mirza was left with ~290k.

A couple of hands later, Dean Potashner opened for 95k from the cutoff and Mirza moved all-in from the button. Dean called, showing KQ. Mirza was ahead with A6 suited. The board ran dry, 7 4 4 2 8, and Mirza doubled-up with Ace-high. He's back to about 650k. Dean was left with about 600k.

Slow But Steady

2010-06-29T12:25:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Mirza Nagji opened for 110k and Ed Corrado called. The flop came 4 2 2 with two clubs. Mirza checked, Ed bet 125k, then Mirza check-raised to 650k straight, leaving himself only about 300k behind.

Ed tanked for about a minute, then surrendered.

Todd Geddis opened for 100k from the hijack and Mirza Nagji (bb) was his only caller. The flop came J J 8 rainbow. Both players checked. Turn was a 4 and Mirza led out for 110k. Todd raised 300k on top. Mirza let it go.

Mike Melkersen opened for 100k under-the-gun, then John Borzio made it 230k straight. When action folded back to Mike, he open-mucked his pocket Jacks. John collected the pot without showing.

Dean Potashner opened for 90k utg. Ed Corrado three-bet to 290k smooth. Action folded back to Dean, who took a few seconds, then mucked.

Event 21 Underway

2010-06-29T12:07:00.000-04:00

$250 + $30 NLH

As the final table for the Championship Event continues, players have only two more chances to win a Borgata Summer Poker Open Main Event title.

The table signs are down for Event 21, the penultimate event in this series, and the cards are in the air. Noon Wednesday is Event 22, the final chance to win a crystal trophy that goes along with all the championships.

Players get 10k in chips and levels last 30 minutes. Blinds start at 25/50, as play is underway.

Flops Few and Far Between

2010-06-29T11:48:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

After the excitement of that first hand, things settled down. One big hand took place between Ed Corrado and Billy O'Neil.

On the turn, the board showed J 7 3 J and Ed fired 200k. Billy tanked for a bit, then called. River was a King and both players checked. Ed showed A9 for ace-high, but Billy took the pot with AQ.

Most hands are concluded with a single pre-flop raise, but occasionally there are fireworks:

Frank Dellaria raised to 85k on the button, then Mirza Nagji made it 300k straight from the big blind. Frank tanked, then surrendered what he says was pocket 9s.

The level concluded and blinds went up to 20k/40k with 4k antes.

Dean opened for 90k from the hijack and Mike called from the big blind. The flop came A 8 2 rainbow. Both players checked. Turn was a King and both checked again. River was a 5 and Mike bet 200k. Dean said something about how bad the flop was for him as he mucked his pocket Queens. Mike was nice enough to show his A8 (flopped two pair).

10th Place - Joshua Hakakian

2010-06-29T11:03:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Cards are in the air at the final table of the main event here at Borgata. They're still playing with blinds of 15k/30k with 3k antes.

Joshua Hakakian - 10th place
$8,096

Joshua Hakakian was happy when he drew the button in seat 3, but then on the first hand, Frank Dellaria opened for 100k from the hijack (two off the button). Joshua looked down at AK suited and moved his 240k all-in. Frank insta-called, tabling the weapons of mass destruction, pocket Aces.

The board came scary for Frank, as the flop was J T 3 with two of Joshua's suit giving him both straight and flush draws, but the last two were offsuit 2 7 and Frank took the pot.

Joshua Hakakian finished in 10th place, earning $8,096.

Tuesday June 29th

2010-06-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

TODAY IN THE POKER ROOM

11 AM - Event 18:
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Final Table

12 PM - Event 21: $250 + $30 NLH

10,000 in starting chips
Levels last 30 minutes

7 PM - Event 45: $100 + $20 No Limit Hold'em

10,000 in starting chips
Levels last 20 minutes

Event 20: $300 + $50 NLH Final Results

2010-06-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 20: $300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em
June 28

Entries: 170 Total Buy-In: $51,000

FINAL RESULTS
1. BRANDON GUSS (WAR4MINSTER, PA): $15,235
2. KERRY SMALL (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $8,410
3. CHRISTOPHER TINARI (POMPTON LAKES, NJ): $4,700
4. PHIL LIFSCHITZ (LIVINGSTON, NJ): $3,463
5. CHARLES GEIER (SUNNYSIDE, NY): $2,968
6. BENJAMIN COREN (LANSDALE, PA): $2,474
7. DANIEL CHAN (NEW YORK, NY): $1,979
8. DENNIS SUMMERS JR (CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA): $1,484
9. JEFFREY BLACK (VENTNOR, NJ): $1,113
10. KENNETH SMILEY JR. (LANCASTER, PA): $965
11. JAMES MARCO (VENTNOR, NJ): $965
12. DENNIS GOKMAN (NEW CITY, NY): $965
13. SALVATORE POPOLO (BROOKLYN, NY): $841
14. CHRISTOPHER SENAPE (NEW YORK, NY): $841
15. STEVEN REESE (SEWELL, NJ): $841
16. HOWARD CRASH (WESTON, CT): $742
17. PAUL MAZUR (W HOLLYWOOD, CA): $742
18. ALAN LOWY (FARMINGVILLE, NY): $742

Event 20 Recap

2010-06-29T04:30:00.002-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 20: $300 + $50 No Limit Hold’em
June 28

Number of Entries: 170
Total Buy-In: $51,000
1st Place: $15,235
Places Paid: 18

Brandon Guss (Philadelphia, PA) was the best of 170 players who played in Event 20 of the Borgata Summer Poker Open. Guss won $15,235 and the crystal trophy that goes with the championship.

Notables in the field who missed the money included Eric Siegel (Melville, NY), Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) and Mike Kalfa (Marlboro, NJ).

1st - Brandon Guss (Philadelphia, PA)

$15,235

2nd - Kerry Small (Ventnor, NJ)
$8,410

3rd - Chris Tinari (Pompton Lakes, NJ)

$4,700

4th - Phil Lifschitz (Livingston, NJ)
$3,463

5th- Ted Geier (Sunnyside, NY)
$2,968

Championship Event Day 3 Recap

2010-06-29T03:08:00.006-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010

After 14 hours of play on Day 3 only 10 players remain for the $180,595 first place prize for the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship Event. When the dust settled it was Steven Curtin (Charlotte, NC) leading the way with nearly 1.5 million chips.

The day began with 48 players trying to make the money, but only 36 were going to cash. After going hand-for-hand for nearly 90 minutes, the bubble finally broke when Raymond Conta and his last 14k are sent to the rail in 37th place.

As expected, the next 10 eliminations went fast and furious with the short stacks that barely hung on extinguished one by one. After the final 27 redraw, there was a ton of action on table 3 as Curtin, Tyng Low, Dean Potashner and Joshua Hakakian traded large chunks of chips.

Hakakian had one foot out the door, but a river jack gave him a full house and he tripled-up through Low and Potashner who both flopped the nut straight with identical KQ hands. Curtin, Potashner and Hakakian all made it to the final 10, but Low wasn't as fortunate. The chip leader after Day 2 was eliminated in 19th place.

Surprisingly both chip leaders after Days 1A and 1B are both at the final table and both got late double-ups to stay alive. Borgata big cash game regular Billy O'Neil (1A) doubled through Hakakian when his A 10 won a coin flip vs pocket 5s, while Mike Melkersen (1B) hit a deuce on the turn against Alex Kuchik when he was dominated A 8 vs A 2.

The hand devastated Kuchik and he was eventually eliminated in 11th place by Mirza Nagji, which stopped play for the night.

Nagji had a roller coaster of a day in which he took his stack to 2 million chips, but lost one million on a big hand to Curtin, who flopped a set of kings, and dropped Nagji to 155k. He was then one of the short stacks that got on a roll and got off the deck later in the night.

Nagji worked his stack back to more than one million chips, which is the same story for Todd Geddis, who doubled through Potashner. It was blind vs blind as Geddis' 9 7 out kicked Potashner's 9 5 when both hit middle pair.

Both players have more than 1 million chips, as does Ed Corrado, the senior statesman of the group. Corrado quietly made his way through the field and took several big pots off Nagji, including one for 750k. Nagji double-barrel bluffed with 7 6 offsuit, but Corrado had a good read and took down the pot with a pair of 9s.

On the flip side, Nagji was on the winning side of arguably the biggest hand of the day when he was all-in and at risk against Melkersen. Nagji pushed on the turn and Melkersen tanked on the last hand before dinner break. Melkersen eventually folded and showed a flopped set of 9s and is crushed to see he was up against Nagji's flopped set of 2s.

Melkersen talked himself into a fold when he thought he was behind a straight. If he makes the call and avoids quad 2s on the river, Melkersen would've been close to 3 million chips and eliminated Nagji.

Later in the night, Melkersen ran pockets kings into Kuchik's pocket aces and was crippled to 90k, but managed to survive several all-ins. He and Hakakian are the two short stacks and well below the 960k chip average.

Also in the mix for the championship are John Borzio and Frank Dellaria who flew below the radar most of the day.

Play resumes 11 am Tuesday as they play for the cash, title, crystal trophy and gold bracelet.

Here's a look at the final 10.

Position-Name-Chip Count

1. Steven Curtin 1.459 million
2. Ed Corrado 1.349 million
3. Todd Geddis 1.324 million
4. Billy O'Neil 1.247 million
5. Mirza Nagji 1.136 million
6. Dean Potashner 1.09 million
7. Frank Dellaria 756k
8. John Borzio 686k
9. Michael Melkersen 429k
10. Joshua Hakakian 243k

Final Table Seating

2010-06-29T02:57:00.006-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Seat - Name - Count

1. Frank Dellaria 756k
2. Dean Potashner 1.09 million
3. Joshua Hakakian 243k
4. Mirza Nagji 1.136 million
5. Ed Corrado 1.349 million
6. Billy O'Neil 1.247 million
7. Michael Melkersen 429k
8. John Borzio 686k
9. Todd Geddis 1.324 million
10. Steven Curtin 1.459 million

End of Day 3 Chip Counts

2010-06-29T02:46:00.009-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table

Steven Curtin

Chip Leader

Position - Name - Count

1. Steven Curtin 1.459 million
2. Ed Corrado 1.349 million
3. Todd Geddis 1.324 million
4. Billy O'Neil 1.247 million
5. Mirza Nagji 1.136 million
6. Dean Potashner 1.09 million
7. Frank Dellaria 756k
8. John Borzio 686k
9. Michael Melkersen 429k
10. Joshua Hakakian 243k

Play resumes at 11 am with the average stack at 960k. There's 43 minutes left on Level 24 (15k/30k/3k ante).

11th Place - Alex Kuchik

2010-06-29T01:30:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

Alex Kuchik
$8,096

Alex Kuchik was a deuce away from making the final table, instead he has to wonder what could've been as he finishes in 11th place.

To set the stage, Kuchik had Mike Melkersen on the ropes with A 8 vs A 2, but when a two fell on the turn it doubled Melkerson up and took a bite out of Kuchik's stack.

On the next level, with the blinds 15k/30k/3k ante, Kuchik is all-in against Mirza Nagji, but this time he's on the wrong side of ace vs ace when his jack is out kicked by Nagji's queen. But, there's no three-out help for Kuchik who misses the final table by one spot.

"Ace-eight, that was the hand," says Kuchik. "I win that and it's a different story."

The grind to get to the final 10 was a tough one as the short stacks kept doubling-up. One of the more notable hands came in a battle of the blinds when Dean Potashner calls an all-in post flop shove from Todd Geddis.

Both had middle pair on a board of 10 9 3, but Geddis has Potashner out kicked 9 7 to 9 5, as he doubles to nearly 800k.

In another key double-up Billy O'Neil raises to 70k from the button and Joshua Hakakian raises to 250k. O'Brien says, "well I know the short stacks can't lose. I'm all-in." It's only 154k more to Hakakian who makes the call.

O'Neil: A♦ 10♦
Hakakian: 5♠ 5♥

Flop: 3♦ J♥ 4♥
Turn: 7♣
River: A♣

The ace on the river gives O'Neil the hand, taking his stack to more than 700k, while the hit drops Hakakian to 240k.

Players are bagging and tagging for the night as they return at 11 am for the final table.

Curtin Crowns Nagji

2010-06-29T00:02:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Steve Curtin and Mirza Nagji battle on the final table bubble as we pick up the action on a flop of 5♠ 7♣ K♥.

Nagji bets 120k and Curtin calls.

Turn: A♣

Nagji bets 130k and Curtin min raises to 260k.

Nagji tanks and moves all-in. Curtin snap calls and tables K♠ K♦, while Nagji's drawing dead w ithA♠ J♥.

Curtin's last all-in is for 586 more and he takes down a nearly 2 million chip pot. Nagji's left with only 155k.

12th Place - Jay Johnson

2010-06-28T23:45:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Jay Johnson
$8,096

From the cutoff, Jay Johnson moves all-in for 400k and Dean Potashner calls from the button.

"I got nothing says Johnson," showing Q♣ 8♥ and is way behind Potashner's A♣ K♦. Johnson doesn't get any help and is out in 12th place.

With one more elimination the players will shut it down for the night and return for Tuesday's final table.

Break Time

2010-06-28T23:10:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

10 of the remaining 12 players are on a break, but Frank Dellaria and Billy O'Neil are busy finishing their hand.

Dellaria raises 75k preflop and O'Neil comes over the top for 200k more. Dellaria says, "don't worry, I'll call the clock on myself," and after a lot of deliberation, continues, "I don't want to race," and folds pocket 9s face up.

O'Neil replies, "I don't want to race either," and shows A K.

Players are on a 10 minute break. When play resumes blinds will be 12k/24k/3k ante.

Corrado Stares Down Nagji

2010-06-28T22:59:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

On a board of 2♣ 9♠ 2♦ Mirza Nagji leads out from the BB for 128k. Ed Corrado makes the call from the button.

Turn: A♥

Nagi bets 223k, Corrado calls.

River: 8♣

Both players check and Nagji has to show first, revealing 7♣ 6♠. Corrado shows 9♦ 10♦ for a pair of 9s and the winner.

Corrado's up to nearly 1.6 million, while Nagji while has 870k.

Dirty Dozen Chip Counts

2010-06-28T22:37:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

12 players remain with an average stack of 800k. Blinds: 10k/20k/2k ante

Table - Seat - Name - Count

1-1
1-2
1-3 Steven Curtin 1 million
1-4
1-5 Ed Corrado 1.15 million
1-6 Mike Melkersen 218k
1-7 Mirza Nagji 1.25 million
1-8 John Borzio 700k
1-9 Alex Kuchik 680k

2-1
2-2 Dean Potashner 387k
2-3
2-4 Todd Geddis 555k
2-5 Frank Dellaria 1 million
2-6 Billy O'Neil 595k
2-7 Joshua Hakakian 1.7 million
2-8
2-9 Jay Johnson 450k

Short Stack Survival

2010-06-28T22:15:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

Two of the short stacks survive their all-ins.

First Todd Geddis has one foot out the door when his K J is dominated by the A K of Joshua Hakakian, but when the board runs 3-6-5-2-4 for a chop, Geddis gets new life with the chop.

Shortly after that, Mike Melkersen's all-in for his last 111k and his A 9 holds against the K 10 of Steven Curtin. Of the remaining 12 players, Melkersen's still the short stack.

13th Place - Larry Nelson

2010-06-28T22:02:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Larry Nelson
$6,227

Dean Potashner raises with 10 J and calls the 157k reraise all-in of Larry Nelson (K 9).

Potashner flops a full house and Nelson's out in 12th place.

Kings Into Aces

2010-06-28T21:48:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

It's a standard play poker players see all the time, but when pocket kings run into pocket aces the sting is that much worse when you're deep into a big tournament.

Ed Corrado flat calls the BB of 16k and Mike Melkersen pops it up to 60k. Alex Kuchik moves all-in for 368k, Corrado gets out of the way and Melkersen calls.

Melkersen's on the wrong end of AA vs KK and when the board runs clean for Kuchik he takes down the 750k pot, while Melkersen's left with 90k

14th Place - James Ostrander

2010-06-28T21:04:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

James Ostrander
$6,227

James Ostrander has a ton of outs on the river, but can't connect against Joshua Hakakian and finishes the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship in 14th place.

On a board of 9♥ 8♦ 4♦ 7♥, Hakakian bets 45k. Ostrander makes it 140k and Hakakian moves all-in. Ostrander makes the call with his final 250k and is at risk.

Hakakian: A♦ K♣
Ostrander: A♥ 10♥

Ostrander has 18 outs with straight and flush draws and can still hit a 10, but the river is the 3♦ and Ostrander misses everything. "I have to call," he says while walking to the cage to collect his $6,227. "I'm open ended, have a flush draw and only have 250 behind."

Hakakian's ace-king high wins the pot and he's now up to 1.6 million after being on the verge of elimination earlier in the day.

Blinds: 8k/16k/2k ante.

15th Place - Florentino Deleon, Jr

2010-06-28T20:47:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event

Florentino Deleon, Jr.
$6,227

Todd Geddis and Florentino Deleon, Jr. both start the hand with roughly 330k. Geddis opens the action for 46k and Deleon, Jr. goes all-in with A♠ K♥ . Geddis makes the call with 9♣ 9♥.

The flop brings a 9 and the set for Geddis who doubles up to 675k. Deleon, Jr. is left with just 16k and is eventually on the rail when James Ostrander knocks him out in 15th place.

One Million Chip Pot

2010-06-28T20:29:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Ed Corrado, the elder statesman of the remaining players, has been quiet all day, but makes some noise in a hand against Mirza Nagji. Picking up the action on a board of 7♦ 9♣ Q♣ 3♦, there's 700k+ in the pot when Corrado is all-in for his last 218k.

Nagji goes into the tank, counts out the chips and reluctantly calls. Corrado shows 9♥ 9♦ for a set of 9s and Nagji tosses his cards into the muck before the A♣ comes on the river. "I'm drawing dead," says Corrado, who's lost a few pots since the break.

Corrado is now one of the few players that has more than 1 million chips.

Most Everyone Back From Break

2010-06-28T20:10:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Mirza Nagji (r) Continues Play Next to
the Empty Chair of Mike Melkersen

14 of the 15 remaining players are back from break. The missing player is Mike Melkersen, who folded a set of 9s, the potential winner, on the last hand before dinner break.

Melkersen eventually returns thirty minutes after play resumes looking to shake off the disappointing hand.

Event 20 Dinner Break

2010-06-28T19:27:00.002-04:00

$300 + $50 NLH

Number of Entries: 170
Players Remaining: 25
Average Stack: 68k
Blinds When Play Resumes: 1k/2k/300 ante

Total Buy-In: $51,000
1st Place: $15,235
Places Paid: 18

Dinner Break Chip Counts

2010-06-28T19:16:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Table - Seat - Name - Count

1-1
1-2 Billy O'Neil 620k
1-3 Steven Curtin 1.27m
1-4
1-5 Ed Corrado 323k
1-6 Mike Melkersen 785k
1-7 Mirza Nagji 1.97m
1-8 John Borzio 483k
1-9 Alex Kuchik 138k

2-1
2-2 Dean Potashner 448k
2-3 James Ostrander 460k
2-4 Todd Geddis 325k
2-5 Frank Dellaria 682k
2-6 Larry Nelson 316k
2-7 Joshua Hakakian 992k
2-8 Florentino Deleon, Jr 330k
2-9 Jay Johnson 529k

Dinner Time!

2010-06-28T19:15:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event

In huge hand that went about ten minutes into the one-hour dinner break:

On the turn, the board was 9♣7♣2♦5♠ and Mirza Nagji (sb) checked. Mike Melkersen (button) bet 250k. After about 5 minutes in the tank, Mizra announced he was all-in. Mike then took his turn in the tank for about the same time. He apparently convinced himself that Mirza held 86 and had turned the straight. He eventually folded, showing pocket 9s (top set!).

Mirza said "You want to see?" then rolled over pocket deuces for bottom set. With that pot, Mirza is up to almost 2 million chips. Mike was left with about 785k.

Mirza Nagji

They will be on dinner until about 8pm.

Event 20 Payouts

2010-06-28T18:54:00.003-04:00

$300 + $50 NLH

Number of Entries: 170
Total Buy-In: $51,000

1....................................$ 15,235
2....................................$ 8,410
3....................................$ 4,700
4....................................$ 3,463
5....................................$ 2,968
6....................................$ 2,474
7....................................$ 1,979
8....................................$ 1,484
9....................................$ 1,113
10-12..............................$ 965
13-15..............................$ 841
16-18..............................$ 742

Eye On the Prize

2010-06-28T18:48:00.008-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Not only are the players fighting for the $180,595 first prize and crystal trophy, but also up for grabs is a Championship Event gold bracelet.

2010 Borgata Summer Poker Open Bracelet

16th place - Mark Hnatov

2010-06-28T18:46:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

Mirza Nagji raised, Steven Curtin (button) called, then Mark Hnatov moved all-in from the small blind. Mirza then came over the top for 400k straight. Steven opted out, open-mucking his AK. Mark was not happy to see that as he had AJ. Mirza was ahead with pocket Queens. The board came T 9 9 9 6 and Mirza took the pot.

Mark Hnatov - 16th place

Mark Hnatov finished in 16th place, earning $4,359.

15 players remain.

17th place - Anthony Balletta

2010-06-28T18:34:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

On a flop of Q 4 3 rainbow, Mike Melkersen (sb) checked, Anthony Balletta (utg) bet 50k, and after eyeing his stack, Mike called. Turn was a 6 and again Mike checked. Anthony fired another 50k salvo and Mike called.

River was a Ten and Mike checked. Anthony said he was all-in. Mike asked for the exact count, which was 133k, then called. "You got me" Anthony said, as he showed his KJ suited. Mike rolled over AQ for top/top to take the pot.

Anthony Balletta - 17th place

Anthony Balletta finished in 17th place, earning $4,359.

John Borzio was moved from table two to Anthony's empty seat on table one to balance them with eight players each.

16 players remain. Average stack is almost 602k.

18th place - Jia Liu

2010-06-28T18:16:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

On the river the board read 9♦6♦3♥8♦T♦ and Jia Liu moved all-in. Billy O'Neil made the call, showing pocket Tens for the rivered set. He was apparently ahead the whole way as Jia flashed A6 (middle pair on the flop) before he mucked.

Jia Liu - 18th place

Jia Liu finished in 18th place, earning $4,359. "He was obviously unaware of how well I'm playing" Billy O'Neil said, tongue-in-cheek. He now has about 660k.

Ostrander Doubles

2010-06-28T18:07:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

On a flop of T T 9, James Ostrander moved all in for ~170k. Dean Potashner tanked for a bit, then called, showing Q9 for two pair. James had him crushed with AT for trip Tens. The last two came K 9 and James doubled up with the full house. He's up to ~660k. Dean is down to ~390k.

James Ostrander

End of level 19. Play continued into level 20 with blinds of 6k/12k and 1k antes.

Curtins for Low

2010-06-28T17:51:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

Tyng Low opened for 30k and Steven Curtin raised to 80k. Tyng called the raise. Before the flop appeared Steven bet 300k, which was enough to cover Tyng. The flop came T 5 3 rainbow and Tyng called all-in, showing JT suited for top pair. That was good for the lead, as Steven tabled AQ off. The turn was a King, which gave Steven more outs, needing an Ace, Queen, or Jack. And the river was...a Jack! Steven took the pot with Broadway, beating Tyng's two pair.

Tyng Low - 19th place

"Suck Out Steve -- SOS -- That's what they call me!" said Steven as he collected his chips.

Tyng Low finished in 19th place earning $3,736. He was the chip leader at the end of day two. Interestingly, the end of days 1A (Todd Geddis) and 1B (Mike Melkersen) chip leaders are both still alive.

With 18 players remaining they broke table three and moved those players to the other two tables.

Lee's Last Stand

2010-06-28T17:42:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

20th - Daniel Lee
$3,736

Daniel Lee ships 118k UTG and it folds to Billy O'Neil in the BB. After a mini-tank, O'Neil makes the call and says, "here take my money."

O'Neil's ahead with 10♣ 10♥ vs Lee's Q♥ 6♥ and the board stays clean to eliminate Lee in 20th place, earning him $3,736.

Crazy Chop

2010-06-28T17:30:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

All the big hands continue to emanate from table 3 and this time it's Jai Liu initiating the action with an 80k button raise. Ed Corrado, who hasn't played a hand for two hours, shoves all-in for nearly 200k.

Tyng Low calls from the BB and barely covers Corrado, putting the action back on Liu, who goes in the tank.

All three players are on their feet as Liu ponders a call that will decimate his stack. "I hope you guys have the same hand," says Liu, adding. "If I call, whoever wins is going to be the chip leader."

Liu eventually says, "I'm better than that, I fold," tabling J♦ J♥.

Corrado: 6♥ 6♣
Tyng: A♣ K♦

After seeing the board run out, Liu's a bit queasy.

Flop: 7 10 8
Turn: 6 (set for Corrado)
River: 9

There's a straight on the board helping Tyng earn a chop with Corrado. If Liu calls, his jack plays for a higher straight and he takes everything. "I can't call there," says Liu, "I have to assume, one of those guys has me crushed."

2 Nut Straights Get Rivered

2010-06-28T17:16:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

If Joshua Hakakian makes the final table, he'll be thanking the J♥, while Dean Potashner and Tyng Low are wondering how they both lose a hand after flopping the nuts.

All three players go to the flop for 30k and the board is J♣ 10♠ A♦.

Low leads out for 15k, Potashner calls and Hakakian shoves all-in for 167 more. Low makes the call, Potashner reshoves for 650k more and Low snap calls with less.

Hakakian: J♦ 10♥♠ (two pairs)
Low: K♥ Q♥ (nut straight)
Potashner: K♣ Q♠ (nut straight)

Turn: 4♠
River: J♥ (Hakakian full house)

Hakakian scoops the pot with a 4 outer, taking his stack to 650k, as Low and Potashner are left shaking their heads.

Johnson Makes a Move

2010-06-28T16:53:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

On a flop of A 7 2 with two diamonds, Jay Johnson (cutoff) bet 40k. John Borzio (button) raised to 90k. Jay asked what he had left (164k) then decided to move all-in. John folded.

Chip Counts

2010-06-28T16:48:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

End of level and players took a 15 minute break. 20 players remain. Average stack is 481,500.

Here are some rough chip counts:
Dean Potashner - 945k
Steven Curtin - 845k
Frank Dellaria - 730k
Mirza Nagji - 709k
Jia Liu - 703k
Tyng Low - 621k
Mike Melkersen - 555k
Todd Geddis - 493k
Alex Kuchik - 483k
James Ostrander - 451k
Ed Corrado - 451k
Jay Johnson - 440k
Anthony Balletta - 401k
Larry Nelson - 347k
Billy O'Neil - 335k
John Borzio - 291k
Daniel Lee - 250k
Florentino Deleon, Jr - 225k
Mark Hnatov - 222k
Joshua Hakakian - 200k

Play resumed with Level 19, blinds 5k/10k with 1k antes.

Payouts

2010-06-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event

Entries: 321
Total Buy-In: $642,000

Place - Amount

1....................................$ 180,595
2....................................$ 104,620
3......................................$ 51,687
4......................................$ 43,592
5......................................$ 37,364
6......................................$ 31,137
7......................................$ 24,910
8......................................$ 18,683
9......................................$ 12,456
10-12..................................$ 8,096
13-15..................................$ 6,227
16-18..................................$ 4,359
19-27..................................$ 3,736
28-36...................................$3,114

Whebey Feeling Low

2010-06-28T16:18:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Aziz Wehby is all-in for his last 60k and Tyng Low makes the call.

Wehby: 7 7
Low: J K

Low flops a jack and has a full house by the river. Wehby finishes in 21st place, earning him $3,736.

Low now has 600k in chips.

21st - Aziz Wehby

Three More Casualties

2010-06-28T16:01:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

After an opening raise, Behrooz Jamshidi moved in, then Billy O'Neil moved in over the top. The opener got out of the way. Behrooz held AQ and was dominated by Billy's AK. The better hand held up and Billy took the pot. Behrooz finished 24th for $3,736. (He's the brother of well-known poker pro Sirous Jamshidi.)

Behrooz Jamshidi - 24th place

Daniel Fischer was all-in holding pocket 8s against AK suited of Dean Potashner. The flop came A J J, giving Dean the lead with Aces-up. Turn was another Jack, giving Dean Jacks-full of Aces and Daniel's Jacks-full of 8s was drawing dead. To add salt to his wound, the river was a useless 8. Daniel finshed 23rd for $3,736.

Daniel Fischer - 23rd place

Edip Ayaz was all-in and called by both Todd Geddis and John Borzio, who checked down the board of J 8 5 7 K. Todd's A3 suited missed completely. Edip's AQ also missed. John held J9 suited and took the pot with a pair of Jacks. Edip finished 22nd for $3,736.

Edip Ayaz - 22nd place

Dellaria Doubles; O'Neil Doubles

2010-06-28T15:44:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

On a flop of 7 6 5, Frank Dellaria got all-in against Edip Ayaz. Frank held pocket 6s and had flopped a set. Edip held pocket Jacks and was drawing slim. The last two came 8 K and Frank doubled up to over 700k. Edip was left with ~70k

On the river with a board of J J 3 Q 9, Mike Melkersen moved in, having Billy O'Neil well covered. Billy called, showing AT for Ace-high. Mike mucked. Bill doubled to ~300k. Mike is still in good shape with over 400k.

Three More Down

2010-06-28T15:33:00.007-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Sean Knitter shoves his last 50k all with Q J vs Mike Melkersen's 10 10. The 10s hold and Knitter, who says he was card dead all day, is out in 27th place.

27th - Sean Knitter

In a battle of the blinds, Larry Nelson limps from the SB and Arben Kupi checks his option. The flop is 10 8 6 and all the money goes in. Nelson, with 10 4, has top pair, while Kupi has 8 4 for middle pair. The board is brick, brick for Kupi and he's out in 26th place.

26th - Arben Kupi

Joseph Daddario gets his last 95k all-in with A♠ 8♠ vs the A♦ K♦ of Alex Kuchik. The flop is Q 8 Q to give Daddario the lead with a pair of 8s, but the turn (J) and the river (10) give Kuchik running straight cards. Daddario's disappointed on being knocked out by Broadway for 25th place.

All three players earn $3,736.

25th - Joseph Daddario

27 Redraw

2010-06-28T15:08:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Table - Seat - Name

1-1 Joseph Daddario
1-2 Billy O'Neil
1-3 Daniel Lee
1-4 Mark Hnatov
1-5 Behrooz Jamshidi
1-6 Mike Melkersen
1-7 Mirza Nagji
1-8 Sean Knitter
1-9 Alex Kuchik

2-1 John Borzio
2-2 Edip Ayaz
2-3 James Ostrander
2-4 Todd Geddis
2-5 Frank Dellaria
2-6 Larry Nelson
2-7 Arben Kupi
2-8 Florentino Deleon, Jr
2-9 Jay Johnson

3-1 Steven Curtin
3-2 Anthony Balletta
3-3 Dean Potashner
3-4 Daniel Fischer
3-5 Joshua Hakakian
3-6 Jia Liu
3-7 Ed Corrado
3-8 Aziz Wehbey
3-9 Tyng Low

The Domino Effect

2010-06-28T14:37:00.012-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Now that they're in the money, they're busting so fast we can't keep up!

All these folks cashed for $3,114:
35th: Josh Spiegelman
34th: Benjamin Ludwig
33rd: Michael Contessa
32nd: Joanne Monteavaro
31st: Bryan Greeley
30th: Richard Misko
29th: John Doran
28th: Michael Buttacavoli

Click > for Photo Montage

The final 27 will redraw for seats and move to the final three tables.

In The Money!

2010-06-28T14:06:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

As soon as they got back to business, Raymond Conta had to commit his last 14k to the pot. He was called by Aziz Wehby and Mike Melkersen, who checked it down. Raymond's J6 was beat by Aziz's QJ, but by the river, Mike had made a flush with his K6 of diamonds. Raymond became this event's bubble-boy, finishing in 37th place.

Raymond Conta - Bubble-Boy

With 36 players remaining, they have resumed normal play. All remaining players are in the money and guaranteed to leave with at least $3,114.

Next to leave was Carl Restifo. He got all-in with AK against the pocket Jacks of Billy O'Neil. The Jacks held up and Carl finished in 36th place, earning $3,114.

Carl Restifo - 36th place

Bubble Time Continued

2010-06-28T13:51:00.005-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

Play has resumed with Level 17, blinds 3k/6k with 500 antes.

Still 37 players. Still hand-for-hand.

Here are some rough chip counts as of the break:

Table 1
1 - Joseph Daddario - 90k
2 - Florentino Deleon, Jr. - 100k
3 - Dean Potashner - 625k
4 - John Doran - 90k
5 - Billy O'Neil - 200k
7 - Frank Dellaria - 235k
8 - Carl Restifo - 120k
9 - Joanne Monteavaro - 35k

Table 2
2 - Joshua Hakakian - 370k
3 - Arben Kupi - 55k
4 - Jia Liu - 680k
5 - Tyng Low - 400k
6 - Jay Johnson - 215k
7 - Behrooz Jamshidi - 56k
9 - Richard Misko - 63k

Table 3
2 - Mark Hnatov - 124k
3 - Daniel Fischer - 532k
4 - Todd Geddis - 458k
5 - Anthony Balletta - 300k
6 - Larry Nelson - 400k
7 - Daniel Lee - 130k
9 - Michael Buttacavoli - 53k

Table 4
1 - Mirza Nagji - 394k
2 - Raymond Conta - 14k
4 - Sean Knitter - 298k
5 - Josh Spiegelman - 220k
6 - John Borzio - 100k
7 - James Ostrander - 620k
8 - Aziz Wehby - 85k
9 - Mike Melkersen - 627k

Table 5
3 - Alex Kuchik - 325k
4 - Ed Corrado - 314k
5 - Benjamin Ludwig - 52k
6 - Bryan Greeley - 140k
7 - Michael Contessa - 100k
8 - Edip Ayaz - 285k
9 - Steven Curtin - 360k

Break!

2010-06-28T13:30:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Daniel Fischer raised from the cutoff, then Larry Nelson shoved from the small blind. Daniel called, showing T9 of spades. Larry held AQ off. The board came K J 4 9 2 -- with four hearts -- and Larry took the pot with his Ace of hearts. He doubled up to about 300k. Daniel is still sitting behind a comfortable stack over 400k.

Daniel Fischer

Still 37 players.

Level 17 has expired and players are taking 15 while the staff colors up the black 100 chips.

Bubble Time!

2010-06-28T12:41:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

Championship Event Day 3

Lawrence Abrams was very short and got all-in with calls by Joshua Hakakian and Tyng Low. They checked to the river on a board of 6 5 4 T 7, when Joshua bet 10k. Tyng called. Joshua showed 74 off for two pair. Tyng held K8 for the rivered straight. Lawrence mucked. Tyng took both the main and side pots. Lawrence was busted in 39th place, three out of the money.

Tyng Low

On a flop of 5 3 2, Mike Devinsky was all-in against Daniel Fischer. Mike's pocket 9s were crushed by Daniel's pocket Queens. The last two came Q 3, giving Daniel the full house for the over-kill. Mike finished two out of the money in 38th place.

With 37 players remaining, it is bubble time. They will play hand-for-hand until one more player is eliminated.

Three to the Money

2010-06-28T12:22:00.003-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

Harry Piacitelli moved his short-stack in and Jay Johnson looked him up with pocket Kings. Harry's A4 would need help for him to survive. A King hit the board, putting help out of reach. Harry was busted.

On the river with a board of J T 5 K J, Daniel Lee checked to Mike Devinsky, who bet 50k. Daniel gave it some thought, then called. Mike showed AQ for the Broadway straight. Daniel mucked.

Joanne Monteavaro was all in for her last 40k, but got no takers.

In a battle of the blinds, Arben Kupi (small) was all-in against Jia Liu (big). Arben's A8 had Jia's 83 dominated. Board came A T 9 2 5 and Arben doubled up - to about 25k.

Arben was all-in again, but got no takers and collected the blinds and antes.

Play continued into Level 16, blinds 2,500/5,000 with 400 antes.

Arben Kupi was all-in again, against Jia Liu, again. This time Arben's AJ was racing against Jia's pocket Tens. The board came K J 2 5 J and Arben doubled, again. He's up to about 70k now.

[Edip Ayaz is serving a one-orbit penalty for answering his phone during a hand.]

39 players remain. Three more to the money.

Event 20 Underway

2010-06-28T12:05:00.002-04:00

$300 + $50 NLH

Players are still filing into the poker room to take their shot at a Main Event Championship and the crystal trophy that goes with it. Players get 10,000 chips and levels last 40 minutes long.

Blinds start at 25/50. Shuffle up and deal!

Down to Forty

2010-06-28T11:54:00.002-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

On a flop of 7 5 2 rainbow, Andrew Lee moved all-in. Daniel Fischer asked for the count (84,100) and tanked for a couple of minutes. Someone called for the clock and before time expired, Daniel made the call. His pocket Tens were already ahead of Andrew's 87 (pair of 7s) but when a Ten came on the turn, Andrew was drawing dead. River was a useless 8. Andrew hit the rail.

Over on table four, Brandon Vargas was ousted by James Ostrander's flopped straight.

Edip Ayaz doubled through Benjamin Ludwig when his pocket Aces held against Benjamin's pocket Kings. Edip is close to 600k. Benjamin was left with about 100k.

Scott Lazewski was all-in for his last ~6k against Bryan Greeley and Steven Curtin, who checked down the King-high board. Scott's AQ was useless against Steven's KJ which made a pair of Kings (Steven had pocket Jacks). Scott reported to the rail.

40 players remain. 36 get paid. Four more to the money.

Two More Out The Door

2010-06-28T11:39:00.001-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

David Rosenau was taken out by Jia Liu. Jia is now over half a million chips.

Joe Daddario was all-in against Wooyang Lin. Joe's pocket Kings held up against Wooyang's AK and Joe doubled up. Wooyang then got his last chips in with J7 against the pocket 6s of Frank Dellaria. Frank's pair was good and Wooyang hit the rail.

43 players remain.

Make That Three

2010-06-28T11:18:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

On a flop of J 5 4, Jia Liu (bb) bet 30k. Eugene 'the Tourist' Juergens moved all-in from the cutoff. Jia asked for the count (about 84k on top) and decided to call.

Eugene held pocket 6s. Jia held QJ for top pair and the lead. Eugene was drawing slim to two outs. The last two cards fell 2 4 and Eugene's run was over. He reported to the rail.

Over on table one, Robert Albert was all-in holding AQ (top/top) on a Q 7 x flop. Dean Potashner had him beat with pocket 7s for the set. The last two were bricks and Robert hit the rail. Dean is over half a million chips now.

45 players remain. They've broken table six and we now have five 9-handed tables.

Only 36 get paid.

Cards Fly on Day 3

2010-06-28T11:08:00.004-04:00

$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

Level 15, blinds 2k/4k with 400 antes.

Cards are in the air for day 3 and already one player has reported to the rail.

Matt Kalinowski open-shoved and Eugene Juergens very vocally shoved over the top. Matt held pocket 6s and was in trouble against Eugene's pocket Queens. Then the flop came A A Q and Eugene had flopped the full house. Matt was dead to running 6s. The last two came K T and Matt reported to the rail.

47 players remain.

Monday, June 28

2010-06-28T09:00:00.002-04:00

TODAY IN THE POKER ROOM

11 AM - Event 18: $2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Championship Event Day 3

12 PM - Event 20: $300 + $50 NLH

10,000 in starting chips
Levels last 40 minutes

7 PM - Event 44: $100 + $20 No Limit Hold'em

10,000 in starting chips
Levels last 20 minutes

Event 19: $350 + $50 NLH Final Results

2010-06-28T02:00:00.000-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 19: $350 + $50 No Limit Hold'em
June 27

Entries: 186 Total Buy-In: $65,100

FINAL RESULTS
1. JEFFREY GURFINKEL (BROOKLYN, NY): $19,449
2. ROBERT WEISSMAN (NEW YORK, NY): $10,735
3. MICHAEL HUCKER (GUTTENBERG, NJ): $5,999
4. PATRICK GARTLAND (NEW YORK, NY): $4,420
5. RICHARD LOGUE (RICHMOND, VA): $3,789
6. ALAN GOODMAN (BROOKLYN, NY): $3,157
7. DOUGLAS CONANT (SUTTON, WV): $2,526
8. TIMOTHY BRYAN (CENTERVILLE, VA): $1,894
9. ALEX YATSENKO (HERNDON, VA): $1,422
10. BRIAN GRODOFSKY (MERRICK, NY): $1,231
11. KENNETH JACOBY (ROSLYN HGTS, NY): $1,231
12. BERNARD LIBERATI (CHERRY HILL, NJ): $1,231
13. WAYNE BLACKWELL (QUEENS, NY): $1,073
14. SALOMON COHEN (BETHESDA, MD): $1,073
15. FRANK CALDERONE (BAYSIDE, NY): $1,073
16. ANGELO WEDRA (PALISADES PK, NJ): $948
17. LINA DONSKAYA (BROOKLYN, NY): $948
18. ERIC BEHAR (CHARLOTTE, NC): $948

Event 19 Recap

2010-06-28T01:30:00.008-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 19: $350 + $50 No Limit Hold’em
June 27

Number of Entries: 186
Total Buy-In: $65,100
Top Prize: $19,449

After 13 hours of poker Jeffrey Gurfinkel (Brooklyn, NY) was the best of 186 players and won Event 19, good for $19,449 and the Borgata crystal trophy.

Notables in the field who missed the money included James Boyle (Havre de Grace, MD), Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) and Matt 'Muffins' Mazzeo (East Williston, NY).

1st Place - Jeffrey Gurfinkel (Brooklyn, NY)

$19,449

2nd Place - "Backdoor" Bob Weissman (New York, NY)

$10,735

3rd Place - Mike Hucker (Guttenberg, NJ)

$5,999

Championship Event Day 2 Recap

2010-06-28T00:02:00.000-04:00

Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 18: $2000 + $200 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event
June 25-29

Number of Entries: 321
Total Buy-In: $642,000
Top Prize: $180,595

Only 48 players remain in the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship Event, so they'll have a restless night waiting to resume play Monday morning. The short stacks will be wondering if they can hang on to make the money, while the big stacks are dreaming of the $180,000+ first prize.

The chip lead exchanged hands throughout Day 2 with no less than a half dozen players holding the top spot, but nobody finished with a monster stack. When the dust settled, it was Tyng Low (Queens, NY) leading the way with 567,900, as 13 players have more than 300k.

Mike Melkersen (New Market, VA), who began the day with chip lead, got off to a slow start, but used a slow and steady approach to finish second overall with nearly 527k. Other players who had the chip lead Sunday included Florentino Deleon, Jr. (Joppa, MD), Mirza Nagji (New York, NY) Mike Devinsky (Middletown, NJ) and Jim Ostrander (Southern Pines, NC), who are all still in the mix for the Championship Event title and the crystal trophy that goes with it.

One of the more colorful players making it through to Day 3 is Gene Juergens (Brighton, MI), who at one point was down to 10k right before the final break, but rallied to finish with 88k. Juergens antics included doing a victory lap around the table after winning pots and shouting, "yes, I did it. I did it again," when he survived multiple double-ups on the last level of the night.

The only woman left in the field is Joanne Monteavaro (Bronx, NY), who finished with 129k.
Notable players eliminated Sunday include Paul Snead (Kings Park, NY), Ian Palomo (San Antonio, TX) and Eric Siegel (Melville, NY).

When play resumes Monday at 11 am, the remaining 48 players will battle for the top 36 spots, which guarantees a minimum payout of $3,114. Also Monday is Main Event 20, the $300 +$50 NL Hold'em one day tournament, which begins at 12 pm.

Day 3 Table Assignments

2010-06-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

Table-Seat-Name-Chip Count

1	1	JOSEPH	DADDARIO	74,500
1	2	FLORENTINO	DELEON JR	138,900
1	3	DEAN	POTASHNER	416,400
1	4	ROBERT	ALBERT	95,000
1	5	WILLIAM	ONEIL	187,800
1	6	WOOYANG	LIN	72,300
1	7	FRANK	DELLARIA	232,000
1	8	CARL	RESTIFO	154,800

2	1	EUGENE	JUERGENS	89,700
2	2	JOSHUA	HAKAKIAN	161,000
2	3	ARBEN	KUPI	38,400
2	4	JIA	LIU	337,100
2	5	TYNG	LOW	567,900
2	6	JAY	JOHNSON	435,000
2	7	DAVID	ROSENAU	54,800
2	8	MATTHEW	KALINOWSKI	53,700

3	1	ANDREW	LEE	181,200
3	2	MARK	HNATOV	111,400
3	3	DANIEL	FISCHER	452,400
3	4	TODD	GEDDIS	409,800
3	5	ANTHONY	BALLETTA	191,200
3	6	LARRY	NELSON	201,500
3	7	DANIEL	LEE	154,600
3	8	MICHAEL	DEVINSKY	204,000

4	1	MIRZA	NAGJI	306,400
4	2	RAYMOND	CONTA	97,000
4	3	BRANDON	VARGAS	67,700
4	4	SEAN	KNITTER	322,900
4	5	JOSH	SPIEGELMAN	379,100
4	6	JOHN	BORZIO	90,500
4	7	JAMES	OSTRANDER	473,800
4	8	AZIZ	WEHBEY	173,700

5	1	BEHROOZ	JAMSHIDI	21,900
5	2	SCOTT	LAZEWSKI	116,300
5	3	ALEX	KUCHIK	102,600
5	4	EDWARD	CORRADO	315,000
5	5	BENJAMIN	LUDWIG	284,000
5	6	BRYAN	GREELEY	215,500
5	7	MICHAEL	CONTESSA	175,000
5	8	EDIP	AYAZ	304,440

6	1	STEVEN	CURTIN	195,100
6	2	JOHN	DORAN	68,200
6	3	RICHARD	MISKO	51,700
6	4	HARRY	PIACITELLI	71,500
6	5	MICHAEL	BUTTACAVOLI	64,200
6	6	JOANNE	MONTEAVARO	129,100
6	7	MICHAEL	MELKERSEN	526,800
6	8	LAWRENCE	ABRAMS	179,300

End of Day 2 Chip Counts

2010-06-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event
Day 2

Position-Name-Chip Count

1	TYNG	LOW	567,900
2	MICHAEL	MELKERSEN	526,800
3	JAMES	OSTRANDER	473,800
4	DANIEL	FISCHER	452,400
5	JAY	JOHNSON	435,000
6	DEAN	POTASHNER	416,400
7	TODD	GEDDIS	409,800
8	JOSH	SPIEGELMAN	379,100
9	JIA	LIU	337,100
10	SEAN	KNITTER	322,900
11	EDWARD	CORRADO	315,000
12	MIRZA	NAGJI	306,400
13	EDIP	AYAZ	304,440
14	BENJAMIN	LUDWIG	284,000
15	FRANK	DELLARIA	232,000
16	BRYAN	GREELEY	215,500
17	MICHAEL	DEVINSKY	204,000
18	LARRY	NELSON	201,500
19	STEVEN	CURTIN	195,100
20	ANTHONY	BALLETTA	191,200
21	WILLIAM	ONEIL	187,800
22	ANDREW	LEE	181,200
23	LAWRENCE	ABRAMS	179,300
24	MICHAEL	CONTESSA	175,000
25	AZIZ	WEHBEY	173,700
26	JOSHUA	HAKAKIAN	161,000
27	CARL	RESTIFO	154,800
28	DANIEL	LEE	154,600
29	FLORENTINO	DELEON JR	138,900
30	JOANNE	MONTEAVARO	129,100
31	SCOTT	LAZEWSKI	116,300
32	MARK	HNATOV	111,400
33	ALEX	KUCHIK	102,600
34	RAYMOND	CONTA	97,000
35	ROBERT	ALBERT	95,000
36	JOHN	BORZIO	90,500
37	EUGENE	JUERGENS	89,700
38	JOSEPH	DADDARIO	74,500
39	WOOYANG	LIN	72,300
40	HARRY	PIACITELLI	71,500
41	JOHN	DORAN	68,200
42	BRANDON	VARGAS	67,700
43	MICHAEL	BUTTACAVOLI	64,200
44	DAVID	ROSENAU	54,800
45	MATTHEW	KALINOWSKI	53,700
46	RICHARD	MISKO	51,700
47	ARBEN	KUPI	38,400
48	BEHROOZ	JAMSHIDI	21,900

The Lower 48

2010-06-27T20:56:00.006-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event
(Day 2)

Low is High on Chips

48 players remain after Day 2 of the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship.

Here's the unofficial Top 10 (Look for a full list later tonight).

Position-Name-Chip Count

1. Tyng Low 567,900
2. Mike Melkerson 526,800
3. Jim Ostrander 474,800
4. Daniel Fischer 452,400
5. Jay Johnson 435,000
6. Dean Potashner 416,400
6. Todd Geddis 409,000
7. Ed Corrado 315,000
8. Josh Speigelman 379,100
9. Jia Liu 337,100
10. Sean Knitter 312,900

Play resumes at 11 am. The average stack is 200k and the top 36 cash.

Prize Pool

Place - Amount

1....................................$ 180,595
2....................................$ 104,620
3......................................$ 51,687
4......................................$ 43,592
5......................................$ 37,364
6......................................$ 31,137
7......................................$ 24,910
8......................................$ 18,683
9......................................$ 12,456
10-12..................................$ 8,096
13-15..................................$ 6,227
16-18..................................$ 4,359
19-27..................................$ 3,736
28-36...................................$3,114

Short Stack Ninjas

2010-06-27T20:20:00.004-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event
(Day 2)

As another table breaks, some short stacks are finding new life.

At table 3, Mark Hnatov (Huntington, NY) gets his last 30k all-in vs two players.

Hnatov: A A
Paul Snead: 7 7
Anonymous: Q Q

Hnatov's hand holds up and is now close to 100k. Snead, who we featured earlier in the tournament, is out, while Mr. Anonymous is still alive.

At table 5, the self admitted poker tourist Eugene Juergens (Brighton, MI, who says, "I'm on a poker vacation," has taken his 10k to nearly 150k. Every time he double or triples up he yells, "yes, I did it. I did it again!"

54 players remain on 6 tables with an average stack of 178k. There's just a few minutes left on the level, before they bag and tag for the night.

Big Hand After Break

2010-06-27T19:49:00.005-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

Steven Curtin's new found chips are now in the stack of Jim Ostrander (Southern Pines, NC). On the first hand back from break Curtin has JJ vs Ostrander's 5 6.

Flop: 2 4 6 - Curtin bets 70k, Ostrander calls.
Turn: 8 - Curtin bets 70k, Ostrander calls.
River: 5 - Curtin bets 70k, Ostrander calls.

Curtin ships 210k to Ostrander who wins the hand with two pairs. Ostrander's the new chip leader with 493k, while Curtin has less than 100k.

58 players remain with an average stack of 166k.

Big Hand Before Break

2010-06-27T19:02:00.006-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event
(Day 2)

The clock is flashing zero as Level 13 (1,200/2,400/300) ends, but there's still action on table 5.

The flop is Q♣ 6♦ 2♦ and Frank Vizza (Cold Spring Harbor, NY ) is all-in for 40k. Eugene Juergens (Brighton, MI) flat calls and Steven Curtin (Charlotte, NC) moves all in for 78k more. Juergens calls and the cards are on the felt.

Vizza: 8♠ 8♣ (pair of 8s)
Juergens: A♦ 2♦ (nut flush draw)
Curtin: Q♥ 10♥ (top pair)

The board doesn't help Juergens or Vizza, while Curtin's stacking nearly 300k in chips with a pair of queens. Vizza, a Borgata regular is out, while Juergens is down to less than 10k.

Players are on break as they gear up for Level 14 (1,500/3k/300 ante) of the night.

62 Players Remain

2010-06-27T18:53:00.002-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

'Joe the Donk' (his words, not mine) was all-in pre-flop with pocket 2s against Paul Snead's pocket Queens. You guessed it. A Deuce hit the board and Joe doubled up to ~90k. Paul was left with ~65k.

62 players remain. Average is over 155k

Slow & Steady

2010-06-27T18:30:00.003-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

Donk Chips on the Left, 300k on the Right

After verbally jousting with Ahmed Fahmy (Long Island, NY) during Day 1B, Mike Melkersen (New Market, VA) flew under the radar with his chip count and emerged as the chip leader heading into Day 2.

Now, after a slow start, Melkersen's back on top with 430k, but no major hands to speak of, "slow and steady," he says.

In an interesting chip management move, Melkerson has his stack divided in to two piles "This is 300 thousand," he says while pointing to the stack on his left, then while referring to the other pile of chips, "this is what I'm going to gamble with, once that's gone I'll have to tighten up."

Level 13 (1,200/2,400/300 ante) continues.

Big Action, Big Pots

2010-06-27T18:13:00.005-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

After an early position player opened for 10k, Tom Dobrilovic flatted from the small blind, then Ed Corrado shoved > 170k. The opener folded and Tom insta-called, showing pocket Aces. Ed held AK and was in bad shape. Then the board came K Q 6 4 K giving Ed trip Kings and the monster pot. He had Tom covered so Tom was busted. Ed's up to ~345k.

Meanwhile, the fireworks continue back on table 1. On the turn with a board of J♥9♥3♥5♠ Baruch Adams moved in. Big stack Mirza Nagji made the call, showing T♥8♥ for the flopped flush with open-ended straight-flush redraw. Baruch tabled T♠9♦ for nothing but a pair of 9s. He was drawing dead and hit the rail.

With that pot, Mirza is approaching 400k and back in the chip lead.

New Chip Leader?

2010-06-27T17:57:00.001-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

After the player in seat one opened for 7k, Eric Siegel raised, then Florentino Deleon, Jr. called. Seat 1 hit it again for 35k, Eric moved in, Florentino moved in and we have three players with all their chips in the middle:
Seat 1: QQ
Eric Siegel: AQ
Florentino Deleon: AK
A King hit the board and that's all it took for Florentino to bust two players at once.

Soon after, Florentino called a short-stack's all-in and busted another one. He's now sitting behind about 350k and may be the new chip leader.

Florentino Deleon, Jr.

Another level gone and play continues in Level 13, blinds 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.

Fell Falls Hard

2010-06-27T17:27:00.008-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event
(Day 2)

Two Hands, One Fell Swoop

In a span of three hands Jeff Fell (Robbinsville, NJ) goes from a tower of chips to a seat on the rail.

Fell first mixes it up with Mirza Nagji (New York, NY) in a 266k pot and reluctantly folds to Nagji's 80k all-in river bet on a board showing 8♦ 9♦ 10♠ Q♥ 6♥.

The two joust throughout the hand, both verbally and with chips, as Nagji opens the action and follows Fell's 3-bet preflop with a call. Nagji then check-calls the flop, and follows it with a check-raise on the turn.

Nagji leads out on the river, Fell goes in the tank and flashes a set of 10s before finally laying it down.

After the floor gives both players a warning for jawing at each other, Fell is left to regroup after losing 93k on the hand.

Two hands later, Fell gets involved with Anthony Balletta (New York) who calls Fell's preflop raise of 10k from the SB. The flop is 8d♦ 9♦ 10♠ and Balletta leads for 4k, three bets later Fell is all-in for 115k and Balletta calls.

Balletta: J♥ 10♦ (straight)
Fell: 8♥ 9♣ (two pairs)

The board is no help to Fell and, just like that, he's out the door. "I had 200 thousand," says Fell, "I shouldn't have gone to the river with any hand that I didn't have the nuts or a real good read on my opponent."

Fell shows some class by twice going to Nagji's seat and apologizing for his earlier outbursts. He was clearly tilting and now that reality's set in says, "I'm going to go home and get a hug from my wife."

Level 12 (1k/2k/200 ante) continues.

The Beats Go On

2010-06-27T17:22:00.005-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

The big confrontations are happening more frequently now.

Joshua Hakakian (sb) fired the whole way to the river as the board came 9h7s4h9s4s. His 40k river bet was raised all-in by Carl Restifo (bb). Joshua called the extra 33,800 and Carl showed him the bad news: 97 off for the full boat. Joshua mucked.

Joshua Hakakian and Carl Restifo

On the turn with a board of 9 8 4 J, Daniel Lee (bb) was all-in. William O'Neil called all-in for 64,400, showing pocket Aces. Daniel was ahead with J8 for two pair. The river was another 9, which paired the board and gave William a better two pair. He doubled up.

Dean Potashner is making a run at the chip lead. He's up to about 315k.

Dean Potashner

Short Stacks Still Shipping

2010-06-27T17:02:00.003-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

The short stacks are taking their shots with top 10 hands. Joanne Monteavaro (Bronx, NY) ships it with JJ vs the AQ of Lawrence Wolf (Skillman, NJ).

The flop brings an ace and a queen to give Wolf the lead and after the turn has the heart flush draw covered. A jack on the river gives Monteavaro a set of jacks and new life as she's now at 82k.

"It was a standard coin flip," she says while breathing a sigh of relief, "I just won it the hard way."

Level 12 (1k/2k/200 ante) is underway.

Blinds Up

2010-06-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

Players are returning from their second break for Level 12, blinds 1k/2k with 200 antes.

82 Players remain. Average stack is over 117k.

Three more levels to play today.

Event 19 Rolls On

2010-06-27T16:17:00.012-04:00

$350 + $50 NLH

While all eyes are on the Championship Event, Event 19 is on the opposite side of the Poker Room. Right now 100 of the 186 players remain. This is a one day tournament that will wrap up sometime after midnight.

Level 8 (400/800/75 ante) is underway.

Prize Pool

Entries: 186
Total Buy-In: $65,100

1....................................$ 19,449
2....................................$ 10,735
3......................................$ 5,999
4......................................$ 4,420
5......................................$ 3,789
6......................................$ 3,157
7......................................$ 2,526
8......................................$ 1,894
9......................................$ 1,422
10-12................................$ 1,231
13-15................................$ 1,073
16-18...................................$ 948

Updated Leaderboard

2010-06-27T16:09:00.003-04:00

$2000 + $200 Championship Event

(Day 2)

Tyng Low is still the chip leader with ~350k.

Eugene Juergens is up to 286k and second in chips. The self-proclaimed 'tourist' flopped trips and busted a player who moved in with an open-ender. Eugene hit the full house to take the pot.

Bryan Greeley has about 260k, good for third place.

Bryan Greeley