Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)
Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Winner
Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Winner
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Championship Event Final Table Recap
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
"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 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
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
1st - Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)
$180,595
2nd - Mirza Nagji (New York, NY)
$104,620
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
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.
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
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
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
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: $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
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)
4th - Nick DiToma (Corlandt Manor, NY)
$4,047
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 30, 2010
Wednesday June 30th
TODAY IN THE POKER ROOM
12 PM - Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
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
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: $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
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)
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
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Event 18: $2000+$200 Championship Results
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
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
Bling Is Out
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Nagji & O'Neil Play for the trophy, bracelet &
the $180,595 first place prize
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Nagji & O'Neil Play for the trophy, bracelet & the $180,595 first place prize
3rd place - Todd Geddis
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Lot's of button raises and not many flops.
Todd Geddis
Mirza Nagji & Billy O'Neil
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Lot's of button raises and not many flops.
Todd Geddis
Mirza Nagji & Billy O'Neil4th place - Mike Melkersen
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
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
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
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
$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.
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
$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!
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
$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.
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
$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.
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
$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.
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
$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
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
$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.
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
$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.
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
$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.
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
$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.
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
$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).
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
$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.
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
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
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
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: $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
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)
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)
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
4th - Phil Lifschitz (Livingston, NJ)$3,463
5th- Ted Geier (Sunnyside, NY)$2,968
Championship Event Day 3 Recap
$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
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
$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
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Steven Curtin
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).
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Steven CurtinChip Leader
Position - Name - Count1. 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
$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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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.
Monday, June 28, 2010
12th Place - Jay Johnson
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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
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
$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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
Championship Event Day 3
James Ostrander
$6,227
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
$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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
Championship Event Day 3
Mirza Nagji (r) Continues Play Next to
the Empty Chair of Mike Melkersen
Mirza Nagji (r) Continues Play Next tothe 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
$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
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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
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!
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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.
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 NagjiThey will be on dinner until about 8pm.
Event 20 Payouts
$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
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
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
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
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
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