Report by Gary Clarke of Bluff Magazine

Day 2
With days 1a and 1b over and day 2 already upon us some players got a complete rest, others just some well-earned sleep.

A much depleted field of just 118 hopefuls returned for day 2 most with big dreams and aspirations. But, for many professional players it was just another day in the office.  The online qualifiers really do appear particularly nervous; it’s easily noticeable through their poker-site shirts and caps but, more importantly their demeanour.

Over-night chip leader Johnny Lodden was in particular buoyant mood following an excellent first day. The Norwegian sensation was the only player to exceed the 100,000 chips mark and he meant business as he patrolled the lobby waiting to be called into action.

With the €672,000 purse for this weekend’s winner, somebody will walk out a very rich victor for sure. Perhaps Johnny will be the one to land this massive payday, the biggest yet in the EPT bar the Monte Carlo finale showpiece at the climax of the tour.

As play got under-way the action was frantic. Soap star Michael Greco was one of many short-stacks pushing relentlessly for a double up. With chips low and antes rising, it’s easy to see how so many can get knocked out in the early stage of day 2.

You need chips to compete and you need them fast. One surprise early casualty was the front-running Roland De Wolfe. He may have appeared as though he’s walking on water lately but Roland couldn’t catch the luck today. Losing a race with AQ against pocket 10’s, an all-in salvo with A9 followed – it was also left wanting.

One player who was making considerable progress however was recent Ladbrokes Poker Million finalist Andreas Hoivold. After a sterling effort on the box recently, Andreas was eager to make up for lost time today and go two better than his Poker Million bronze finish. The unorthodox Hoivold would go on to reach a final table once more here in Dortmund showing his class and consistency in the process.

The well-seasoned Mickey “The Wrom” Wernick managed to wiggle his way into the money when his 29th place paid a respectable €9,250 for two days work. Mickey, who claims to have retired from the gaming tables, will hardly be missing them with his form over the last three years. His numerous ‘in the money’ finishes show a consistency that is hard to find on the European scene and “the gambler” exhibited that again this weekend.

Another notable place effort was Ben Grundy’s grind to 16th place in the tournament. The “Milky Bar Kid”, who looks closer to 13 than his near 30 years-of-age, will perhaps be disappointed that he missed out on a final table appearance but his time will come. His youthful demeanour contrasts his playing prowess and the “kid” will no doubt be consoled be by the €16,250 pay check for his efforts.

With 13 players left and plans to conclude proceedings at a final nine scuppered, play was halted for the day. The remaining players must resume play tomorrow and battle themselves down to a final table.

13 may be unlucky for some but there were to be four players leaving with heavy hearts. They will, no doubt, be inconsolable but a chunk of cash waits for compensation.