EPT Grand Final Monte Carlo
Day 1B

The sun was shining brightly with a hint of spring blossom as the players returned for day 1B in Monte Carlo. With the second half eager to make an impression on the weeks proceedings, the day started off with boisterous all-in moves and eliminations galore.

Marcel Luske was one man singing the blues as he lasted a mere 30 minutes before elimination. Trip aces burned on the river by the wheel. Poker can be a sick game Marcel will tell you. 

With one man gone another arrives and the grand entrance of one poker superstar was greeted with more excitement than the rest. The legendary Phil Hellmuth created more than a little stir as he entered the hall amidst a flurry of glances and finger pointing. The poker brat is indeed an iconic figure in the poker world and his entrance had players leaving their seats mid tournament to get a glance of the now ten World Series bracelet holder. Philo gave a subtle wave to the crowd as he took his seat. The player’s faces gasping at the sight of Mr. Poker.  

The other Phil was also in town. Many people’s idea of a favourite for this weekends showpiece, Phil Ivey is a master of thee game. It is however still difficult to make favourites in such high quality fields and Ivey proved that with a somewhat early departure from the weeks festivities. Sparring with Patrick Antonius is one of the American favourite recreations and today was no exceptions. Two giants of poker were always going to result in blood on the table and Phil was the victim for a change. Two pair on the turn was called with a huge draw that hit. An early bath for the Tiger Woods of poker, he will be back to rule again however.

Another popular name in town was a rival of both Phil’s, Finland’s own Juha Helppi. The successful tournament pro was placed on Aussie Millions victor Gus Hanson’s table, a tough task for many to overcome. Helppi wasn’t concerned with the Great Dane Hanson and was more interested in the other less know players on the table. Losing all his chips to a flopped straight was bizarre considering he only had QJ for one pair. The Finn will no doubt be rueing his form looking back at his elimination hand. Even Gus Hanson was stunned by loose play!

Gus’ faith was not rosy either tough. He was eliminated by Bluff’s player of the year American Chad Brown. Gus tried his customary tricky play with 10/7 offs-suit and although catching two pair on the flop was eliminated to the most popular hand of the day, the club flush. The American had an excellent day, impressing both players and critics with his power play. The eventual chip leader for the day ended up being the chip leader period going into day two. A force to be reckoned with for the rest of the week, Chad is hoping to bring home the bacon for the second year running for the US team. The EPT showpiece seems to sit well with a cross-Atlantic champion!

The man who eliminated the reigning champion was on course to take his title too. Patrik Antonius had a most impressive day and managed to get his chips form 15k up to the 70k mark by the end of day 1B. Leaving him in contention for glory, Patrik may be the one to watch this weekend. Another with a positive day was Irishman Andy Black. Also in the top ten chips counts at close of play, the popular Buddhist played excellently today and has left himself with a chance of a deep finish. He may even exceed his tremendous performance already achieved this year in the Aussie Millions here this weekend.

With seven levels done and plenty more action left in this one, play was brought to a halt just after 3am. Day 1B players have a couple of hours to recharge their batteries and prepare for day 2. The day 1A remainders will have the added advantage of a full day’s rest. It will be interesting to see how both fair tomorrow as the field continues to whittle down.