Tuesday, October 31st: Paul Balzano Wins The Isle Open Championship, Series Wraps Up Tonight

ICYMI: Day 3 of the 2017 Isle Open Championship saw ten players return at 12:00pm for the final table, with play scheduled to see a tournament's conclusion.  The incredible structure allowed for super deep play to start the day, with even the shortest of stacks sitting down to over thirty big blinds.  That being said, it would be more than two levels before any players exited the action, with the tournament's defending champ first to leave.  Edward Novak (Simsbury, CT) flopped trips when he was all-in and at risk, but watched William Valladares turn a full house, eliminating Novak from play in a cruel turn of events ($9,435).  Sam Panzica (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) would be the shortest stack after Novak's departure, and would also run into chip leader William Valladares.  The two-time WPT champ made back-to-back final tables in this event, earning $11,208 for this year's result.  

After Panzica's exit, we saw what ended up being the most pivotal hand of the tournament, with Paul Balzano doubling through Scott Levitt.  Balzano would be second in chips after the hand, a position he'd hold for a long time afterwards.  The two short stacks faced off after the second break, with Scott Levitt doubling through Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY), who would be eliminated the very next hand in eighth place ($14,589).  Scott Levitt (Delray Beach, FL) was the next player at risk, and would be eliminated by Paul Balzano, departing the final table in seventh place ($17,971).  

One of the more memorable moments from the final table came after Levitt's departure, when Nassin Vaknin folded a hand (on the flop), after committing over ninety-percent of his stack pre-flop.  He'd be left with just two big blinds, but was able to secure two double-ups, that saw his stack back to a more manageable number.  Vaknin recovered enough to eliminate Manuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) in sixth place ($21,407), actually becoming the final table chip leader.  

Of all the players at the final table, nobody had a rail like Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL).  She'd manage to grind one of the shortest stacks for a good portion of the final table, but ended up becoming the next player to fall to Nassin Vaknin, exiting the final table in fifth place ($25,852).  It looked like Nassin Vaknin (Davie, FL) was going to become the story of the tournament, but he'd be eliminated by Paul Balzano, after finding himself the short stack ($33,597).

Three-handed play was all about Michael Aron to start, but after Paul Balzano eliminated William Valladares (Costa Rica) in third place ($50,482), the two players would begin heads-up play fairly even.  Bolzano then began to take control, and after just an hour of heads-up play, Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) would become the 2017 Isle Open Championship winner ($112,075).

Final Table Results:

1. Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) $112,075
2. Michael Aron (Palm Beach, FL) $78,510
3. William Valladares (Costa Rica) $50,482
4. Nassin Vaknin (Davie, FL) $33,597
5. Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $25,852
6. Manuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) $21,407
7. Scott Levitt (Delray Beach, FL) $17,971
8. Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) $14,589
9. Sam Panzica (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $11,208
10. Edward Novak (Simsbury, CT) $9,435

While the final table was finishing up, Event #23 of the Isle Open began at 6:00pm, with the cards getting in the air for the $130 No Limit Hold'em ($20,000 GTD) event.  The tournament attracted a field of (220) entries, and saw registration close with a prize pool of $22,000.  The event ended in a five-way deal, with Joseph Kearns (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) declared the trophy winner.

1. Joseph Kearns (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $3,377
2. Diane Linke (Boynton Beach, FL) $3,012
3. Michael Bucar (West Palm Beach, FL) $2,692
4. Stephen Bromfield (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $2,226
5. Carlos Loving (Sarasota, FL) $1,788
6. Michael Slobasky (Jensen Beach, FL) $1,385
7. John Magnetta (Boynton Beach, FL) $748
8. Richard Leger (Lighthouse Point, FL) $638
9. William Napier (Hollywood, FL) $525
10. Roberto Alvarado (Pompano Beach, FL) $462

Tournaments: The Isle Open schedule concludes today, with Event #24 the final event of the series.  The cards get in the air for the $60 No Limit Hold'em event at 6:00pm, and is structured with 14,000 unit starting stack, and levels that last (20) minutes.  There is also an optional add-on at the end of registration (Level 8), with $20 seeing a return of 10,000 units.

Promotions: From (9:00am-10:00am), the high hand will award $150 every (30) minutes.  The high hands will then transition from 10:00am-12:00am (midnight), with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible (Isle Open events not eligible for high hand) each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

6:00pm - 2017 Isle Open  Event #24 | $60 No Limit Hold'em

- Players start with 14,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 10,000 units, with 100% of the add-on money going towards the prize pool)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Paul Balzano Wins 2017 Isle Open Championship ($112,075), Michael Aron Runner-Up ($78,510)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 2

Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) wins the 2017 Isle Open Championship, earning the third largest score of his career ($112,075), and second Isle Poker "major."

Paul Balzano had an over 2:1 chip lead as the minutes were ticking down in Level 31, and after Michael Aron opened to 325,000, Balzano three-bet shoved.  Aron took little time before making the call, with the two flipping for the most critical pot of the tournament.  It would be the 5♠ 5♣ of Balzano, just slightly ahead of Michael Aron's A♣ Q♠.  The 10♥ 8♦ 2♣ 7♠ 3♥ runout would seal the title for Balzano, who wins his second ever Isle Poker "major" (and first "main event").

Michael Aron (Palm Beach, FL), the Isle Open Championship runner-up, earning $78,510 for his efforts.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Balzano Now Has A Commanding Lead

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 2

Michael Aron's 600,000 river bet was met by an all-in from Paul Balzano, causing Michael to release his holdings.

Things were almost even when heads-up play started, but it's been all Paul Balzano since.  Moments ago, on a board of 7♠ 2♣ Q♦ 9♥ 8♦, Michael Aron bet 600,000 on the river, into a pot with more than 2,000,000 in the middle.  Paul Balzano took a few moments, before announcing himself all-in, having Aron covered.  Michael thought for close to two minutes about his next move, but ended up folding his hand, giving Paul a sizable chip lead.

Paul Balzano - 8,400,000 (52bb)

Michael Aron - 3,700,000 (23bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Valladares Exits In 3rd Place ($50,482), Play Now Heads-Up

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 2

William Valladares (Costa Rica) was able to get the double he needed, but ended up getting it in on a draw just a few hands later, losing to Paul Balzano.

William Valladares (Costa Rica) was no longer the short stack after doubling through Michael Aron, but ended up losing a sizable pot just a few hands later.  He'd find himself the shortest of the three players once again, and after calling a raise pre from Paul Balzano, William would shove for 1,300,000 over Paul's continuation bet on the flop (8♥ 3♠ 4♦).  Paul quickly made the call, and would be ahead with 9♣ 9♥, agains the 5♠ 6♠ of Valladares.

William was open ended, but after the J♣ on the turn, he'd lose any running two-pair or trips outs.  The river brought the 10♠, and Valladares would be eliminated in third place ($50,482), more than doubling his career earnings with that score. 

The Isle Open Championship is now heads up, with the updated chip counts listed below:

Paul Balzano - 6,400,000 (40bb)
Michael Aron - 5,810,000 (36bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Aron Was In Control, But Doubles Up Valladares

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 3

Michael Aron held over fifty-percent of the chips in play (over 7,000,000), but just lost 1,400,000 of that to William Valladares.  Aron opened from the button to 240,000, and was called by Paul Balzano, who was in the small blind.  Valladares then shoved out of the big blind (for 1,380,000), with Aron iso-shoving to get things heads up.  Bolzano bowed out, and it would be the 7♥ 7♣ of Aron, against the K♦ Q♦ of Valladares. The dealer would run out a board of Q♣ 6♥ 3♦ A♠ Q♠, and William would earn the double, leaving Paul Balzano the short stack.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Nassin Vaknin Eliminated In 4th Place ($33,597) By Paul Balzano

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 3

It was a crazy day for Nassin Vaknin (Davie, FL), who was down to just two big blinds earlier in the afternoon.

An unorthodox move earlier in the day led to a big pay jump for Nassin Vaknin...and almost ended up the story of the tournament.  Vaknin played a hand earlier where he started with 650,000, and after getting 400,000 of that stack involved pre-flop, he folded after a bet from William Valladares on the flop.  The move was eye-opening for others at the table, but Vaknin ended up running that stack of two blinds up to over 3,300,000.

Unfortunately Nassin would find himself the shortest stack though, after just one level, and would open the most recent pot to 350,000 (from the button).  Paul Balzano made the call out of the big blind, and would then lead 360,000 after a K♥ J♥ 10♦ flop.  Vaknin had only 1,000,000 left, and would shove all-in fairly quickly.  After getting an exact count, Paul would make the call, ahead with K♠ 6♥ against Nassin's Q♦ J♠.

Paul asked for a ten on the turn, and that's exactly what he got (10♠), helping strengthen his lead.  The river would bring the 4♣, and Nassin's roller-coaster day came to an end.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts At Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 4

Players are on their fourth break of the day, and will be returning to blinds of 60,000/120,000/20,000, with a chip average of 3,000,000.  We are seeing a shift in the counts, as Nissin Vaknin has become the shortest stack of the four remaining.  Listed below are the updated counts from break:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 1,500,000 (12bb)
2. Michael Aron - 3,600,000 (30bb)
3. Paul Balzano - 2,300,000 (19bb)
4. William Valladares - 4,450,000 (37bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Vaknin Ends Birnbaum's Run, Nancy Out In 5th Place ($25,852)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/15,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 4

Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was able to navigate most of the day with a short stack, but couldn't come from behind to beat Nassin Vaknin.

Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) had been one of the shorter stacks for most of the day, and with the blinds going up to 50,000/100,000, it was only a matter of time before her sub-ten big blind stack got in.  After action folded to Nissin Vaknin (in the small blind), he would open for a raise, with Nancy three-bet shoving for just over 800,000.  Vaknin made the call, putting Nancy at risk, with his A♠ 8♣ ahead of her K♠ J♣.  The A♣ Q♠ 5♣ 9♠ 9♣ runout would be the last hand for Birnbaum in this main event, as she earns $25,852 for fifth place.

This is Nancy's largest tournament cash since January of last year, and helps bring her career earnings north of $735,000.  She gracefully wished her opponents good luck as she left the table, and was greeted by a rail that had been supporting her all day.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Blinds Growing Higher As Level 29 Begins

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/15,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 5

Level 29 started just moments ago, with the blinds going up to 50,000/100,000/15,000, and a 2,424,000 chip average.  The blinds now leave even the largest stack below (40) big blinds, and force the shorter stacks to find a spot to double.  Listed below are the updated five-handed chip counts, from the end of Level 28:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 3,300,000 (33bb)
2. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,200,000 (12bb)
3. Michael Aron - 3,500,000 (35bb)
4. Paul Balzano - 1,500,000 (15bb)
5. William Valladares - 2,900,000 (29bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Manuel Quinonez First To Exit After Dinner, Out In 6th Place ($21,407)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 5

Emanuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) just experienced the highlight of his tournament poker career, after coming into this event with a total of $3,600 in earnings.

The first half-hour back from dinner felt like a waiting process, with the table curious to see which short stack was going to be at risk first.  The were four all-ins from the short stacks (2 from Birnbaum and 2 from Quinonez), all of which got through.  That was until Nissin Vaknin opened the button to 300,000, with both shorties in the blinds.  Nancy let go of her hand, while Manuel ended up making the call, leaving himself with 650,000 behind.  The dealer fanned out the 9♠ 5♠ 2♥ flop, with Manuel checking to Vaknin, who bet 600,000.  Quinonez verbalized a call and tabled his hand, not realizing that he had 50,000 behind (never announced himself all-in).  The turn would come with Manuel's hand still exposed (8♠ 8♦), with the J♠ hitting the felt.  Manuel tossed the chips in, Vaknin quickly made the call, and would turn over J♣ J♦.  He hit a set on the turn, but still needed to fade spades on the river, which he did successfully (10♥ river).

Quinonez earns a career highlighting score of $21,407 for his sixth place finish, and heads to the podium to collect his money.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Chip Counts On Dinner Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 6

The remaining six Event #21 players are heading on their hour long dinner break, which will last from 6:05-7:05pm.  Action will resume with Level 28, and new blinds of 40,000/80,000/10,000 (2,000,000 chip average).  This is the first time we are seeing an average that is below thirty big blinds, which should alter the dynamic of six-handed play.  Listed below are the updated counts on dinner break:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 2,800,000 (35bb)
2. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,000,000 (12bb)
3. Emanuel Quinonez - 1,100,000 (13bb)
4. Michael Aron - 2,930,000 (36bb)
5. Paul Balzano - 1,800,000 (22bb)
6. William Valladares - 2,325,000 (29bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Scott Levitt Eliminated In 7th Place ($17,971)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 6

Scott Levitt (Delray Beach, FL) continues to pad his 2017 stats, which happen to be the best of his career.

Just a handful of hands after doubling up, Scott Levitt would try to duplicate the feat against the same player (Paul Balzano).  After Paul opened the action with a raise to 130,000, Scott three-bet just for just under 700,000.  Balzano was clearly on the fence about his decision, but ended up making the call, and tabling J♥ 10♦.  Levitt looked displeased, and the reason why was clear, as his 10♠ 9♠ was dominated.  The Q♥ J♣ 5♠ flop gave Levitt some more outs to win, and after making a pair on the turn (9♥), he would head to the river with ten outs.  Unfortunately for Levitt, none of those out appeared on the river, and he would be eliminated in seventh place.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): You Get A Double...And You Get Double!!!

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 7

Only ten minutes into Level 27, and we've already seen two of the short stacks double up.  First it would be Nissin Vaknin, who would shove for 890,000 on a flop of 9♣ 8♠ 4♣, over a bet of 170,000 from William Valladares.  After some time, William ended up making the call, with his A♦ 8♦ falling to Vaknin's J♠ 9♠ (after the 7♠ on the turn, and 3♦) on the river.

William Villadares - 3,100,000
Nissin Vaknin - 2,200,000

Just a few moments later, Paul Balzano would open to 125,000, with Scott Levitt three-bet shoving for 450,000.  Levitt's K♦ 10♦ was dominating the Q♥ 10♥ of Balzano, and after the K♠ 7♣ 6♣ 8♦ Q♣ runout, Scott would double as well.

Paul Balzano - 1,800,000
Scott Levitt - 1,000,000

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Updated Counts As Level 27 Begins

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 7

There were a couple of interesting spots during Level 26, one of which involved Nissin Vaknin.  In a blind versus blind confrontation, William Valladares called the small blind, with Vaknin raising to 475,000 (leaving just 125,000 behind).  Vaknin then ended up folding after William shoved the K♥ J♥ 10♠ flop, left with just two big blinds.  He would double up the next hand, and after getting two all-ins through (with a five blind stack), would find himself out of the basement.  

Michael Aron then got a big double through Emanuel Quinonez, as his A♦ 10♠ found a fortunate river (2♥ 4♦ 9♥ 2♣ 10♥), to best the K♠ 4♠ of Quinonez.  There are now two players sitting under the (20) big blind mark, so we should see more action this level.  Listed below are the updated chip counts as Level 27 begins:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 1,200,000 (20bb)
2. Scott Levitt - 575,000 (9bb)
3. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,100,000 (18bb)
4. Emanuel Quinonez - 1,800,000 (30bb)
5. Michael Aron - 670,000 (11bb)
6. Paul Balzano - 2,050,000 (33bb)
7. William Valladares - 4,300,000 (71bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Frank Lerczak Out In 8th Place ($14,589), Sends Chips To Scott Levitt

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 7

Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) came back from break one of the shortest stacks, and didn't wait long before putting them in play.

Two of the shortest stacks got tangled just a few minutes into Level 26, with Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) shoving for 485,000, once action folded to him.  Scott Levitt, who was sitting with a very similar stack, re-shoved for less (465,000).  The rest of the players folded, and it would be the 5♣ 5♦ of Lerczak, well behind the K♠ K♥ of Levitt.  The 4♥ 7♠ J♣ 8♣ 9♥ runout would leave Frank with just three antes, and he'd be eliminated the next by by Nancy Birnbaum.

The $14,589 that Frank earned for eighth place is his second largest tournament cash, and helps brings his career earnings above the $70,000 mark.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts At Second Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 8

Players are taking their second break of the day, and will be returning to Level 26, with blinds of 25,000/50,000/5,000 (1,515,000 chip average).  Just moments after Paul Balzano doubled-up, Emanuel Quinonez would follow suit, doubling through William Valladares.  Listed below are the updated chip counts from break:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 695,000 (13bb)
2. Scott Levitt - 480,000 (9bb)
3. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,100,000 (22bb)
4. Emanuel Quinonez - 1,950,000 (19bb)
5. Michael Aron - 750,000 (15bb)
6. Paul Balzano - 2,700,000 (54bb)
7. William Valladares - 3,700,000 (74bb)
8. Frank Lerczak - 530,000 (10bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Balzano Doubles Through Scott Levitt, Now Second In Chips

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 8

Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) is now second in chips, after doubling through Scott Levitt.

The largest pot of the tournament was approached just as Paul Balzano four-bet Scott Levitt to 240,000 (Paul had opened from middle position, and Scott three-bet out of the big blind).  Levitt then answered with a five-bet to 500,000, followed by Balzano six-bet shoving for just over 1,300,000.  Levitt asked for an exact count, received the answer, and took about a minute before making the call.

Levitt would stand as he simultaneously tabled A♥ A♦, with Levitt shaking his head, as he showed A♠ K♠.  "Gonna need some spades," Levitt said, as the dealer put out the Q♥ 3♦ 7♣ flop.  Scott began calling for some broadway outs, and received hope after the J♠ on the turn.  He loudly called for a ten on the river, but would be greeted with the 4♥, sending the almost 2,800,000 pot Paul's way.

Paul Balzano - 2,800,000 (70bb)

Scott Levitt - 550,000 (13bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Panzica Runs Into Kings, Eliminated In 9th Place ($11,208)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 8

Sam Panzica (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) had few options with less than ten big blinds, and ended up running into the pocket kings of William Valladares.

Sam Panzica (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was hampered for most of this final table, as his stack never climbed above the (25) big blind mark.  Sam would shove from early position for 370,000, and after getting an exact count, William Valladares just flatted the amount.  Frank Lerczak his hand some real thought, but ended up pushing his cards towards the muck, with the rest of the players folding behind.

Panzica rolled over A♠ 10♠, but would be an underdog against William's K♦ K♣.  The board would run out 9♦ 8♦ 5♥ 3♠ J♣, and the two-time WPT winner would be eliminated in ninth place ($11,208).  The money earned from this cash brings his tournament earnings at the Isle Poker Room above $270,000, which is now tenth on the all-time cashes for this room.  Sam's career tournament earnings are now over $3,695,000, with this his (80th) recorded result.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts As Level Transitions

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 9

The last level (Level 24) was the most action filled of the three to be played to this point, with Emanuel Quinonez getting a big double-up, and our first player eliminated from the final table.  Blinds are now going up to 20,000/40,000/5,000 (1,346,000 chip average) in Level 25, with updated chip counts posted below:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 1,400,000 (35bb)
2. Scott Levitt - 1,525,000 (38bb)
3. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,050,000 (26bb)
4. Emanuel Quinonez - 975,000 (24bb)
5. Michael Aron - 360,000 (9bb)
6. Sam Panzica - 400,000 (10bb)
7. Paul Balzano - 1,300,000 (32bb)
8. William Valladares - 3,800,000 (95bb)
9. Frank Lerczak - 1,150,000 (28bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Title Defense Not In The Cards For Novak, Out In 10th Place ($9,435)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 9

Edward Novak (Simsbury, CT) looked to have secured a double up, but would see William Villadares hit a two-outer on the turn.

The hand versus Emanuel Quinonez left Edward Novak (Simsbury, CT) super short, and after William Valladares opened the action with a raise to 90,000, Novak would shove for 280,000.  Scott Levitt thought for a moment out of the big blind, but would release his hand, and allow William to potentially make the call.

Make the call is exactly what Valladares would do, and he'd see his 10♦ 10♣ up against the A♦ 6♦ of Novak.  The dealer quickly fanned out a 6♥ 6♣ 8♦ flop, with the table collectively reacting to Edward's fortunate flop.  Novak's head would drop in disgust though, as the 10♠ hit the turn, leaving him looking for one out to win.  The A♥ came on the river, giving Novak a meaningless full house, and stopping his Isle Open Championship title defense right there.  He earns $9,435 for the finish, while William Valladares pads his final table chip lead.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Novak Left Super Short, After Doubling Up Quinonez

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 10

Emanuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) was the second shortest stack returning from break, but just got a huge double to gain some breathing room.

Two of the shortest stacks at the table just got involved in a hand together, with Emanuel Quinonez all-in (and at risk) against Edward Novak.  Emanuel held 9♠ 5♠ on a 5♣ 5♦ 3♠ flop, having the best of it against Novak, who was holding A♥ 2♥.  Quinonez stood as the dealer ran out the turn and river, clench his fist in celebration when he won the hand.  Edward is now sitting with less than ten big blinds, but has more than half the level remaining (at 30,000 big blind).

Emanuel Quinonez - 770,000 (25bb)

Edward Novak - 240,000 (8bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): "Clock!!!!!" Lerczak Taking Too Long For Final Table

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 10

Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) has surely gotten under the skin of a numerous players over the last three days.

While this table has lacked in action, it definitely hasn't fell short in terms of drama.  Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) has always been a very "deliberate" player at the table, taking his time on each and every decision during a hand.  It actually got to the point where Lerczak had been giving warnings on his Day 1 flight, as well as during yesterday's Day 2.  Players started to comment at his table last night (when two tables remained), and it has carried over today.

The clock has been called on Frank numerous times today, with a handful of players both speaking up to the tournament director, and to Lerczak personally.  After discussion with Ralph Brandt (Tournament Director), it looks as if things have been diffused.

Isle Open Championships (Day 3): Updated Counts At First Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 10

Players are about to head on their first break of the day, with action returning to Level 24, and new blinds of 15,000/30,000/5,000 (1,212,000 chip average).  Sam Panzica, Nancy Birnbaum, and Emanuel Quinonez were the shortest stacks at the table, but only Nancy and Emanuel found themselves all in during the last level.  Nancy was all-in once, while Quinonez shoved two times during the level, but each time the players were able to get the bet through.  Listed below are the updated chip counts from the final table:

1. Edwark Novak - 605,000 (20bb)
2. Nissm Vaknin - 1,150,000 (38bb)
3. Scott Levitt - 1,250,000 (41bb)
4. Nancy Birnbaum - 965,000 (32bb)
5. Emanuel Quinonez - 455,000 (15bb)
6. Michael Aron - 635,000 (21bb)
7. Sam Panzica - 385,000 (12bb)
8. Paul Balzano - 1,200,000 (40bb)
9. William Valladares - 2,840,000 (94bb)
10. Frank Lerczak - 1,425,000 (47bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Upcoming Tournaments In November

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 10

With the play so deep at this final table, and few notables hands to report to this point, it's a perfect time to look at the upcoming month's tournament calendar.  There are four tournaments to note on the November Tournament Calendar, including a $360 No Limit Hold'em ($200,000 GTD) event that begins in just two days.

Isle Open Championship (Day 2): Quinonez Quickly Becomes The Short Stack

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 10

William Valladares immediately put his chip leading stack into use, taking the lead in a hand with a board of 5♠ 8♥ 9♠ 2♣ J♣.  Emanuel Quinonez called pre-flop (along with Paul Balzano), on the flop, and once again on the turn.  William would bet enough on the river to put Quinonez all-in, with Emanuel releasing his hand fairly quickly.  Almost half of his stack would be lost in the pot, making Emanuel the short stack at the final table.  Listed below are updated chip counts from the end of Level 22:

1. Edwark Novak - 740,000 (30bb)
2. Nissm Vaknin - 1,375,000 (52bb)
3. Scott Levitt - 1,040,000 (43bb)
4. Nancy Birnbaum - 655,000 (27bb)
5. Emanuel Quinonez - 360,000 (15bb)
6. Michael Aron - 1,200,000 (50bb)
7. Sam Panzica - 580,000 (24bb)
8. Paul Balzano - 1,350,000 (56bb)
9. William Valladares - 3,800,000 (158bb)
10. Frank Lerczak - 1,250,000 (52bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Cards Are In The Air, Could Be In For A Long Day

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 22 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 10

The Isle Open Championship trophy is waiting for the deserving owner, who will also receive $112,075.

The (10) remaining Day 3 players of the Isle Open Championship are comfortably in their seats, and the cards are now in the air.  With the shortest stack at the final table holding over (30) big blinds, coupled with (60) minute levels (and a great blind structure), we could see this final table take a long time to play out.

Live blogged coverage will offer updated chip counts at the end of each level, player eliminations, and hand histories throughout the day.

Monday, October 30th: Isle Open Championship Final Table Resumes At 12:00pm

ICYMI: Yesterday's Day 2 of the Isle Open Championship ended just before midnight, with Samuel Ganzfried (Pittsburgh, PA) getting eliminated on the final table bubble.  The remaining ten players were given their final table seating assignments, and the bags were brought out for Day 3, which begins today at 12:00pm.  The table has a similar feel from last year's Isle Open Championship, as three players from the 2016 installment return.  Paul Balzano, Sam Panzica, and defending champion Edward Novak will all be looking use their experience to their advantage.  There are seven other players looking to make a little history of their own though, including Nancy Birnbaum, who is looking to become the first lady to win an Isle Poker "main event."  The action (and live coverage) will begin at 12:00pm, with reminders of the chip counts and payouts posted below.

Final Table Chip Counts:

1. Edwark Novak - 747,000
2. Nissm Vaknin - 1,431,000
3. Scott Levitt - 1,000,000
4. Nancy Birnbaum - 665,000
5. Emanuel Quinonez - 786,000
6. Michael Aron - 895,000
7. Sam Panzica - 649,000
8. Paul Balzano - 1,729,000
9. William Valladares - 3,120,000
10. Frank Lerczak - 1,015,000

Final Table Payouts:

1. $112,075
2. $78,510
3. $50,482
4. $33,597
5. $25,852
6. $21,407
7. $17,971
8. $14,589
9. $11,208
10. $9,435

Tournaments: Outside of Day 3 for the Isle Open Championship, there is another championship schedule event this evening, with Event #23 beginning at 6:00pm.  The $130 No Limit Hold'em event has a $20,000 guarantee, and is the second to last tournament of the series.  The tournament is structured with starting stacks of 16,000 units, and levels that last (20) minutes throughout the evening.  Registration for the tournament is open through Level 8, including the break that follows.

Promotions: From (9:00am-10:00am), the high hand will award $150 every (30) minutes.  The high hands will then transition from 10:00am-12:00am (midnight), with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible (Isle Open events not eligible for high hand) each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

12:00pm - 2017 Isle Open  Event #21 (Day 3) | $1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship | $500,000 GTD

- Players start with 30,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels, to include before the first card on Day 2

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (50) minutes (Levels 1-12), transitioning to (60) minutes Levels 13+

6:00pm - 2017 Isle Open  Event #23 | $130 No Limit Hold'em | $20,000 GTD

- Players start with 16,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes