Saturday, October 14, 2017

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Official End Of Flight 1E Chip Counts

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 204
Flight 1E Players Remaining: 26


Martin Culotta E 493,500
Sam Sayegh 316,000
Ory Hen 295,000
David Nowling 263,500
Donald Maloney 242,000
Randy Matienzo 218,000
Michael Newman 204,000
Rafael Reis 190,000
Jeff Silverstein 185,000
Arno Kruger 154,000
Fred White 141,000
Nick Ahmadi 138,000
Nigel Murray 128,000
Terry Siele 116,000
Jozef Uslaky 104,500
Daniel Letts 99,500
Blake Sargi 94,000
Dolphus Powers 83,000
Pausquale Caiazza 77,500
Richard Whitebrook 73,000
James Brinkley 65,000
David Seager 64,500
Joel Borden 61,000
Craig Stern 48,500
Sebastien Sodres 42,500
Larry Hirschfield 18,800

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Martin Culotta Bags Flight 1E Chip Lead, Earns Entry Into Event #15

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 204
Flight 1E Players Remaining: 27

Martin Culotta (Florida) bags the Flight 1E chip lead, ending the afternoon flight with over 500,000.  His efforts have now earned him a seat into next week's Event #15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em | $150,000 GTD).

Flight 1E wrapped up just minutes ago, with the final few hands drama-free, as Martin Culotta's (Florida) stack was out of reach for the other players.  The tournament staff is verifying stacks as this post is being published, but it's very possible that Culotta bagged the overall Day 2 chip lead.

That will conclude the live blogged coverage of today's action, but followers can check back shortly for the official counts from Flight 1E (around 9:00pm), and in the early morning hours for Flight 1F chip counts (around 4:00am).


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Notables Still Alive, Looking To Reach The Bagging Process

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 14 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/400)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 204
Flight 1E Players Remaining: 38

Ory Hen (Cooper City, FL) was part of a nine-way chop in this same event during the 2017 Florida State Poker Championships.  That night, Hen took home sixth place money, which was worth $16,990.

Almost halfway through Level 14, there are still (38) players looking to make it another level, as which point the bagging process will begin.  While new names like Donald Maloney and Martin Culotta stand atop the leaderboard, there are still numerous notables remaining in the field.  One of those notables is Orly Hen (Cooper City, FL), who is coming off a nice score during the WSOP Circuit (Hard Rock Hollywood).  Hen reached the final table of the $3,250 High Roller, finishing in eighth place, and earning himself $12,640.  That was a significant score, as it brought his career number north of $1,200,000 in live tournament earnings.  Some other notables left in Flight 1E include:

Dolphus Powers
Terry Siele
Nancy Birnbaum
Edward Jaffe
Peter Fellows
Jeffrey Fogel
Giovanni Cantatore

Once play enters Level 15, and there are 10:00 minutes showing on the clock, the tournament supervisor will pause the clock (and three more hands will be played at each table).  After those hands have finished, those players left will begin bagging up their chips, at which point we will bring you the winner of the chip lead bonus.

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Registration Now Closed, Looking At The Leaders

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 13 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 204
Flight 1E Players Remaining: 46


Donald Maloney (Glendale, AZ) is currently the only threat to Martin Culotta, who looks to be running away with the race for the chip lead bonus.

Registration for Flight 1E of Event #7 ($360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD) just closed officially, with a total of (204) entries.  The showing from this flight brings the combined prize pool to $224,175, with still one final flight remaining (Flight 1F at 6:00pm).  There are currently (48) players remaining in this flight, hoping to make it three more levels, in order to bag chips for tomorrow's Day 2.

Updated counts from the field yield yet another new name towards the top, with Donald Maloney (Glendale, AZ) the player closest to Martin Culotta.  Maloney has a tournament resume with over $201,000 in career earnings, with many of his results coming from properties on the left coast.  His (25) recorded cashes come from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Florida, one from Montreal, and another from Baltimore.  Maloney is in the midst of his best statistical year of poker, with over $148,480 in earnings (year to date).

Martin Culotta - 320,000
Donald Maloney - 260,000
Nigel Murray - 175,000
Max Kruger - 165,000
Rafael Reis - 160,000
Larry Hirschfield - 160,000
Sam Sayegh - 155,000
Michael Newman - 130,000
Nick Ahmadi - 125,000
Jeffrey Silverstein - 120,000

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Sayegh Amongst A New Group Climbing The Leaderboard

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 12 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 200

Sam Sayegh (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was all smiles after getting Juan Rodriguez to fold (what could have been the best hand).

Just as we approached Table 5, Sam Sayegh (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was check-shoving over Juan Rodriguez's 15,000 bet, on a K♣ Q 4 flop.  Sayegh, who was all-in for over 120,000, was putting Rodriguez in a spot to decide for his tournament life (Juan had about 65,000 behind).  After some chatter between players, Rodriguez would flash the K, before tossing his hand in the muck.  In return, Sayegh showed Juan the Q♠...but nothing more.  Regardless of what Sam held, he ended up winning the pot, and would chip up to more than double the current chip average (which is 68,000).

Players are heading on heading on their final break of the flight, and will return to Level 13, with new blinds of 1,000/2,000/300.  Once players return to their tables, we will bring you updated chip counts from the remaining field.


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Culotta Gets Value From Quads On The River

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 11 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 196


Martin Culotta (Florida) was already in line to win a sizable pot from Jay Romano, but ended up getting a little extra, with a river value bet (holding quads).

It's not the easiest thing to get value from quads, as another player in the hands needs some strong holdings, in order to pay you off.  Martin Culotta managed to do just that towards the end of Level 10, as he held K♣ 2♣ on a 2 2♠ 7♠ 2 6 board.  With close to 60,000 in the pot, Martin would be first to act against Jay Romano, and decided to put out a 21,000 river bet.  Romano made the call fairly quickly, and would see his full house (7 8) bested by Martin's four-of-a-kind.  With Angelo Miele, Jay Romano, and Rafael Reis all falling from the top of the leaderboard, Culotta is the new chip leader, sitting with just over 220,000.

Martin Culotta - 220,000

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Santoni Having A Tought Time Finding Traction

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 10 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 196


Larry Hirschfield (Boca Raton, FL) spent time playing with Luis Santoni deep in Event #1, and while Luis got the better of his last week, it's Larry with the best of it this afternoon.

It's be noted numerous times, that one of the greatest things about tournament poker, is that there is "always tomorrow."  That could be a both a blessing...and a curse, as players who experience tournament success feel like they're bound to continue the run.  Nothing is just handed to a player in this game though, as each new event is just that...a new event.  Luis Santoni (Puerto Rico) was riding high just a week ago, earning third place money in the eight-way chop that ended Event #1 ($11,591).  

Since that night though, it's been a different story for the savvy tournament veteran, as he's failed on multiple attempts, to bag chips for Sunday's Day 2.  "They're just hitting everything on me," Luis said moments ago, after getting eliminated by Larry Hirschfield (Boca Raton, FL).  Hirschfield also made a deep run in Event #1, reaching the final three tables, but finishing in 22nd place ($995).  Larry flopped a set on a 4♠ 7♣ 2 board, and waited things out, allowing Santoni to make top pair on the river.  Hirschfield would chip up to just below average with the pot (43,000), and is hoping to put himself in position for a another 2017 Isle Open deep run.

Santoni is still debating on entering this flight once again, but also has the event's final flight (Flight 1G) this evening (6:00pm) as an option.

Larry Hirschfield - 43,000


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Updated Chip Counts After Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 9 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 192


Angelo Miele (Hollywood, FL) is hoping to put himself in position to win his second ever Isle Poker major, with his first coming over five years ago.

Outside of Rafael Reis continuing to hold the top stop, we have seen numerous changes at the top of the leaderboard.  Jay Romano has dropped down to 100,000, while players like Martin Culatta and Angelo Miele have climbed into the top five.  Miele (who sits with 130,000) is a veteran of the South Florida poker circuit, with (33) recorded results over his nine year poker career.  All but one of those cashes came in here in the "Sunshine State," with his first ever result coming from the Five Star World Poker Classic (WPT) in Las Vegas.  Angelo has over $136,000 in lifetime tournament earnings, and is looking for his second major Isle Poker Room title (he won the $550 No Limit Hold'em event during the 2012 Battle At The Beach | $24,430).

Rafael Reis - 210,000
Martin Culatta - 140,000
Angelo Miele - 130,000
Jeffrey Silverstein - 105,000
Jay Romano - 100,000
Nigel Murray - 100,000
Ory Hen - 75,000

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Romano Makes The "Big Wheel" To Bust Dolphus Powers

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 8 (Blinds 300/600/75)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 180


Jay Romano (Parkland, FL) has over $177,000 in lifetime earnings, but is looking for his first recorded result since July of last year.

Jay Romano (Parkland, FL) was going to be featured earlier in the day (as the flight's chip leader), but ended up getting trumped by Rafael Reis, who grabbed the lead after winning a 100,000 pot. It looks as if Romano can't be ignored though, as he scooped a sizable pot moments ago, to move himself into second place in the current standings.

Romano and Dolphus Powers got it all-in on the turn of a board reading 2♠ 3♣ 6♠ 5♣, with Powers having turned a set of fives (5 5), and Romano turning a six-high straight (4♠ 6♠).  Powers needed the board to pair to stay alive, but was unable to find the fortunate river.  Dolphus would be left to make a decision in regards to re-entering, while Romano chipped up to 125,000.   

Romano has over $177,000 in lifetime tournament earnings, highlighted by a championship win in this very series.  Jay headed a four-way chop of the $2,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event during the 2013 Isle Open, worth an even $100,000.

Players will be heading on their second break of the day at the conclusion of this level, and will be returning to Level 9, with new blinds of 400/800/100.  Once the cards are back in the air, we will take a look at updated chip counts from the field.


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): A Flop For Everyone, But Reis Likes It The Best

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 7 (Blinds 250/500/75)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 173


Rafael Reis (Curitiba, Brazil) flopped the best of three players at Table 4, and watched as all of the chips got in, for the largest pot of the day (to this point).

Table 4 was approached just as players were tabling their hands in a three way all-in, on a flop of K 10 Q.  The pot was close to 100,000, with Rafael Reis having both of his opponents covered, and holding the best hand (5 7).  Rafael's flush was up against K♣ 10♠ (two pair) and A♠ J♠ (straight), needing to fade the turn and river, in order to win the largest pot of the afternoon.  One of Reis's friends walked over to sweat along, and watched the 5 fell on the turn, followed by the A on the river.

Rafael's seven-high flush would stay the best hand, and he would collect the pot, which brought his total to 160,000.  That stack has a healthy lead over the rest in the field, but we are still a long way from the end of the flight.  Registration is still open, and will stay open until the end of Level 12 (and the break that follows).

Rafael Reis - 160,000 (320bb)





Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Trudeau Looking To Add Another Tournament Title

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 6 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 164


Jeff Trudeau (Orlando, FL) took a few days away from the table after winning Event #5 on Tuesday, but is now back in the field, looking for title number two.

There aren't many players to have won numerous titles in the same series here at the Isle, but a few are in the field now that have the chance to do that.  Jeff Trudeau (Orlando, FL) is one of the most recent entries in the field, and is coming off of a trophy win earlier this week.  Trudeau bested a field of (145) entries in Event #5 ($120 No Limit Hold'em | $15,000 GTD), eventually making a heads-up deal with Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL).  Jeff would walk away with $4,000 for first first place finish, bringing his career tournament earnings above $518,150.  The win was the tenth of Trudeau's impressive career, and also his first major trophy win here at the Isle Poker Room.  Trudeau joins a group of late arriving players, which includes another player that can earn his second title of the series:

Christopher Gilkey (2017 Isle Open | Event #1 Winner)
Jeffrey Fogel
Try Hen
Steve McCoy
Thomas Gari
Peter Fellows
Nagui Yassa
Andre Rakusa


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): "Rake Free" Satellite Reminder (Oct. 17th), Earn Entry Into $2,500 Single-Day Series (Event #14)

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 5 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Flight 1C Entries: 155





There was a "late addition" to the 2017 Isle Open schedule, inserted into the calendar after the collateral for the series was released.  Posted above is the structure sheet for the $510 "Rake Free" NLH Satellite Into Event #14 ($2,500 Single-Day Series), which guarantees five seats into the event.  This satellite has no entry fee (only a staffing fee), and will get players into one of the premier events of the series, for a quarter of the price.  The satellite happens to run on an afternoon where there is a non-no limit hold'em event ($150 Omaha 8B Hi/Lo), so all those looking for a no limit event with super value, can circle that date.

The satellite begins at 12:00pm on Tuesday, October 17th...and offers players the opportunity to grab a five-figure score in just over (12) hours.  The $2,500 NLH Single-Day Series saw it's first installment attract (75) entries, and a prize pool over $170,000...and that was without a guarantee on the tournament.  With $100,000 guarantee...and having the event during a major series...it could bring numbers that exceed anyones expectation.

A copy of the tournament structure will be available by the brush stand, along with posted on the poker room's Twitter account (@PokerIslePP).

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Nigel Murray Looking To Make 2017 A Career Year

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 4 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 128

Nigel Murray (Miami Gardens, FL) has already earned six-figures in tournament cashes this year, but is now focused on making this the top year of his career.

As we scan the field for the second wave of notables, Nigel Murray (Miami Gardens, FL) stands out, coming off one of the stronger months of his career.  Murray, who has over $727,000 in career tournament earnings, cashed in five events during the month of August.  Of those cashes, three of them were final table finishes, totaling $57,349.  Four of the five cashes came during the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, including his twelfth tournament win (Event #2 | $300 No Limit Hold'em Turbo | $18,570).  

Nigel's best statistical year of his career came in 2014, when he earned $149,161...a number he is only $14,000 away from this year.  A final table run in this tournament would surely help him eclipse his prior career year, with still two more months left to pad that number.  Murray is headlining the second group of notables in the field, joining names like:

Alfonso Perez
William Beasley
Luis Santoni
Jay Feierstadt
Daniel Pearlman
Alik Sitnyakovsky
Terry Siele
Linda Lipkins
Steve Lipkins
Michael Hefley
Elliot Zaydman
Charlemagne Benjamin
Nancy Birnbaum

Players will be heading on their first break of the day at this level's conclusion, returning to Level 5, and new blinds of 150/300/50.


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Drawing A Crowd, On Pace For Big Numbers

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 3 (Blinds 75/150/25)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 115


Rafael Reis (Curitiba, Brazil) may not have put in the same amount of hours at the tables this year, but that doesn't keep him from being one of the more dangerous players in the field.

With already (115) entries in the field, this starting flight is on pace to crush the numbers of those that came before it.  Tables are opening up at a rapid rate across the room, with a lot of new faces in the field.  One of those players in the field for the first time this event, and first time this entire series, is Rafael Reis (Curitiba, Brazil).  Rafael was a player that would frequent many of the events in South Florida, both here at the Isle, and other properties in the area.  Since earning the highlight score of his career (winning the $360 NLH event during the Rock N' Roll Poker Open - $155,642), and experiencing his best statistical year of tournament poker, Rafael took a step back from his usual hectic schedule of the "grind."  He does have (17) cashes this year though (total over $75,000 in results), with his most recent result coming during this summer's WSOP. 

Rafael is just one of a large group of players to take their seats in the field for their first attempt at bagging in this event:

Adam Schwartz
Pasquale Caiazza
Sherrie Williams
Calixto Rodriguez
Joseph Marchese
Preach Taepakdee
Fred Alesi
Angelo Miele
Juan Rodriguez


Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): Official Chip Counts (Flight 1A-Flight 1D)

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 2 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 50



Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1E): As The Prize Pool Grows, The Time To Enter Shrinks

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 1 (Blinds 25/50)
Total Flight 1E Entries: N/A




The second "major" event of the 2017 Isle Open continues today, as the final pair of Event #7 ($360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD) flights starts at 11:00am.  The tournament boasts the second largest guarantee on the championship schedule ($200,000), and also offers one of the more "generous" structures.  Players in the six opening flights sit down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and play levels lasting (30) minutes (through Level 15).  The time will then transition to (40) minutes (Levels 16+), and stay that way through the conclusion of the tournament.  Registration is open through the first (12) levels of each flight, which is approximately 5:30pm.  The "chip leaders bonus" is back, as the players with the largest stack from each flight will earn a seat into (Event #15 | $1,100 No Limit Hold'em | $150,000 GTD).

Yesterday afternoon was the second "opening day" of Event #7 ($360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD), and to nobodies surprise...we are looking at yet another tournament that will exceed expectations. In total, there were (283) entries over the course of the second day of Event #7 action, with (39) players booking tickets to Sunday's Day 2.  The combined total equates to $161,955 towards the overall prize pool, and a pace that will see the number eclipse the guarantee during this first flight of the day.

Tournament Director Ralph Brandt will be going over the rules announcement in just a few moments, and the cards will be in the air for Flight 1E.  The official combined counts will be posted shortly thereafter, followed by the first look at players in this afternoon flight.

Saturday, October 14th: Saturday Is For "Flighting", Wrapping Up Event #7 Opening Sessions

ICMYI: The daily totals continue to grow for Event #7 ($360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD), as yesterday's pair of flights attracted a total of (283) entries, from which (39) players bagged chips for tomorrow's Day 2.  Yesterday's total combined with the pair of flights from Thursday, bring the overall number to (531) entries, and a current prize pool of $161,955.  That means the posted guarantee should be eclipsed during today's afternoon flight (Flight 1D), with everything from this evening just "window dressing."  We are looking at some of the largest numbers we've seen for an event of this price-point, and a first place prize in the $40,000 range.

In a breakdown of flights from Friday, the afternoon flight (Flight 1C) saw registration close with (143) entries, and once the day was over, (19) players would advance to Day 2.  In a neck-and-neck race for the chip lead, Georges Boyadjian (Pompano Beach, FL) would come out on top, just beating Marco Cantizani for the Event #15 seat ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em | $150,000 GTD).  The evening flight (Flight 1D) drew a total of (140) entries, of which (20) players would bag for Day 2.  That flight was led by Philip Phillips (Alpharetta, GA), who bagged 266,500.

Tournaments: The second "major" event of the 2017 Isle Open wraps up it's opening sessions today, as the final pair of Event #7 ($360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD) flights starts at 11:00am.  The tournament boasts the second largest guarantee on the championship schedule ($200,000), and also offers one of the more "generous" structures.  Players in the six opening flights sit down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and play levels lasting (30) minutes (through Level 15).  The time will then transition to (40) minutes (Levels 16+), and stay that way through the conclusion of the tournament.  Registration is open through the first (12) levels of each flight, which is approximately 5:30pm.  The "chip leaders bonus" is back, as the players with the largest stack from each flight will earn a seat into (Event #15 | $1,100 No Limit Hold'em | $150,000 GTD).  Live blogged coverage is also offered for the event, with each afternoon flight (Flight A, Flight C, and Flight E), and Day 2 getting the "live look-in."

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 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 (Friday morning), players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.



11:00am - 2017 Isle Open  Event #7 (Flight 1E): $360 No Limit Hold'em ($200,000 GTD) 

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Levels will last (30) minutes through Level 15, and will the transition to (40) minutes Level 16+
- All Day 1's will play (15) complete levels or until 10% of the field remains (whichever comes first)
- The chip leader from each flight will earn a seat into Event 15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em)

6:00pm - 2017 Isle Open  Event #7 (Flight 1F): $360 No Limit Hold'em ($200,000 GTD)

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Levels will last (30) minutes through Level 15, and will the transition to (40) minutes Level 16+
- All Day 1's will play (15) complete levels or until 10% of the field remains (whichever comes first)
- The chip leader from each flight will earn a seat into Event 15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em)

Isle Open Event 7 (Flight 1D): Official End Of Flight 1D Chip Counts

2017 Isle Open | Event #7
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1D Entries: 140
Flight 1D Players Remaining: 20


Philip Philips D 266,500
Richard Kirsch 230,000
Fariborz Zojaji 226,500
Ray Nalbandian 221,000
Alan Leon 204,000
Hector Pacheco 195,500
James Salmon 190,000
Edward McNamara 168,000
John Magnetta 162,000
Josue Garcia 135,500
Raymond Roberts 112,000
Michael Marks 111,500
Eduardo Christ 111,000
Tracy White 111,000
John DeSoto 95,000
Scott Wyler 93,000
Dominic Pacelli 79,500
Chris Zollo 58,000
Ariel Rosello 26,500
Douglas Nelson 7,500