Posted by AlCantHang | Filed under Bloggers on the Rail
Vitaly Lunkin wins the first bracelet for a Full Tilt Pro
Photo credit: IMPDI
The promise of a great Day 5 came to life, turning into the best day in a series that is only a week old. We know there was a stacked final table set for the $40k 40th Anniversary tournament, a long day to play down to the Omaha/8 bracelet, plus the introduction of the “Binion’s Cup” causing a crush along the rails.
The seats around the ESPN feature table were packed with fans and partisan spectators. The roar of the crowd told the rest when a big hand was going down. Greg Raymer was the obvious crowd favorite but Full Tilt pro Vitaly Lunkin had his vocal section cheering the Russian on. With the elimination of each player Lunkin continued to build his chipstack and took the lead with 5 players remaining. Then he used it to apply near constant pressure on the others. In the early morning hours it was finally over, and the Russian was crowded the winner in the first $40,000 40th Anniversary Tournament.
Team Full Tilt Poker has it’s first bracelet. We’ll get to hear the Russian national anthem tomorrow afternoon during the new bracelet ceremony.
Event #3 already set a record for the number of entrants in the $1,500 Limit Omaha/8 tournament with 918 runners and by just around midnight we had another amazing story. Thang Luu was the defending champion in this event from 2008 after finishing second in 2007. He lead the field after Day 1 with 19 players remaining looking for the rare event repeat. Not since Johnny Chan go back-to-back at the Main Event in ‘87-’88 had any player successfully defended their title in an open event. Until last night.
Luu again finished on top for his second bracelet and was reported to have said “I know one thing for sure. I will play in this event every year from now on!” I’ll bet good money that he’ll do exactly that.
Monday will see the final table of the Champions Invitational that was packed full of former Main Event winners. Where the winner will take up a Red Corvette and the Binion’s Cup. More at the tournament as they continue.
Champions Invitation field
Photo credit: Mean Gene
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