282 left in WSOP Main Event – Volpe leads
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Day 4 of the 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event is in the book with just 282 players still chasing the $8.5m first prize. Paul Volpe is our chip leader on 2,750,000 followed by Swede Erik Hellman (2,216,000) and start of day chip leader Dave D'Alesandro (2,093,000) with pros Kyle Bowker (2,081,000) and Eric Buchman (2,076,000) rounding out the top five.
A number of notable names survived the four levels yesterday including Leo Wolpert (1,835,000), Vanessa Selbst (1,678,000), Erik Cajelais (1,600,000), David 'ODB' Baker (1,381,000), Gavin Smith (831,000), Jason Somerville (640,000) and Daniel Negreanu (302,000).
The British challenge remains strong and is led by Niall Farrell (829,000) and JP Kelly (778,000). Other Brits returning for Day 5 will be James Brodie, Craig McCorkell, Daniel Sauva, Derek Chisholm, November Niner Sam Holden, Charles Clark, James Keys and Keith Johnson. Irish hopes rest with UKIPT winner Nick Abou Risk (1,287,000) and John O'Shea (701,000).
As expected, the money bubble burst early in the proceedings with four players eliminated on the first hand for hand deal. They each took a quarter of the $19,277 min cash and played a four-man SNG for next year's Main Event seat.
Big names to make the money but fall before the close included former winners Huck Seed and Johnny Chan, Chris Moorman, Jason Mercier (who was our tip to make the money), Liv Boeree and Big One for One Drop champion Antonio Esfandiari.
The remaining players return to the tables at 8pm tonight with the blinds 5,000/10,000 plus a 1,000 ante. Everyone is guaranteed at least $38,453 but will be hoping for much, much more. Join us tomorrow to see who's still in contention.