But Day 7 sees the end of Michael Ruane’s hopes for a back-to-back final table appearance
Day 7 action in the World Series of Poker Main Event came to a conclusion just after 1.30 am Tuesday morning local time when Michael Ruane – a November Niner from last year – busted out at 10th for $825,001 after a last-gasp attempt against Argentinian player Damian Salas to stay in the game failed.
It must have been bitterly disappointing for Ruane, who along with Belgian ace Kenny Hallaert had hoped to achieve the rare accomplishment of back-to-back main event tables. Hallaert was eliminated at 64th on Day 6 for $101,444 (see previous InfoPowa report).
Much of Day 7 belonged to two Brit players, retired businessman and colourfully clad John Hesp (64) and professional player Jack Sinclair (26) who between them cut a swathe through the 27 players who started Day 7 and dominated the chip counts until the late stages of the game.
Hesp is a recreational player who says playing the Main Event was one of his bucket list ambitions, and admits to playing live tourneys just once a month. However, his skill and potential impressed and was clearly way beyond that as he battled with the best and continued to prosper.
In the closing stages of the day it was US pro Scott Blumstein who powered through to the lead on 97.2 million, with Hesp his closest rival on 85.7 million…both way ahead of Brian Piccioli at third on 34 million.
And the once rampant Jack Sinclair dropped to 20.2 million, hit badly by a huge failed bluff against Blumstein.
Here are the chip counts for the final nine players at the close of play at level 37:
Scott Blumstein 97,250,000
John Hesp 85,700,000
Benjamin Pollak 35,175,000
Bryan Piccioli 33,800,000
Dan Ott 26,475,000
Damian Salas 22,175,000
Antoine Saout 21,750,000
Jack Sinclair 20,200,000
Ben Lamb 18,050,000
The players now take a much-needed break until mid-morning Thursday July 20, when final table action begins.
Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa
