For the past two weeks, the Casino Barrière in Cannes, France, has played host to the 2012 World Series of Poker Europe. Thanks to PartyPoker sponsoring PokerNews’ coverage, we’ve been on hand to capture all the great action. In Week 1's recap of the the biggest hands, we took a look at some Phil Hellmuth antics and Antonio Esfandiari'sthird bracelet win.
Now, we’re back with a look at some of the most entertaining, interesting, and influential hands from the second week of the 2012 WSOP Europe.
Cantu Controversy in Event #5: €10,450 Mixed Max — No-Limit Hold'em
There was quite a bit of controversy in Event #5: €10,450 Mixed Max — No-Limit Hold'em, most of it fueled by Brandon Cantu. It came in the final four when heads-up matches were in progress, and the first came when Cantu was squaring off against Roger Hairabedian, who became the first Frenchman to win a WSOP Europe bracelet just a few days before, and concerned the Hairabedian’s relocation at the table.
The aforementioned ruling regarding Roger Hairabedian being moved to the opposite end of the table has now halted the action in this heads-up match. Brandon Cantu demanded to once again see Jack Effel regarding his decision on allowing Hairabedian to move to the other side of the table.
"It changes everything," lamented Cantu to Effel. "All [Hairabedian] is doing is making it about himself."
Cantu brought up the point that he had no say in the matter and that he came back from break to a table setup that looked completely different.
Effel, however, remained confident in his ruling.
"Look, you guys are playing for a lot of money here," said Effel.
"I KNOW we are," interjected Cantu, "which is why it's ridiculous."
"I'm going to let you sit here and rant, but I'm not going to change my decision. I suggest you take a deep breath and not let something like this get to you."
Effel's word was final and he left and told the dealer to resume play. Cantu put his headphones back on and sat steaming from the decision.
He and Roger Hairabedian saw a flop and Hairabedian checked out of turn. The turn was dealt and Hairabedian bet 75,000 when Cantu checked again. Cantu argued that Hairabedian checked out of turn again but the dealer and Hairabedian insisted he only lifted his hand and then said to Cantu that it was his turn to act.
A ruling was made against Cantu but he refused to accept it and called the dealer a liar and insane. The clock was paused and Jack Effel was called. After hearing everyone's point of view, Effel was leaning toward ruling in favor of Cantu. No final ruling has been made yet as they are checking the footage from the cameras… Jack Effel came back and said that the footage showed that Roger Hairabedian did in fact check and subtly verbalized so. Hairabedian had to take his bet back and the hand played on. The atmosphere is very tense in the room right now.
Hellmuth Chip Leader of WSOP Europe Main Event Final Table
On Wednesday, the 2012 World Series of Poker Europe €10,450 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event was down to just 17 players when a big hand developed and gave 12-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth take the chip lead, which he would carry into the final table.
Not only was the “Poker Brat” looking to capture bracelet No. 13, he was looking to win the WSOP Player of the Year title, which he could clinch if he won the WSOP Europe Main Event and Greg Merson did not go on to win the October Nine Main Event; in addition, either a second, third- or fourth-place finish will also give Hellmuth a legitimate shot at the POY title.
Curt Kohlberg opened to 30,000 from under the gun and action folded to Phil Hellmuth who pushed out a sizable three-bet to 180,000. Action folded back around to Kohlberg, who announced that he was all-in for 900,000 total.
Kurt Kohlberg
"What did he say? All in?" said Hellmuth. "I call!" Hellmuth shot out of his chair and tabled A♣A♥.
Kohlberg showed J♥10♥ and was in dire need of some help.
Fortunately for Kohlberg, the flop brought him hope, as it fell 8♥4♦9♦, giving him an open-ended straight draw. Hellmuth took one look at the flop and stormed from the table.
The A♦ rolled off on the turn, giving Hellmuth a set but Kohlberg was still drawing live going to the river.
Fifth street was paint, but unfortunately for Kohlberg, it was the J♠, pairing him up and securing his elimination in 17th place.
While stacking his new chips, Hellmuth broke into a chorus of English New Wave band 'Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." Hellmuth may not be ruling the world, but he is certainly ruling this room as this win boosts him to 2,000,000 and is good for the top spot on the chip counts.
A Cooler for Tony G in the €50,000 Majestic High Roller
Day 2 of the €50,000 Majestic High Roller took place on Wednesday, and it was a long day on the felt resulting in another early-morning finish. Overall the field size grew to 60 total entries (49 players and 11 rebuys), creating a prize pool of €2.88 million with €1 million going to the winner, and Day 2 saw a bevy of eliminations including Phil Ivey, Jonathan Duhamel, Daniel Negreanu, Sam Trickett and PartyPoker Pro Marvin Rettenmaier. However, it was another PartyPoker Pro, Tony G, who was the victim of a big cooler to finish in 17th place. Here’s a look at the hand as reported in our Live Blog:
Tony G was just the victim of a massive cooler, as he was eliminated in a million-chip pot.
Tony G
Scott Seiver gave us a summary of the hand right after Tony G left the tournament area. Richard Yong had raised preflop, Tony G three-bet and Yong called.
The flop brought 4♣6♠A♦ and both players checked. On the turn the 3♠ hit and Yong bet 100,000. Tony G moved all in and Yong called.
[U]Showdown[/U]
Richard Yong: 7♦5♦
Tony G: A♠A♥
Tony G had outs, but the river was the J♣. Right after being eliminated in this massive pot Tony G complimented Yong on his hand. He shook hands and left the room as we are down to just 16 players.
After the eliminations of Fabian Quoss in 11th place and Scott Seiver in 10th place, the final nine players redrew to one table and opted to stop at the end of Level 17. The event will conclude on Thursday with John Juanda leading the pack with 2.596 million in chips. Follow the conclusion of the €50,000 Majestic High Roller right here on PokerNews.
