We are about five minutes from the start of the second round of the $10,000 Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship. Here come a couple of posts listing our match-ups for the second round.
After an opening round that was quicker than a cheetah on roller skates, we've been treated to a slightly longer dinner break than expected with players due to return in 100 minutes time.
We don't have an official fixture list at time of writing, but as soon as we receive the necessary spreadsheet, we'll let you know and publish all those second round line-ups. Returning will be Phil Ivey, Jason Mercier, Annette Obrestad, Tom Dwan and Vanessa Rousso, so join us at 10pm sharp. It's going to be a slobberknocker.
The last match of Round 1 is complete, done as we crossed the halfway point of Level 9 (blinds 1,000/2,000).
Evan Roberts had chipped up into the lead when Barny Boatman open-shoved his stack of 25,000 from the small blind/button, and Roberts called.
Boatman
Roberts
The board ran out , and Boatman is out. Roberts joins the other 127 winners of Round 1 who will be returning at 10 p.m. local time for tonight's second round of action.
Like a couple of cacti in a desert, just two stubborn players remain in the opening round of today's $10,000 Heads-Up Championship event: Barny Boatman and Evan Roberts.
Moments ago, Boatman had Evans by the short and curlies with versus , but Evans spiked a second knave on a board to stay alive.
The room has emptied rapidly here, with most matches having been completed as we begin Level 9. In fact, we're looking at just three matches currently. When those complete, there will be a break until 10 p.m. when the second round begins.
... especially Gavin Smith, as despite a dogged, back and forth battle, he has now advanced to Round 2 courtesy of Raymond Dandrea.
The final hand saw Smith call a preflop raise of 3,000 before checking the flop. Dandrea bet 5,000, Smith raised to 10,000, Dandrea moved all in and Smith made the call.
Smith:
Dandrea:
A turn and river and Smith was declared the winner.