Bubble Closing in on WPT Finale

Bubble Closing in on WPT Finale

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

As the $1,150,297 top prize for this year’s WPT World Championship draws ever closer just 24 players now remain in the hunt for the title.

Another day of action inside the Bellagio saw 67 players become a round two dozen and a shift of power at the top of the chip counts as Mike Linster made way for Amir Babakhani.

Like Linster, Babakhani enjoyed his first WPT win this season after taking down the Canadian Spring Championship in Montreal recently.

However, unlike Linster who hit the rail towards the close of yesterday’s session, Babakhani managed to continue his upswing and bag 1,220,000 by the time the tournament clock was stopped.

The rise of Babakhani was in stark contrast to some of the game’s more recognisable players, including Phil Hellmuth, Marvin Rettenmaier and current Player of the Year, Matt Salsberg whose Ks Qs couldn’t overcome Rocco Palumbo’s pocket queens to stay alive.

Chasing Babakhani when the action resumes today will be a mixture of solid grinders and standout pros. Indeed, Jason Mercier (583,000), Jake Cody (365,000), Daniel Negreanu (329,000) and Andrew Lichtenberger (137,000) will be looking to make it past the 15th place bubble and on to the final table.



Tags: WPT Championship 2013, Amir Babakhani, Jason Mercier, Jake Cody, Daniel Negreanu