09-28-2008 16:42 UTC+9

Faqiryar Playing Tricks?

[user67765]

Sam Faqiryar opened with a raise to 11,500 from under-the-gun and Hidenari Shiono called. David Horvath also came along for the ride in the small blind.

They saw a baby flop of {2-Spades}

. Horvath checked and Faqiryar followed up with a continuation bet of 16,000. Shiono quickly raised an additional 32,000, making it 48,000 to go. Horvath tanked for a long time before folding and the action was back with Faqiryar.

Faqiryar's appearance has been compared to a young Antonio Esfandiari, and although his play has often been magical in this tournament, he certainly played some tricks in this hand as he mulled over his decision. At first he cut down enough chips for a call, then added another 55,000 behind in preparation for a raise, all without committing anything over the line. He tanked for a long time, as several players stood and walked around the table to stretch.

Faqiryar eventually decided to make a painful fold and Shiono collected the pot.