Defending Champion Nathan Gamble Leads Final 20 Players After Day 2
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Out of the 191 players who returned for Day 2 action in Event #53 $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, just 20 remain ten levels later. Leading the way is none other than the defending champion, Nathan Gamble, who notched his first career bracelet in this event last year in truly spectacular fashion by steamrolling the final table.
Gamble is gunning for a repeat performance and bagged a sizeable 834,000 chips at the conclusion of play. The defending champion grabbed the chip lead after a late clash with Jason Stockfish which sent the latter to the rail in 24th place ($6,927). Gamble held ace-ten on an ace-ten-five flop, while Stockfish played three baby cards for an inside wheel wrap. The turn and river brought a king and Gamble scooped it all.
Behind Gamble, the next largest stack belongs to Joseph Couden (776,000), and behind him are Robert Campbell (565,000), Brad Albrinck (564,000), and four-time bracelet winner Mike Matusow (436,000).
However, with several of the games brightest stars still in contention, the path to victory won't be an easy one for anybody. Eli Elezra bagged 419,000 chips, and Daniel Negreanu, although the third-shortest stack with 96,000, is never to be counted out. Bracelet winner Bryce Yockey, who began Day 2 near the top of the leaderboard, ended the day with 400,000. Chris Conrad (364,000), Garrett Garvin (347,000), two-time bracelet winner Quinn Do (300,000), and Bruno Fitoussi (262,000) are also still in the hunt for the $244,370 top prize and coveted gold bracelet.
Not all of the familiar faces who returned for Day 2 action were fortunate enough to survive to the end. Tom West, Randy Ohel, Peter Neff, and Victor Ramdin were among the fan favorites to depart without cashing. Fourteen-time WSOP champion Phil Hellmuth made a run in this event and earned $4,823 for his 43rd place finish. John Racener (121st - $2,319), Roland Israelashvili (93rd - $2,441), Andreas Klatt (79th - $2,857), Adam Hendrix (51st - $4,125), Dylan Linde (38th - $4,823), Lee Watkinson (27th - $6,927), and Brandon Cantu (24th - $6,927) all left with parting gifts, as well.
Day 3 action will begin Thursday, June 28 at noon local time. The plan is to play down to a winner. Keep it here for continuing coverage of Event #53 $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better and throughout the 2018 World Series of Poker from the PokerNews Live Reporting team.