The bubble is always a fun time during a poker tournament. At least, it’s fun for those who don’t suffer the pain of being the bubble boy. We currently have 24 happy players and one unhappy John Dichiera as the bubble has burst and we’re into the money.
The man they call “JD” was one of the shortest stacks in the room and tried to double up with A♥ 10♣ but the giant-killing James Broom had him dominated with A♣ J♥ . The board ran out K♦ 9♦ 5♥ 5♦ 4♣ to see Broom’s hand hold. Dichiera was obviously gutted, but took the blow well, extending a handshake before exiting the Crown Poker Room.
Dichiera joins the likes of Tristan Bain, Emanuel Seal, Daniel Botta, Nigel Brine and 2011 Aussie Millions champ David Gorr as those to make it to Day 3 but leave empty-handed.
With $3,900 now locked up, we should see a little more action as the 24 remaining players look to take a few more risks to accumulate a big stack.
So who is left?
There’s a nice mix of locals in this field, plus a few talented players who perhaps don’t have big profiles…yet.
The likes of Milan Gurung, Kent Hunter and Luke Brabin have been around the circuit for a while and will be keen to make the most of this opportunity. Siyu Sha is not a household name, yet he defeated Jarred Graham to win an Aussie Millions gold ring just last month. And speaking of Aussie Millions success, Fabian Craib won $150,000 last month with two final table appearances in Aussie Millions side events.
Then there’s, Pawel Zawadowicz, the unknown talent from Poland who provides the “X” factor as a strong online player with a solid live European record that includes a win in a unique “win the button” event at the EPT Prague in December.
Zawadowicz has been going strong throughout this event and currently holds almost double the average chips. You get the feeling he’s going to be making a deep run at the ANZPT Perth title.
Of course we can throw in the well-known Ricky Kroesen, Ivan Zalac, Dale Marsland and chip leader James Broom to round out a diverse mix of players among our final 24. It should be an entertaining afternoon!
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