They’ve played another hour-long level at the Latin American Poker Tour Grand Final in São Paulo, Brazil. Now just 17 remain gathered around three short-handed tables — still another nine knockouts to go before play concludes on Day 3.
Ariel Celestino had about half a million chips coming back from the break — around 16 big blinds’ worth — then found himself involved in a hand with fellow Brazilian Felipe Difini who had about twice that amount to begin.
The pair made it to a 7♣ 5♣ 3♥ flop, after which Celestino check-raised a bet by Difini. The latter responded with an all-in push, and after some time in the tank “Bahia” came up with a call, turning over Q♣ 7♦ for top pair of sevens.
Celestino winced a little, though when he saw Difini table A♣ A♦ , and after the 9♦ turn and 10♠ river Brazil’s top-ranked tournament player was out with a 20th-place finish (R$34,970).
Difini is the clear chip leader at present, now up around 1.4 million as they move into Level 25.
Meanwhile, we should give a shout to Chile’s Oscar Alache, who with the elimination a little earlier of Patricio Rojas in 23rd place has now secured the LAPT Season 8 Player of the Year.
Photography from LAPT8 Brazil by Carlos Monti. You can also follow the action in Spanish here and in Portuguese here.
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Martin Harris is Freelance Contributor to the PokerStars Blog.
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