He’s made quite a name for himself in the online poker battleground – ‘RaSZi’, for the record – but Team PokerStars Holland Pro Lex Veldhuis has yet to chalk up a bumper score in a live event. All that has changed in the $40,000 No Limit Hold’em event, where he is already guaranteed $96,171 – and looking a good bet to make tomorrow’s final table.
Into the second level today, and level 19 overall, the Dutchman is sitting fifth in chips with 1.8 million. It’s one tough field, but our man is in good spirits.
“I am feeling really good,” he said as he unbagged his mountain of chips for today’s play. “I survived two of the toughest tables yesterday, so the good news is it can’t be any worse today.
“I’m pretty sure I know how the people at my table today play, so that makes me feel more confident. It’s going to be a good day.”
Things got off to a rocky start, however, when he dropped a big pot against Tony G, who got all in with 10♣ 10♠, called by Veldhuis with K♥ Q♣ . The low board meant Tony G doubled up to 880,000.
Team PokerStars Pro Greg Raymer is going about his business on the next table, and has already accounted for Andrew Robl. The Fossilman is up to 2 million – currently fifth in chips.
The early going saw us lose five of the shortstacks: Andrew Robl, Frank Kassela, David Chui, Neil Channing, and moments ago Andy Black
Top ten chip counts in level 19, blinds 12,000-24,000 (3,000). 18 players left:
Justin Bonomo, 3,100,000
Ted Forrest, 2,300,000
Alec Torelli, 2,240,000
Greg Raymer, Team PokerStars Pro, 2,000,000
David Baker, 1,970,000
Lex Veldhuis, Team PokerStars Holland Pro, 1,800,000
Isaac Haxton, 1,400,000
Noah Schwartz, 1,300,000
Brian Rast, 1,030,000
Matthew Marafioti, 850,000
