Heads Up Deal, Taveras-Garcia Takes the Trophy and $31,000

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 30: 75,000/150,000/150,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 2

Gilberto Taveras-Garcia

The final two players agreed to stop the clock and discuss and adjusted payout deal. The stacks were counted down and Gilberto Taveras-Garcia was holding the lead with 9,225,000 to the 7,800,000 of Vincent Leone.

It didn’t take long for them to come an agreement and Gilberto Taveras-Garcia will take home $31,000 along with the trophy and the cruise package.

Vincent Leone will earn $30,476 for his runner-up Capital Region Classic finish.

With his win here tonight Taveras-Garcia also accomplished another poker milestone moving to number one on the Rivers Schenectady all time money list.

Below is a look at the final table results and the full Capital Region Classic results will be posted as soon as they’re available.

1. Gilberto Taveras-Garcia- $31,000
2. Vincent Leone- $30,476
3. Brian Ballantine- $15,546
4. Sean Carlson- $11,371
5. Angelo Gaudio- $8,489
6. Kawal Singh- $6,393
7. James Hundt Jr- $4,908
8. Dennis Zollo- $3,756
9. Phil Maddaleno- $2,987
10. Tina Panichi- $2,306

Gilberto Taveras-Garcia and Vincent Leone

Day 2: 3rd Place- Brian Ballantine ($15,546)

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 30: 75,000/150,000/150,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 2

Brian Ballantine

Vincent Leone moved all in for 1,900,000 from the small blind and Brian Ballantine called from the big. Leone showed 10♣10♦ and he was dominating the 5♦5♥ of Ballantine.

The board ran out clean for Leone and Ballantine was left severely short stacked. He was eliminated just a few hands later and will take home $15,546 for his third place finish.

Day 2: 4th Place- Sean Carlson ($11,371)

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 28: 50,000/100,000/100,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 3

Sean Carlson

Gilberto Taveras-Garcia raised from the small blind and Sean Carlson moved all in for about 2,100,000 from the big. Tavares-Garcia quickly called turning over 5♦5♠ and Carlson showed A♥K♣.

The Q♦8♦2♠2♥6♠ runout was no help to Carlson and he was eliminated in 4th place taking home $11,371 for his efforts.

Gilberto Taveras-Garcia- 9,000,000

Day 2: 5th Place- Angelo Gaudio ($8,489)

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 28: 50,000/100,000/100,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 4

Angelo Gaudio

Angelo Gaudio moved all in from the small blind for 545,000 and Brian Ballantine called from the big blind. Gaudio showed 8♠4♥ and would need to improve against the K♥7♣ of Gaudio.

The board ran out K♠7♥10♦2♥6♣ and Ballantine flopped two pair to score the knockout. Gaudio is our 5th place CRC finisher and will take home $8,489 for his efforts.

Brian Ballantine- 4,100,0000

Day 2: 6th Place- Kawal Singh ($6,393)

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 27: 40,000/80,000/80,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 5

Kawal Singh

Two players limped in and Vincent Leone raised to 340,000 from the small blind. Kawal Singh called and they went heads up to the Q♠8♠6♥ flop.

Leone continued with a bet of 325,000 and Singh moved all in for about 800,000. Leone snap called turning over Q♣Q♥ for top set and Singh showed 6♠5♠ for bottom pair and a flush draw.

Leone improved to a full house when the K♣ and 8♦ completed the board and Singh was eliminated in 6th place earning $6,393 for his efforts.

Vincent Leone- 3,800,000

Day 2: 7th Place- James Hundt Jr. ($4,908)

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 26: 30,000/60,000/60,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 6

James Hundt Jr.

Vincent Leone raised to 150,000 and James Hundt Jr. moved all in for 850,000. It folded back to Leone who snap called turning over K♣K♠ but Hundt Jr. did one better turning over A♣A♠.

The dealer fanned the 3♣3♠2♦ flop and Hundt Jr. maintained the lead. The K♦ hit the turn and the table erupted as Leone spiked his two outer to take the lead.

The Q♦ river card was no help to Hundt Jr. and he was eliminated in 7th place earning $4,908 for his efforts. Hundt Jr. handled the brutal beat with class wishing luck to his tablemates as he made his way to the payout the line.

Vincent Leone- 2,000,000

Day 2: 8th Place- Dennis Zollo ($3,756)

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 25: 30,000/50,000/50,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 7

Dennis Zollo

Dennis Zollo got his stack of 845,000 all in pre-flop holding 7♦7♥ but he ran into the K♦K♠ of Angelo Gaudio. The A♦8♣4♦4♥8♥ runot was no help to Zollo and he was eliminated in 8th place earning $3,756 for his efforts.

Dennis Zollo- $3,756

Day 2: Double Knockout for Gaudio

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 25: 30,000/50,000/50,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 8

Phil Maddaleno

Tina Panichi

Tina Panichi moved all in for 400,000 from under the gun and Phil Maddaleno re-shoved all in for 420,000. Angelo Gaudio called from late position and the rest of the table quickly folded.

Angelo Gaudio: A♠J♠
Tina Panichi: 8♠8♣
Phil Maddaleno: 2♣2♥

The board ran out K♦9♣7♦J♦5♥ and Gaudio paired his jack on the turn to score the double knockout.

Paninchi is our 10th place CRC finisher earning $2,306 and Maddaleno will take home $2,987 for his 9th place finish.

Angelo Gaudio- 2,900,000

Day 2: Final Table Set, Sean Carlson Leads

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 24: 20,000/40,000/40,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 10

Sean Carlson

The Capital Region Classic final table is now set and it’s Sean Carlson leading the way with 2,500,000. Gilberto Taveras-Garcia is right on his heels with 2,490,000 and Kawal Singh rounds out the top three chip stacks with 2,400,000.

The players will battle it out into the late night hours and one them will be our newest Capital Region Classic Champion taking home $37,650 and the CRC trophy.

Below is a look at the updated chip counts and final table seating assignments.

Seat 1. Angelo Gaudio- 1,760,000
Seat 2. Kawal Singh- 2,490,000
Seat 3. James Hundt Jr- 1,220,000
Seat 4. Brian Ballantine- 1,500,000
Seat 5. Tina Panichi- 2,100,000
Seat 6. Gilberto Taveras-Garcia- 2,490,000
Seat 7. Dennis Zollo- 1,000,000
Seat 8. Phil Maddaleno- 1,300,000
Seat 9. Sean Carlson- 2,500,000
Seat 10. Vincent Leone- 600,000

Payouts

1. $37,650+CRC Trophy
2. $23,826
3. $15,546
4. $11,371
5. $8,489
6. $6,393
7. $4,908
8. $3,756
9. $2,987
10. $2,306

Day 2: Maddaleno Busts Eriquezzo

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 23: 20,000/30,000/30,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 13

Phil Maddaleno

Ryan Eriquezzo got his stack of 455,000 all in pre-flop holding K♦K♥ against the A♦K♠ of Phil Maddaleno. The dealer spread the 7♣4♣3♠ flop and Eriquezzo maintained the lead.

The turn 8♦ was no help to Maddaleno and the A♥ hit the river. Maddaleno paired his ace to crack the kings of Eriquezzo who was sent to the rail in 14th place earning $1,869 for his efforts.

Phil Maddaleno- 1,300,000
Ryan Eriquezzo- Eliminated in 14th Place ($1,869)

Ryan Eriquezzo

Day 2: Mark Ritz Takes the Lead

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 22: 15,000/25,000/25,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 20

Mark Ritz

The chips are flying following the dinner break and we are just two eliminations away from the final two tables. Mark Ritz has quietly been adding to his stack and he just scooped a sizeable pot.

Ritz is now the first player over the two million chip mark with 2,275,000 and he has moved into the chip lead.

He has already locked up his largest career tournament score and there are just 19 players standing between him and his first Rivers Poker title.

Day 2: Saladin Doubles After Dinner

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 22: 15,000/25,000/25,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 21

Rob Saladin

In one of the first hands following the dinner break the action folded to the player in the hijack who raised to 55,000. Rob Saladin moved all in from the small blind for 130,000 and the player called.

Rob Saladin: A♥K♣
Opponent: J♠9♥

The board ran out A♣10♥5♥Q♥6♦ and Saladin paired his ace in the window to earn the double up.

Rob Saladin- 290,000

Day 2: Dinner Break

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 21: 10,000/20,000/20,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 23

The Day 2 Capital Region Classic players are now on a one hour dinner break and there are just 23 players remaining. They are now all guaranteed a minimum of $1,275 for their efforts.

We will pick right back up on all of the live tournament action when the players return from dinner.

Payouts

1. $37,650+CRC TRophy
2. $23,826
3. $15,546
4. $11,371
5. $8,489
6. $6,393
7. $4,908
8. $3,756
9. $2,987
10-12. $2,306
13-15. $1,869
16-18. $1,520
19-27. $1,275

Day 2: Singh Straightens Out Piazza

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 20: 10,000/15,000/15,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 26

Kawal Singh

Three players saw a flop of K♦9♦5♥ and a short stacked Mike Piazza moved all in for 19,000. David McConachie raised to 50,000 and Kawal Singh called.

The turn was the 3♣ and McConachie led out with a bet of 70,000. Singh raised to 250,000 sending McConachie deep into the tank. “I think you have set of fives I’m going to fold” said McConachie as he slid his hand into the muck.

“You were ahead” said Singh turning over Q♥10♣ for just a gutshot straight draw and Piazza showed K♣7♠ for top pair.

The J♦ hit the river and Singh spiked his four outer improving to a straight to send Piazza to the rail.

Kawal Singh- 1,650,000
Mike Piazza- Eliminated in 27th Place ($1,275)

Mike Piazza

Day 2: Tony Bonventre more than doubles

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 20: 10,000/15,000/15,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 26

Tony Bonventre re-raised to 135,000 preflop and got two callers with QQ. The flop fell 647 rainbow, and Tony was first to act and shoved all-in for his remaining 300,000. He got called by 99, and the board ran out blank blank, and Tony picked up a huge more than double up. He now sits with just more than a million.

We are down to 27 and the players are redrawing for seats. This is not a break, and the play will start back up once everyone has found their seats.

The last hand before the re-draw took nearly 5 minutes as two players flopped three Aces. AK>A7, and we are down to 26.

Day 2: Gaudio Spikes a King on the River

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 20: 10,000/15,000/15,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 31

Angelo Gaudio and Larry Robarge were heads up on the J♦7♣3♥ flop and Robarge checked-raised all in for about 200,000. Gaudio quickly called turning over K♣J♠ but he would need to improve against the Q♥Q♠ of Robarge.

The turn 2♣ was no help to Gaudio and Robarge was just one card away from a double up. The K♦ hit the river and the table erupted as Gaudio spiked his king improving to top two pair to send Robarge to the rail.

Angelo Gaudio- 1,300,000
Larry Robarge- Eliminated in 32nd Place ($1,083)

Day 2: Zollo Continues to Climb

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 20: 10,000/15,000/15,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 35

Dennis Zollo

We are down to the final 35 Capital Region Classic players and Dennis Zollo has caught fire. Zollo was flying under the radar for much of the day but that is certainly no longer the case.

After adding his latest pot to his stack Zollo is sitting behind a mountain of 1,200,000 and he’s now one of the biggest stacks in the room.

Day 2: Gaudio Doubles Through Hence

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 19: 6,000/12,000/12,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 36

Angelo Gaudio

A pre-flop raising war just broke out at Table 13 between Angelo Gaudio and Jamie Hence. The end resulet was Gaudio moving all in for 507,000 and Hence calling putting Gaudio at risk.

Angelo Gaudio: A♦K♥
Jamie Hence: A♣Q♣

Gaudio was in great shape to double up and he paired his king in the window to put a hammerlock on the hand. The turn and river were no help to Hence and  Gaudio secured the massive double up.

Angelo Gaudio- 1,044,000
Jamie Hence- 600,000

Day 2: Surveying the Stacks

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 19: 6,000/12,000/12,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 40

The players have returned from break and there are just 40 remaining. It’s a neck and neck battle for the chip lead with Kawal Singh and David McConachie playing nearly identical stacks.

Below is an updated look at how some of the chip stacks from the field are shaping up.

Kawal Singh- 1,350,000
David McConachie- 1,300,000
Jamie Hence- 1,100,000
Dennis Zollo- 1,050,000
Rob Saladin- 565,000
Brian Ballentine- 540,000
Hans Taylor- 430,000
Tammy LaValley- 425,000
Fred Bartlett- 350,000
Gilberto Taveras-Garcia- 340,000
Ryan Eriquezzo- 300,000
Pat McConnell- 200,000
James Hundt Jr- 185,000
Shawn Curry- 150,000
Mike Piazza- 130,000

Day 2: Joe Murphy has a shot

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 18: 5,000/10,000/10,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 43

Joe Murphy moved his last 140,000 chips into the middle and was given isolation by RJ Martinez who shoved all in over the top. Joe turned over 77 and his opponent turned over Q♠J♠, to which Joe stated, “I feel like I can’t win.”

The first card in the window was a 7 to give Joe a set, and while he did have to fade some straight draw outs on the turn and river, he got the double up and now sits with about an average stack.

Down to 43 as the bustouts continue. We are only a few minutes away from our last break before dinner. After we break in 10 minutes  we will play three more levels and then go on our 60 minute dinner break.

Day 2: Bonventre Busts Swimm

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 18: 5,000/10,000/10,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 47

Beverly Swimm

Two players limped in and Beverly Swimm moved all in for her last 47,000 from the small blind. It folded back to Tony Bonventre who called and the cards were shown.

Tony Bonventre: A♠9♦
Beverly Swimm: K♦K♥

The dealer fanned the A♦10♥3♣ flop and Bonventre paired his ace in the window to take control of the hand.

Swimm picked up a gutshot straight draw when the Q♣ hit the turn but the 4♠ river card was no help. Bonventre dragged in the and Swimm made her way to the payout line.

Tony Bonventre- 450,000

Day 2: Kawal Singh First Over a Million

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 18: 5,000/10,000/10,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 51

Kawal Singh

The Day 2 field is thinning fast and the chips are flying here in the Event Center. There are plenty of big stacks starting to emerge and none bigger than Kawal Singh’s.

Singh has been a one man wrecking crew here on Day 2 and he is now the first player to cross the million chip mark.

He is leading the way with 1,050,000 but there are plenty of players in the field well within striking distance.

Day 2: Rob Saladin’s bluff works

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 19: 5,000/10,000/10,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 62

Just before the bubble burst, Rob Saladin called a pre-flop raise of one of the tournament chip leaders with A♣3♣. The flop came down 4♥10♠8♥, and his opponent bet 25,000. Rob raised to 115,000, and after thinking a long time, his opponent called.

The turn paired the board with a 10♥. The opening player checked, and Rob shoved all in for 250,000. His opponent took a second and then folded. Rob then looked over to the blogger and said, “Get this on camera!” and turned over his A3. He picked up a really nice pot and sits with double an average stack.

Since the bubble has burst, players have slowly been trickling there way up to the payout line. We are coming up on our first pay bump of the day, up to $804 for 54th place.

Day 2: James Hundt Jr. Bursts the Bubble

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 17: 4,000/8,000/8,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 62

James Hundt Jr.

The under the gun player raised to 22,000 and three players called. The big blind moved all in for his last 58,000 and with the action back on Hundt Jr. he made it 120,000. The player in late position but his last 60,000 and the hands were shown.

James Hundt Jr: A♣K♠
Late Position: A♦Q♦
Big Blind: A♥J♦

The board ran out 8♠5♦2♥6♣10♠ and Hundt Jr’s big slick was enough to earn him the double knockout.

The remaining 62 Capital Region Classic players are now all in the money and guaranteed a minimum of $734 for their efforts.

James Hundt Jr- 485,000

Day 2: Gilberto Taveras-Garcia with the knockout

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 16: 3,000/6,000/6,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 69

Carl Diveglia just got in all in good with K♥K♣ and got called by the A♥J♠ of Gilberto Taveras-Garcia. Before the flop came  out, Carl asked the table if anyone folded an Ace, but as he was doing that the flop came out J♣10♥J♦. The turn J♥ ended the suspense, and Gilbert got the knockout. Gilbert sits with a firmly above average stack, but not quite at one of the top stacks in the room.

We are just a few players away from hand for hand play when we try to burst the money bubble! A minimum cash in this Capital Region Classic is worth $734!

Day 2: Hans Taylor Moves Over Half a Million

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 17: 4,000/8,000/8,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 67

Hans Taylor

Hans Taylor started Day 2 near the top of the chip counts with 292,000 after bagging the Day 1B chip lead. He picked up right where he left off here on Day 2.

Taylor is holding strong near the top and has just crossed the half a million chip mark with the money bubble rapidly approaching.

Hans Taylor- 575,000

Day 2: Small update

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 80

David McConachie (above) is one of our top stacks with around 700,000 today. David started today with only 83,000, so he has had an incredible first 3 levels.

RJ Martinez is continuing his good start reaching around 700,000.

Remarkably, Michael Babbitt, who started Day 2 with just 9,000 chips remaining is still alive. He is still far below average, but he still has chips as we are less than 20 people away from the money bubble.

Players are dropping quickly as the shorter stacks are being forced in with the big blind now at 6,000.

Day 2: Ryan Eriquezzo Chipping Up

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed
Structure Sheet/Payouts
Level 16: 3,000/6,000/6,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 82

Ryan Eriquezzo

WSOP bracelet winner Ryan Eriquezzo started the day in the middle of the pack with 167,000. The players have just returned from break and Eriquezzo is heating up.

He continues to drag in pot after pot and he’s now playing a healthy stack of 370,000 as we inch closer to the money bubble.

Final Payouts, $37,650 to the Winner

The Capital Region Classic NLH drew a total of 574 entries creating a prize pool of $174,675 nearly doubling the $100,000 guarantee.

The final 62 players will all make the money and be guaranteed a minimum of $734 for their efforts. The winner will be taking home $37,650 along with the Capital Region Classic trophy.

Below is a full look at the final tournament payouts

1. $37,650+CRC TRophy
2. $23,826
3. $15,546
4. $11,371
5. $8,489
6. $6,393
7. $4,908
8. $3,756
9. $2,987
10-12. $2,306
13-15. $1,869
16-18. $1,520
19-27. $1,275
28-36. $1,083
37-45. $926
46-54. $804
55-62. $734

Day 2: Hundt Jr. Sends One Packing

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 15: 3,000/5,000/5,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 574
Players Remaining: 92

A player in last position moved all in for his last 30,000 and James Hundt Jr. called. The rest of the table quickly folded and the hands were shown.

James Hundt Jr: A♦7♦
Opponent: 6♦6♠

The board ran out Q♥7♠3♣9♠Q♣ and Hundt Jr. paired his seven on the flop to earn the knockout.

Just a few hands later it Hundt got his stack all in pre-flop holding pocket against the pocket three of Gilberto Taveras-Garcia.

Hundt Jr. was poised to scoop the monster pot but a queen high straight on board resulted in a chopped pot and Taveras-Garcia stayed alive.

James Hundt Jr- 215,000

Day 2: Last Chance to Register

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 565
Players Remaining: 120

The Day 2 Capital Region Classic players are now on their first 10 minute break of the day. Don’t miss your very last chance to get in on the action as tournament registration and re-entry will be closing when play resumes.

Players who choose to buy in during the break will receive 100,000 in non value tournament chips for their $1,200 tournament buy in.

We will pick back up on all of the live tournament action when play resumes and the final prize pool and payouts will be posted as soon as they’re available.

Day 2: Michio Cohen nearly doubles

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 14: 2,000/4,000/4,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 547
Players Remaining: 115

Michio Cohen bet 85,000 chips on the river on a board of 10♦6♠A♦8♦6♥. His opponent seemed put to the test, as he took a decent amount of time to think. The pot had swelled to more than 200,000, and the 85,000 represented a large amount his remaining chips.

It also represented the majority of what was left in Michio’s stack, as a call and a loss would have left him with less than 100,000. His opponent did decide to call, and Michio turned over the nut flush with K♦5♦. His opponent mucked, and Michio now sits with close to 550,000 in chips.

Only 20 more minutes remain to buy-in to the tournament! Registration closes once level 14 begins.

Day 2: Fast Start for John Lapishka

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 564
Players Remaining: 120

John Lapishka

The action folded to John Lapishka in the hijack and he raised to 9,000. Taylor Dean-Lipson moved all in for about 75,000 from the small blind and Lapishka quickly called.

John Lapishka: Q♦Q♠
Taylor Dean-Lipson: J♣10♣

The board ran out A♠8♥6♥9♦6♣ and Lapishka’s pocket queens held up to earn him the knockout. Lapishka who started the day with 26,000 has caught fire here on Day 2 and he is now sitting behind a massive stack of 260,000.

Day 2: RJ martinez racks them up

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 547
Players Remaining: 121

RJ Martinez went to a flop with A♦K♥ and was happy to see the flop come A♠5♥5♦. His opponent was under the gun, and bet out 25,000 into a pot of about 40,000. RJ decided to raise to 100,000.

His opponent has about 180,000 left, and decided to move the rest of his chips in. RJ exhaled and then called. His opponent turned over A♣Q♥, and the board ran out 9♠ 6♣ which gave RJ a huge pot as he became one of our tournament chip leaders. He lost the small pot the next hand, but he still sits with close to 470,000.

Of the 17 tables we opened with to start the day, only 14 remain. We have had 27 Day 2 entries so far, with 45 more minutes to register.

$500 Double Black Chip Bounty Kicks Off Monday at 10 AM

Day 2: Clair Hesselton Finds a Double Up

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 547
Players Remaining: 125

Clair Hesselton

We caught up to the heads up action on the J♥10♣2♠ flop and the play in early position checked. Clair Hesselton tossed out a bet of 17,000 into a main pot of over 25,000 and his opponent called.

The dealer burned and turned the 7♥ and the player checked. Hesselton moved all in for his last 18,000 and his opponent called.

Hesselton turned over Q♠Q♥ and his opponent would need to improve holding A♣K♣. The J♦ river card sealed the deal for Hesselton to earn him the double up.

Clair Hesselton- 95,000

Day 2: Play Resumes, Plenty of Time to Register

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Total Entries: 547
Players Remaining: 128

The Day 2 players have returned to the Event Center and the cards are back in the air. There’s still plenty of time to get in on the action as tournament registration and re-entry will remain open until the start of Level (Approx. 1:30 PM).

We will now be picking up on all of the Day 2 tournament action and you can check out the full tournament structure sheet at https://riverscasinoandresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RIVERS_NY_64267_May_Poker_Structure_Sheets-10.pdf

Day 2 Chip counts and seat assignments

$100,000 GTD CRC Day 2 Chip Counts
BUY IN: $300
TOTAL PLAYER: 537 PLAYERS LEFT: 118
TOTAL CHIPS: 13,425,000 AVERAGE CHIPS: 113,771

Day 1D: Neil Hanafin Bags the Overall Chip Lead

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Returning to Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Day 1A-1D Entries: 537
Players Remaining: 119
Average Stack: 113,000

Neil Hanafin

There were 113 entries in the final Capital Region Classic flight bringing the combined Day 1A-D total to 537 entries.

There are 119 combined Day 1A-D survivors returning Sunday May 26 at 12 PM to the Event Center to resumeDay 2 play.

Neil Hanafin put the biggest stack in the bag here in our final flight with a staggering 352,000 and he will return to Day 2 as the overall chip leader.

WSOP bracelet winner Ryan Eriquezzo will return to Day 2 with a healthy chip stack

There’s already over $135,000 in the prize pool and tournament registration and re-entry will remain open until the start of Level 15 on Day 2.

Players who buy in on Day 2 will pay $1,200 and receive 100,000 in non value tournament chips.

Below is a look at some of the Day 1D big stacks and players from our final flight that are advancing. A full list of Day 2 chip counts and seating assignments will be posted before the start of Day 2 play.

Neil Hanafin- 352,000
Pat McConnell- 201,000
Jared Woodell- 193,000
Ryan Eriquezzo- 167,000
Joe Tousignant- 134,000
Leslie Haggerty- 91,000
Sean Thomson- 87,000
Mike Crowley- 64,000
Shawn Curry- 58,000

Day 1D: Over 500 Entries and Counting

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 5: 300/500/500 BB Ante
Day 1D Entries: 92

The Day 1D Capital Region field continues to grow and we are approaching 100 entries here in the final flight. There are now over 500 total entries and counting and there’s already over $125,000 in the prize pool.

There’s still plenty of time to get in on the action as tournament registration and re-entry will remain open until the start of Level 15 on Day 2.

Check out the full tournament structure sheet at https://riverscasinoandresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RIVERS_NY_64267_May_Poker_Structure_Sheets-10.pdf

Day 1D: John Giang Hits the Rail

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 4: 200/400/400 BB Ante
Day 1D Entries: 87

John Giang

The action folded to Rob Saladin the cutoff and he raised to 1,100. John Giang moved all in from the big blind for 21,000 and Saladin called putting Giang at risk.

Rob Saladin: A♦J♥
John Giang: 7♥7♠

The board ran out A♥3♠2♦8♦K♦ and Saladin paired his ace in the window to eliminate Giang.

Rob Saladin- 70,000

Day 1D: Lucky Seven for Eriquezzo

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 2: 100/200/200 BB Ante
Day 1D Entries: 71

Ryan Eriquezzo

A player in late position limped in and Ryan Eriquezzo moved all in for his last 3,600 from the cutoff. The small blind re-shoved all in for about 27,000 and the big blind called putting both players at risk.

Ryan Eriquezzo: 7♠7♦
Small Blind: 10♥10♠
Big Blind: A♠K♥

The dealer fanned the 8♥3♠2♠ flop and the small blind maintained the lead. The 7♣ hit the turn and Eriquezzo spiked his lucky seven to take control of the hand.

“That’s a really good card” said Eriquezzo and the A♥ completed the board. The big blind paired his ace to take the side pot and Eriquezzo more than tripled his stack.

Ryan Eriquezzo- 11,200

Day 1D: Saladin Sets Up His Opponent

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 2: 100/200/200 BB Ante
Day 1D Entries: 66

Rob Saladin

Three players saw a flop of Q♣9♣8♦ when a raising war broke. The end result was Rob Saladin moving all in and the playing in early positon calling for his last 23,000.

Saladin turned over 8♣8♥ for bottom set and it was a cooler for his opponent who flopped top two pair holding Q♦9♦.

The turn 5♠ and river 2♠ sealed the deal for Saladin who earned the pot and the knockout.

Rob Saladin- 60,000

The Final CRC Flight Takes Off

The final Capital Region Classic flight is now underway here in the Event Center and it’s filling up fast.

There were 424 entries through the first three flights and 92 players are already moving on to Day 2 tomorrow.

There’s plenty of time to get in on the action as tournament registration and re-entry will remain open until the start of Level 15 on Day 2.

Check out the full Capital Region Classic structure sheet at https://riverscasinoandresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RIVERS_NY_64267_May_Poker_Structure_Sheets-10.pdf

36 Day 1C Players Advance to Day 2

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Returning to Level 13: 2,000/3,000/3,000 BB Ante
Day 1C Entries: 145
Day 1C Players Remaining: 36

Tony Bonventre

Jason House

The third Capital Region Classic flight has come to an end and it’s an anonymous player leading the way with a massive stack of 246,000.

Tony Bonventre sits in second with 236,000 and Jason House rounds out the top three Day 1C chip stacks with 214,000.

Gennaro Correra

There were 36 Day 1C survivors and they’ll be joining the 56 Day 1A-B survivors tomorrow at 12 PM in the Event Center when Day 2 play resumes.

Below is a look at some of the Day 1C big stacks and players that will be returning. A full list of Day 2 chip counts and seating assignments will be posted before the start of Day 2 play.

Anonymous- 246,000
Tony Bonventre- 236,00
Jason House- 214,000
Gennaro Correra- 206,000
Greg Candido- 155,000
Chris Mayo- 141,000
Gilberto Taveras-Garcia- 135,000
Sean Barringer- 92,000
Dennis Zollo- 82,000
Pablo Delgado- 66,000
Mark Perry- 44,000

Day 1C: Last Break of the Day

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
End of Level 9: 600/1,200/1,200 BB Ante
Day 1C Entries: 144

The Day 1C Capital Region Classic players are now on their last break of the night. When play resume there will be just three more levels of play remaining before the bagging process begins.

The combined Day 1A-D survivors will return on Sunday May 26 at 12 PM to resume Day 2 play and play down to a winner.

Day 1C: Bustout bonanza

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 9: 600/1,200/1,200 BB Ante
Day 1C Entries: 144

We are down to 7 tables and nearly a third of the total entries on Day 1C remain. Buy-ins have come to a near halt as many of the recent bustouts have said they are coming back tonight to play Day 1D tonight.

With the blinds now having increased to a larger amount, the shorter stacks have been looking for places to shove leading to an exodus of short stacks. Many larger stacks have formed with a few players reaching out over the 200,000 chip range. Remember that our top stack going into Day 2 right now is 299,000.

The players are coming up on their final break of the day, where the black chips will be raced off. When they come back they the blinds will be 1,000-1,500.

Day 1C: Tracey Shoves the Flop

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 8: 500/1,000/1,000 BB Ante
Day 1C Entries: 143

Jason Tracey

A player in early position raised to 3,700 and Jason Tracey re-raised to 6,500 from the small blind. The player called and they went heads up to the 9♥7♥3♦ flop.

Tracey moved all in for about 50,000 and his opponent fired his hand into the muck.

Jason Tracy- 65,000

Day 1C: Kit Bailey wastes no time

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 7: 400/800/800 BB Ante
Day 1C Entries: 140

Kit Bailey saw a player shove all-in behind him pre-flop for 10,000, and the player to his right called. Kit looked down at K♠K♣ and he decided to shove all-in over the top. The blinds folded, and the player to his right called off the rest of his stack.

The two players turned over 6♣6♦ and 8♥8♦. The flop came down K♥K♦J♣ to give Kit quads, and get the double knockout. He now has one of the top stacks in the room nearing 150,000.

Day 1C: Cruising Past the $100,000 Guarantee

$300 Capital Region Classic NLH (Re-Entry)
$100,000 Guaranteed – Structure Sheet
Level 7: 400/800/800 BB Ante
Day 1C Entries: 139

The players have returned from their second break of the day the Day 1C field continues to grow. There are now over 400 entries and counting through the first three Capital Region Classic flights.

This means we have already cruised past the $100,000 guarantee and the prize pool is only getting bigger.

The final Capital Region Classic flight kicks off at 7 PM in the Event Center and tournament registration and re-entry will remain open until Level 15 on Day 2.

Check out the full Capital Region Classic tournament structure sheet at https://riverscasinoandresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RIVERS_NY_64267_May_Poker_Structure_Sheets-10.pdf