Kabbaj Wins as Neuville and Eyster Create WSOP Cliff-Hanger

Kabbaj Wins his Second WSOP Bracelet

The UK’s John Kabbaj became the latest jubilant player inside the Rio after taking WSOP Event #25.

The British pro was able to navigate his way through a tough field of 470 runners in the $2,500 Omaha/ Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Split-8 or Better event to scoop the $267,327 top prize.

Among the “old school” luminaries who made it deep but not quite deep enough was Mike Matusow, Tom Schneider and Erik Seidel.

However, when it came down to deciding a winner it was Kabbaj and Thomas Keller left playing for the title and after a brief tussle it was the former that eventually clinched his second WSOP bracelet.

Away from Event #25, Kevin Eyster and Pierre Neuville set up a cliff-hanger finale after becoming the final two players in Event #24. The $5,000 6-Max was a hotly contest affair with a number of world-class players making it deep, but by the time the likes of Bryn Kenney and Andrew Lichtenberger had hit the rail only Eyster and Neuville remained.

The two players weren’t unable to decide a winner so will return tomorrow to finish their battle for the bracelet. (At the time of writing the chip counts = Eyster 5,515,000 / Neuville 2,605,000).

Event #25 Final Result:

1st. John Kabbaj – $267,327

2nd. Thomas Keller – $165,177

3rd. Christopher McHugh – $105,000

4th. Terrence Hastoo – $75,713

5th. Joe Tehan – $55,451

6th. Erik Seidel – $41,230

7th. Mike Leah – $31,115

8th. Tom Schneider – $23,833

Gossip from the Rio

Away from players winning bracelets during this year’s WSOP, it seems the air condition is posing a problem for players.

Despite assurances that temperature would be kept at a bearable levels a number of grinders, including Phil Laak, have been complaining about the Arctic conditions.  Indeed, the problem seems to have become so bad for some that they’ve taken to dressing up like a cross-country skier.

While some players have been moaning about the playing conditions in the Rio, Daniel Negreanu has decided to remind people that “poker is supposed to be fun and “not war”.

Following a controversial tournament ruling involving Mike Matusow earlier today the Canadian pro decided to pen a blog about the oppressive nature of certain TDA rules.

Incensed by the penalty Mike received for “excessive celebrations”, Daniel called for poker players and officials to use some commonsense when making decisions for the game as a whole.

Following the incident a number of players spoke out in support of Mike and Daniel now hopes that over-officiating won’t suck the fun out of poker and make it less enjoyable for everyone.