WPT Venice Latest Update

Shark Sinks in Canals of Venice

Unlike Day 2 when 91 players became 36 faster than expected, yesterday’s WPT Venice action was a much more laboured affair. Needing to shrink the field by 50% before time was called, the pace grew slower as things became more intimate.

Indeed, the prospect of a TV final table appearance and $180,097 certainly caused some players to sit tight and grind their way through the day. However, one player who certainly didn’t sit back and wait for things to happen was Dan Cates.

The American pro was keen to take advantage of the tight conditions and proceeded to adopt a style more akin to his heads-up antics online. His initial aggression earned Cates an healthy amount of respect in the early exchanges; however, as the tournament progressed his opponents became wise to his tactics.

With one level gone, Cates then ran into trouble against Eddie Tasbas. After completing from the small blind, Cates proceeded to check-call Tasbas’ bet on an [Ad] [Qd] [9h] flop. The[6s] on the turn appeared innocuous, but for Cates it was enough to check-raise all-in. Tasbas, however, was able to make the easy call with [Qc] [9s] as Cates meekly tabled [Ts] [8s] for a double gutshot draw.

The [Qs] on the river brought an end to the hand and left Cates with just 35,000 chips. Minutes later the American pro was all-in again with [Ks] [Qd] but couldn’t find any luck against the pocket deuces of Ivan Gabrieli.

With his dreams of a WPT title now in tatters, Cates could only watch from the rail as Erion Islamay ended the day on top with 470,000 chips.

Also making it through to the final 18 was such luminaries as Mike Sexton (414,000), Kara Scott (414,000) and Matt Salsberg (130,000).

Today’s run towards the final table began earlier and you can catch all the live action here.