WSOP Break-ins and all the Latest Event News from Day 3

WSOP Breaks-Ins Mar Day 3

The WSOP is now in full swing but in amongst the chip riffling, bluffing and banter a disappointing piece of news broke last night. While players did their best to advance in one of the ongoing events, three players were having their rooms inside the Rio raided by a gang of thieves.

The news broke via Twitter when Lauri Pesonen wrote that his room – and his friend’s Joni Jouhkimainen – had been broken into and their laptops had been stolen. Despite other valuable items being on display, the two players confirmed that in addition to the laptops, “sanitary bags” and “sunglasses” had also been taken.

News of the break-ins quickly spread across the poker community and later in the evening Manh Nguyen confirmed that he too had been targeted by thieves.

Whether or not the incidents are connected is unknown but Nguyen explained that the assailants made off with around $35,000 in cash from his room.

As expected the Rio’s security team are currently doing everything in the power to bring the criminals to justice and players staying at the Rio are being asked to be careful when storing their valuable items.

Employee Event Poised

The opening event of this year’s WSOP, the $500 Employee Event, has finally whittled down its 876 entrants down to two players. Despite starting their heads-up battle after Charles Nguyen ($33,073) exited in third place, the two players couldn’t gain enough of an edge before the session had to be brought to a close.

Fortunately, the Roland Reparejo (1,795,000 chips) and Corey Emery (735,000 chips) will be able to return tomorrow to resume their battle for the $82,835 top prize and, of course, a coveted WSOP bracelet.

Amateur Leads the Pros in $25K

Across the Rio in the $25,000 Mixed Max event, the second session came to a close earlier and with the likes of Phil Ivey, Olivier Busquet and Eugene Katchalov watching from the rail just 16 players now remain.

Leading the way with 1,261,000 chips is Al Decarolis, but he’ll face an uphill struggle in the final session as he faces off against the likes of JC Tran (1,251,000), Vanessa Selbst (1,224,000) and Calvin Anderson (812,000).

PLO Reaches New Highs

Following on from the news that the $1,000 PLO event‘s 1,128 entrants was a new record, the tournament moved one step closer to a champion earlier today as more than 1,100 players hit the trail.

With exits occurring at a frightening pace, the session finished with just 106 players still in line for the $205,634 top prize and shiny gold bracelet. Leading the way into Day 2 will be Loren Klein with 133,900 chips and he’ll be pursued by an all-star cast featuring the likes of Phil Laak, Douglas Polk and Greg Merson when play resumes.