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Archive for the ‘joehachem’ Category


WSOP Main Event: Keep moving… on and off the tables

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

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It's not a bad way to start you're day, knowing you already made nearly $30,000 before you got out of bed, and if you managed to avoid spending that much last night after the early finish, you're still in a good place mentally, if not physically.

Team PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem arrived just as play was about to start. He passed Antonio Esfandiari for a quick hug, nodding hello to press guy and then greeted Kara Scott with a quick "good luck" peck on the cheek before taking his seat.

"It was a good day," said Hachem at the close yesterday "I had my ups and downs, I finished with double with what I started with and I'm glad to have an early night."

He looked relaxed then and looks relaxed now nearly a level in despite an early move to Thierry van den Berg's table. Within minutes of the start the all-ins were popping up everywhere with seven gone, according to the clock, within 20 minutes; each player's result radio'd in to a central desk before they were personally escorted away for processing and the pay out desk.

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Dennis Phillips,

But that's the last place you want to see today. Among those intending to keep as far away from that place as possible are Dennis Phillips and Benjamin Kang. The two Team PokerStars Pros share a table but the prognosis for each couldn't have been more different. While both arrived looking to build on their starting stacks only Phillips has pulled it off so far while Kang has toiled to avoid elimination.

"I've doubled up" said Phillips, wrapping up his first level. "It came over three or four different hands, one for about 200,000 against the guy in seat three (Joseph Cada). We both had heart flushes and caught on the river. Mine was bigger."

Main Event_Day 5_IJG_7696_IMPDI.jpg Ben Kang

Phillips' stack is now up to 825,000, a figure Team PokerStars Germany's Kang would do a lot for right now. Shorts on, sitting on his hands to keep warm against the air conditioning and sitting forward in his chair, he has the look of a man waiting for an opportunity and convinced it's about to come.

But having arrived with 250,000 he'd run face first into a full house which had taken him down to a meagre looking 80,000 almost from the start. But then suddenly things looked up, and then down again, for a single hand anyway...

All-in with [kc][jd] against the pocket tens of Dennis Phillips, Kang caught a jack on the river, doubling him up to keep him alive. He immediately celebrated this first bit of luck with a pal on the rail, only to be given a penalty for excessive celebration.

"What am I supposed to do?" asked Kang, arguing that it was hard to sit still when he just hit a jack for his tournament life. No dice from the stone faced official, so Kang endured a one hand penalty, bouncing from one foot to another a few feet away waiting to get back in. He's back up to 170,000. It remains a big ask for the German but he's still alive.


* * * * *

DOUBLE-UPS OF THE HOUR
GOOD LOSERS OF THE HOUR
OUTDRAWS OF THE HOUR
PHILLIPS OF THE HOUR

Almost simultaneously on neighbouring tables, Scott Bausmstein and Benjamin Kang (as described above) were all in, against Lou Diamond Phillips and Dennis Phillips respectively. Both all in players were in pretty poor shape: Bausmstein had [ah][5h] against LDP's [ac][kd], while Kang had [kc][jd] against Dennis Phillips' [10h][10d]. On the first table, the board ran out [3h][2d][10d][6d][4s] making a straight on the river for the dominated hand. Kang spiked a jack for his outdraw. Lou Diamond Phillips muttered, "Hell of a catch, brother. Hell of a catch," and then hammed it up for the cameras, mimicking a man who had been shot. Dennis Phillips said, with tongue firmly in cheek: "By the way, he won," as Kang went bounding away from the table.

* * * * *

QUOTE OF THE HOUR

"Can we get this over with?" -- a player holding ace-jack all-in pre-flop versus ace-queen while waiting for ESPN cameras to get ready to record his bust-out.

* * * * *

STATISTICS OF THE HOUR

Massage therapists at massage therapist stand: 5
Customers at massage therapist stand: 0
Massage therapists receiving massage from other massage therapists: 1

* * * * *

ELKY OF THE HOUR

At the break after the first level, ElkY is down to about 650,000.

* * * * *

AFFLECK OF THE HOUR

How do make sure your chip lead doesn't dwindle on a day when chip stacks are disappearing faster than the beef jerky. You do what PokerStars qualifier Matt Affleck just did.

In a four-way pot for 18,000 apiece, the flop came down [9c][6s][4d] and a player with a little more than 100,000 in his stack pushed all-in . One player folded and Affleck raised it to 500,000 total, forcing Fabian Ortiz out of the pot.

The all-in player showed [Qd][4h], no good against Affleck's [6d][7d]. That's another stack in Affleck's tower.

* * * * *

TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOUR

"The players who just busted on table 18 seat four... you forgot your shoes."

* * * * *

JOE GIRON PHOTO HOUR

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Team PokerStars Pro Noah Boeken catching up on some light reading

* * * * *

VIDEO BLOG OF THE HOUR


Watch WSOP 2009: Day 4 Wrap on PokerStars.tv

WSOP Main Event: Cash, check or busted

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

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Once more with feeling, if you can muster it... After three full days at the table you can forgive a player for a few frayed edges, a 1,000 yard stare and a little self doubt. For many this will rank as the longest they've played. But elimination now is still out of reach of the money, at least for 140 people today but for the others it will provide a new lease of life, chance to let out a primordial scream, shake hands with the guy next to them and play freely, aware they can now live happy in the knowledge that they will walk away from here with money in their pocket.

Yesterday we saw Bertrand ElkY Grospellier put on a show of domination on his table, capturing the chips, the chip lead and the imagination of the viewing public there in force to watch him cry havoc on his table and let loose a stack of over one million to close the day with the chip lead. It was an hypnotic performance, an ever increasing monolith in front of him. Yesterday confusion reigned as to where ElkY comes from. France? Korea? England or Vegas? I'd say it's neither of those. I'd say he comes from Space. His progress today should be studied by scientists rather than the media.

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Plaudits should also be bestowed at those working at the tough end of the field. Yesterday Team PokerStars Pro Maria Maridu Mayrinck pulled off one of those under that radar miracle escapes. Beginning with 22,000 should pounced on an early double up playing rock face poker, ending the day on 102,500. Still less than half the average but Maridu is working best under pressure.

In terms of a potential draw today ElkY will only be rivalled by the drawing of Joe Hachem and Peter Eastgate at the same table. Two former World Champs, two Team PokerStars Pros, both of whom like to play ruthless poker - Hachem the steely faced Aussie, Eastgate's pulling faces that the rest of us only pull in private. Two very different players, one identical goal.

Theirs, and the future of everyone in this room, will change a little today, for good or bad, for richer or poorer. The playing area now takes up just half of he Amazon Room and the announcement has been made that today we play to 400 or for four levels. The money bags are opened for 648 place up. It should be a good one.


* * * * *

JOE GIRON PHOTO HOUR

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Team PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem being miked up for the second feature table

WSOP Main Event: The main feature

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

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It's the most visible part of the Amazon Room but the least observed. The main event feature table, complete with secondary feature table, bleachers and a standing area, takes up a full quarter of the room, but you have to be in close to see anything that goes on.

Taking up a position overlooking the action the first thing you notice, aside from the huge set, the cameras and the lights, are the piles of beef jerky, stacked up on side tables between bottles of water. Tons of the stuff.

After that it's the stage itself, a central construction rigged to be bathed in a red and blue light, a four sided TV hub with some bull horns attached hangs above the baize, and rows of seats line three of the four sides. Oh and the players. They're here too, nine of them playing in the same seats that the November nine, the eventual finalists we'll get to know from next Wednesday, will return to later this year, albeit transferred down the hall to the Penn and Teller Theatre.

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The feature table


Central among the featured cast is Team PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem. He's been the draw today with railbirds wandering in, whispering to each other that it's the guy in seat three, before moving on. The 2005 World Champion is no stranger to the intimacy of the TV table, the cameras following his every move and from every angle - the spotlight is part of the job. But his success did not come here, but a few miles downtown, at Binions, where the final was played for the last time after an intensive few days in the Rio.

It's a similar feeling now, into the last level, with a long day nearly done and the Friday night crowds gradually working their way back up the corridors to the casino where the civilian action is getting under way. Hands drift by, few getting any further than the flop, the host on the microphone encouraging the audience to clap each hand, even the walks, like the captain of a sunken ship keeping the spirits of his crew as high as possible as they drift off in the lifeboat.

As each hand ends a few people leave, others arrive to take their place. The ones who stay shuffle in their seats, crossing the other leg, leaning forward, leaning back, another main event day coming to a close.

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Team PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem


Those who've stayed rooted to their seats will have seen a lot today. Hachem began the day on close to 140K but day three has been a struggle. Other players came an went while Hachem dug in for the hard slog the day became. It wasn't until the penultimate level that he doubled up, and now plays a stack worth 160K. He plays on, tilting his head to one side then the next, ignoring the paraphernalia of TV and playing his game.

Another day almost in the bag. A former champion fighting on


* * * * *

ELIMINATION OF THE THE HOUR

We caught up with the action on a flop of 3-4-6. Friend of PokerStars Jason Alexander bet out 25,000 and ended up facing an all-in from Christian Heich. Alexander called with pocket jacks. Heich showed 6-5. The turn was a nine, but the river fell as a six and the Summer of George ended early.

"It's a cruel game. but i'm happy with my play here," he said. "It's my third consecutive year and this is the deepest I've gone.I got half way through Day 2 last year so it's getting better."

* * * * *

LIFE SUPPORT MOMENT OF THE HOUR

On the button, Alex Kostritsyn peeled off 8,000 from his massive stack, the player to his left re-raises to 27,000 and Ronit Chamani moved all in from the big blind. Chamani only had 26,500 and Kostitsyn called. The flop came [ks][8s][4s] and Kostritsyn and his neighbour checked. In fact, they checked it down all the way, when [4c][as] came on turn and river and Chamani announced "I have the ace," although she didn't expect it to be good, with the four flush on the board. She showed [ah][10h], Kostritsyn showed [ad][6d] and the other player pocket jacks. Chamani and Kostritsyn chopped it, and Chamani high-fived the table, announcing "Small victories, small victories".

* * * * *

BUSTED PLAYER FACT OF THE HOUR

Number of players who answer when a just eliminated player wishes everyone good luck: 0


WSOP Main Event: A tale of two champions

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

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There's little difference in the process of flying to any EPT venue. The same airline, the same flying time (all EPT destinations are two hours away from London regardless of actual distance), the same early start. You also tend to spot the occasional player on their way to the same tour destination. In the case of the San Remo trip earlier this year that player was Peter Eastgate.

Nothing unusual in that only as we all stepped out onto the tarmac the flight attendant saw Eastgate and offered his congratulations on his win of last November. Eastgate was gracious but a little taken back at what was likely his first note of recognition from the civilian world. The process of adapting to being a World Champion had begun.

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Defencing champion Peter Eastgate


Cut forward a few months to Las Vegas this year and former World Champion Joe Hachem signing copies of his book Pass the Sugar for crowds of fans in line for an autographed copy and a quick photo for the album. One new World Champion learning the ropes, one more experienced and already aware of his obligations as ambassador for the game.

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Joe Hachem signing copies of his book


But while they may be at different point of that learning curve there's no doubting they both no what t means to be here as a champion.

"The money's great, I'd be lying if I said it's not" Hacham had said back in 2005. "But the bracelet is the thing. It's an honor and a privilege to wear it."

Proof of that honor came 12 months later. Returning in 2006 Hachem's title defence became one of the defining moments of the tournament - the long slog he knew it would be to defend his title and the exhausted look on his face the moment that back to back dream died.

Since then the World Series main event has become a matter of pride for the Aussie, the grand stage where he shot to fame and where great players before him have left their mark. As well as some self confessed pride Hachem is fired by a competitive spirit, one that suggests one main event bracelet might not be enough, one that inspired him to win the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic in December 2006. "Vindication" is what he called it. Vindication is what it was.

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2005 World Champion Joe Hachem


Flash forward to now and Hachem is working a stack of around 60,000, just under average. He picks up a few thousand here and there without risking much, making the most of circumstances, playing the man, playing position. It's too early for grand gestures something other younger players might not fully grasp where pot winners yell out and high five each other.

Eastgate sits one table along with a stack of 50,000, the same concentration, the same goal, banking opponents' mistakes for later reference while he plots his own advance. Two world champions, two tables apart, each trying what most think is statistically impossible - to win a second main event in the internet age. But you'd be hard pressed to find two more likely candidates and both will walk out of the Amazon room even more recognisable as before.


* * * * *

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT ADMIN OF THE HOUR

Current chip average: 67,440

* * * * *

RAILBIRDS OF THE HOUR

Currently railing the ESPN secondary feature table: a priest and serial qualifier Stevie Chidwick.

* * * * *

STICKIN' IT TO THE MOM MOMENT OF THE HOUR

"My mom doesn't want I play at poker... but I do it the same!" -- Sign pinned to the back of the PokerStars qualifier Brian Tailor's shirt

* * * * *

EROS OF THE HOUR

PokerStars' Spanish blogger Ivan Marti, who explains: "In case you are interested in a marriage of the hour, a couple of minutes ago a guy on the rail asked me if I could please forward a message to one of the players. I said that I would do it and he pointed at Nghia Le. 'Please tell her that her friend is getting married now in Starbucks.' I did it, of course."

* * * * *

WEDDING VENUE OF THE HOUR

Starbucks? Starbucks?

* * * * *

BAD BEAT PHONE CALL HOME TO THE WIFE OF THE HOUR

"I got my money in so good. It's unbelievable. Ten high flop. I have queens he has ace-king. Unbelievable!"

* * * * *

JOE GIRON'S PHOTO HOUR

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Dennis Phillips and Maria Mayrinck

Let us Prey with Joe Hachem

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

ps_news_thn.jpgWe've all been there - you're involved in a key hand playing on PokerStars and someone tries to interrupt just at the wrong time. You get a little grumpy, right? That's exactly what happened to Joe Hachem during his time as a motel operator and some guests arrived to check in when he was in a big pot.

Hold on, when did Team PokerStars Pro Hachem ever run a motel? Of course, he didn't. This is cinema, folks, and the new horror flick Prey sees a cameo role from the Team PokerStars Pro, who plays a motel owner .

In his scene film-goers will see Hachem playing on PokerStars just as the main characters arrive to inquire about rooms.

joehachemprey.jpgJoe Hachem in more familiar role as a Team PokerStars Pro

The film has just been released in Australia, and with Hachem involved it fittingly gets its star-studded US premier right here in Las Vegas on Tuesday night at the Brenden Cinemas at the Palms Hotel, which will be PokerStars players' base during the WSOP.

Here's what the film release material says: "When six friends decided to leave the City and head for the surf, how were they to know that they were being drawn into a world of ancient curses and inescapable nightmares.

"Trapped in a valley of primordial evil, these friends try to come to terms with past wrong doings but no matter how hard they try to escape, they always end up staring death in the face.

"Welcome to a place where the supernatural world hunts the real world. Welcome to PREY...Dreamtime is over!"

Scary stuff!


PokerStars to host Australian bushfire fundraiser

Friday, February 20th, 2009

The people of Australia need help. Thousands of families have been displaced by the February wildfires that killed more than 200 people. The charities have been overwhelmed by the need. More than 7,500 people were left homeless by the bushfires.

As you might expect, Team PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem is more than a little concerned with what's happening at home. After struggling to find a way to help, he worked with PokerStars and set up a charity tournament with a portion of the buy-in going to help the people affected by the fires in Australia.

Below is an open letter Hachem wrote to the PokerStars community.


*****

My family and I have been watching in disbelief over the recent weeks to what has been happening on our doorsteps. We would like to do something to help and I also feel the Australian poker community feels the same way. With the help of PokerStars I have been able to set a tournament this Sunday where $10 of your $20 entry fee will go the bushfire appeal. PokerStars will also help by doubling your contributions. The more people who enter the more we will give. So please join me and help bring some hope to my fellow Victorians.

Please log this Sunday afternoon 22nd February 2009 at 2.30pm (AEST) to play in a charity tournament to help the victims of this tragedy. The tournament is under Events > Special tab in your PokerStars game lobby.

Regards,

Joe Hachem
Team PokerStars Pro

*****

If you've been around PokerStars for very long, you know the company and the players step up when it's time to help others. The PokerStars community has raised millions for the people affected by the 2004 tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the earthquakes in China, and several other major causes. Now, it's time to help again.

See everyone on Sunday