Tuesday should see the formation of the final table at this year’s World Series of Poker as the 27 survivors from Day 6 reconvene to play down to the last nine, who will then go on a break until November, each with a million dollars.
When they return to play to a winner in November, the top spot will be worth $8 million.
Day 6 started with 80 players still in contention and all guaranteed a cash of at least $80,721; the action was aggressive and hectic from the get go, with 17 players headed for the exit by the end of the first level, and a further 11 gone by the first break.
By dinner there were 39 still in action, but a dozen more were to fall before the end of the day, including Chris Klodnicki, Tony Gregg, Paul Volpe and one of the hottest and occasionally controversial players around, Dan Colman.
When the chips were bagged at the end of Day 6 it was Czech Republic pro Vojtech Ruzicka holding the chip lead on 26,415,000, pursued by Michael Ruane on 24,565,000 and Cliff Josephy on 23,860,000.
Play ended in the early hours of Monday morning Vegas time at level 31 with blinds at 100,000/200,000 and a 30,000 ante.
There is still some tough bracleted opposition in the field, including James Obst and Valentin Vornicu…all with substantial chip counts, along with respected pros like Tom Marchese, Griffin Benger and former November Niner (he finished third back in 2009) Antoine Saout.