News / Dave Allan / 01 July 2009 / Leave a comment

We're in "main event week" at the WSOP and so far this year we've seen plenty of big names going deep and winning the side events. The big dance starts on Friday July 3rd and, judging by the number of recognised faces picking up bracelets, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see one of the household names take the title.

Meanwhile there are still a number of side events to conclude following a week of action that involved some controversy.

John Kabbaj made it bracelet number three of the Series for the UK by winning the $10,000 Pot Limit Hold'em tournament. Kabbaj took a massive lead into the heads-up stages of the final against Russia's Kirill Gersaimov and it wasn't long before the Londoner was crowned the winner. All appeared to be going smoothly for organisers following Kabbaj's win until it came to the bracelet awarding ceremony. In what appeared to be a joke that back-fired, Jeffrey Pollack and co. decided to play the Sex Pistol's song "God Save the Queen" rather than the traditional British national anthem. Kabbaj was clearly not amused and following several complaints the organisers hastily arranged a new ceremony where the correct anthem was played. Kabbaj won $633,335, which was swiftly followed by a cash finish in the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E event. It's been a great Series for the man they affectionately call "large".

Elsewhere Jeff Lisandro bagged his third bracelet of the Series by winning the $2,500 Razz tournament. Lisandro, who calls Italy his home, has taken over $800,000 in winnings from the 2009 WSOP, comprising six cashes. He sits in 7th place on the money list for this year. Topping the list is Vitaly Lunkin. Lukin has $2,300,000 in winnings so far following his $40,000 anniversary event victory and a 2nd place in the $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha tournament.

The $2,500 Mixed Limit/No Limit Hold'em event was dominated by Americans. Bahador Ahmadi was the eventual winner for $278,804. Barry Greenstein was one of the more notable names cashing in that event down in 5th place for $57,671. One of the more unusual events attracted a good crowd of players. The $3,000 No Limit Hold'em Triple Chance tournament saw 854 players take their seats. Germany's Jorg Peisert kept up the great Series for European players and he was the eventual winner for $506,800. Legendary Irish player Donnacha O'Dea was down in 26th place for $14,967.

With main event satellites now being played we look forward to seeing the opening exchanges in the biggest poker tournament in the world. We'll have news of all the action here at Betfair Poker.