And They're Off
The atmosphere is so electric in here at the moment that if Phil Hellmuth walked in with 11 Lady Gagas, I don't think anyone would notice.
Prior to kick-off, there was a pre-match hug followed by intros from Jack Effel, both players receiving a rapturous reception. James Bord may be the fan favourtie, but Fabrizio Baldassari has warmed himself to the homegrown rail too.
Hand #196: On the first hand of heads-up, Baldassari raised it up to 130,000 and Bord made the fold.
Hand #197: James limped the small blind leading to a flop. The Italian checked triggering a bet of 100,000 from Bord. Baldassari called. On the turn, both players checked, before Baldassari fired out 300,000 on the river. Bord scratched his head in confusion and riffled his chips intently. Then came the fold.
Hand #198: Baldassari raised his button to 135,000 and Bord let it go.