Timoshenko and Esfandiari Thrive in Extended Play
One of the new events at this year's WSOP is Event #42: $1,500 Extended Play No-Limit Hold'em. The tournament features 90-minute levels, rather than the usual 60 minutes. In theory, such a structure should give a greater advantage to skilled pros, and two stars of tournament poker sit atop the counts with 114 runners remaining after Day 2.
Yevgeniy Timoshenko (405,400) has the lead, with Antonio Esfandiari in second at 368,000. Timoshenko has earned nearly $1.5 million in WSOP cashes, while Esfandiari has three bracelets and is most famous for winning The Big One for One Drop in 2012 for more than $18 million.
Other notable players advancing to Day 3 included Tony Ruberto (150,700), Jonathan Little (126,000), John Strzemp (96,500), Andrey Pateychuk (96,400), and Barny Boatman (70,600).
Play hit the money on Day 2, with 198 spots paid. Mukul Pahuja (120th), James Calderaro (122nd), Brent Hanks (157th), Ryan Welch (159th), and Jason Senti (190th) were among those busting in the money.
Play resumes at 1 p.m. on Monday at Level 15 (1,200/2,400/400).