Day 3 is complete at the 2013 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open and with just 21 players remaining, Mukul Pahuja will enter Tuesday with a substantial lead. With 8.125 million chips, he has a 1.6 million chip lead on Blair Hinkle, who himself is enjoying an 800,000 chip gap over Ryan Olisar.
Pahuja has a solid, if a bit inglorious, poker resume. His largest cash game back in 2011 when he placed fourth in the Florida State Poker Championship Main Event for $92,050. He has never won a major live tournament title, but he has cashed twice in World Poker Tour events and eight times in the World Series of Poker, including three times this summer.
Pahuja earned a large portion of his chips upon eliminating John Miller in 27th place. Pahuja raised pre-flop and got a call from Miller and another opponent. On the flop of A♣-7♥-4♦, Miller checked, Pahuja bet 185,000, the other player folded, and Miller called. Miller led the betting when the T♥ was dealt on the turn, tossing out 280,000 chips. Pahuja called. Miller slowed down on the river, checking when the 8♦ appeared, but it was all a ruse. When Pahuja bet 825,000, Miller moved all-in for 2 million. Once Pahuja called, Miller revealed 4♣-4♥ for bottom set, but Pahuja turned over 5♥-6♦ for a rivered straight.
The chip leader entering Day 3, Justin Bonomo, has obviously fallen out of the lead, but he is still well in contention with 4.215 million chips.
Everyone remaining in the tournament is guaranteed at least $58,175 and once three more players are eliminated, the payouts will increase to $69,810. The final twelve players will make at least six figures.
Play is just getting underway in Hollywood, Florida for Day 4 and will continue until just six players remain. Those six will return on Wednesday to play it down to a champion.
2013 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open – Day 3 Chip Leaders
1. Mukul Pahuja – 8,125,000
2. Blair Hinkle – 6,550,000
3. Ryan Olisar – 5,745,000
4. Derrick Cutler – 5,345,000
5. Jeremy Kottler – 5,275,000
6. Amir Lehavot – 4,895,000
7. Griffin Benger – 4,670,000
8. Justin Bonomo – 4,215,000
9. Mark Radoja – 2,930,000
10. David Sands – 2,850,000
