Tuesday, June 19, 2007

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Borgata Summer Poker Open flush with players

2002 world champ Robert Varkonyi got in on the Borgata action.

By Erin Warner

The Borgata's poker room in Atlantic City is about to celebrate its first anniversary, and players are marking the occasion by packing the joint for its Summer Poker Open tournament.

The weekend entries soared to 2,000, after 250 players bought in to Saturday's $1,000+$80 No-Limit Hold'em event. The bustle of activity in Atlantic City's largest poker room swelled the collective prize pools to more than $1 million.

Among the faces at the Borgata felt were 2002 World Series of Poker Main Event champion Robert Varkonyi and music manage Joe Simmons, who made it to the final table of the weekend tournament.

Despite maintaining a chip lead throughout the final table, Simmons's stack began to dwindle at the hand of Daniel Apicella. Crippled after losing an all-in push against the table's short stack, Simmons was eliminated in third place and Apicella went on to win the tournament.

Other tournaments at the Borgata's Summer Poker Open included $500 No-Limit Hold'em, a Friday Main Event for $750+$60, a ladies event Sunday, and a Seven-Card Stud championship that played out yesterday.

Players interested in following the action can check out the Borgata blog for commentary on notable hands and bust outs.

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