Aussie Millions Main Event Update

Published on January 19th, 2009 4:13 am EST

When we last left you, the 100k High Rollers Challenge at the 2009 Aussie Millions was just getting underway. A number of notable names, including Phil Ivey, were eliminated early from the event.

That event is now over, and relative unknown David Steicke ended up taking down the tournament to nearly everyone's surprise. Steicke just didn't win - he dominated. He bluffed at the right times and made the tough calls. He bulldozed through the final table and ended up taking down the first place prize of $1.2 million dollars AUD.

Tony Bloom ended up finishing in second place for $600k AUD, while J.C. Tran took down the third place spot for $300k AUD. Dan Shak also made the money, taking home $200k AUD for his fourth place finish.

In a tournament that was stacked with well-known names, J.C. Tran was really the only notable name that was able to cash. Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius and Gus Hansen all finished out of the money.

The 2009 Aussie Millions main event got underway yesterday as well. Day 1a has already been completed, while Day 1b is currently paused for a dinner break.

A number of notable names finished Day 1a with sizable stacks. They include:

Patrik Antonius - 140k
James "Andy McLeod" Obst - 122k
Sorel Mizzi - 95k
Tony G - 61k

The well-known players who are doing well so far on Day 1b include:

Ivan Demidov - 65k
Michael "Timex" McDonald - 45k
Annette Obrestad - 42k

Day 1c of the tournament will take place tomorrow. The tournament will then combine into one large field and play down to the final table, which will take place later this week.

Tournament officials are not tolerating any sort of infractions and have been liberally handing out penalties so far this year. Phil Ivey and Chris Ferguson have been received penalties for cell phone use at the tables - when I think of players receiving penalties, I certainly don't think of Chris Ferguson and Phil Ivey. Both were forced to step away from the table for five minutes due to their infractions.

We'll have another update on the Aussie Millions main event later in the week.

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Filed Under: Tournament Results