$$ Cash 4 Seat $$

When news broke that Perth had been added to the schedule for season two of the PokerStars.net ANZPT, players rejoiced on either side of the country. For the first time, Western Australia’s best would be able to test themselves against the best of the best from the eastern seaboard. For the visitors who’d found it difficult to squeeze WA’s annual Western Classic into their annual schedule, ANZPT Perth provided the opportunity to experience the jewel of Australia’s west.

A record-breaking field of 222 players converged on Burswood Casino for the AUD $2500 PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event, while the prizepool of AUD $510,600 was also a record for Western Australia.

But the biggest headline was to come after PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Tony Hachem emerged victorious. The younger brother of 2005 WSOP champion Joe Hachem, Tony has battled the demons that come with chasing success in the same field as a famous sibling.

Excited by the opportunities that came with the new PokerStars.net ANZPT in 2009, he displayed maturity and considerable skill to cash in four of the five season one events, which earned him the title of ANZPT Player of the Year.

Last month, he made a dream start to season two of the ANZPT in Adelaide with his first final table. Although outwardly pleased to finish seventh, something nagged at Hachem’s core, especially after he’d come so close to his debut title two years ago when runner-up in the New Zealand Poker Championships Main Event. For Hachem, it all came together in a packed tournament area at Burswood Casino.

But like any great story, it was full of ups and downs, none more so than Hachem’s forgettable start to the tournament. He was down to 6000 in the opening level of play after paying off an opponent’s full house but ended the day in reasonable shape on more than 32,000.

A late flurry on day two propelled him to fourth chip position overall, and similarly on day three, he started slowly before entering the final table in the middle of the pack. However, the odds were firmly stacked in favour of the hometown contingent with seven Perth-based players battling for the first ANZPT title at Burswood.

Hachem made his move with five players remaining, and by the time play reached three-handed, he’d snatched the chip lead from Aleks Lackovic, and the departure of reigning Western Classic winner Vesko Zmukic in third set up a dreams heads-up battle: mate against mate, state against state as described by Tony’s PokerStars.net Team Australia teammate and good mate Eric Assadourian. Coincidentally, Lackovic lost heads-up to Assadourian four years ago in the Melbourne Poker Championships Main Event.

Trailling Hachem 1:2 in chips but without any immediate pressure from the blinds, Lackovic looked set to take the battle to the trenches but within 10 minutes of the first hand being dealt in the heads-up duel, the money was all in the middle. After seven hours of final table play, it came down to a flip; Hachem’s jacks against Lackovic’s A-K. The jacks held.

A combination of elation and relief reduced Hachem to tears, along with more than a few of the spectators who knew what the champion had been through on the road to victory. Joe Hachem, following from his Melbourne home, was equally thrilled by Tony’s win - no-one knows better the road that Tony has travelled in the past few years than big brother.

Casting aside the emotion of Hachem’s win, his ANZPT numbers are staggering: seven events, six cashes, two final tables, one victory and a runaway lead in the ANZPT points race. But for Tony Hachem, this victory represents just the end of the beginning. The monkey is off his back. He has nothing more to prove.

This concludes our coverage of the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event. I’d like to thank Deb Wyatt and the team at Burswood for their assistance and support over the past week, and congratulate them on the success of their first ANZPT tournament. Perth is now well and truly on the Australasian poker landscape - welcome aboard. Thanks also to the local PokerStars and ANZPT teams for their assistance in covering this tournament.

Our next ANZPT stop is Star City in Sydney for the second ANZPT Sydney Main Event. Preliminary events kick-off on April 15, before the AUD $2200 Main Event on April 21-25. In the meantime, farewell from Burswood Casino in Perth, Western Australia.

7.15pm: Tony Hachem wins ANZPT Perth; Aleks Lackovic eliminated in second place

One of the most remarkable runs in Australian poker history continues with the crowning of PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Tony Hachem as the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth champion, winning AUD $132,750.

Just as we’d settled in for what was expected to be a marathon heads-up battle, Aleks Lackovic raised pre-flop to 100,000, Hachem popped it an extra 350,000, Lackovic announced all-in and Hachem called, showing [jc] [jh]. Lackovic held [ac] [ks].

The flop came [9d] [3c] [qc] - Hachem quietly uttered “keep it low, keep it low” - the turn fell [5h] and the river [3d] to confirm Hachem first major victory. That’s six cashes in seven ANZPT events, including a seventh and first to start season 2010. Lackovic takes home AUD $84,250 as runner-up.

6.50pm: Vesko Zmukic eliminated in third place, AUD $47,500

We’re heads-up for the 2010 PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event title after the departure of Vesko Zmukic in third place. Tony Hachem bet enough to put the 2009 Western Classic winner all-in, and he obliged, showing [js] [10s] while Hachem had his nose ahead with [3h] [3d].

Spectators craned their necks to see the board fall [4c] [kd] [ah] [4s] [5h], which failed to improve Zmukic’s hand. Hachem enters only his second major heads-up battle (he was second in the 2008 New Zealdn Poker Championships main Event) holding 2.8 million, with Lackovic back to 1.5 million.

6.35pm: Level 25 (25,000/50,000, ante 5000)

Aleks Lackovic finally located a chink in Tony Hachem’s armour to snare a pot worth just one million. The local player kicked off the betting with a pre-flop raise to 130,000, with Hachem making the call. The flop was dealt [9s] [2c] [qd]; Lackovic checked, Hachem bet 100,000 and Lackovic called. The turn was [qs], which went check-check. On the river [7c], Lackovic bet 220,000 and Hachem called, showing [ac] [10c]. But Lackovic’s [as] [7s] was good, and he was back to almost 1.5 million.

6.15pm: In for the long haul

As we tick down to the end of level 24, most pots are being folded to the big blind or to a pre-flop raise as players seemingly settle in for the long haul. Not much change to the chip counts either, with Tony Hachem on 2.6 million, Aleks Lackovic holding 1.35 million and Vesko Zmukic has 550,000.

With not much action to report, a quick word about last night’s ANZPT Perth High Stakes event. Past Sapphire Series winner and high stakes cash game whiz Jovo Scekic was a popular winner with Kristian Lunardi, Leo Boxell and Lynn Brooks filling the minor placings.

The ANZPT Perth schedule wrapped up this afternoon with a satellite to ANZPT Sydney, which will be the next stop on our trek across Australia and New Zealand. The preliminary schedule kicks-off on April 15 at Star City, with the Main Event from April 21-25.

6pm: Take your shot, boys

Play has settled into an extraordinarily tense phase with Aleks Lackovic and Vesko Zmukic each taking their shot at Tony Hachem, and honours have remained fairly even for the majority of the level. The pressure on the players is starting to show for the first time in the tournament with Hachem content to park back on the ropes and take the best that the two West Australians have to throw at him. Less than 15 minutes remains in level 24 with Zmukic still the player most at threat on 450,000.

5.35pm: Hottest ticket in town

A massive rail five and six deep has crowded around the final table to see the finale to the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event. The lion’s share of support is for locals Aleks Lackovic and Vesko Zmukic, but plenty of the visiting pros have thrown their support behind Tony Hachem’s charge towards his first major title.

He remains on track after watching a flop of [7d] [kd] [as] with Lackovic. Hachem bet 155,000 in response to Lackovic’s check before the Perth player added an extra 155,000. Hachem announced all-in and a dismayed Lackovic shipped his cards to the muck. Hachem is clearly in the zone and on a heater of sorts, with his bets now attracting little interest from his two opponents.

5.20pm: Lackovic claws some back

Aleks Lackovic has inflicted a small hit to Tony Hachem’s stack after shoving all-in on a board of [3s] [ad] [jd] [8s] [10s] for a pot worth 700,000. That hand left Hachem with 2.3 million, Lackovic is back to 1.35 million and Vesko Zmukic is on 645,000.

5.15pm: Level 24 (15,000/30,000, ante 3000)

All the momentum is with Tony Hachem after taking down another pot worth more than a million. It’s a case of déjà vu for Aleks Lackovic - four years ago in the Melbourne Poker Champs Main Event, Lackovic was battling Joe Hachem three-handed. Today, Joe’s younger brother is proving his nemesis.

Lackovic filled the small blind and they saw a flop of [2s] [6h] [3d]. Lackovic checked, Hachem bet 80,000 and Lackovic called. The turn was the [9d], and both players checked. On the river [ad], Lackovic bet 65,000, Hachem bumped it another 120,000, Lackovic doubled the bet, Hachem added an extra 240,000 and Lackovic called.

Both players showed flushes, but Hachem’s [kd] [6d] beat Lackovic’s [10d] [2d] to take the chocolates. Hachem is up to 2.6 million, Lackovic is down to 1.05 million and Vesko Zmukic holds 750,000.

5pm: Hachem snares the lead

Players took an extended break to talk about a deal, but there was no decision and the trio are back at the table. Three-handed, pretty tight, pick your marks, right? Uh-uh. Tony Hachem has taken off the gloves and is the new chip leader after a huge against Vesko Zmukic. The 2009 Western Classic winner raised to 41,000 pre-flop, Hachem called and they watched the flop come [6s] [qh] [4d].

Zmukic bet 150,000, Hachem called and the turn fell [ah]. Zmukic immediately bet 200,000, Hachem snap-shoved all-in and Zmukic reluctantly mucked but tapped the table when Hachem showed pocket sixes for middle set. A few hands earlier, Hachem had shoved all-in over the top of a pre-flop raise to 60,000 from Zmukic and Lackovic’s call. Zmukic called, Lackovic called and it was off to the races - [as] [ks] versus [ac] [kh]. No flush for either player, and the pot was split.

4.20pm: Dale Marsland eliminated in fourth place, AUD $38,300

The gallant run of Dale Marsland has ended at the hands of PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Tony Hachem. After the reigning ANZPT Player of the Year raised to 100,000, Marsland shoved all-in for 320,000, with Hachem making the call.

Marsland showed [ad] [6s], and found himself trailling Hachem’s [ah] [qh]. The flop fell [5h] [6h] [3h] for the nut flush, the turn came [qc] and the river [2s] to eliminated Marsland in fourth, while Hachem is up to 1.1 million. Aleks Lackovic leads on million, with Vesko Zmukic on 1.4 million.

4.05pm: Tu Le eliminated in fifth place, AUD $32,000

Tu Le’s chips were again in the middle but this time, Aleks Lackovic didn’t waste much time making the call. It was Tu Le’s [as] [qh] against the [4c] [4h] of Lackovic, and the first four cards - [js] [jd] [10s] [8s] - gave the 2009 Western Classic runner-up plenty of hope.

Despite having a flush draw, numerous straight draws and any ace or queen to hit, Tu Le watched the river fall [6h]. After a great comeback today, the 24-year-old student is out in fifth place for AUD $32,000.

3.50pm: Level 23 (12,000/24,000, ante 300)

The price of poker has increased to more 50,000 per round with the start of a new level in the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event. After a frantic start to the day, no players were eliminated during level 22 although short stacks Dale Marsland and Tu Le kept everyone on their toes with some carefully timed all-in bets. Average stack is now more than 850,000.

3.35pm: Hachem puts Lackovic to the test

Tony Hachem sent Aleks Lackovic deep into the tank with an all-in bet of 424,000 over the top of the Perth player’s original raise to 100,000. Thinking, thinking … eventually the cards go into the muck, Hachem shows pocket queens, while Lackovic claims he mucked pocket jacks. If true, nice fold sir.

After that hand, Hachem climbed to 650,000, ahead of Tu Le on 420,000 and Dale Marsland on 350,000 but trailling Lackovic (1.5 million) and Vesko Zmukic (1.25 million). There’s less than 10 minutes to play in level 22.

3.20pm: Standing room only

The rail packed around the ANZPT Perth Main Event final table is by far the biggest we’ve seen at any ANZPT or APPT event. Sure, four of the five remaining players are locals, but credit players, friends and family for lending their support to the finale of the biggest tournament ever played in Western Australia. They’re being rewarded with a highly entertaining afternoon of poker.

3pm: Level 22 (10,000/20,000, ante 2000)

Chips are becoming much harder to win with the reduction of the field to five players heading into the third level of the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event. Vesko Zmukic pushed all-in on a flop of [ah] [4h] [4s], with no interest from Dale Marsland.

The Perth schoolteacher then turned the tables with all-in of his own after Tu Le had opened for 60,000 pre-flop and Aleks Lackovic had called. Neither player called. Incidentally, Eric Assadourian has been replaced on the tournament microphone by fellow PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Grant Levy. Emad Tahtouh, you’re up next!

2.40pm: Jimmy Wong eliminated in sixth place, $26,800

Crowd favourite Jimmy Wong completed an impressive ANZPT Perth carnival with victory in the Pot Limit Omaha event and sixth in the Main Event. The end came for the ultra-popular restaurateur when he shoved all-in with [qc] [jd], with the call from Vesko Zmukic holding [ac] [js].

The board flowed [10s] [ad] [8c] [2s] [4h] to give Vesko top pair and Jimmy Wong more than AUD $25,000. Players are taking their first break of the day, while PokerStars.net Team Australia pro and final table MC Eric Assadourian rests his golden tonsils.

2.30pm: Zaffer Soemya eliminated in seventh place, $21,700

He started the day as chip leader, but the day didn’t pan out the way Zaffer Soemya had planned. In three-way action, Tony Hachem, Dale Marsland and Soemya watched a flop of [qs] [3s] [4c]. Marsland shoved for 222,000, Soemya quickly followed him into the hand for his last 214,000, which put Hachem to a big decision.

He thought long and hard before mucking. Marsland showed [2d] [5d] for the open-ended straight draw against Soemya’s [qd] [7d] for top pair. The turn [6d] made Marsland’s hand, and the river [kd] signalled the end of Soemya’s tournament.

2.15pm: Some joy for Soemya

Finally, a chance for everyone to catch their breath after a hectic start to the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table, and a change of luck at last for Zaffer Soemya, who shoved his short stack of [qc] [10h] on a flop of [2d] [4s] [qd], only to find Jimmy Wong had woken-up with [as] [ad]. But the turn [10s] gave Zaffer two-pair, and he stayed in front on the river [8s].

Shortly after, Dale Marsland shoved over the top of the bet of 64,000 from Aleks Lackovic, with the chip leader making a quick call. Both showed pocket queens, no flush, and the dealer went to work splitting the pot. There’s just over 20 minutes remaining in the second level of the day, with the chip average up to almost 615,000.

2pm: Hachem enters the fray

PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Tony Hachem has featured in his first big hand of the day, and it ended well for the defending ANZPT Player of the Year. Hachem, Zaffer Soemya and Dale Marsland saw a flop of [qh] [6h] [2d]; Hachem checked, Marsland bet 87,000, Soemya folded and Hachem called.

On the turn [4d], it went check-check, then Hachem shoved all-in for more than 280,000 on the river [7h]. Marsland didn’t have think too long before sending his cards to the muck. Hachem is up to 600,000, while Marsland falls to 290,000.

1.45pm: Level 21 (8000/16,000, ante 2000)

The action continues at fever pitch … Dale Marsland and Tu Le saw a flop of [as] [5c] [8s], Marsland bet 66,000 and Tu Le called. On the turn [6s], Marsland announced “all-in” and Tu Le snap-called, showing [8h] [8c] for a set, while Marsland’s [ad] [jd] needed help. The case [8d] wasn’t one of those cards as Tu Le improved his stocks to 600,000 while Marsland fell to 500,000.

1.40pm: Eoin Kennedy eliminated in 8th place, $16,600

The excitement of the Lackovic-Soemya hand had barely subsided when Eoin Kennedy showed all-in for 200,000 over the pre-flop raise to 32,000 from Vesko Zmukic. The 2009 Western Classic champion called and showed pocket kings.

Kennedy revealed [ac] [5c], and although the board of [7s] [4c] [4d] [3s] [5d] improved his hand, the kings held up and Kennedy, the affable Irishman (aren’t they all) was off to collect more than AUD $16,000 from Burswood poker manager Deb Wyatt.

1.25pm: Lackovic lands massive pot

The first ANZPT Perth Main Event final table has been turned on its head after Aleks Lackovic took down a massive pot against chip leader Zaffer Soemya. Action kicked off with a raise to 41,000 from Soemya, with a call from Lackovic. The flop fell [10d] [jh] [5d].
Lackovic checked, Soemya bet 155,000 and Lackovic announced all-in.

Soemya agonised, asked for several counts and eventually called, showing [10h] [10c] for middle set. Lackovic held [ad] [4d] for the flush draw, but the turn [2s] and river [3s] gave him an unlikely straight and the biggest pot of the tournament: 1.4 million. A philosophical Soemya has been crunched down to barely 250,000.

1.10pm: Dale the dominator

Dale Marsland has picked where he left off yesterday as the aggressor. He popped Aleks Lackovic’s pre-flop bet of 36,000 to 112,000 total, with Lackovic making the call. The flop fell [qd] [2h] [8c] - check, check - before the turn [4c]. Marsland bet 140,000, Lackovic said no mas and Marsland scooped up the pot of 230,000.

1pm: Wade Beavis eliminated in ninth place, $12,750

The first orbit had just been completed when Wade Beavis announced all-in from the hijack for 121,000, with Eoin Kennedy coming over the top for 160,000 total. It was [5s] [4s] for Beavis, and [ad] [9d] for the Irishman.

The flop improved Kennedy’s hand - [9c] [jd] [qs] - with the turn [[3h] and river [4d] sending the aspiring golf pro on his way in ninth place. Chip average is now up to 537,000, with eight players remaining and 45 minutes to go in the opening level of the day.

12.55pm: Marsland on the mark

Dale Marsland captured the symbolic first pot of the final table, while Eoin Kennedy’s all-in on the third hand of play attracted no interest. We’re keeping a close eye on Kennedy and Wade Beavis, the two players under immediate pressure due to their short stacks.

12.45pm: Level 20 (6000/12,000, ante 1000)

As players start to arrive for today’s final table, we just received a visit from Dutch duo Onno Zwart - a PokerStars Qualifier - and Yves Molin just popped past the media desk. “Thanks for a great time, we’ve loved every minute of it”. Only dilemma now is whether to watch the final table or check out some of the sights of Perth. “Think we’ll head out now but come back a bit later.”

Burswood poker manager Deb Wyatt is currently making the introductions of the nine ANZPT Perth Main Event final table participants. A big rail has already gathered, but we’re expecting more spectators to arrive during the day. Blinds have been wound back one level to 6000/12,000 with an ante of 1000 for the start of the final table.

Seven Western Australians will take on a PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro and a plucky Irishman at tomorrow’s PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table.

Local mining engineer Zaffer Soemya leads the field with nine players remaining, and will be joined by fellow Perth players Aleks Lackovic, Tu Le, Dale Marsland, 2009 Western Classic winner Vesko Zmukic, Jimmy Wong and pro golfer Wade Beavis at the final table.

But they’ll face a stern test from PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Tony Hachem, who’s assured of an astounding sixth ANZPT cash in seven events. The defending ANZPT Player of the Year is also assured of the lead in this year’s points race regardless of his result in this tournament. Travelling Irishman Eoin Kennedy completes the final table line-up.

A total of 30 players started day three. It took a lightning three hours to thin the field down to 11, but another three hours before the eliminations of Ray Ellis and day two chip leader Roman Konopacki decided the final nine.

Tu Le was a dominant chip leader with 11 players remaining, but lost two massive pots to Zaffer Soemya, who maintained his advantage through to the end of play, which wrapped up at level 21 (8000/16,000 with an ante of 2000).

Notables to have cashed so far include 2009 APPT Grand Final champion Aaron Benton (21st) plus PokerStars qualifiers Michael Spilkin (18th), Daniel Laidlaw (15th) and Onno Zwart (14th). Chris minesony Evans (12th) and Andy Kemmler (22nd) celebrated cashes in the first two ANZPT events for 2010.

We look forward to your company for the inaugural PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table, direct from the tournament area in Burswood Casino, Perth, Western Australia. The first hand will be dealt at approximately 12.30pm local time.

Seat 1: Jimmy Wong (Perth, Western Australia), 253,000 in chips: This gregarious and ultra-popular local has been playing poker for most of his life, starting with seven-card stud and Omaha before picking up on Hold’em. A restaurant owner and father of four, he cashed in the 2008 APPT Grand Final at Star City in Sydney but is hoping to secure his breakthrough victory in his home casino. He’s been among the chip leaders at numerous points of the tournament but enters the final table among the short stacks. So Jimmy, are you excited? “Yes, but I’m late for a birthday party!”

Seat 2: Aleks Lackovic (Perth, Western Australia), 684,000 in chips: One of the most popular and respected players on this side of the Nullarbor, he burst onto the national poker landscape in 2006 with second to Eric Assadourian in the Melbourne Poker Championships Main Event. He’s gone to cash in numerous events, including fourth in the 2008 Western Classic. Just days earlier, he combined with brother Nik to win the ANZPT Perth teams event, and was among the chip leaders at numerous points on day two. Away from the felt, the 40-year-old IT manager is married with one child.

Seat 3: Tony Hachem (Melbourne, Victoria), PokerStars.net Team Australia, 458,000 in chips: The younger brother of Team PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem has carved his own slice of poker history after winning the first ANZPT Player of the Year title. He cashed in four of the five events in the tour’s first season, and started 2010 in equally impressive fashion with seventh in the ANZPT Adelaide Main Event. He has also compiled a respectable record on either side of the Pacific with three WSOP cashes (including the 2007 main event) and a runner-up finish in the 2008 NZ Poker Championships Main Event.

Seat 4: Dale Marsland (Perth, Western Australia), 651,000 in chips: A 31-year-old school teacher, he has six years of poker under his belt and enjoys playing poker with mates. In fact, he’s known as Crackerjack in his regular home game due to his love of lawn bowls. After eliminating 2009 APPT Grand Final winner Aaron Benton early on day three, he endured a tough afternoon but met fire with fire in the final two levels to propel hi stack into third overall chip position, which should ensure him a serious shot at the biggest poker prize ever offered in his home state.

Seat 5: Zaffer Soemya (Perth, Western Australia), 1,016,000 in chips: This 40-year-old mining engineer who makes his home in the Swan Valley, just outside Perth, has been playing poker for almost three years. He was 10th in last year’s Western Classic here at Burswood. One of the shorter stacks throughout day three, he won two crucial pots against chip leader Tu Le to ascend the chip count, where he stays leading into the final table. With two children and a third on the way, the AUD $132,750 first prize would be nicely timed.

Seat 6: Wade Beavis (Perth, Western Australia), 145,000 in chips: Another elite sportsman competing at the ANZPT Perth final table, this 24-year-old professional golfer just earned his tour card before making this deep run in the first ANZPT event held in his hometown. A poker player for the past six years, he looked destined to finish out of the money before and aggressive run elevated him to near the top of the chip count. However, he enters the final table as the outright short stack on 145,000 and will be looking to pick up some big hands in the opening level.

Seat 7: Eoin Kennedy (Tipperary, Ireland), 149,000 in chips: The sole international at the final table, this 27-year-old Irishman is decide to combine some poker with a trip to Australia - first at the Aussie Millions (where he cashed in the six-handed event) before trekking to WA. An IT consultant, he’s been playing poker for the past eight years and showed plenty of steely determination to drag his short stack to the final table despite plenty of pressure late on day three. With less than 150,000, he’ll be looking for an early double-up.

Seat 8: Vesko Zmukic (Perth, Western Australia), 583,000 in chips: Many argue that poker is a sport, and no-one is better qualified to make a call on this vexing question than this 42-year-old former professional soccer player. Indeed, his PokerStars ID sutjeska refers to the Montenegrin football club with which he made his professional debut (he now coaches in the top tier of WA soccer). The father of two is among the most respected players on this side of the country, having captured the Western Classic title late in 2009. He enters the final table in fourth chip position.

Seat 9: Tu Le (Perth, Western Australia), 371,000 in chips: He may be one of the youngest players at the final table, but this 24-year-old has some impressive poker experience under his belt, including a trip to the WSOP and many hours playing online. His most impressive result to date was second to Vesko Zmukic is last year’s Western Classic. A student at the University of Western Australia where is studying engineering and commerce, he was chip leader with 11 players remaining but took big hits to his stack before recovering late in the day.

8pm: Level 21 (8000/16,000, ante 2000)

Three short stacks - Ray Ellis, Eoin Kennedy and Wade Beavis - hung on grimly, with Ellis the most aggressive of the trio. Ellis’ latest shove was met with a call from chip leader Zaffer Soemya for a pot worth approximately 300,000 (Aleks Lackovic mucked pocket eights from the big blind). It was Soemya’s [ac] [qh] against the [jc] [9c] of Ellis. The board ran out a raggy [5s] [4c] [7d] [kd] [4s], Ellis was out in 10th and the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table was decided.

7.30pm: Two times Tu

On the final hand before the break, Tu Le once again shoved all-in, this time for 218,000 with Aleks Lackovic making the call after a couple of minutes’ thought. He was in great shape, holding [ac] [ks] against Tu Le’s [kd] [jc] but the board came [7h] [kc] [10c] [jd] [3d] giving Tu Le a timely double-up to 450,000.

7pm: The fall of Roman

After showing the patience of a saint for much of the day, a short-stacked Tony Hachem called the all-in of Roman Konopacki, showing red nines. Konopacki’s A-7 needed help, and it didn’t arrive on a board that flowed [9s] [3c] [6d] [kd] [qc]. Konopacki is out in 11th, while Hachem is up to 300,000 and on the cusp of successive ANZPT final tables. We’re just one elimination away from deciding the ANZPT Perth Main Event final table.

6.30pm: Level 20 (6000/12,000, ante 1000)

Tu Le continues to ship chips to the other end of table 19 after another massive hand against Zaffer Soemya. Tu Le called Soemya’s all-in after the flop of [7s] [9s] [qc]. Soemya showed [9h] [9c] for middle set, and Tu Le swung his head back in compete frustration before turning over [7h] [7c] for bottom set. The turn [6s] and river [8h] have Soemya the pot and the chip lead on 910,000. Tu Le is down to just 220,000 after holding more than one million less than 90 minutes ago.

6.15pm: All hail Dale

Dale Marsland elected to take a stand after a frustrating couple of hours where he’s folded hands to big pre-flop raises and re-raises. On a board showing [3s] [6s] [7s] [qc], Marsland shoved his remaining 200,000 chips into a pot of almost 300,000. Jimmy Wong, who’s kept Marsland on his toes for most of the days, reluctantly sent his cards into the muck. It’s been almost an hour since the last elimination, and we remain at 11 players.

6pm: Let’s go high rollin’

Against the backdrop of a dramatic day three in the ANZPT Perth Main Event, the AUD $4000 buy-in ANZPT Perth High Stakes events is about to kick-off. The field of 14 players features Burswood poker ambassador Jeff Lisandro, 2010 Aussie Million champion Tyron Krost, young guns Steve Leonard, Kristian Lunardi and Daniel Neilson, wily veteran Leo Boxell, prolific Melbourne player Peter Aristidou and South Australian duo Pierre Aoukar and Fred Chaptini. The local contingent includes Michael Pedley, Kent Hunter, Jovo Scekic, Lynn Brooks, Sandy and Gary Retallick, Nino Marotta and Bernard Beh.

5.45pm: Tu Le farewells half of his stack

No eliminations, but some enthralling action here in the tournament area at Burswood Casino in the closing stages of day three in the ANZPT Perth Main Event. In response to a raise and call, day two chip leader Roman Konopacki shoved all-in pre-flop for almost 200,000. Tony Hachem thought long and hard before mucking, but Jimmy Wong needed a coin to make his decision. The flips came heads two, tails one, and Jimmy decided to muck his pocket eights.

Over at table 19, massive action ensued between Zaffer Soemya and chip leader Tu Le. Soemya raised pre-flop, Tu Le re-raised, Soemya called and they saw a flop of [8h] [ks] [8d]. Soemya bet 60,000, Le made it 150,000, Soemya called and the turn fell [7d].

Someya shoved in his last 17,000, Le called and both sheepishly showed their hands - Someya showed [ac] [qh] for air, but he had Tu Le had even less: [4h] [5h]. The river came [qd], giving Someya a pair and a pot of more than 500,000. Wow.

5.20pm: Level 19 (5000/10,000, ante 1000)

Players have just returned from the second break of the day with just two eliminations required to decide the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table. One of the biggest rails in ANZPT history is huddled two and three deep around the two tournament tables, with the locals harnessing most of the support. The average stack of the 11 players is just shy of 400,000, with chip leader Tu Le holding more than 950,000.

4.25pm: Four more gone, two to go

Reigning Western Classic champion Vesko Zmukic claimed two scalps on the same hand after calling all-ins from Dutchman Onno Zwart and Daniel Laidlaw. Zwart showed [ad] [10d], Laidlaw held [10c] [10h] while Zmukic revealed [ah] [ks]. The board of [kh] [8s] [8h] [5s] [6d] gave Zmukic the pot and sent the two PokerStars Qualifiers off in 14th and 15th spots respectively.

Almost as quickly, two more players were eliminated on table 19. John Curtis departed in 13th, followed by Chris Evans, who picked the wrong time to move with K-Q as Aleks Lackovic woke up with pocket aces. A board of 2-2-K-2-10 gave Evans a full-house, but Lackovic’s aces held up with the highly rated Aussie online player out in 12th - his second ANZPT cash in as many events.

4.05pm: Level 18 (4000/8000, ante 500)

Dutch PokerStars Qualifier Onno Zwart broke the silence with an all-in bet of 87,000 pre-flop, which got Dale Marsland thinking, and chatting. After a quick admonishment from Burswood poker manager Deb Wyatt, Marsland zipped it, and mucked it - pocket eights. Zwart showed pocket 10s, nice fold sir.

Over at table 19, Paul Sharbanee is also down to the felt after he called the all-in of Zaffer Soemya with [qc [as]. Soemya showed [qs] [qd], and they watched the dealer reveal [3s] [5d] [9d][2c] [6s]. Down to 25,000, Sharbanee was KOed in 16th shortly after when John Curtis’ A-6 improved to two pair against pocket eights. He takes home AUD $6400.

3.50pm: Time to catch the breath

A generous rail, including PokerStars.net Team Australia Pro Eric Assadourian, has gathered around the two remaining tables in the tournament area at Burswood Casino for an intriguing Saturday afternoon of poker where 16 players are out to reach the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table. After a torrid start to the day, play has finally slowed with small pre-flop raises enough to take down most pots.

3.30pm: (Un)luck of the Irish

Eoin Kennedy’s stay at the pointy end of the chip count didn’t last long after losing a pot worth 420,000 to Ray Ellis. On a flop of [jh] [js] [2h], Kennedy bet 100,000, Ellis shoved all-in and Kennedy called. It was Ellis’ [kc] [kh] against [10d] [10h] for the Irishman. The board ran out [jd] [10d], giving Kennedy a full-house but Ellis held a bigger boat.

And we’ve just watched a dejected Ryan Bochorsky make his way to the payout desk to collect his AUD $6400 for 17th after Tu Le’s [qh] [qd] held firm against the [ad] [kh] on a board that fell [2s] [3h] [8d] [3c] [4c]. That pot, worth 540,000, takes Tu Le north of 800,000 and into the outright chip lead.

3.15pm: Down to two tables

The remaining 17 players have just been redrawn into two tables for the run to the final nine and a spot at the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table:

Table 17

Roman Konopacki 410,000
Vesko Zmukic 220,000
Wade Beavis 330,000
Dale Marsland 290,000
Onno Zwart 140,000
Tony Hachem 210,000
Jimmy Wong 300,000
Daniel Laidlaw 210,000

Table 19

John Curtis 62,000
Chris Evans 120,000
Zaffer Soemya 90,000
Eoin Kennedy 420,000
Ryan Bochorsky 130,000
Tu Le 510,000
Paul Sharbanee 110,000
Aleks Lackovic 300,000
Ray Ellis 220,000

3pm: Ben savaged

Fresh from a top 30 finish in the 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event, Ben Savage has collected his first ANZPT cash, worth AUD $5100. The short-stacked Savage committed the last of his stack with A-3, but was outkicked by the A-K of Zaffer Soemya.

Two more players have been eliminated in quick succession - PokerStars Qualifier Michael Spilkin (18th) and Lachlan Mitchell (19th), leaving 17 players in the race for one of nine spots at the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event final table.

2.30pm: Benton bundled out

Reigning APPT Grand Final champion Aaron Benton has collected his first ANZPT cash in 21st place. Benton stuck in his chips with A-10 on a flop of [2h] [4h] [10h] but Dale Marsland called and showed pocket kings.

The turn [6c] and river [8d] didn’t improve the situation for the affable Benton, who takes home AUD $5100. Tue Le has regained the chip lead on 500,000, narrowly ahead of day two frontrunner Roman Konopacki on 470,000.

2.15pm: Kemmler confirms back-to-back cashes

The rapid rate of eliminations continues with the departure of Andy Kemmler in 22nd. It was A-J for Vesko Zmukic versus the pocket 10s of Kemmler, who placed 19th in the ANZPT Adelaide Main Event last month. Zmukic found an ace on the turn, and Kemmler was off to collect his AUD $4600. But better fortunes for Ryan Bochorsky, who just doubled through Ben Savage when he rivered a flush against pocket jacks.

2pm: Beavis bumps Maniam

Sanjiv Maniam was the first player to collect AUD $4600 after he was confirmed as the 24th place player in the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event. Maniam’s short stack was invested on the back of K-Q, with the call from Wade Beavis with pocket jacks. The board ran out eight-high, and Maniam was out.

He was followed shortly after by Stewart Ballard in 23rd. Beavis, now holding 350,000 and in second spot on the chip count, has staged an amazing comeback after being almost down to the felt in the early going.

1.45pm: O’Reilly bubbles and we’re in the money

It took just one hand for the top 24 players to be decided after Tu Le claimed the scalp of Sean O’Reilly in 25th place. The money went in on the river, with O’Reilly revealing a straight but Tu Le’s modest 10-6 had improved to a flush.

That means that Tony Hachem’s amazing ANZPT record continues with his sixth cash in seven events, while Andy Kemmler and Chris Evans have cashed in both events held so far this season. Players are taking a quick breather while the 100 chips are removed from play.

1.30pm: Level 16 (2500/5000, ante 500)

It’s taken just an hour of day three to reach the bubble in the first PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event after the elimination of Anthony Marenko in 26th position. After starting the day third in chips, Marenko found himself behind from go to woe with A-J against the A-K of Tu Le. After losing the bulk of his chips earlier in the level, Tu Le is back to 300,000.

1.15pm: Dead end for Lane

John Lane’s boundless enthusiasm has been of the highlights of the tournament, but his ANZPT Perth experience has ended agonisingly close to the cash. The last of his chips were committed in good shape with [ah] [kd], with Aleks Lackovic along for the ride with [ks] [9c]. But Lane shrieked when the [9h] appeared in the window, and his mood didn’t improve as the board ran out [2c] [5d] [qs] [2h]. He departed in 27th position, shortly after Luis Pampliega had been KOed in 28th.

1pm: Dunwoodie done

Aussie PokerStars Qualifier Daniel Laidlaw has been of the main aggressors in the opening 30 minutes of play. His first all-in met with no interest, but a second from middle position was greeted with a call from Sean Dunwoodie, who grimaced as he showed pocket kings in response to Laidlaw’s pocket aces. The board ran out [9c] [7d] [3c] [8s] [7h], and Dunwoodie was out in 29th. Ben Savage also made an early double-up with pocket kings against the pocket jacks of Wade Beavis.

12.50pm: Lackovic is back

Fireworks - it took only three hands for Chris Evans and former chip leader Aleks Lackovic to tangle in a massive pot. It was [qh] [qc] for Evans against the flopped top-pair for Lackovic, who held [kh] [7h]. The board fell [9s] [kc] [5h[3h] [6h], improving Lackovic’s hand to a flush and shipping him a pot of more than 300,000.

At the other end of the tournament area, John Corr became the 30th-place finisher when Eoin Kennedy called is all-in and showed pocket jacks. Corr showed A-K but missed the board and headed to the rail just six spots short of the money.

12.40pm: Level 15 (2000/4000, ante 400)

Players have left the glorious sunshine behind to take their seats for day three of the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event. It’s day three here at Burswood Casino, where the first goal for the remaining 30 players will be to make the top 24, thus ensuring a trip to the cashier’s cage. Play will then continue until the final table of nine is decided. Chip leader is local player Roman Konopacki, who holds more than twice the chips of second-placed Chris Evans.

Top 10 chip counts

Roman Konopacki (Australia) 565,700
Chris Evans (Australia) 228,000
Anthony Marenko (Australia) 208,900
Tony Hachem (Australia) Team PokerStars PRO Australia 199,700
Tu Le (Australia) 198,400
Sean O’Reilly (Australia) 194,300
Jimmy Wong (Australia) 188,200
Michael Spilkin (Australia) PokerStars Qualifier 171,900
Aleks Lackovic (Australia) 166,900
Ryan Bochorsky (Australia) 161,300

Australia’s indigenous fauna has fared poorly from introduced species, which makes the Quokka either the luckiest or smartest little guy in the animal world. Thanks to the absence of foxes and feral cats, these small kangaroo-like marsupials are alive and thriving on Rottnest Island, which lies a short 18-kilometre ferry trip to the west of Perth.

One of the state’s top tourist attractions, equally popular with locals and visitors, Rottnest Island features some of the Australia’s finest beaches (more than 60) and bays, and the chance to get up close and personal with the quokka.

No cars are allowed on the island, but such is the size of Rottnest Island that hiring a bike is the best way to get around and find your own secluded beach. History buffs can explore the island’s past as a prison for Aboriginals and an internment camp during World Wars I and II but most come to recharge their batteries, with great accommodations options suiting all budgets and activities including diving (12 shipwrecks lie in the nearby waters), snorkelling, surfing.

There are few better experiences in Western Australia than kicking back with a beer at the Quokka Arms pub and enjoying one of the best beachside vistas anywhere in the world.

Might be a nice option for the PokerStars.net ANZPT Perth Main Event champion to celebrate after tomorrow’s final table. But there’s still plenty of poker to be played, with 30 players returning to Burswood Casino today for day three. We’re just six spots short of the money, before the race to the final nine. Play starts at 12.30pm local time.