*Sweet commentary and articles provided by MattyZ are his opinions, and the views do not necessarily reflect that of BBO Poker Tables - because frankly, we are just not eloquent enough to put our thoughts into words. Enjoy.
The first part of my World Series of Poker Main Event final table preview profiled accomplished pros Phil Ivey, Jeff Shulman, James Akenhead and chip leader Darvin Moon. In this second part of my preview I take a look at the other five members of the 2009 November Nine.
Kevin Schaffel: Sixth in Chips with 12,390,000
An Emerging Star
An unknown coming into the main event, Schaffel’s performance in making the final table combined with a recent run at the 2009 World Poker Tour Legends of Poker event (where he entered the final table as chip leader and finished runner-up to renowned pro Phralad Friedman) confirms his presence as a dangerous player capable of winning any tournament he enters.
The already strong main event final table now has even more star presence with Schaffel’s hot run continuing on another big stage. The Florida native has gone from a fledging pro to one of the hottest names on the poker circuit and enters the November final table with tons of momentum.
Joe Cada: Fifth in Chips with 13,215,000
A Threat for First and Possibility for Last
Following in the footsteps of last year’s champion Peter Eastgate, Cada comes to the final table as a young dynamo hoping to follow up on Eastgate’s record setting victory (finally knocking Phil Hellmuth off the perch of youngest main event champion).
One of the numerous players to begin his playing career at the start of the poker boom, the 21 year old Cada brings a fearless element to the proceedings, someone that will play any two cards and make numerous bold, daring players.
Cada’s results could be the linchpin of the final table, as he may make a quick exit or accumulate a big stack and control the table the entire way on his way to potential victory.
Steven Begleiter: Third in Chips with 29,885,000
Can Age Make Up for Lack of Experience?
Like Schaffel, Begleiter also had a solid run at the Legends of Poker event finishing in ninth place and just missing the final table. A former corporate executive at Bear Stearns, Begleiter’s final table run comes in just in his second main event appearance.
He faces a daunting task competing against such a strong final table but No Limit Hold ‘Em can be a unique and funny game and all it takes is for a few cards to go his way for him to take down poker’s most lucrative title. Entering third in chips helps Begleieter’s cause and gives him the opportunity to gamble with players like Ivey that he currently has a substantial chip lead over.
Eric Buchman: Second in Chips with 34,800,000
A Dangerous Combination of Chips and Talent
An emerging young pro from New York, Buchman made the main event his second WSOP final table of 2009 and fourth notable final table of his career (he finished runner-up at both a 2006 WSOP Limit Hold ‘Em bracelet event and a 2007 WSOP circuit event). Entering the final table in second chip position, he sits in good shape to make a strong run at the title and will be a force to reckon with.
Buchman started his professional poker career after graduating from SUNY-Albany and the 29 year old pro’s main goal is to take home the $8.5 million first prize. Previous accomplishments show that he can handle playing on the big stage and with his chip stack Buchman enters the final table as one of the favorites.
Antoine Saout: Eighth in Chips with 9,500,000
The French Hope
One of only two foreign born players (along with short stack James Akenhead) to make the final table, the 25 year old Frenchman made this impressive run despite playing poker for just 18 months and playing in his first World Series.
A positive note for his chances comes from the fact he successfully handled playing at the same table as Phil Ivey for parts of the last three days before November’s final table. Still, the combination of his short stack, relative inexperience, and a table filled with experienced, accomplished pros make Saout a heavy underdog and smart choice for one of the early exits.
The 2009 November Nine-Part Two
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009*Sweet commentary and articles provided by MattyZ are his opinions, and the views do not necessarily reflect that of BBO Poker Tables - because frankly, we are just not eloquent enough to put our thoughts into words. Enjoy.
The first part of my World Series of Poker Main Event final table preview profiled accomplished pros Phil Ivey, Jeff Shulman, James Akenhead and chip leader Darvin Moon. In this second part of my preview I take a look at the other five members of the 2009 November Nine.
Kevin Schaffel: Sixth in Chips with 12,390,000
An Emerging Star
An unknown coming into the main event, Schaffel’s performance in making the final table combined with a recent run at the 2009 World Poker Tour Legends of Poker event (where he entered the final table as chip leader and finished runner-up to renowned pro Phralad Friedman) confirms his presence as a dangerous player capable of winning any tournament he enters.
The already strong main event final table now has even more star presence with Schaffel’s hot run continuing on another big stage. The Florida native has gone from a fledging pro to one of the hottest names on the poker circuit and enters the November final table with tons of momentum.
Joe Cada: Fifth in Chips with 13,215,000
A Threat for First and Possibility for Last
Following in the footsteps of last year’s champion Peter Eastgate, Cada comes to the final table as a young dynamo hoping to follow up on Eastgate’s record setting victory (finally knocking Phil Hellmuth off the perch of youngest main event champion).
One of the numerous players to begin his playing career at the start of the poker boom, the 21 year old Cada brings a fearless element to the proceedings, someone that will play any two cards and make numerous bold, daring players.
Cada’s results could be the linchpin of the final table, as he may make a quick exit or accumulate a big stack and control the table the entire way on his way to potential victory.
Steven Begleiter: Third in Chips with 29,885,000
Can Age Make Up for Lack of Experience?
Like Schaffel, Begleiter also had a solid run at the Legends of Poker event finishing in ninth place and just missing the final table. A former corporate executive at Bear Stearns, Begleiter’s final table run comes in just in his second main event appearance.
He faces a daunting task competing against such a strong final table but No Limit Hold ‘Em can be a unique and funny game and all it takes is for a few cards to go his way for him to take down poker’s most lucrative title. Entering third in chips helps Begleieter’s cause and gives him the opportunity to gamble with players like Ivey that he currently has a substantial chip lead over.
Eric Buchman: Second in Chips with 34,800,000
A Dangerous Combination of Chips and Talent
An emerging young pro from New York, Buchman made the main event his second WSOP final table of 2009 and fourth notable final table of his career (he finished runner-up at both a 2006 WSOP Limit Hold ‘Em bracelet event and a 2007 WSOP circuit event). Entering the final table in second chip position, he sits in good shape to make a strong run at the title and will be a force to reckon with.
Buchman started his professional poker career after graduating from SUNY-Albany and the 29 year old pro’s main goal is to take home the $8.5 million first prize. Previous accomplishments show that he can handle playing on the big stage and with his chip stack Buchman enters the final table as one of the favorites.
Antoine Saout: Eighth in Chips with 9,500,000
The French Hope
One of only two foreign born players (along with short stack James Akenhead) to make the final table, the 25 year old Frenchman made this impressive run despite playing poker for just 18 months and playing in his first World Series.
A positive note for his chances comes from the fact he successfully handled playing at the same table as Phil Ivey for parts of the last three days before November’s final table. Still, the combination of his short stack, relative inexperience, and a table filled with experienced, accomplished pros make Saout a heavy underdog and smart choice for one of the early exits.
Tags: November Nine, World Series of Poker
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