The 2008 PokerStars.com LAPT Nuevo Vallarta has officially been canceled. The remaining 89 players will split the prize money based on the following formula...
1. Each of the remaining 89 players will receive $5,000 from the prize pool.
2. The remainder of the prize pool will be distributed among the remaining 89 players based on chip count.
3. Each of the remaining 89 players will receive $500 from PokerStars (and not from the prize pool) for their troubles.
In case you are joining us late, here's a quick recap of the events that transpired over the last 24 hours...
Action was suspended late on Day 1 during the middle of play by local gaming officials. 242 players bought into the $2,500 main event championship hosted at the Marival Resorts and Suites in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The event attracted several American pros in addition to some of the premiere players in Latin America.
The tournament had been running smoothly until the ninth level of play. Local gaming officials were on hand for most of the day observing the tournament. At approximately 10:30pm local time, gaming officials made an abrupt decision to rescind the LAPT��s gaming license. Tournament director Mike Ward made an announcement that play was suspended until further notice.
At that point, there were 89 players remaining including Greg Raymer and Victor Ramdin, who was among the chipleaders. All of the players and spectators were ordered to vacate the tournament room immediately. Players left their chips on the table and headed for the exit. The tournament staff, dealers, and media were also quickly ejected. For a couple of hours, perplexed players and media milled around while they eagerly awaited a clarification on the suspension of the tournament.
At midnight on Friday, the remaining 89 players were told to return at noon on Saturday when they would be provided with a status update. Meanwhile, the attorneys for both the LAPT and local gaming officials continued negotiations.
Apparently nothing was resolved and at 5pm on Saturday, the LAPT made a tough decision to cancel the remainder of the tournament.
Stay tuned for an official press release from PokerStars.com.
The status of the LAPT Mexico is still the same. The tournament has been suspended by gaming officials. The staff at the LAPT are still making attempts to rectify this sensitive situation. They will make a decision at 5pm local time on the future of this tournament. Stay tuned for more information.
Day 1 of the PokerStars.com Latin America Poker Tour in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico has been suspended until further notice due to an unknown issue with local gaming officials.
Well, needless to say, this has been one of the most interesting days of tournament poker that I have covered. 242 players started the event and the top 27 get paid prize money. There are 89 players remaining... and waiting in limbo. Tournament officials are hopeful that the problem will be resolved by tomorrow morning.
Day 2 was scheduled to start at noon local time on Saturday. Check back in for updates on when the tournament will conclude. As soon as we get word, we'll pass it along to you.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Buenas noches y buena suerte.
Just in case you were wondering what's up in Mexico, well here's the skinny... I don't know what's going on. Everything here continues to be very murky. The tournament staff are currently in a meeting with local officials sorting out their problem. There will be an announcement shortly. Stay tuned...
Play has been suspended due to an unknown and vague issue. There are 89 players remaining and the entire tournament room was cleared, which included dealers, players, staff, and media. We were not given a clear answer on the exact time play will resume. Stay tuned for updates on the latest wrinkle on the LAPT Mexico.
There are 89 players remaining. They have all been sent on a break while tournament officials clear up some sort of logistical problem. Please stay tuned...
J.C. Alvarado was short and shoved for around 8,000. Maria 'Maridu" Mayrinck called from the big blind with . Alvarado tabled . Maridu turned a flush and it was all over for Alvarado.
Leo Fernandez from Argentina began playing chess when he was five years old. By the age of 18, he was an International Chess Master. He turned his sights onto backgammon and quickly mastered that game. At one point he was ranked as one of the Top 10 backgammon players in the world. It was inevitable that Leo would find himself playing poker. He quickly picked up the game and competed in tournaments all over the world.
The former chess and backgammon whiz was moved to a table that included Humberto Brenes.
He's short-stacked even though he just won a pot. An opponent opened in early position and Leo shoved all in for 5,000 more. His opponent tanked before he folded to the chess master.