Can Lichtenberger Seal The Deal?
That is the mean question heading into today's final table. Over the course of the last couple of years Andrew Lichtenberger has shown to be one of the best. But yet he has failed to complete that ultimate goal: A World Series of Poker bracelet.
Today's chip leader has been close plenty of times, with his best result being a second place finish in the 2009 $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em shootout event. This past summer he also had some great shots, finishing in eight in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-max, third in the $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw and sixth in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-max. Lichtenberger is ready to be part of the most illustrious group in poker, and today could be his day!
There are just five players remaining in this event, after the aforementioned busted Nikolay Volper in the dying seconds of Day 2 play. The other big notable player at this final table is Ana Marquez. The Spanish pro has made plenty of deep runs in big events, her best being a tenth place finish in the 2011 PCA Main Event.
Two of the remaining five are from Finland. Both Aku Joentausta and Petteri Kalenius showed their qualities on the felt last night, and will most certainly not be toyed around with. The most toying around was done last night by Francisco Da Costa Santos, who comes into today second in chips. Santos was very vocal last night, and got himself involved in many pots. He's not expected to slow down today, and fireworks are bound to happen.
All in all we can look forward to having another great final table with many interesting story lines. Make sure to tune in at 2:00 PM GMT to follow all the live updates.