DAY 1 - EVENT 1 - 1K NL HOLD-EM

Day 1 of Event 1 is in the books.   After 3 flights, nearly 500 players, 130 will be returning tomorrow for day 2.  Starting with 10k in chips, it was a fair, but aggressive blind structure.  One noticeable level missing was the 500-1,000 - we went from 100/400-800 to 100/600-1200.  The levels were 40 mins. long - starting 25-50 and after 12 levels, ending with 400/1200-2400.

It was a real grind the first couple of levels and I was down to about 7k before winning a key hand with ATs.  With 3 limpers, I was tempted to make a raise from the bb with my Ace-Ten of hearts, but elected to just check and play to make a hand. The flop fell K-Q-8 and it got checked around.  The turn brought a Jack, I led and got raised.  With two possible flush draws on board, I made a large 3-bet.  My opponent showed QJ for two-pair and mucked!  Nice laydown for him, nice pot for me.  I hovered around 20k for a couple of levels before deciding to make a play in back position with the T-7 of clubs.  With one limper, I limped only to find myself the lone position caller to a big blind raise, who had a high hand frequency and looked to be trying to pick up the pot.  The flop fell A-8-6 with two clubs and we both checked.  The turn brought the 8 of clubs and I flatted his 1500 bet.  The river was an off-suit 5 and my opponent led for 1700.  I made it 4500 to go and he quickly called, turning over a higher flush with the KQ of clubs.  Back down to 15k. 

I wasn't sure how this was going to go until this hand.  UG+1 limps for 400 and Avi (tight player) - a mid-position player made it 1600 to go.  I look down at QQ's and make it 5500 to go.  The original limper now moves all-in for 17k and has me covered!  After thinking a few minutes, I decide to lay it down and he shows me KK's!  Losing flush under flush, and now QQ's to Kings, it didn't look like the tournament was going my way, but I still had 16k in front of me..  Feeling encouraged by my play, I started to open up and picked up a few free pots

There's an UG limper and I flat with AQ.  The short stack behind me shoves for 8k with AJ and I call.  My hand holds up and he's sent to the rail.  I then go on a serious run that puts my stack on nearly 100k before my table breaks.  After that it became a big adjustment and struggle.  Losing with AK in a key spot, my stack shrunk to just over 30k.  I stuck with it and managed to end up the night winning a couple of pots and ending with nearly 70k in chips for the day.  Just above avg. heading into day 2.  130 left, 81 get paid and 1st is about 200k. 

After the tourney, I went for a walk along the river to stretch and get some fresh air.  Melbourne is really a beautiful city.  There is a long walkway that stretches for miles along the river.  Shops, restaurants and artists proudly display their talents for dollars.  Drawing, singing, dancing, etc. they create a wonderful ambiance under the night sky.

Getting to bed early and looking forward to competing for the title tomorrow.  Updates can be found at www.pokernews.com.

Kenna