Internet troubles in the Rio, but the Paradise players march on

We’ve been denied internet access for a few hours so apologies for the lack of updates, but Paradise fans will be pleased to know we still have a strong contingent in the mix as we hit level 8.

At the last chip count, our boys were led by Zsolt Cserhati (pictured) on 28,000, Didier Erb with 27,000 and Luis Rufas’ 25,000 strong stack.

With the average stack just shy of 15,000, Tom Garland’s 18k, Peter Csecsetka’s 19k, as well Paradise pro “Dusty Rat’s” 14,000 all look like keeping them in the mix for Day Two.

The short stacks now include Carlos Oliveira (6k) and Arrigo Forzani (5k), while others have fallen victim to the 200/400 blinds plus 50 ante in Level 7.

Libor Glos felt the deck’s wrath as his Kings were cracked by AK, while both Kadir Ucyildiz and Paradise staff player Miguel Russo were forced to make their move as the chips dwindled.

Kadir found his 8s had no response to KK, while Miguel tried his luck with QJ, only to run smack bang into Aces.

Earlier Bright Ibhadon (pictured) had been on the end of a bad beat, as he shoved over the top of a button raise from the big blind with kings, only for the aggressor to make a big call and catch a set on the flop.

With less than 850 players remaining now, the money is drawing on to the horizon and there is confidence in the ranks.

“If you’d offered me this position at the start of the day, I would have bitten your hand off,” said UK player Tom Garland.

“I’ve continued to pick up hands in good spots and I feel like I’ve got a good read on my table, with five or so of the same players remaining from the start of play.

“I don’t want to get overconfident but I feel really good right now, so hopefully I can make it to Day Two.”