Money Bubble Generates Controversy at Foxwoods WPT World Poker Finals

The World Poker Tour’s World Poker Finals at Foxwoods Resort and Casino played down to the money bubble on Saturday evening, leaving just 27 players in the running for a WPT title. Heading into the 4^th day of play, reigning WPT Player of the Year Andy Frankenberger is in the chip lead with 658,000 in chips.

The money bubble actually ended play on Day 3, but not without generating some controversy. According to reports from the World Poker Tour website, there were 30 players remaining in the tournament with only 25 minutes left in the final scheduled level of play. The floor staff asked the players whether they’d like to continue playing on to the next level should the money bubble not break before the scheduled end of play. While 29 of the 30 players agreed to this, Thomas Schreiber rejected the idea, and since any change to the schedule had to be agreed to unanimously, the day was once again scheduled to end at the end of the level.

However, the next five minutes changed the situation unexpectedly. Darren Elias was knocked out by Chris Klodnicki, and the Kathy Liebert was eliminated by Bob Carbone. That left 28 players in the tournament – just one away from the money bubble – with 20 minutes left to go before the end of the level.

The situation got even more heated when Alistair Melville was crippled just a few minutes later. Melville lost a hand to Matt Stout, and was left with just 5,500 chips – or less than two big blinds (the tournament was in the 1,500/3,000 level with a 500 ante).

With the situation suddenly changed, the staff once again consulted the players. Tournament officials had already announced that only four more hands would be played to finish the day; however, with apparent unanimous consent, the decision was made once more to change plans and wait for an elimination to end the day.

Sure enough, Melville was soon eliminated – and that’s when the controversy began, with several players complaining about the situation on Twitter.

“That’s about the 15^th thing wrong that the floor did this tourney,” said Jason Mercier, who was eliminated earlier in the day.

“Foxwoods. You just don't get it! And when I say it, I mean everything,” tweeted Matt Glantz, who is still in the tournament with an above-average stack. “GG Foxwoods. Can't wait to see the turnout next year.”

Some players took the other side of the argument. Christian Harder, who is also still playing in the event, tweeted a response to some of the criticisms: “FWIW I think you are wrong here, player isn't a total amateur and we gave him the option to decide.”

For the remaining 27 players, however, the focus remains on the final two days of play. Every player remaining is guaranteed to win at least $19,916, while the eventual winner will take home $449,910.