Phil Ivey Bubbles Out at L.A. Poker Classic

Phil Ivey bubbled out at the end of Day 3 of the World Poker Tour’s L.A. Poker Classic, bringing an end to an exciting and tumultuous day of poker at the Commerce Casino.

Ivey had been putting together a good run at the LAPC until the bubble neared. While he had never been among the chip leaders, Ivey had held on to a solid stack throughout the day, and looked well-positioned to make the money cut. But after losing a big pot, Ivey was reduced to a short stack.

Finally, with just 55 players remaining and the day set to end when the field had been reduced to 54 – the number of players who would make the money – Ivey moved all in before the flop with pocket sixes. He was called by Dave Baker, who held pocket kings. The kings held up, eliminating Ivey as the bubble boy, just one spot short of the money.

At the other end of the spectrum was Tuan Phan, who emerged from Day 3 as the chip leader with over 1.1 million in chips. Phan is best known for winning the 2011 WSOP Circuit Event in Atlantic City, and has now clinched his first cash on the WPT.

Of course, Phan will be shooting for a lot more than a small cash. However, there are plenty of big names that are within striking distance of the lead who are also looking to make final table runs.

None are closer than Jason Somerville, who currently sits in second place. Somerville, who won his first WSOP bracelet last summer, held the chip lead for much of Day 3 before being overtaken by Phan. In third place is Joe Tehan, and Noah Schwartz is sitting dangerously in sixth place.

All of the remaining players are fighting for their share of a prize pool that totals more than $5.2 million. First place is worth $1.37 million, while every player who made the money is guaranteed to take home at least $21,080. Two more days of play are scheduled before the televised final table of six players compete for the title on Wednesday.