12.45pm

Day 1b in Queenstown has started with a hiss and a roar. Less then 5 minutes into the first level one table has already lost 2 of it’s runners.

With WSOP bracelet winner Simon Watt on the button Jessie McKenzie made it 225 to go. (blinds 50-100) Ben Gilholme flatted in mid position as did Dale Marslen one seat behind, finally Simon Called from the button. Now for the flop.

5,6,7 Rainbow. With action to the pre-flop raiser McKenzie lead out 625 and again got a flat call from Ben. Dale Marslen thought it through, then re-popped it 2k. Now it was heating up… Jessie called. Queue the fire works… Ben Gilholme re-raises to 5k, a minute passed before Dale Marslen surprisingly stuffed it, 20k.

Jessie snap called and after a  little deliberation Ben reluctantly called and showed 77 for top set. Marslen turned over A8 for the up and down only to be floored as McKenzie tabled 8,9 for the made straight. As the players stood the dealer turned an 8 and a harmless 4… Jessie McKenzie gave himself a little high five and rakes in over 60,000 in chips, Dale left without saying a word and Ben sat down to 125 chips. What a hand.