Scott Diamond

I made the drive to Gardena from my home in Fontana, 65 miles to play in the $255.00 NL Event with a guarantee of $40,000.00 prize pool. There were 365 people who showed up and were able to get in. I know some were turned away and the prize pool was actually over $80,000 with first place paying a very nice $25,000.

We received 5,000 in starting chips and the blinds were 50-25 with 30 minute levels.

I had TWO pocket pairs in 9 levels!!!! The first one we were in level 2..I had 55 with 3 limpers. The flop was K-9-5 rainbow so I fired out 400 chips and was called by one player. Turn was a rag and I fire again with 1000 chips and get called. The River another rag and I put in 2200 chips and get called. I show my 55 and he mucks..

Several rounds later I am the big blind and have 33 and everyone folds and that was it for pocket pairs until I busted at the beginning of level 9 with AJ on the button. I went all in for 7900 chips,blinds were 1200-600 and the BB called me with 10-10 and it was all small and I left with only 109 players still vying for the 25K.

Such a struggle again. I had the patience of a Saint and the only reason I made it as far as I did, I won a pot with K-3 clubs in the big blind with two raises in front of me. I only had 4,000 left and put it all in. Both players called and I hit a King on the river to win the pot and give me 12,000 chips. I also had a flush draw and a straight draw so a hand finally came through for me. First raiser Q-10 hearts and second caller 99..

Some good players in attendance, James Woods was there and he busted 14th. Leroy Le and his friends as well as some other well known players from Los Angeles.

If anything has come about of my Poker Playing I am getting respect at the Table when I call or Raise. Fortunately I have always had the goods when I have done this and my demeanor never changes, win or bad beat.Now if I can catch a little respect from the Poker Gods...LOL

Did you see where Harrahs made over 13 million dollars just in fee's from this years WSOP. That is not including all the fee's from satellites either.

You minus the ten dollar coupon every player received for entering an event and they still made a GRIP..Maybe they can invest in some better chairs for the players next year. They were terrible, falling apart and very low. That is why you will see some players sitting on there legs and feet and gathering these cushions Everest Poker had all over the Amazon Room when these events are on ESPN starting Tuesday.

Well I am still off of work and my feet are still swollen. I haven't heard back from Kaisers lab after they did some blood work and checked my thyroid. I just got a call from the Doctors office who did my Achilles surgery and I am trying to get into see him. I had a severe blood clot after my first surgery that may have damaged some veins,so we will wait and see. I HATE being at home all day. I have been playing this game called Call of Duty 4 on line and it makes the time go by however it is hard playing while laying down and keeping my feet up.

I am going to try and play again Tuesday Night at the Hustler. Its a great Poker Room for Tournaments and the staff are some young guys and are very good at what they do.

Good Luck John Phan at the Bellagio's 15k event. You are on a very good roll right now.Unfortunately we will not be able to see this event televised because the WPT still does not have a contract with anyone, WHAT a Shame!!!

Take care...Be Safe...