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Countdown to the 2009 World Series of Poker final table: 3 days out


 
Sponsorships and Rule 43-B–i
2009 represent a first in the history of televised poker: Online Poker sites are limited to sponsoring no more than three players at the final table (rule 43-B-i). The implementation of the rule set of a firestorm with online poker rooms competing to snatch up the biggest names and chip-stacks at the final table.
Unfortunately for the bidding poker sites the two biggest names are already spoken for: Phil Ivey, a principle owner of Full Tilt Poker, and Jeff Shulman who is the editor of Cardplayer Magazine and representing their free-money site SpadeClub.com.
A further wrinkle is chip-leader Darvin Moon’s admission that he doesn’t play online poker and will not accept sponsorship from an online poker site.
Of the remaining players it appears PokerStars has won the bidding war: They were able to snap-up #2 chip-stack and tournament regular Eric Buchman: Up-and-coming poker pro Joe Cada (the youngest member of the “November Nine”): and Kevin Schaffel who not only has the “average Joe” appeal, but has proven his poker chops with a two final tables since the WSOP hiatus began.
Full Tilt was able to add to their Ivey factor with top British player James Akenhead, and former Bear-Stearns exec Steve Begleiter, who has been doing a terrific job of marketing himself during the 3-month break.
The WSOP official sponsor, Everest Poker, was able to sign Frenchman Antoine Saout, who qualified for the Main Event through Everest Poker.

 

For Breaking Online Poker News Check out PokerNewsBoy.com

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Steve Ruddock is a professional poker player, instructor, and author. With over 10 years of playing experience, he is able to combine his real world experience, and his never-ending study of the game, to help players of all levels improve their play. Steve is a writer and contributor for...

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