Six players remain in the Borgata Poker Open

The spectacle of the tourney was heightened throughout the day by the intimidating fact that only 45 players would make the money. Unfortunately for 17 players, their 3 day efforts came to an end abruptly.

With a $1.5 million first-place prize awaiting the winner, players adjusted their game performance and did their best to capitalize on the opportunities to advance as they presented themselves. Several players lost big hands on questionable calls, which only intensified the action as players focused on playing both their opponents and the random cards they were being dealt.

As players were eliminated, the action became more of a chess match than a wild all-in blowout. The poker faces of some of the best players in the game eventually cracked as the night wore on and several prominent pros made exits that clearly left them unsatisfied.

The action continued until nearly 5AM. AT that time, J.C. Tran was eradicated in a three-way pot.

The crowd cheered as the final six players of the WPT main event were announced. Leading the pack is David Singer, best known for his ninth-place finish in the 2003 World Series of Poker main event, with $3,200,000 in chips. Close on his heels is pro John D'Agostino with $2,295,000.

Robert Hwang, who earlier in the week won the 2005 Borgata Poker Open $1500 buy-in event collecting $129,600, is in a good position with $1,795,000 in chips remaining.

Al Ardebili, who finally ended the over 17 hour poker session, has $1,425,000 in chips left - while Kathy Leibert, currently ranked second on the women's all-time money list, is set for another huge cash win as she hopes to carry over her stellar play to the final table. She will start with $1,045,000 in chips and poses a serious threat to the bigger stacks.

The short stack at the table is Richard Festejo with $540,000. He is well-known for finishing in the top 10 for many lower entry fee events all over the US.