When we last updated the chipleader was local P5ers Tyler “Tydean” Smith.  Well, things have changed quite a bit here in Level 12 and a new chip leader has emerged with a sizable chip advantage over the rest of the field.   After taking down a monster pot off of Smith, Allen “AawwNutz” Carter (pictured right) has built his Day 2 stack from a paltry 22K all the way up to 617K.   Smith, on the other hand, has been heading in the wrong direction and is down to 120K.

When we caught up with Carter he was tangled up in another big hand–this time with fellow online player Ben Fineman.  Fineman raised to 10.5K from under the gun with the blinds at 2K/4K ante 500, a player called from middle position, and Carter called on the button.  The flop came KT9 and it checked around.  After the K fell on the turn Ben bet out 25K, the second player folded, and Carter called.  The river was the J and Fineman thought for a little while before betting 35K.  Carter moved all-in for 440K, which more than covered Fineman’s 185K stack.  Fineman thought for 2 or 3 minutes before eventually folding.

With 48 players remaining, here are some updated chip counts:
Allen “AawwNutz” Carter - 617K
Hevad Khan - 320K
Stewart “Stuman123″ Yancik - 305K
Keven “stamdogg” Stammen - 290K
Ben Fineman - 185.5K
Mike “goleafsgoeh” Leah - 150K
Jason “JP_OSU” Potter - 123K
Tyler “Tydean” Smith - 120K
Mohsin “chicagocards1″ Charania - 110K

• January 18, 2009 -- Smith Fifth, Shirey Fourth
• January 17, 2009 -- Final Table Set — Carter 2nd in Chips, Smith 4th
• January 16, 2009 -- Shamseddin Headin’ Up the Chip Counts
• January 16, 2009 -- Fineman and Yancik Out