While the players in the $1.5k LHE Shootout played nine-handed for what seemed like an eternity, the ever growing blinds are starting to take their toll on the short stacks and play is now five-handed. The last three eliminations all happened in a span of less than 30 minutes.

Spencer “spankybabes” Lawrence was just knocked out when he got the remainder of his chips in preflop with the KT and was called by Jean-Robert Bellande who held the A9. The board ran out 9632Q and Bellande’s pair of nines was good enough to send Lawrence to the rail in 6th place. He will take home $20,221 for his efforts.

Bellande talked to one of the floor supervisiors earlier about trying to end play at a certain time tonight and to come back tomorrow afternoon to finish and was told that if the entire table agreed then they could arrange it. The table has not agreed to this so for now play will continue until only one man is left holding all the chips.

Matt “mattg1983″ Graham has maintained a stack close to 300K during the past few levels without getting involved in any significant pots. His latest battle came against Brandon Wong. Graham three-bet Wong preflop with the blinds at 10K/15K and Wong made the call to see a flop of Q43. Matt bet 30K and Wong called, and then called bets from Graham when the 9 and 9 hit on the turn and river. Graham showed 77 and Wong mucked.

• July 3, 2008 -- Spencer None the Richer
• July 3, 2008 -- Sitron Takes 2nd
• July 3, 2008 -- The Late Show with Jean-Robert
• July 3, 2008 -- So Close He Can Taste It!