Friday, June 30, 2006

For now, news from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has Phil Hellmuth as the
all-time leader in cashes with 50 after he made the money in WSOP Event # 2
and received an appreciation ovation for his accomplishment. The
announcement was made late on Tuesday in front of the player and spectators
filling the Amazon Room of the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, but a record
review is underway and it may be that Hellmuth has only have 49.

Hellmuth himself is unsure. After speaking with all-time cash-leader Men
"The Master" Nguyen, Hellmuth was under the impression that he was tied at
49. Nguyen told him they are tied for the lead and Hellmuth believes "The
Master" for now.

Whether 49 or 50 cashes, Hellmuth at least has a share of the record. WSOP
Media Director Nolan Dalla said the matter will be cleared up and become
official within a day or two.

"I always like to make poker history," Hellmuth said a little steamed after
busting out of the event in (65th?). "Whether I did it today or not, I have
a good chance to take it because my game is in tip top shape."

Before the 2006 WSOP started, Hellmuth was one behind Men "The Master" and
tied with TJ Cloutier and Berry Johnston at 48. Of the four, Hellmuth is
second on the all-time money list running neck and neck with TJ Cloutier.

The next closest competitor is Chris "Jesus" Ferguson with 42 cashes.

While others are sorting out the statistics, Hellmuth said he didn't want to
reflect on where the all-time cash leader places him in the poker pantheon,
preferring instead to speak about his plans for 2006.

Last year, Hellmuth said he spent too much time with outside distractions.
This year, he plans to run the gambit with his full attention and try to
capture his 10th gold bracelet, a historical mark he covets more than the
cash mark.

"My problem is I can't beat all the fuc#*g one-day superstars," Hellmuth
said.

Playing in Event #2's second day caused Hellmuth to miss out on Event # 3, a
$1500 Pot Limit Hold'Em tournament. One fan asked Hellmuth if the players in
that tournament felt lucky he wasn't playing. He responded with "that's what
all those guys are.lucky."

Hellmuth said he plans to play in either Thursdays Limit Hold'Em event of
Friday's shorthanded No'Limit Hold'Em tournament, both bracelet events in
the World Series schedule.

Ryan McLane is a gaming industry reporter for Casino City and is assigned to
the poker beat. He is currently covering events at the World Series of
Poker. Email your comments and questions to him at ryanmclane@casinocity.com