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7:05pm: Final table set, eight return tomorrow at 12 PMLevel 26 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000)

After the elimination of Bruno Politano in 9th place, the overall eight players bagged and tagged their chips for Day 4 of the LAPT9 Chile Main Event. Unfortunately for poker fans across South America and the world, for you to be the overall day of this LAPT festival, because the Main Event field will play right down to a champion tomorrow.

We won't get right into a full rundown of what happened today, we'll let Jack Stanton do this here and allow you to do it yourself, as all of the Day 3 LAPT9 Chile updates are below. Until then, take a look at the official final table seating assignments and chip counts...

Final Table Seat Name Chip Count

1	Fabian Chauriye	1,004,000
2	Richard Dubini	2,174,000
3	Aqviles Espinoza	946,000
4	Rodrigo Strong	2,482,000
5	Alex Vega	1,427,000
6	Roberly Felicio	2,301,000
7	Ricardo Matamala	452,000
8	Carlos Pohmasevic	408,000

6:40pm: Bruno Politano eliminate in 9th place ($12,460)Level 26 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000)

Remember once we said we were happening a handy guide a rough 15 minute break on the end of the extent? Well, with only some seconds remaining in Level 26, Bruno Politano hit the rail in 9th place and the official final table bubble burst. That hand was picked up after just about an hour of short stack jockeying between a couple of players, as each picked their spots well and were never looked up after they did try to take down the blinds or a pot.

Unfortunately for Politano, he was the primary to get looked up and, eventually, the last. He moved all-in for 720,000 from middle position and after some folds, Richard Dubini asked for a count within the small blind. He eventually called and after the large blind folded, it was a flip for the Brazilian's tournament life. He held A♥K♣, Dubini turned over Q♣Q♦ and there have been nearly 1,500,000 chips up for grabs.

After the J♣T♥4♣ flop, "Foster" still needed help and after the J♠ paired the board at the turn, he was drawing to simply six outs. None came though, because the 9♥ completed the board and confirmed that this LAPT9 Chile final table will play out without one of the most bigger names we saw take to the felt this weekend.

In the end, Politano wasn't complaining. He was in good spirits as he wished the remainder of the overall table luck, including the 2 remaining Brazilians, Rodrigo Strong and Roberly Fericio. They'll come again on the top of the leaderboard, with an entire Day 3 recap and final table preview coming shortly. -- WOC

6:40pm: No dinner, short break before final table push beginsLevel 26 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000)

While the daily LAPT9 Chile Main Event requires a dinner break after six levels each day, the tournament staff has given the players a couple of options heading towards the general third of Level 26. They've talked amongst one another and elected to forgo today's dinner break, instead taking a fifteen minute break on the end of the level.

They'll then, hopefully, return to Level 27 to play towards that final table. The remainder eight players can then take so long as they'd like for dinner, in place of being confined to the 75 minute window we've had during the last three days.

A full update of the chip counts can be posted when that break begins. -- WOC

6:25pm: Level up, Pohmasevic picks up a potLevel 26 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000)

The blinds and antes have gone up again and that are meant to put some more pressure at the shorter stacks on the final table. Because it stands, Carlos Pohmasevic continues to be the low man but although he's working ten big blinds, he was just in a position to pick up a good pot with no need to visit showdown.

Aqviles Espinoza opened to 80,000 from middle position and after the table folded to Pohmasevic, he went into the tank within the big blind. Most players, when working a 10 big blind stack, would think that that may be a fit or fold spot. Meaning, you might be either all-in or folding.

Pohmasevic didn't do either, instead calling to look the 6♣6♥2♣ flop. He went back to the tank after the board fell after which announced himself "all-in". Espinoza cringed and while he likely would have called for only a handful of more big blinds pre flop, he couldn't commit the chips after seeing three cards.

It was an unconventional strategy to play the hand nevertheless it worked for Pohmasevic in this occasion. He's now playing just below 450,000. -- WOC

6:15pm: The room's buzzing, however the action's slowedLevel 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

It's typical right? We get elimination after elimination, bust out after bust out, so quick that just about can't sustain. After which after we only need one more, the action slows right down.

However, there's quite a few action occurring in other parts of the room as more side events are going down. We're seeing various the faces who've become so familiar during the last few days including Juan Carlos Duran, Daniella Horno, Dan Denghel, or even two-time LAPT champ (yep, you heard me: TWO-time LAPT champ) Mario Lopez take their seats in these events. --JS

5:55pm: One-table action so farLevel 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

Well, not tons of has happened at the unofficial final table so far, but here's available you're interested in.

Rodrigo Strong opened for 70,000 and it folded around to Fabian Chauriye within the big blind who made the decision. The 2 saw a 8♥T♠5♣ flop hit the felt and both players checked it, taking us to the 3♥ turn. Now Chauriye - who had a deep run on the PCA Main Event in January - led for 66,000; Strong went nowhere.

The river was the 4♦ and now the bet from Chauriye was 105,000. Strong made a gorgeous quick call but mucked when Chauriye turned over his A♣T♦. That sent his stack as much as 1.26 million, and Strong's right down to 2.5 million. --JS

5:40pm: Final table set, Strong holds commanding leadLevel 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

With HALF-HOUR remaining in Level 25, the unofficial final table of the LAPT9 Chile Main Event has begun. Because it stands, we're one elimination clear of the tip of Day 3 and which may be sooner, in place of later, as there are a couple of short stacks.

Rodrigo Strong isn't one in every of them, as he holds a commanding lead in this final table lineup. The Brazilian is playing just shy of 2,800,000 and an entire list of the remainder counts is equipped below. -- WOC

Table Seat Name Chip Count

1	1	Fabian Chauriye	860,000
1	2	Richard Dubini	1,160,000
1	3	Aqviles Espinoza	1,070,000
1	4	Rodrigo Strong	2,780,000
1	5	Alex Vega	1,500,000
1	6	Roberly Fericio	1,940,000
1	7	Ricardo Matamala	850,000
1	8	Bruno Politano	1,100,000
1	9	Carlos Pohmasevic	240,000

5:25pm: Alfredo Torres eliminated in 10th place($10,240); final table beckonsLevel 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

After the elimination of Fernando Martinez, there has been a slight lull within the action before big pots played out on both tables. The first, saw Bruno Politano bring this LAPT9 Chile Main Event field right down to it's unofficial final table, because the Brazilian sent Alfredo Torres to the rail in 10th place.

That hand was picked up pre flop, with Table 2 folding to a brief stacked Torres, who was within the small blind. He then moved all-in for his final 125,000 and Politano called within the big blind, seeking to score the knockout.

He'd wish to hit to do so, as he held T♥8♣ to Torres' K♦8♦. He did just that at the T♠7♦4♦ flop but even supposing he paired his ten, he still needed to fade his opponent's flush draw.

"You gave me a ten, now hold!" Politano shouted around the table in Portuguese, eloquently translated by PokerStars Brazil reporter Sergio Prado. The dealer listened, even giving "Foster" another ten at the turn for good measure. After the T♣ and 2♣ completed the board, Politano could celebrate and Torres hit the rail one spot wanting the overall table.

While Table 2 all congratulated themselves at making the general nine, there has been a possibility shall we be right down to eight. That's because Richard Dubini was all-in and in danger on Table 1, although he held A♦A♠ and gave the look of a sure thing to double.

He did, calling Aqviles Espinoza's all-in after the large stack shoved the small blind with A♥5♦. The Argentine aroused from sleep with it within the big or even though is opponent flopped a five, he kept his advantage during the turn and river to multiply his stack by two. He's now over seven-figures for the primary time on this event and an entire update of the chip counts could be posted shortly. -- WOC

5:15pm: Fernando Martinez falls in 11th ($10,240)Level 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

Wow, it is all kicking off. We've just lost another and this time it's Fernando Martinez from Argentina.

Alex Vega opened with a min-raise at the button to 60,000 and Ricardo Matamala threw his small blind hand away. However, Martinez shoved from the large blind for 147,000 total and it was a very easy demand Vega who had T♥T♠. Martinez had to hit together with his K♥9♥ and we went to the flop.

Here's the way it looked: T♣8♥2♦. Yep, a 10 within the window all but sealed Martinez' fate, and the 5♠ turn and 2♣ river nailed the coffin closed. He leaves us with $10,240 in prize money, while Vega remains to be with us with a large stack of 2.4 million. --JS

5:05pm: Andy Finkelberg out in 12th ($8,700)Level 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

They're dropping like flies here today and that implies the PokerStars Blog team might actually be capable of eat some food soon.

Andy Finkelberg from Argentina is our latest victim. After Bruno Politano made it 72,000 to go, Roberly Fericio made it 185,000 from the small blind and Finkelberg then jammed around 400,000. Politano made a super-speedy call and that scared Fericio out the pot. It was then heads up.

Bruno Politano A♠A♣Andy Finkelberg T♣T♠

It was clear why Politano was so fast in his decision - he'd been dealt pocket rockets. The run out of 6♣Q♠3♠7♣5♥ gave no help and Finkelberg is outta here. Meanwhile, Politano is as much as around 700,000 now. --JS

Want to qualify for the LAPT? Click here to get a PokerStars account and begin today 4:55pm: Back from break, level up, dozen remainLevel 25 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (4,000)

After a flurry of action and eliminations ended the last hour-long period of play, the remainder 12 players are back from break and able to start Level 25. With a dozen players still alive, we're just three eliminations clear of our final table redraw.

Those nine players will make the unofficial final table, as only eight will return to minimize to an LAPT9 Chile Main Event champion tomorrow. The PokerStars blog could be here to bring you all that action as we move towards that final table, with an inventory of updated counts provided below. -- WOC

Table Seat Name Chip Count

1	1	Alex Vega	1,250,000
1	2	Ricardo Matamala	1,320,000
1	3	Andy Finkelberg	250,000
1	4	Rodrigo Strong	2,300,000
1	5	Aqviles Espinoza	1,350,000
1	6	Richard Dubini	590,000
2	1	Carlos Pohmasevic	375,000
2	2	Alfredo Torres	195,000
2	3	Bruno Politano	785,000
2	4	Roberly Fericio	1,260,000
2	5	Fernando Martinez	520,000
2	6	Fabian Chauriye	985,000

4:40pm: Alejandro Rodriguez eliminated in 13th ($8,700)Level 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

The man who has pulled off a few of this event's most audacious bluffs has left us in 13th.

After Roberly Fericio opened to 55,000 it folded around to Alejandro Rodriguez - the skilled-bluffer (and all-round player) in question. He moved all-in for his last 304,000 and we were off to the races after Fericio made the decision. Here's how the hands looked:

Alejandro Rodriguez T♠T♦Roberly Fericio A♠K♥

The flop was safe for Rodriguez as there has been no ace, king or draw at the 4♥9♣5♦. The turn was safe too - the 9♠ changed nothing.

But royalty landed at the river with the K♠ and Fericio let loose a large cheer. Rodriguez is an experienced pro and took all of it in his stride, shaking hands with friends and the opposite players before hitting the cage to gather his $8,700 in prize money.

The players have now gone on a 15-minute break - we'll come again with the chip counts of the general 12. --JS

4:25pm Javier Venegas eliminated in 14th place ($7,600)Level 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

Action stayed on the feature table, as Javier Venegas made a move that likely may have worked had Alex Vega not picked up an important hand within the big blind. A COUPLE OF hands after Manuel Urrejola was sent to the rail, Table 1 folded to Venegas, who was within the small blind. He limped and after some thought, Vega installed a raise within the big blind.

Almost immediately, Venegas announced himself "all-in" and after Vega called, in a flash an over 1,200,000 chip pot was up for grabs. Venegas gave the impression of instantly regretted his move, as Vega tabled A♦Q♦ and had to hold to double through Argentine's [10c]3♥. He did, because the K♠Q♣4♦9♥5♥ board kept Vega's big ace within the lead and skyrocketed him up the leaderboard.

When the stacks were cut down, Venegas was left with just over 40,000 and he was all-in at the next hand. Ricardo Matamala and Rodrigo Strong checked down a Q♥[10c]6♠2♥8♦ board and Venegas was sent to the rail in 14th place after Matamala showed J♣[10s]. Venegas will make $7,600 for his deep run and we're now quickly only some spots from the general table. -- WOC

4:25pm Manuel Urrejola eliminated in 15th place ($7,600)Level 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

Almost immediately after Francisco Benitez was sent to the rail in 16th place, we lost the primary player from our feature table lineup. That player was Manuel Urrejola and, you guessed it, it was Rodrigo Strong that did it.

Strong opened to 54,000 from the cutoff and Urrejola, at the button, three-bet shoved for just over 360,000. The blinds folded and powerful snap called, not worrying himself with the dimensions of the fast stack, instead just tabling A♥A♣. Urrejola could only laugh as he turned over A♠K♣, as he waited all day for this spot only to look his opponent take place with aces.

Those aces held in the course of the K♠J♥7♠4♥[10h] runout so as to add another scalp to Strong's Day 3 bounty list. He's been on a tear and is now playing 2,160,000 with only a few minutes remaining in Level 24. -- WOC

4:20pm Francisco Benitez eliminated in 16th place ($6,700)Level 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

After a slow period of play opened these final two tables, the action exploded heading towards the tip of Level 24. That action started on Table 2, where Francisco Benitez hit the rail courtesy of Bruno Politano.

Action was picked up pre flop, with Politano opening to 56,000 from the hijack. Benitez, within the cut off, then three-bet shoved for under a min-raise. His all-in amount was for 102,000 and after the remainder of the table folded, the Brazilian quickly called to take a look at to attain the knockout.

It was a flip, as Benitez held 4♣4♥ to the larger stack's A♠J♥ and before the flop, the always sporting Politano and Benitez exchanged a fair luck handshake. They'd been playing together for the easier a part of the last two days but Benitez's run was over after the board double paired, Q♣8♣8♥K♣K♥ and Politano's high card played.

The Brazilian stacked up just over 625,000 and Benitez will make $6,700 for his 16th place finish. Shortly after he was sent to the rail, two more players followed... -- WOC

4:15pm Quiet pressureLevel 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

It's been somewhat quiet since we set out to 16 but Ricardo Matamala have been using the lull to use pressure and pick up chips. In a single hand, Rodrigo Strong opened to 50,000 and Javier Venegas three-bet to 125,000. From the massive blind Matamala - who came into Day 3 as chip leader - shoved for 1 million and Venegas, who 640,000 behind, went deep into the tank for around five minutes. He eventually gave it up, and the mohawked Chilean raked in a pleasing pot. --JS

4:00pm Two tables, 'feature table' the 'Strongest'Level 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

After a flurry of bust outs, we're right down to our final two tables. That suggests that 16 players remain and unfortunately, only 1/2 them are going to fasten up a place at tomorrow's LAPT9 Chile Main Event final table.

That final table will played out at the feature table and right now, that lineup is admittedly stacked. Rodrigo Strong headlines Table 1 and the rest field, as he's playing 1,740,000. That's good for the full chip lead and the one other two members of the Millionaire's Club are in close quarters.

Ricardo Matamala and Richard Dubini are both playing over seven-figures so lets see some serious action from this group before the night is over. So as to be when we're right down to eight and the PokerStars blog will bring you all that action, with an entire redraw listed below.

Table Seat Name Chip Count

1	1	Alex Vega	695,000
1	2	Ricardo Matamala	1,020,000
1	3	Andy Finkelberg	330,000
1	4	Rodrigo Strong	1,740,000
1	5	Manuel Urrejola	320,000
1	6	Aqviles Espinoza	660,000
1	7	Richard Dubini	1,320,000
1	8	Javier Venegas	840,000
2	1	Carlos Pohmasevic	205,000
2	2	Alfredo Torres	270,000
2	3	Alejandro Rodriguez	470,000
2	4	Bruno Politano	490,000
2	5	Fransisco Benitez	275,000
2	6	Roberly Fericio	635,000
2	7	Fernando Martinez	525,000
2	8	Fabian Chauriye	970,000

3:52pm Three bust-outs in quick successionLevel 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

We've lost three players in rapid fashion here in Chile and we're now all the way down to 16. So, here's the $64000 info:

Rodrigo Rishmague moved all-in for his last 80,000 and got a decision from his namesake Rodrigo Strong, who appears to be playing every hand. As chip leader, it is a bit his right.

Strong Q♦8♦Rishmague A♥J♠

Rashmague was in danger but ahead - until the J♥Q♣4♥ flop was dealt. The 9♥ and 3♠ at the turn and river changed nothing. Rishmague is out in 19th for $5,980.

THEN

Felipe Ruiz moved all-in at the button and got a snap-call from Richard Dubini within the small blind. Strong gave up his big and the cards were on their backs.

Ruiz A♠6♦Dubini 8♣8♦

Ruiz needed an ace and he got one; the one trouble was Dubini got an eight too. It came A♦4♦8♥T♥9♥ and Ruiz left us in 18th, also for $5,980.

AND THEN, WITHIN THE VERY NEXT HAND

Dubini continued playing executioner in an instant when Carlos Schmidt shoved for around 115,000 with K♠6♦ and the tattooed Argentinian was his only caller with A♠6♠.

If we've said it before we've said it again - it is advisable to be Dubini. The board ran out Q♠6♣3♠T♠4♥, so although Schmidt took an early lead Dubini held the nuts by the turn.

Schmidt left us in 17th for $6,700 and we're all caught up. --JS

3:39pm A BRAND NEW levelLevel 24 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (3,000)

We've moved into Level 24 and the cost of poker is getting expensive. --JS

3:35pm Strong scores another knockout, Chauriye takes down a large oneLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

You want to win flips to win tournaments and Rodrigo Strong has done just that just about whenever he has a brief stack all-in and in danger. He just sent another player to the rail, claiming Andres Achelat has his most up-to-date victim.

The Brazilian big stack opened to 40,000 from early position and after some folds, Achelat moved all-in for just over 100,000 from the button. The blinds folded and after he got a snappy count, Strong called and tabled K♥T♥. It was a flip against 9♣9♦ and while Strong didn't pair up, he did run out to a flush to attain the knockout.

The board fell Q♣7♥6♥5♠A♥ and after rivering five hearts, Strong found himself moving up and over the 1,500,000 chip mark. Achelat hit the rail in 20th place and that earned him a small jump to $5,980.

One player who isn't making small jumps but big ones through Level 23 is Javier Chauriye. After eliminating Oscar Riera earlier, he's now playing as regards to 800,000 after winning an important four-bet pot against Alejandro Rodriguez. The uber-aggressive Argentine opened the button to 43,000 and Chauriye three-bet to 112,000 from the large blind.

Rodriguez went deep into the tank, like he has done time and time again, before he clicked it back to 188,000. The Chilean thought for a couple of moments after which called to peer the A♥K♦6♦ flop. Both players checked and Chauriye checked for a second time after the 9♣ fell at the turn. Rodriguez then stabbed on the pot with a 139,000 chip bet, that was kind of snap called and after the J♥ completed the board, both players went back to tapping the table like they did at the flop.

Chauriye turned over A♦Q♥ and his top pair was good, earning him a pleasing bump up the leaderboard. Rodriguez still has an overly comfortable stack in front of him as well, as he's working just about 650,000. --WOC

3:19pm Pohmasevic doubles, Oscar Riera hits the railLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

A little while after Rodrigo Strong recorded another Day 3 elimination, Javier Venegas tried to do the similar on Table 3. Short stack Carlos Pohmasevic moved all-in for 115,000 from under the gun and Venegas called to position him in peril from the cutoff. The remainder of the table folded and Venegas needed to hit to attain the knockout, as he held K♠Q♦ to Pohmasevic's A♣[10c].

He couldn't, because the board ran out eight-high, with neither player holding a heart at the 8♥7♥2♦2♥[10h] board. That meant Pohmasevic's rivered pair was good, bumping him as much as a quarter-million, while Venegas continues to be rather well stacked with 690,000.

While Pohmasevic was doubling, Oscar Riera didn't achieve this on Table 1. He lost a flip for his tournament life, A♦K♥ losing to Fabian Chauriye's 6♣6♠. He'd bow out in 21st place, good for a $5,240 score. -- WOC

3:15pm Teodoulou ousted by StrongLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

Jorge Teodoulou can have pulled off some plucky bluffs and a few great plays, but there isn't much you are able to do if you end up in a race and it's as much as the Poker Gods.

After Richard Dubini opened to 40,000 within the hijack, chipleader Rodrigo Strong called at the button. Teodoulou then shoved for 375,000 total and it folded around to Strong who had a call to make.

As Strong have been doing all day, he was thinking out loud, discussing potential ranges (he told us afterwards). He eventually made the decision and flipped over A♥9♦, meaning he had two over-cards to Teodoulou's 7♣7♠. He'd hit one instantly at the A♦4♠4♣ flop, and the T♠ turn and J♠ river couldn't save Teodoulou. He left in 22nd good for $5,240, while Strong climbs to 1.44 million. --JS

3:05pm Massive pot for Vega as he gets Torres to put it downLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

Lot of pre-flop action over at the feature table as Alex Vega and Alfredo Torres - two of the older players remaining within the field - was battling it out.

In one big hand, Torres opened to 44,000 just for Vega to come with a raise to 97,000. Now Torres four-bet to 244,000, and Vega insta-shoved for 384,000!

Torres had invested such a lot and it was only 140,000 more to call, but he laid it down and Vega scooped it. He now has 670,000, while Torres has 260,000 remaining. --JS

2:58pm Tactical play on all three tablesLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

Over the last 15 minutes, the pace of play has slowed and that's somewhat expected. The present chip average is comparatively deep, just over 25 big blinds, and the uber-short stacks that drove the action throughout the first two levels have all either doubled or hit the rail.

That leaves this remaining LAPT9 Chile Main Event field in an enchanting spot and they are playing some interesting pots across all three tables. Most of that play have been very tactical, with well-timed and perfectly sized three-bets putting an end to many of the early action.

A handful of pots have got past that stage but lets probably count the meaningful hands that make it to the river on one hand. Irrespective of that pace, whether or not it's fast or slow, the PokerStars blog might be here inside the following couple of levels, as this field still must lose 14 players before our eight-handed final table is ready. --WOC

2:45pm Dubini doubles through TeodoulouLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

While the remainder of the action was been relatively slow during the first half Level 23, Table 2 is giving us enough to discuss. Richard Dubini opened the extent with a double and the battles between he, Rodrigo Strong and Jorge Teodoulou have created some decent action over the past half hour.

That Dubini double was picked up pre flop, with the a player opening to 43,000 from late position. Dubini, who was at the button, then three-bet to 101,000 and after a fold, Teodoulou four-bet shoved from the large blind. The opener folded and the Argentine couldn't get the chips in quick enough, as he snap called and tabled Q♥Q♦.

Teodoulou had his opponent covered by a quarter-million but he was drawing thin, holding 9♣9♦. The K♥K♣7♣ changed nothing and the Q♣ gave Dubini a whole house while confirming his double. As he reduce his 282,000 chip stack, the river cruelly brought the 9♣, giving Teodoulou an inferior full house. When the dust settled, Dubini was up and over 600,000 while Jorge Teodoulou was playing 245,000. -- WOC

2:32pm Back in actionLevel 23 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000)

Players are back for Level 23 - take a look at the chips counts.

2:19pm Break time - Strong leadsLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

Players might be back in ten minutes or in order move into Level 23.

2:17pm Kings make it "easy" for StrongLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

While Ricardo Matamala lead when the general 24 players redrew for his or her new seats, there's a new chip leader heading into the primary crack of dawn 3. Rodrigo Strong just won a major pot with pocket kings, to transport him well beyond the 1,000,000 chip mark.

Action was picked up with Strong opening to 32,000 and next to act, Jorge Teodoulou cut out a three-bet to 73,000. The table folded around to Diego Vizcay, who was at the button, and he inspected the action in front of him for with reference to two minutes before he announced himself "all-in". The blinds quickly passed and robust re-checked his cards and shot Teodoulou a snappy look before he made the similar declaration.

Teodoulou didn't just like the spot and with a snarl, threw his hand into the muck. He's likely glad he did though, as Strong tabled K♣K♦. The second one best starting hand in poker had Vizcay drawing to only three immediate outs, because the shorter stack held A♦Q♠. Those outs disappeared after the K♠9♥7♣ flop though, as he was left in search of running cards to save lots of his tournament life.

They didn't come, because the 5♦ and 3♣ confirmed his 23rd place elimination. He'll make $5,240 for his efforts and Rodrigo Strong will likely have his sights set near the highest of the payout structure, as he's the primary player to wreck seven-figures. After the dust settled and the huge stack was neatly put together, a player said, "Nice hand." to which Strong replied, "Kings make it pretty easy."

Happy times for chipleader Rodrigo Strong

It was relatively "easy" for the Brazilian to this point on Day 3 and he'll now return to Level 23 with just shy of 1,400,000. A WHOLE and updated have a look at the chip counts are available via the links at the right hand side of the LAPT9 Chile blog. --WOC

2:16pm Zapata says sayonaraLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

Meet your 24th place finisher - Carlos Zapata.

He met his demise when he opened from middle position - an enormous open of 65,000. Alejandro Rodriguez then put out a large raise himself and it folded round to Zapata who shoved and got a snappy call.

Carlos Zapata A♦K♣Alejandro Rodriguez Q♣Q♠

The ladies would hold because the board ran 6♥5♣J♠T♦5♥, sending Zapata to the cage to gather his $4,500. Meanwhile, Rodriguez moves as much as 600,000. --JS

2:11pm A Chauriye straightLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

We haven't heard much from Fabian Chauriye today, but we did just see him pick up a pleasant pot from Alejandro Rodriguez.

It started with a pre-flop open to 33,000 from Rodriguez at the button, and Chauriye called from the large blind. The 2 saw the dealer spread the 9♦T♥A♦ flop and Chauriye checked to the raiser who continued for a similar amount - 34,000. Chauriye threw in calling chips.

The 8♠ hit the turn and - again - it went check check (turns have gotten dull, right?) but then the 7♣ hit the river. Now Chauriye led out for 77,000 and Rodriguez snap-called. However, he mucked when he saw Chauriye's J♠9♣ for a straight. Rodriguez is now playing 430,000, while Chauriye moves as much as across the 600,000 mark. --JS

2:06pm Strong painedLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

On a flop of 8♥9♣3♦, Rodrigo Strong checked over to Jorge Teodoulou - a player who's been quite active here on Day 3. Teodoulou bet 45,000 which got Strong to stay around.

The two saw the 3♠ hit the turn, and it so often does on a turn it went check check. Now the T♥ landed at the river and powerful checked another time. Teodoulou looked over at his opponent, then back to his chips, and counted out a large bet of 129,000 which he slid around the felt.

Strong squirmed in his seat, and began thinking out loud to himself. He didn't look comfortable at all.

Rodrigo had a robust inkling he was beat

In the tip he gave it up, but we caught Teodoulou bluffing at the river earlier (see our 1:10pm post) and we are hoping for Strong's sake he wasn't doing it again. --JS

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1:58pm Pohmasevic doublesLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

Carlos Pohmasevic was very short - all the way down to just 105,000 - and he moved it all-in after Manuel Urrejola opened to 35,000. Urrejola was the one caller ith Q♣J♣, meaning Pohmasevic was ahead along with his 6♥6♠. The 9♣K♦9♠ flop gave Urrejola a gutshot in addition to two overs, however the board bricked for him with the 9♥ and 3♦. Urrejola dips to 250,000, while Pohmasevic doubles to 260,000. --JS

1:48pm Three tables remain, Matamala still leadsLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

With the elimination of Julian Pineda in 25th place, we're now right down to our final three tables. The players have redrawn for his or her new seats and can now resume play in Level 22 with just over HALF-HOUR at the clock. It is going to be noted that this field will redraw again when 16 players remain and then, for a 3rd time, once we are right down to our final nine.

So far, Ricardo Matamala has continued his run, as he remains the chip leader midway through Level 22. A WHOLE list of the brand new seating assignments is supplied below. -- WOC

Table Seat Name Chip Count

1	1	Oscar Daniel Riera	260,000
1	2	Alfredo Torres	475,000
1	3	Carlos Zapata	240,000
1	4	Alex Vega	550,000
1	5	Alejandro Rodriguez	410,000
1	6	Bruno Politano	660,000
1	7	Fabian Chauriye	520,000
2	1	Roberly Fericio	400,000
2	2	Richard Dubini	350,000
2	3	Rodrigo Strong	665,000
2	4	Jorge Teodoulou	730,000
2	5	Ricardo Matamala	875,000
2	6	Rodrigo Rishmague	315,000
2	7	Carlos Leandro Schmidt	105,000
2	8	Diego Vizcay	415,000
3	1	Carlos Pohmasevic	160,000
3	2	Fernando Martinez	720,000
3	3	Andy Finkelberg	530,000
3	4	Javier Venegas	455,000
3	5	Andres Achelat	230,000
3	6	Manuel Urrejola	355,000
3	7	Fransisco Benitez	410,000
3	8	Aqviles Espinoza	715,000

1:38pm Pineda ships a double, then hits the rail to bring redrawLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

The action was centered around Table 1 during the last few hands, as Aqviles Espinoza found an enormous double after which Julian Pineda, who shipped that double, hit the rail within the very next hand. Action was picked up with the table folding to Espinoza within the small blind and the Chilean then raised to 35,000.

After some thought, Pineda announced himself "all-in" from the massive blind and that was a large bet, as Espinoza' effective stack weighed in precisely shy of 375,000. After on the subject of three minutes of thought, Espinoza finally called and he was glad he did, as he had Pineda dominated.

The slightly shorter stack held 9♣9♦ and Pineda had to discover a deuce to attain the knockout, as he held 2♣2♠. The T♥T♣4♥ flop kept Espinoza within the lead and after the T♠ fell at the turn, the double was confirmed. He didn't realize that though, so when the 2♥ fell, meaninglessly, at the river, he thought he had lost.

He threw his hands within the air, disgusted by the general card, until Pineda, tapped his shoulder and pointed on the board to give an explanation for why his full house didn't play. From a glance of despair to a glance of complete euphoria, Espinoza jumped from his chair and looked to indicate a hand towards the sky, thanking whatever poker gods kept his pocket nines alive.

When the dust settled, Pineda was left with just below 90,000 and within the very next hand, he was fascinated with a three-way all-in, with Oscar Riera moving all-in from early position. He had 86,000 in front of him and his shove was overtop of a Javier Venegas open. Pineda shoved for less form the small blind and Venegas called to check out to attain the double knockout.

He couldn't, as his 6♥6♠ fell despite flopping a set, as Riera's Q♥Q♣ hit one besides. Pineda's 8♥8♦ couldn't find three of a sort at the Q♦6♦5♣4♥J♥ runout and he was officially eliminated in 25th place. Riera will now take over 250,000 into the 3 table redraw, with those assignments coming shortly. -- WOC

1:30pm Two lucky doubles for UrrejolaLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

Manuel Urrejola need to be within the good books of the Poker Gods as they've rewarded him twice today so far.

Despite being crippled earlier, Urrejola doubled when he got his 9♣8♥ in against Carlos Zapata's A♥A♣ and cracked them when the board ran out Q♣T♠7♥6♦6♠, having made a straight at the turn.

Then he doubled again through Diego Vizcay, this time with T♣J♥ vs A♦Q♠. It came 8♥T♠K♠K♦8♦ and he survived over again. Urrejola now has 270,000 while Vizcay dips to 545,000. --JS

1:20pm The Strong Politano rivalry continuesLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

Sat right next to every other, Rodrigo Strong and Bruno Politano has been developing something of a rivalry here this morning. We've caught several hands they've played just against each other, and they are always juicy.

Strong have been putting Politano to the test for his tournament life, despite them both having similar stacks. Stay tuned to determine his this one plays out. --JS

Politano hopes to get Strong

1:10pm Nice call from VegaLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

Two of the most important stacks this morning belonged to Alex Vega and Jorge Teodoulou, and the 2 are battling just a little today.

In one hand, we picked up the action on a Q♣7♣9♠ flop. Vega checked and Teodoulou led for 43,000 which was called. The turn came the J♣, and both players checked, bringing another jack at the river - the J♥. Vega checked over again and Teodoulou thought for some time before sliding out a fair 100,000. Vega snapped it off, flipping over 8♠8♥ despite there being two overcards at the board and flush potential. He was right though as Teodoulou was bluffing with A♦3♠. Nice call.

Teodoulou drops to 575,000, while Vega now has 550,000. --JS

1:04pm Blinds upLevel 22 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000)

We've moved into Level 22 and we're playing 8,000/16,000 with a 2,000 ante. --JS

1pm Fabian Ortiz must look forward to third titleLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

Midway through Day 2, it appeared like Fabian Ortiz was setting himself up for an additional LAPT final table run but after a coarse finish last night, he returned today below the chip average. Players coming in with that sort of stack usually want to win their first all-in encounter to contend and early in Level 22, Ortiz had that opportunity.

After Fernando Martinez opened to 26,000 from the cutoff, Rodrigo Strong called at the button. The small blind passed and Ortiz, who was playing as regards to 195,000, then three-bet shoved from the massive blind. Martinez didn't even want a count, just eyeballing the Argentine's stack before he verbalized "call". Strong quickly got out of ways and Ortiz was flipping for his tournament life with 7♣7♥.

He stood and walked clear of the table when he saw his opponent's A♥K♥. The last time he did that, when he was all-in with pocket aces on Day 2, he returned to a chip leading stack but after the K♣T♠8♥ flop, it didn't seem like he'd have the similar result this time across the. K♠ put him in a much bigger whole at the turn and after the 5♠ fell at the river, Ortiz's elimination was confirmed.

The two-time LAPT champion will make $4,500 for his run and suddenly, Fernando Martinez is playing over 725,000 and looking out like probably the most top stacks heading towards the general three tables. --WOC

12:50pm Morbiducci falls, Roberly rises, Urrejola crippledLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

After losing a flip to Fernando Martinez, Felipe Morbiducci was left with just below 40,000 and in a single of the very next hands, that short stack got within the middle. Action was picked up with Rodrigo Strong opening to 27,000 from the button and Bruno Politano, within the small blind, pumped it to 74,000.

Morbiducci moved all-in for less from the large blind and after some thought, Strong called to peer the Q♦J♦3♥ flop. Politano then bet what appeared to be 65,000 and robust quickly folded T♦T♥ face up. Politano's aggression had pushed his Brazilian counterpart out of the hand and robust hated to peer what he was forced out with, as Politano turned over A♦T♠.

He'd want to hold against Morbiducci's A♥8♦ and he did, because the turn and river bricked out to send the Chilean to the rail in 28th place. Politano stacked up just shy of 655,000 and few hands later, another Brazilian was moving on up. Roberly Fericio doubled through Richard Dubini, with the chips getting all-in at the J♦T♣2♦ flop.

The Brazilian held K♦Q♦ for an open ended straight draw and Dubini held A♥J♠ for high pair. The 6♣ turn didn't change anything however the Q♥ river did, bringing a roar from Roberly, who was not just given a second life but additionally found himself with 550,000 after the stacks were reduce. Dubini has now shipped two early doubles in the course of the first level, dropping him all the way down to a below average 330,000.

A few hands later, the action was missed but if the dust settled, Manuel Urrejola was crippled and left with only a handful of giant blinds. Rodrigo Rishmague was the person who did the damage, as he rivered the second one nut flush to double up near 400,000. Shortly after, Daniel Denghel lost a flip to Andres Achelat, [10h][10s] to the quick stack's A♦J♥ on a runout of Q♦5♣2♠Q♥5♦. Denghel hit the rail in 27th place, while Achelat, who came back for Day 3 as probably the most short stacks, is now working 300,000.

Prior to these eliminations, Lucas Churi hit the rail in 30th place and Rodrigo Mac Lean bowed out in 31st. Each, along side the players mentioned on this update, save for Denghel, will make $3,900. Daniel Denghel will make $4,500 as he earned a slight jump. --WOC

12:38pm Nazar can't go farLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

After Carlos Zapata opened to 31,000, Hugo Nazar three-bet jammed for his last 133,000. It folded back around to Zapata and he called with A♣T♥ - which needed help against Nazar's J♣J♠.

It got help quickly at the A♥K♠7♣ flop, and the 3♥ turn and T♦ river only improve Zapata's holding. Nazar hits the cage, while Zapata moves as much as around 500,000. --JS

12:25pm Achelat's phone call is obviously importantLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

We're on Day 3 of a massive tournament, but yet Andres Achelat clearly has more important things on his mind - similar to answering his phone.

He moved all-in pre-flop and located one caller in Fernando Martinez, something Achelat seemed completely unmoved by as he just desired to answer his phone. He had J♣J♠ against Martinez' A♦K♠ however the board was kind to the latter, running out Q♦5♠7♦5♦6♦ and giving Martinez a far needed double with a flush.

Achelat is crippled with just 38,000, while Martinez now has 385,000. --JS

12:20pm Strong start for StrongLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

It's a very easy play-on-words that we're probably going to make use of so much inside the day, but Rodrigo Strong really has got off to a mighty strong start here on Day 3.

After he opened to 24,000, Bruno Politano called from his immediate right and it folded to Lucas Churi at the button who three-bet to 69,000 total. It folded back to Strong and he then shoved, with more chips than Churi. Politano got out of the way, and Churi went into the tank.

He thought for approximately a minute before calling and flipping over K♦K♥ - something that Politano couldn't believe. "Whaa! Slow roll!" he said, followed by some more articulate thoughts in Portuguese that unfortunately I COULD NOT understand.

Strong had an excellent hand in A♥K♠ and had to hit. The flop came 2♥6♠J♠, after which a miracle A♠ hit the turn. The 5♦ completed the board and we lost Lucas Churi. Strong now sits with 820,000. --JS

12:15pm Three doubles before Ruiz hits the railLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

This Day 3 field has hit the bottom running in Level 21, as three short stacks have doubled in the course of the first ten minutes of play. The primary of these doubles was picked up on Table 4, as Andres Achelat moved all-in for just over 70,000 from late position. The button folded and Richard Dubini, within the small blind, re-shoved to get short stack Rodrigo Mac Lean out within the big blind. Dubini's re-shove was greater than just an isolation play, as he had his opponent dominate, A♣T♠ to A♦5♥.

That domination held in the course of the flop and switch but Achelat rivered a straight on a board of 8♦4♦3♠A♠2♦. The reactions from both players were interesting to watch, because the Chilean amateur wildly celebrated in his chair, while the Argentine professional just sat stone-faced behind his wire rim sunglasses. He'd surrender with regards to 15% of his top-five stack, dropping Dubini all the way down to 550,000, while Achelat got behind 155,000.

A few hands later, Table 2 was home to the pre flop action, as Manual Urrejola was all-in and in peril against Eduardo Ruiz. The Brazilian shoved all-in from the massive blind after Urrejola opened in middle position and Urrejola snap called with A♣K♦. Ruiz was treading water with A♥J♦ and while he wasn't at risk, he was roughly playing for his tournament life, as he had his opponent covered by not up to 10,000.

The board ran out clean for Urrejola's ace-king and after he sent 265,000 around the table, Ruiz was set to be all-in at the very next hand as he couldn't even afford the ante and small blind. While he awaited his fate on Table 2, Table 3 got within the action, because the always active Alejandro Rodriguez opened to 25,000 from middle position. The table folded to Lucas Churi, who moved all-in for 164,000 from the massive blind.

Rodriguez thought for a couple of moments after which called, with Churi instantly tabling A♥Q♦ and status from the table. He turned to peer that he was in a super spot, with the Argentine holding A♦J♠. Despite the fact that he had his opponent dominated, he was still in danger and while he didn't see it, the 6♦5♠5♣3♦K♥ runout confirmed his double.

He's now playing the easier a part of 330,000 while Rodriguez was reduce to 270,000. While Churi was doubling, Eduardo Ruiz was sent to the rail by Rodrigo Rishmague, meaning Ruiz was the primary player to be eliminated from just today 3 session. He'll make $3,460 and the following couple of players eliminated will make a small jump to $3,900. --WOC

12:02pm We're off and runningLevel 21 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000)

Day 3 has officially begun! Don't go anywhere as we'll be bringing all of the best action of the day as we play right down to a last table of eight. --JS

11:30 Day 3 a half hour away...

When with regards to 200 players came back for yesterday's Day 2 session, the tournament area was buzzing previous to that restart. Today, with just 32 players coming back for Day 3, the energy remains to be there, it's just more contained. Four tables will return, with all kinds of storylines with the ability to play out as this LAPT9 Chile Main Event field plays right down to a last table of eight.

That means shall we have a rather shorter day than usual, especially if this group keeps the quick pace that saw over two dozen players hit the rail within the final two levels last night. That furious finish saw Ricardo Matamala shoot to the highest of the leaderboard late in Day 2, winning a pivotal hand on the death with a flopped set.

He'll get back because the only player over the 800,000 chip mark but a couple of big stacks and massive names are behind him. Jorge Teodoulou and Alex Vega each finished with over 700,000 and Bruno Politano, the person leading a four-headed Brazilian monster into Day 3, comes back with just shy of 650,000. Those players are top of the leaderboard however the biggest name on this field will get back below the chip average, similar to he did for Day 2.

Fabian Ortiz has already won two LAPT titles and his first came at Vina del Mar in 2009. He's hoping that Chilean lightening can strike twice en path to his third LAPT victory but he'll have his work cut out for him from the start, as he'll return with just shy of 265,000. Irrespective of which players headline the action after we get to our eight-handed final table, the penultimate day of this LAPT9 Chile Main Event need to be an exhilarating one.

The PokerStars blog can be here to follow all of the action starting at 12 PM, with a recap of Day 2 here and an inventory of the returning player's chip counts, together with payout information, at the right hand side of this page. -- WOC

PokerStars Blog Reporting Team at LAPT9 Chile: Will O'Connor and Jack Stanton. Photos by Carlos Monti. Follow the PokerStars Blog on Twitter: @PokerStarsBlog

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