Canadian PokerStars qualifier Tommy Pavlicek has become something of a regular on the PokerStars.com EPT this season, cashing a couple of times before shooting back to his winter in the Alps spent skiing. He’s wasted no time getting back from the partial break (owing to the split dinner), ready at his table whilst his table mates still suck down a cigarette or a drink.

“I have about eight and a half. Up and down... it went up and then went way down..!” He takes another look. “But it’s still enough, it’s still 30 bets... pretty hard to think of it that way though!”

The others begin to retake their seats, including Johnny Lodden, Josh Arieh, Anna Wroblowski and Team PokerStars Pro Andre Akkari and it’s not long before plan Pavlicek is in effect when Tommy moves in with pocket jacks with one showing on the flop. His opponent has K-T and sends it flying toward the muck when a fourth jack hits the turn.

A neat hand for Tommy on the road back to the high ground...

Heading off for another break (I should report the breaks have settled down now) I spoke to Team PokerStars Pro Raymond Rahme. The South African, who cashed 43rd in San Remo last week has around 26k.

“It’s been up and down. No cards so I try a few things only for someone else to get in the way!”

26k is still above average though as the 150/300 blinds now include an ante of 25.

Over in the player lounge those down to play tomorrow are filling in the time as best they can – by playing on Play Stations, Wii’s and naturally battleship poker. Those players would be Team PokerStars Pros Chris Moneymaker and Victor Ramdin, Ramdin with a small crowd gathering behind him whilst Chris Moneymaker has the force of John Duthie on his shoulder.

Ricky Fohrenbach stops by to check out the player lounge.

“I’m on about 18k... you know, grinding... I wanna get a side bet on this though!”

Two aces to Victor...

“Whoa, do I really have two aces?” says Victor as Chris folds.

“Sure, I can see them in the reflection of your glasses.”

Just passing the time till tomorrow. Chris came out winner by the way...