WSOP Final Table 2010: Mizrachi In Better Shape Than Phil Ivey To Win Title

Not since Chris Ferguson won the WSOP Main Event in 2000 has a high profile pro picked up the most coveted prize in the history of poker.
Just like Phil Ivey in 2009, Michael Mizrachi too will be hoping to change all that as he prepares to resume battle on Saturday at 12 p.m. PT at the Penn and Teller Theater at the Rio in Las Vegas.
Unlike Phil Ivey, however, Mizrachi will be hoping to overcome the hype and his 7th place starting position on his way to taking down the prestigious tournament.
In many ways, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi will face a whole host of similar problems to Ivey at this year’s final table. In other words, six good players have more chips than him, and will be wary of giving him any action.
However, although he may not win this year’s title he probably has a much better chance than Ivey of taking this one down for several reasons.
Firstly, Mizrachi is by far the most experienced pro at the table and being to the left of the three biggest stacks will be in prime position to take advantage of his less seasoned opponents.
Secondly, Mizrachi is free from much of the pressure that Phil Ivey must have been exposed to due to his enormous prop bets and reputation as the world’s best player. As Mizrachi commented at the time:
“I just wanted to get to the final nine to take the pressure off of me. Now we can play some poker when I get back. I like my chances. I’m happy to survive.”
Thirdly, Mizrachi plays tournaments for a living consistently grinding six or seven figure sums each year whereas Ivey’s interests cover a much wider area.
Fourthly, there is also the question of incentives and Michael Mizrachi has the biggest one of all this year. He currently has earned in excess of $8.6 million from live tournament cashes, and the enormous $8.94 million first place prize awarded this year would propel him way above Phil Ivey ($13,742,275) on the ‘All Time Money List.’
 
The good news is that we only have to a few more days to wait to see whether or not Michael Mizrachi manages to secure for himself a place in ultimate WSOP glory. Despite lying 7th in chips the bookies have made him the third favourite at the final table with odds of 5/1.