(Lost first post because of Rio internet. F!@$&! Abbreviated version here.)
The goal of Day 4 was to play five levels, though it the tournament staff noted that if the field dwindled from the starting number of 474 down to the 175-200 range, play may be stopped after four levels. So, Level 19 played until…189 players remained and a random announcement came that play ended for the day. Huh? With 38 minutes left in the level, they were done for the day.
While straight answers are hard to come by, it is widely accepted that ESPN makes decisions like that. Dr. Pauly speculated that the ESPN featured table was the next one to break, and instead of going through the hassle of moving players and setting up new ones on the stage – attaching microphones, making sure they understand the hole card cameras, etc. – it was easier to end play for the day and start over on Day 5. Voila! It was done.
Today, players are scheduled to play the 38 remaining minutes of Level 19, then the regularly scheduled five levels. Tournament director Jack Effel announced that although that is the plan, it will be reevaluated throughout the day as the field continues to dwindle.
It only took those 38 minutes to see the field shrink from the original 189 to 177. They\’re going fast. Hope that fits into ESPN Standard Time.
