Travel Report: 2012 LAPT Punta del Este, Day 2

Another short one yesterday here in Punta del Este, as we just played six levels again. Looks like things will pan out well enough, though, as just 76 players made it through to today.

We’ll definitely have a longer day today -- the plan sounds like 10 levels -- with an eye toward getting sorta kinda close to a final eight-handed table before night’s end so we can finish the sucker up on Sunday in decent shape.

The day went well, with a few interesting stories arising along the way, including one involving last year’s LAPT Punta del Este winner Alex Komaromi. We were tracking him, obviously, but soon became aware that his father, Pedro, was also in the event.

Drawing on the collective memory of the regular crew of international bloggers for various sites, we remembered Pedro had actually stone-cold bubbled this same event two years ago (in Season 3). That led to a kind of fun post about the pair of them titled “Padre e hijo (Father and Son).”

Alex eventually busted yesterday afternoon, but Pedro survived with a slightly below average stack of 85,600. With just 20 players to go until we reach the money, have to say I’m kind of hoping Pedro makes it that far this time.

Later in the day, well after writing up that post, we discovered that in fact Alex’ mother played in the event as well. In fact, she survived into Day 2 -- longer than Alex did -- before being eliminated. We missed that story, thanks mainly to the fact that she doesn’t have the same last name (Lina Gecelter). We met and talked to her afterwards, though, and included that part of the story with a reference in the end-of-day wrap.

Just six levels meant another relatively early night -- ending around 8 p.m. -- which was nice enough, but then we were all treated to a free meal afterwards at Zafferano, one of just two restaurants (I believe) here at the Mantra Hotel Spa & Casino.

Our crew was joined by Team PokerStars Pros Angel Guillen and Jose “Nacho” Barbero (both of whom are coming back on Day 3 to above-average stacks). Entertained the brain with lots of good conversation. And filled the belly with a tasty bowl of butternut squash soup, an especially flavorful filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and cheesecake.

Signing off now as play is about to get underway. Check that PokerStars blog today and tomorrow for more poker from Punta.