Phil Hellmuth going for a 12th bracelet was not to be this time around.  Hellmuth headed into Day 3 of Event #51, a $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. tournament, in first place with just 21 players remaining.

The day would not end so gloriously for the self-proclaimed "poker brat".  From PokerPages.com:

Railbirds gathered early as Phil looked poised to increase his bracelet collection to an even dozen pieces. Hellmuth was second only to Tommy Hang in the chip counts by the time the eight-handed final table was carved. After just a few levels, play was four-handed with Phil sitting on the short stack. He would manage to outlast Esther Rossi, but couldn't escape Hang during a hand of Omaha-8 and was out in third.

Hellmuth already holds the record for most bracelet wins. On June 11th, 2007, Hellmuth excited fans and stunned foes when he won his record-breaking 11th bracelet after finishing first in a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event in Las Vegas. Hellmuth had been tied with Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson for the top spot at 10 bracelets apiece.

He is widely considered the best poker player on the circuit today.  Hellmuth plays exclusively for UltimateBet.com

------

Ace King, Gambling911.com

Originally published July 2, 2008 9:55 am EST