Jessica Perez of Cuba Making Waves at Punta Cana Classic: Tears Shed by Some

Cuban player Jessica Perez was among the chip leaders ending play early Thursday morning at this year’s Punta Cana Poker Classic.  A total of 415 players ultimately registered.  The second annual event required a room three times the size of last year’s event, which featured just over 200 players. 

There was a $500,000 guarantee, which has been quickly surpassed.  35 players added to the total through re-buys permitted during the first three hours. 

Bodog Poker pro Amanda Leatherman was booted overnight. Another Bodog Pro, Croatian television personality

Tatjana Pasalic advised that two male players were seen crying after they got eliminated.  Her own boyfriend was eliminated three times during the first three hours, taking full advantage of the permitted buy-ins.  He won big at another tournament the night before.

Day 1 play ended at 3 am. 

Play resumes 3 pm local time and Gambling911.com will have more at that time.

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher

Pictured:  left to right, Jessica Perez is looking to be the first female to win the Punta Cana Poker Classic.  At right, the first man out but he didn't stick around long as this gentleman quickly bought right back in.