Matthew Hauge Blinded Out in 136th Place ($2,500)

Photo:  Matt Hauge’s final two chips are all in from the small blind as the dealer gives him his final card.

Before play began today, WPT Commentator Mike Sexton addressed the field with some sad news — Matthew Hauge, who played on Day 1B and made it thru to Day 2 with 122,000 in chips, passed away unexpectedly late Sunday night. Sexton then led the field in a moment of silence in memory of Hauge.

Following the standard tournament rules, Hauge’s chips were left in play, slowly blinded out hand by hand.

At the start of the day, Hauge’s stack of 122,000 was worth 15 big blinds. But as the blinds went up and Hauge’s stack went down, other players busted quickly enough that Hauge’s stack survived two pay-jumps (at 165 players and 140 players) to finish in 136th place, earning $2,500.

Arrangements are being made to deliver his earning to Hauge’s family.

Photo:  Mike Sexton informs the field of the sad news before play begins.