3 prior poker series winners eliminated from HORSE

Three of five prior tournament winners at the World Series of online poker have been eliminated from the final table of the mixed-game H.O.R.S.E event.

Two gold bracelet winners remained in the tournament Tuesday night among five players at the final table seeking the $1.28 million top prize.

They include chip leader Vitaly Lunkin, a Russian professional who won $1.9 million earlier this month in a $40,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament.

Gone are past champions Erik Seidel, Chau Giang and Ville Wahlbeck.

Many consider the H.O.R.S.E. tournament the series' most prestigious behind its no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event.

The $50,000 buy-in tournament rotates five games and tests the all-around player more than no-limit Hold 'em.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Eight poker players plan to settle the H.O.R.S.E. title at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas for mixed-game glory and a $1.28 million prize.

Final table play was expected to start Tuesday at the tournament many consider the series' most prestigious behind its no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event.

The eight players remaining include five players who have won series tournaments before. They include Russian professional Vitaly Lunkin, who won $1.9 million earlier this month in a $40,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament.

The $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. tournament rotates five games and tests the all-around player more than no-limit Hold 'em, the most popular variation of poker.

Scotty Nguyen won nearly $2 million and the H.O.R.S.E. title last year.