Final High-Stakes Showdown at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
As the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) unfolds in the luxurious setting of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, excitement has reached a fever pitch with the commencement of the final high-stakes event of the series: the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em tournament. With an enticing prize pool and a competitive atmosphere, this event draws seasoned poker professionals and eager amateurs alike, creating a dynamic environment that is rich in skill and strategy.
A Competitive Field
In today’s session, a total of 64 entrants took to the felt, each hoping to outmaneuver their opponents and secure a coveted trophy as well as a substantial slice of the prize pool. After an exhilarating ten levels in an accelerated format, only 34 players emerged to advance to Day 2. Yet, the competition is far from over, as registration remains open until the start of play tomorrow. More players are anticipated to join the fray, eager for one last shot at glory in this prestigious event.
Leaders of the Pack
With the dust settled, it was Farid Jattin who emerged as the chip leader, boasting an impressive stack of 477,000 chips. His remarkable play has set the pace for the competition, positioning him at the forefront of this high-stakes battle. Closely trailing Jattin is the renowned Adrian Mateos, a familiar face in the poker scene, with 425,000 chips at his disposal. The presence of these two powerhouse players ensures that the competition will be fierce and thrilling as they navigate Day 2.
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Jattin | Colombia | 477,000 | 95 |
| 2 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 425,000 | 85 |
| 3 | Nikita Kuznetsov | Russia | 406,000 | 81 |
| 4 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | 364,000 | 73 |
| 5 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 360,000 | 72 |
| 6 | Marius Kudzmanas | Lithuania | 286,000 | 57 |
| 7 | Simone Andrian | Italy | 286,000 | 57 |
| 8 | Gregoire Auzoux | France | 254,000 | 51 |
| 9 | Aren Bezhanyan | Armenia | 254,000 | 51 |
| 10 | Peng Chen | China | 250,000 | 50 |
Among those competing for the title, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau remains a formidable contender with a stack of 364,000 chips. Vaskaboinikau is no stranger to success at this venue, having recently clinched victory in the $50,000 Super High Roller for a staggering $601,397. His focus and experience will undoubtedly serve him well as he aims for a second EPT title this week.
The Thrill of Rebuys
The atmosphere today was electric, marked by an influx of re-entries as players strove to enhance their chances of survival. A total of 14 re-entries were recorded in this fast-paced flight. Notably, Hassan Nashar and Vladimir Korzinin were particularly active, each opting for four rebuys. Their aggressive playstyle saw them frequently engaging in large pots, showcasing the high-stakes drama expected in such prestigious tournaments.
Nashar, starting anew after a few setbacks, quickly made his mark with an audacious all-in call holding a king-six offsuit against the stronger king-jack suited of Felipe Fontoura Ketzer. Remarkably, Nashar’s tenacity paid off as he managed to secure a double up, improving to a flush by the end of the hand.
Conversely, Korzinin’s journey was marred with misfortune in one pivotal round against Ren Lin, where he experienced a setback despite having the advantage pre-flop. Lin flopped the nut straight, which sent Korzinin to the payout cage once more—a tough break in the heat of competition. However, both players ultimately found their footing, bagging 249,000 and 90,000 chips, respectively.
Looking Ahead
Play will resume on Sunday, October 20th, at noon local time, picking up at Level 11 with blinds at 2,000/5,000 and a 5,000 big blind ante. The remaining competitors will battle through various levels of play as they strive to outwit and outplay their opponents until a victor is crowned.
The PokerNews live reporting team will provide ongoing coverage of the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em event, capturing all the thrilling moments and strategic gameplay of this high-profile tournament. With much at stake, fans and players alike are eager to witness how this gripping saga unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the EPT Cyprus continues to deliver excitement and drama at every turn!
