PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus at Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa: Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty
The vibrant atmosphere of the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) is in full swing at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Cyprus. Today marks Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty event, following an exhilarating Day 1 that saw a massive turnout of poker enthusiasts. With registration still open until the start of play today, the excitement is palpable as players prepare to battle it out on the felt.
A Thrilling Day 1 Recap
On the opening day of the Mystery Bounty event, an impressive 779 players took to the tables, each hoping to claim a piece of the prize pool. As Day 1 progressed, the numbers dwindled, and by the end of the day, only 185 players managed to secure their spots for Day 2. However, with late registrations still accepted, the anticipation of growth in this number adds an extra layer of excitement to today’s proceedings.
Chip Leaders: Who’s on Top?
After a day filled with astounding plays and strategic moves, Uladzimir Zhyharau emerged as the chip leader, amassing an impressive stack of 368,000 chips. Hot on his heels is Ray Qartomy, who is poised to challenge Zhyharau with a formidable stack of 360,000 chips. The competition is fierce, and these two players will certainly be ones to watch today.
Start of Day 2 Top 10 Chip Counts:
| Name | Country | Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Uladzimir Zhyharau | Belarus | 368,000 |
| Ray Qartomy | United States | 360,000 |
| Karen Nazarian | Russia | 349,500 |
| Lukas Zaskodny | Czech Republic | 321,500 |
| Morten Klein | Norway | 320,500 |
| Stoyan Obreshkov | Bulgaria | 309,500 |
| Nenad Dukic | Croatia | 303,000 |
| Georges Sultanem | Lebanon | 296,000 |
| Matthias Lipp | Austria | 290,000 |
| Aleksandr Kirichenko | Russia | 285,000 |
These top players set the stage for what promises to be an exciting battle as they navigate the complexities of the Mystery Bounty format.
Notable Players Ready to Duel
The Day 2 field is packed with noteworthy players who bring a wealth of experience and talent to the tables. Morten Klein, a high-stakes regular, ended Day 1 on a high note, capitalizing on a significant pot to land him within the top ten chip counts. Klein’s ability to make crucial decisions under pressure was highlighted during a recent hand against Moussa Thibaut, where he successfully read the board and made a full house play that solidified his position.
Another player to keep an eye on is Samuel Ju, known for his tenacity and skill. After firing multiple bullets on Day 1, Ju found his footing late in the evening, managing to double up just as the final hands were announced. His determination to stay in the mix showcases the resilience required in competitive poker settings.
Figure: Morten Klein
The Mystery Bounty Format
One of the most exciting aspects of this event is the Mystery Bounty format itself. As players prepare to take their seats, they will each receive a Mystery Bounty Token, adding an intriguing layer of strategy to the gameplay. Players who eliminate opponents will collect their tokens and have the opportunity to cash in at specific times for a chance at varying bounty amounts.
After the second break at 5:15 PM, players will be able to redeem any collected tokens at the Mystery Bounty desk. The prize amounts that players draw from the envelopes will be determined by the number of tournament entries and the remaining players, making each elimination a potentially lucrative endeavor.
What’s Next?
With Day 2 now underway, PokerNews is committed to delivering live updates straight from the tournament floor. Players and fans alike can expect thrilling action as each hand unfolds. The excitement is set to grow as the competition narrows with the chase for the coveted title heating up.
As the tournament progresses towards crowning a champion, all eyes remain on both the emerging chip leaders and the seasoned veterans ready to make their mark on this stage. Be sure to follow along for updates and insights as we approach the final showdown at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.
