Thrilling Action at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa: EPT Cyprus Day 1b Recap
Another exhilarating day unfolded at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa as the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus Main Event continued to captivate players and spectators alike. Day 1b saw an impressive influx of 755 entrants, elevating the total participation to a remarkable 1,229. In addition, late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, suggesting the numbers might still escalate.
Viktor Ustimov Takes Command
As play intensified throughout the day, it was Viktor Ustimov who emerged as the chip leader, finishing with a formidable stack of 379,000 chips. Ustimov, a seasoned player with over $2 million in live tournament earnings, showcased his skills by outmaneuvering the competition. Notably, he secured a crucial pot in the final level by successfully calling a bluff—an impressive feat that solidified his position at the top as he heads into Day 2 with a significant cushion of over 30 big blinds over his nearest challenger.
End of Day 1b Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Day 2 Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viktor Ustimov | Russia | 379,000 | 253 |
| 2 | Salvatore Camarda | Italy | 325,000 | 217 |
| 3 | Ali Al-Kubasi | Iraq | 301,000 | 201 |
| 4 | Darius Gadeikis | Lithuania | 266,000 | 177 |
| 5 | James Crawley | United Kingdom | 261,000 | 174 |
| 6 | Radoslav Stoyanov | Bulgaria | 250,000 | 167 |
| 7 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 235,000 | 157 |
| 8 | Aliaksei Boika | Belarus | 220,000 | 147 |
| 9 | Yassin Mahmoud | Jordan | 220,000 | 147 |
| 10 | Chakib Mhiri | Tunisia | 208,000 | 139 |
Electrifying Day 1b Action
The atmosphere was electric from the get-go, with several extraordinary hands setting the tone for the day. Players like Philippe Souki, who secured a remarkable straight flush, and Panagiotis Oikonomidis, who made quads, showcased their poker prowess early on. By the end of Day 1b, Souki managed to finish the day with 87,000 chips, while Oikonomidis’s impressive run resulted in a stack of 191,000.
One of the day’s pivotal moments included an astonishing four-way all-in showdown involving pocket kings, queens, jacks, and tens. Tomas Vaskunas held the dominant kings, which held firm, enabling him to stack up to 189,000 by the day’s conclusion.
Notable Victories and Heartbreaking Eliminations
As the competition raged on, several elite players battled valiantly to secure their spots for Day 2. Some noteworthy entrants who will continue their quest include Sebastian Malec (85,000), Artur Martirosian (95,000), and Michael Wang (103,000). Notably, Anton Wigg managed to bag a formidable top-ten stack of 235,000, seeking to clinch a second EPT Main Event title.
However, not every participant emerged unscathed. Defending champion Gilles Simon began with hope but departed early, often struggling to find momentum. After nursing a short stack, Simon elected to commit with pocket tens in a three-way all-in that ultimately spelled the end of his title defense, thanks in part to Chase Wilson, who paired with his queen.
Other notable players who fell during the day’s action included Parker Talbot, Tom Middleton, and Daniel Rezaei, among others, leaving viewers eager for the next round of action.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Expectations
As Day 2 approaches, the excitement builds. Scheduled to commence at 12 p.m. local time on Wednesday, October 16, play will resume at Level 11, featuring 1,000/1,500 blinds along with a 1,500 big blind ante. Notably, levels will extend from 60 to 90 minutes, allowing players more time to strategize their plays and manage their stacks effectively.
Late registration remains an option until play begins, providing potential new participants the opportunity to join this thrilling tournament.
Stay tuned as we provide updates on the EPT Cyprus Main Event, where the action is sure to continue delivering excitement and surprises aplenty!
For continuing coverage of the European Poker Tour Cyprus and live updates, be sure to visit PokerNews. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, the remains of this prestigious event promise thrilling moments and unforgettable experiences.
