PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: High-Stakes Action at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa
As the sun sets over Northern Cyprus, the excitement at the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) reaches a fever pitch. Among the games drawing the most attention is the highly anticipated $10,200 No Limit Hold’em event, taking place at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.
A Competitive Field
The opening day of the final high-stakes event saw an impressive turnout, with 64 entrants eager to test their skills on the felt. The atmosphere was thick with tension, as players from around the globe took their seats, ready to compete against the best in the game. After an intense day of poker filled with strategic moves and high-stakes play, 34 players emerged to advance to Day 2, setting the stage for even more thrilling action.
With registration open until the start of play tomorrow, anticipation mounts as additional players are expected to join the field, making their last bid for glory and a coveted trophy.
Chip Leaders Take the Spotlight
When the chips settled, it was Colombia’s Farid Jattin who emerged as the chip leader with a commanding stack of 477,000 chips, equating to 95 big blinds. His aggressive play style and keen decision-making helped him outmaneuver competitors throughout the day.
Following closely behind was Spain’s Adrian Mateos with a robust stack of 425,000 chips. Mateos’s reputation as one of the best players in the world was once again reaffirmed, as he demonstrated why he consistently ranks among the top players in high-stakes tournaments.
Top Ten Chip Counts
Here’s a snapshot of the top contenders going into 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 the players to watch is Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, who is not only in the mix with a top-ten stack of 364,000 but also fresh off a stunning victory in the $50,000 Super High Roller event earlier in the series where he claimed a prize of $601,397. His strong performance will undoubtedly have him aiming for his second EPT title this week.
Rebuy Madness: High Risk, High Reward
The aggressive and fast-paced nature of today’s event was highlighted by a total of 14 re-entries, showcasing the cutthroat environment that permeates high-stakes poker. Two players, Hassan Nashar and Vladimir Korzinin, stood out with their brash strategies, each firing four bullets throughout the day, demonstrating their willingness to push the limits in pursuit of victory.
One notable moment came when Nashar, back with a fresh stack, found himself in a crucial confrontation. With king-six off-suit, he found himself all-in against Felipe Fontoura Ketzer’s king-jack suited. The tides turned in Nashar’s favor as the five-card runout delivered him a flush, propelling him to an instant double up that kept him in contention.
In contrast, Korzinin faced a stark turn of events when he battled against Ren Lin for one of the day’s largest pots. Despite being in a strong position preflop, Lin flopped the nut straight to send Korzinin to the payout cage once again. However, both players managed to secure stacks of 249,000 and 90,000 chips, respectively, as the day wrapped up.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Promises More Thrills
The action is set to continue tomorrow, October 20th, at noon local time. Play will restart on Level 11, with blinds at 2,000/5,000 and a 5,000 big blind ante, and players will vie for dominance until just one remains. Scheduled breaks, including a dinner break, will allow for some respite amid the intense competition.
The PokerNews live reporting team is geared up to provide continuous coverage of the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em event at the EPT Cyprus, ensuring that fans and players alike won’t miss a moment of the action.
With the stakes higher than ever and a talented field vying for the title, Day 2 is bound to be an unforgettable chapter in this thrilling poker saga. Stay tuned for more updates as the battle for glory unfolds in the heart of Cyprus.
