PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: High Stakes at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa
The electrifying atmosphere of the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus continues to captivate poker enthusiasts at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. With the final high-stakes event looming, players gathered for the adrenaline-fueled $10,200 No Limit Hold’em tournament, where hopes of glory and substantial winnings brought 64 entrants to the felt. As the first day of play unfolded, only 34 players made it through to Day 2, with the anticipation building for yet another thrilling day of poker.
Chip Leaders and Day 2 Expectations
As the chips settled and players began to bag their stacks, Farid Jattin emerged as the dominant force, ending Day 1 with a hefty 477,000 in chips. Close on his heels was the renowned Adrian Mateos, whose impressive stack of 425,000 once again emphasized his reputation as a top-tier player. With the competition fierce and registration remaining open until the next day’s play, several more high-stakes contenders are expected to join the fray, each vying for a chance to take home the coveted trophy and hefty prize money.
Here’s a look at the Top Ten Chip Counts heading 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 |
One noteworthy player still in the running is Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, who is seeking to add another EPT title to his accolades. Having recently clinched the $50,000 Super High Roller event for a staggering $601,397, he is undoubtedly a fierce competitor to watch as Day 2 unfolds.
Rebuy Madness: Action-Packed Day 1
The day’s fast-paced action was underscored by an impressive number of 14 re-entries, showcasing just how competitive the atmosphere was. Among the most notable participants were Hassan Nashar and Vladimir Korzinin, both of whom demonstrated bold play styles by firing four bullets each.
Hassan Nashar made a strong impression early in the event; after a challenging start, he managed to double up dramatically with an all-in confrontation. His king-six off-suit faced off against Felipe Fontoura Ketzer‘s king-jack suited, and the poker gods smiled upon Nashar as the board revealed a five-card runout that improved him to a flush.
Conversely, Vladimir Korzinin faced a more tumultuous day, especially when he found himself in a high-stakes showdown against Ren Lin. Although Korzinin started strong pre-flop, Lin hit the nut straight on the flop, leading to another costly re-entry for Korzinin. Ultimately, with persistence paying off, both players secured bags for Day 2, with Korzinin ending the day with 90,000 in chips.
Looking Forward: What’s Next?
The excitement is set to continue on Sunday, October 20th, as play resumes at noon local time. Contestants will dive back into action at Level 11, with blinds starting at 2,000/5,000 and a 5,000 big blind ante. The remaining competitors will battle it out, aiming to outlast one another until only one remains, with scheduled breaks to be managed as the floor deems appropriate.
The PokerNews live reporting team will be back to provide continuous coverage of the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em event here at EPT Cyprus, ensuring that fans and followers stay updated on all the intense action.
As the stakes remain high and players vie for their share of glory, the poker community holds its breath—who will rise to the occasion and claim victory in this thrilling tournament? Stay tuned for more updates as the drama of EPT Cyprus unfolds!
