Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek: Aiming for EPT Record Glory on Day 5 of the Cyprus Main Event
As the sun rises on the idyllic shores of Cyprus, the buzz of anticipation fills the air as two prominent figures in the poker world, Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek, prepare to make history. On Day 5 of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event, these skilled players aim to achieve a feat only a select few have managed in the tournament’s 20-year history: securing back-to-back appearances at the same event’s final table.
A Unique Opportunity: Back-to-Back Final Tables
In the realm of poker, final table appearances are often seen as the pinnacle of achievement. Yet, the rarity of back-to-back appearances in the same event makes Dato’s and Tasyurek’s ambitions even more compelling. Out of hundreds who have graced EPT final tables over the years, only eight players have repeated this accomplishment. The recent successes of Vladislav Naumov and Peter Jorgne, who have both achieved this in the last decade, underscore just how difficult it is to maintain such high performance over consecutive years.
The Players’ Journey to Day 5
Entering Day 5, Andrea Dato carries the pride and distinction of finishing as the runner-up in the inaugural EPT Cyprus Main Event last year. With a solid chip count of 2,575,000, he holds the sixth position among the 16 players remaining. Conversely, Halil Tasyurek, who finished fourth in the same event last year, finds himself in a more precarious position with 1,230,000 chips, placing him among the short stacks. The pressure is palpable as both players attempt to navigate through the fierce competition.
Current Chip Counts
As the tournament progresses, the chip counts highlight the competitive landscape of Day 5:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 7,970,000 | 159 |
| 2 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 4,540,000 | 91 |
| 3 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,970,000 | 79 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 3,160,000 | 63 |
| 5 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 2,600,000 | 52 |
| 6 | Andrea Dato | Italy | 2,575,000 | 52 |
| 12 | Halil Tasyurek | Turkey | 1,230,000 | 25 |
The Competition Heats Up
Among the remaining players, Georgios Tsouloftas has emerged as a formidable leader, amassing 7,970,000 chips after a strong performance leading into Day 5. Close on his heels is Oliver Weis, fresh off a notable win at the EPT High Roller in Paris, carrying a chip stack of 4,540,000.
The quest for dominance continues as players like Andriy Lyubovetskiy and Damir Zhugralin, both formidable contenders, sit in the upper echelons of the chip counts. In the midst of this fierce competition, stories of resilience and ambition unfold.
A Shot at Making History
Anton Wigg, the 2010 EPT Copenhagen champion, is another player with a compelling narrative this week. With 1,550,000 chips, he has a chance not only to capture another title but to become just the fourth player in history to win multiple EPT crowns. Meanwhile, Marta Miquel Munoz displays the potential to break the decade-long drought for female winners in the EPT by aiming for her own championship, carrying 2,235,000 chips into battle.
As we approach the live-streamed action of Day 5, which begins with 52 minutes left in Level 26 at blinds of 25,000-50,000 with a 50,000 big blind ante, the stakes are clearer than ever. Each of the remaining participants has locked in at least $42,280, but the ultimate goal is the coveted prize of $1,030,000 and the prestigious golden EPT trophy that comes with it.
The Final Countdown
With the aim of narrowing the field down to just six players for the final table today, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and tension. Viewers can catch all the action live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, with updates and reporting provided to keep fans in the loop.
A total of 1,284 players initially set their sights on this prestigious title, but now, only 16 remain, each holding onto their dwindling hopes and dreams. As the day unfolds, every hand dealt and every decision made could change the landscape of the tournament, paving the way for history to be written anew in the annals of poker. Stay tuned as PokerNews continues to cover the exhilarating path toward the final table.
