PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: An Exciting Final High-Stakes Event at Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa
In the heart of Northern Cyprus, a poker extravaganza is taking place at the prestigious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. The PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus has captivated players and spectators alike, showcasing the thrill and intensity synonymous with high-stakes poker. Today marked an exhilarating chapter in this series with one of the most anticipated events on the roster: the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em tournament.
Event Overview
The excitement was palpable as 64 entrants took their seats at the felt, each armed with a hope to carve their name into the EPT history books. In just ten swift levels of play, the action was frenetic, creating an electric atmosphere where only 34 players advanced to Day 2. With registration open until the commencement of play tomorrow, many more competitors are expected to emerge, seeking their last chance to claim a trophy this series.
Chip Leaders Stand Tall
As the chips were counted, Farid Jattin emerged as the titan of the day, boasting a formidable chip stack of 477,000. Not far behind was the celebrated Spanish pro, Adrian Mateos, who locked in 425,000 chips, thus reinforcing his status among the elites of the game. This high-stakes event not only tests players’ tactics but also their ability to thrive under pressure.
The top ten chip counts at the end of Day 1 are as follows:
| 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 these notable names, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau stands out as he continues an impressive run during this series, having recently snagged the $50,000 Super High Roller title for a whopping $601,397. With a respectable stack of 364,000, Vaskaboinikau will undoubtedly pursue his second EPT title vigorously.
Rebuy Madness: A Day Filled with Action
Today’s fast-paced tournament was not just about making it to the top; it was also characterized by a flurry of rebuy actions. A total of 14 re-entries were recorded, showcasing the sheer determination of players eager to secure a chance at triumph.
Two players, Hassan Nashar and Vladimir Korzinin, showcased their aggressive playing styles by firing four bullets each. Nashar, undeterred by previous setbacks, quickly got involved in a high-stakes confrontation, putting his king-six off-suit against Felipe Fontoura Ketzer’s dominant king-jack suited. The poker gods smiled upon him, as a fortunate runout improved his hand to a flush, resulting in an immediate double-up.
However, fortune was not on Korzinin’s side. In a late-level skirmish against Ren Lin, he found himself facing a significant pot. Despite having the lead preflop, the cards turned against him as Lin flopped a nut straight, ultimately sending Korzinin back to the rebuy counter once more.
After numerous attempts, both players managed to bag their stacks, with Nashar ending the day with 249,000 and Korzinin with 90,000.
What Lies Ahead
The action will resume on Sunday, October 20th, at noon local time, marking the beginning of Day 2. Players will kick off with Level 11, featuring blinds set at 2,000/5,000, along with a 5,000 big blind ante. The strategy will heighten as the remaining competitors battle it out in hopes of remaining the last player standing, with scheduled breaks and a dinner break included, at the discretion of the floor.
The PokerNews live reporting team will be on-site once again, bringing fans the latest updates from the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em event at EPT Cyprus. With many thrilling moments yet to unfold, the stakes are higher than ever, and the allure of victory keeps players and spectators on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned as this engaging saga continues, promising more action, drama, and insights into the world of elite poker competition.
