Last night we told you all about how this €25K High Roller on the PokerStars and Monte-Carlo®Casino EPT12 Grand Final broke records for its amount of players. Well, all those buy-ins were finally added up and here on Day 2 we had our prize pool confirmed.
A massive €1,197,000 may be looking ahead to our winner when the rest players play all the way down to the top tomorrow, even greater than the €1,114,000 that last year's winner Charlie Carrel took home. Day 2 saw the sector go from 100+ all the way down to just 12, and the person in front of all of them overnight is Zvi Stern.
Stern had something of a great poker day; rising to the chip lead early on, and having enough big-action pots within the day to sustain no less than a top three chip count. He'll bring 1,638,000 back tomorrow, while the 2 players hot on his tail are Max Silver (1,342,000) and Alexandros Kolonias (1,338,000). Here is a have a look at the chip counts for the third and final day:
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,638,000 |
| Max Silver | UK | 1,342,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 1,338,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 1,231,000 |
| Ivan Deyra | France | 1,160,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 1,026,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 907,000 |
| Imad Derwiche | France | 840,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 816,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 509,000 |
| Thomas Miller | USA | 383,000 |
| Ramin Hajiyev | Azerbaijan | 366,000 |
Only 31 players would reach the money, and the unlucky soul who was left wondering "Uhh why mee?" was Ami 'UhhMee' Barer. He got it all-in good with pocket tens against the Ace-Queen of Julian Stuer, but an Ace at the river would send him packing in 32nd.
Barer the bubble boy
Daniel Negreanu was the one member of Team Pro to achieve the money, and it was a pleasant cash too - 15th for €83,760. Kid Poker committed his stack on a 4♦6♥Q♦ flop with the A♦Q♣, and was sooner than Alexadnru Papazian's 8♦7♦ draw. However, the 5♦ turn put Papazian ahead with a flush, and there could be no diamond at the river to save lots of Negreanu.
Deep run for Negreanu
Unfortunately for last night's chip leader Niall Farrell, another final table wasn't to be. He'd already finished second within the France Poker Series main event in this trip, but on this one he'd must accept 20th and a not-too-shabby €66,780.
All of the 12 remaining players are guaranteed a minimum pay-out of €92,250 - you'll take a look at all the pay-outs here.
Simply scroll all the way down to make amends for the entire Day 2 action, but for now we'll say goodnight. Play resumes at 12:30pm tomorrow, so be sure you join us right to the top. Besides, you'll also need to see who wins the primary event! --JS
2:15am: Done for the dayLevel 21 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000 ante)
Play is over and the 12 players are bagging their chips. We'll be back will full chip counts and a wrap of the day shortly. --JS
2:13am: Unlucky 13th for KavermanLevel 21 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000 ante)
It may not be a Friday 13th, but it surely is now Friday, and Byron Kaverman just got very unlucky to bust in 13th place.
He jammed all-in excessive of Eddy Maksoud's 45,000 open with the K♥K♠ and was called, up against the A♣5♣.
The Q♣3♥5♠ flop paired Maksoud but was relatively safe, nevertheless it was the J♣ turn that brought the chance. Any club was send him home early, and it came the 6♣ at the river.
Kaverman will collect his €92,250, and for now we're right down to 12. --JS
2am: Zinno takes big pot from KavermanLevel 21 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000 ante)
We'll never know quite how ugly the running cards that Anthony Zinno just hit were for Byron Kaverman as we never saw his cards.
It folded to Zinno and he made it 55,000 to move from the small blind, and Kaverman defended his big. The flop was the J♦K♠3♥ and both checked, so we saw the 4♠ hit the turn. Zinno put out a delayed c-bet for 75,000 and Kaverman wouldn't budge.
The river was the 5♥ and Zinno counted a raffle of 175,000 and slid it around the line. Kaverman got a count and quickly tossed in one chip indicating a call.
Zinno turned over the 6♦7♦ for a runner-runner straight, and Kaverman could only pay it off. He has 223,000 left, while Zinno is as much as 745,000. --JS
1:45am: Tight on the topLevel 21 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000 ante)
With HALF-HOUR left within the day the highest three stacks are separated by just 10 big blinds. Max Silver leads with 1.6m, Zvi Stern is close behind with 1.5m and Alexandru Papazian isn't far back with 1.4m. --NW
1:27am: Julian Stuer eliminated in 14th place (€ 83,760)Level 21 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000 ante)
Julian Steur had dropped all the way down to 360,000 by the point he took his last stand. Alexandros Kolonias opened to 45,000, Rafael Da Silva Moraes smooth called and Steur then shoved for 360,000.
Kolonias took see you later to determine that the clock was called, when his countdown reached two he mucked and Da Silva Moraes then asked for a count. He thought for roughly 20 seconds after which called.
Steur: 3♥3♦Da Silva Moraes: 5♦5♠
The 4♥A♠6♣4♠K♥ board meant there has been no reprieve for Steur and we're right down to 13. Da Silva Moraes is as much as over one million now. --NW
1:17am: Back for the last levelLevel 21 - Blinds 10,000/20,000 (3,000 ante)
The 14 remaining players are back of their seats for the overall level of the night. Romanian player Alexandru Papazian leads the way.
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 1,680,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 1,320,000 |
| Max Silver | UK | 1,310,000 |
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,226,000 |
| Imad Derwiche | France | 760,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 705,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 683,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 655,000 |
| Ivan Deyra | France | 655,000 |
| Julian Stuer | Germany | 625,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 565,000 |
| Byron Kaverman | USA | 520,000 |
| Thomas Miller | USA | 500,000 |
| Ramin Hajiyev | Azerbaijan | 360,000 |
Alexandru Papazian
| 21 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 3,000 |
1:01am: Break time
Players at the moment are on a 15-minute break. Once they return we'll have another level of play. --JS
12:45am: Daniel Negreanu eliminated in 15th place (€ 83,760)Level 20 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000 ante)
Daniel Negreanu has just been eliminated from this tournament in a hand that has a passing resemblance to his WSOP Main Event bust out hand in 2015.
In the hand in question here on the EPT Grand Final Alexandru Papazian limped, Negreanu raised to 46,000 at the button, Zvi Stern called from the small blind and Papazian also called.
On the 4♦6♥Q♦ flop Negreanu c-bet 65,000, Stern smooth called and Papazian check-raised to 190,000 total. It didn't take Negreanu too long to shove for 391,000 total and after Stern folded, Papazian called off the additional chips.
Negreanu: A♦Q♣Papazian: 8♦7♦
Papazian had flush and straight outs and hit both at the 5♦ turn, Negreanu had outs though but missed them at the 8♥ river. "Good game," he said to the table as he headed to the payout desk.
Papazian is as much as 1,450,000 after that hand. --NW
Negreanu's race is run
12:40am: Enrico Coppola eliminated in 16th place (€ 75,270)Level 20 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000 ante)
We've had another exit - this time it's Enrico Coppola who has fallen.
Zvi Stern opened to 32,000 and Copoola shoved. Anthony Zinno made the call, Stern folded, and the cards were revealed.
Zinno had the K♥K♣ and that was prior to the A♣K♦ of Coppola. There has been no ace at the 2♣J♦3♣Q♦J♥ board and Coppola was sent home in 16th. --JS
12:35am: Two tables seat drawLevel 20 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000 ante)
Table 1
Seat 1: Anthony ZinnoSeat 2: Daniel NegreanuSeat 3: Imad DerwicheSeat 4: Zvi SternSeat 5: Ramin HajiyevSeat 6: Enrico CoppolaSeat 7: Eddy MaksoudSeat 8: Alexandru Papazian
Table 2
Seat 1: Saar WilfSeat 2: Thomas MillerSeat 3: Max SilverSeat 4: Alexandros KoloniasSeat 5: Rafael Da Silva MoraesSeat 6: Ivan DeyraSeat 7: Julian StuerSeat 8: Byron Kaverman--JS
12:20am: Three eliminations: Bondar, Zho, SchillhabelLevel 20 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000 ante)
Andrey Bondar moved all-in at the button for 78,000 with the 9♠9♣ and was called by Imad Derwiche within the small blind with the 6♣6♦. It looked good for Bondar until the flop - the 6♠5♣3♦ gave Derwiche a suite. The turn came the J♥, and simply to rub it within the 6♥ hit the river. Bondar is gone in 19th.
Zho was next to fall, and surprising seeing as he had dropped to only 30,000. It folded to him within the small blind with the K♦3♦ and he moved all-in, and Negreanu snap-called with the A♣Q♣. The board ran out 2♥T♠9♣9♦6♣ and Zho finished 18th.
And then there has been Stefan Schillhabel. Max Silver opened to 36,000 and Schillhabel shoved with the 4♣4♥, which Silver called with the 5♥5♣. The Brit improved to a suite at the 7♣8♠5♠ flop, and the board was completed by the K♣ and 9♠. Shillhabel went in 17th and it was time for a re-draw. --JS
12:05am: Big stacksLevel 20 - Blinds 8,000/16,000 (2,000 ante)
As level 20 gets underway the common stack is 608,000 but there are four stacks of over one million. They belong to:
Alexandros Kolonias - 1,400,000Zvi Stern - 1,350,000Max Silver - 1,225,000Alexandru Papazian - 1,100,000
| 20 | 8,000 | 16,000 | 2,000 |
11:59pm: Kolonias takes the chip leadLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
Alexandros Kolonias has taken the chip lead after taking a large pot against Eddy Maksoud.
The latter opened to 27,000 from the cutoff, Kolonias three-bet to 90,000 and Maksoud smooth called. Kolonias led for 80,000 at the 8♣9♥3♠ flop and Maksoud stuck around to look the K♠ hit the turn. Both players checked and the 5♣ fell on fifth street.
Colonies checked after which called of venture of 205,000 from Maksoud. The Lebanese player opened Q♣T♣ which was no good against the pocket jacks of Kolonias. He's now as much as 1,400,000. --NW
11:56pm: Farrell feltedLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
Niall Farrell is our latest man to fall. He got it all-in for around 200,000 with the 4♥4♦ but was called by the larger pair (8♣8♥) of Anthony Zinno. The board came the T♣5♦2♠2♥Q♥ and Farrell became our 20th place finisher. Zinno is as much as 670,000 now. --JS
11:50pm: Huge pot for Silver; Zho left crippledLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
Quan Zho opened to 26,000 and got four callers: Daniel Negreanu, Max Silver, Stefan Schillhabel, and Andrey Bondar. The flop came 7♣T♥4♣ and it checked to Zho who continued for 53,000, and Negreanu made the call.
The action was now on Max Silver and he announced a raise. He bumped it as much as 160,000 and it folded back to Zho who moved all-in, having Silver covered.
This was not excellent news for Negreanu who clearly had an even hand he didn't wish to do away with. He would make an ideal fold though, as we later came upon he had pocket Kings.
Silver called and had the 4♠4♥ for a set, while Zho had the A♣T♣ for prime pair and a flush draw. The T♠ turn near to sealed the deal for Silver, and the 8♦ river confirmed it.
Zho dropped to simply 85,000, Negreanu has 460,000, and Silver is as much as 990,000. --JS
11:40pm: Smith's comeback ends, Goldberg also departsLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
Dan Smith's remarkable ride on this tournament has come to an end. He got it in pre-flop with A♣4♥ and collected calls from Zvi Stern and Alain Goldberg. At the 2♥6♣T♥ flop Stern shoved all-in with A♦7♣ and Goldberg ducked out the way.
Although Smith called for a chop the 3♦ turn and K♣ river didn't provide one. Goldberg was left short on chips after this hand and was eliminated by Anthony Zinno a short while later. --NW
11:35pm: Makhija and Korotkikh perishLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
The final three tables weren't full for long as Amit Makhija (24th) and Mikhail Korotkikh (23rd) have both been eliminated. Makhija was short on chips and didn't hit with 8♣4♠ against Zvi Stern's K♦T♦. And Korotkikh got his final chips in with A♣J♣ and did not spike against the A♠Kd] of Alexandros Kolonias. --NW
11:30pm: Three table re-drawLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
Here's how the overall 24 are seated:
Table 1
Seat 1: Thomas MillerSeat 2: Mikhail KorotkikhSeat 3: Rafael Da Silva MoraesSeat 4: Byron KavermanSeat 5: Eddy MaksoudSeat 6: Enrico CoppolaSeat 7: Alexandros KoloniasSeat 8: Julian Stuer
Table 2
Seat 1: Imad DerwicheSeat 2: Saar WilfSeat 3: Alexandru PapazianSeat 4: Quan ZhoSeat 5: Daniel NegreanuSeat 6: Max SilverSeat 7: Stefan SchillhabelSeat 8: Andrey Bondar
Table 3
Seat 1: Ivan DeyraSeat 2: Alain GoldbergSeat 3: Zvi SternSeat 4: Niall FarrellSeat 5: Anthony ZinnoSeat 6: Dan SmithSeat 7: Ramin HajiyevSeat 8: Amit Makhija--JS
11:22pm: Igor Yaroshevskyy out in 25thLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (ante 2,000)
Down to simply 79,000 Igor Yaroshevskyy moved all-in with A♥J♣ and was in a place of bother as Alexandru Papazian had him dominated with A♣K♠. He didn't get there at the 3♠7♠Q♦8♣9♠ board and he's out in 25th.
As a result there's now a brief break whilst they do a whole re-draw of the 24 remaining players.
11:18pm: Lucky sevens for SmithLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (ante 2,000)
"77,000 for a couple of sevens," said Dan Smith as he waited for his fate to be dealt. He'd shoved for 77,000 with 7♣7♦ and Amit Makhija had called his shove with A♠J♦. It was most of his stack too, he had around 130,000 to start out the hand.
The K♣2♣2♦4♥Q♣ board was good for Smith and he's gone from being one card clear of bubbling this tournament to have being back over 10 big blinds. Makhija meanwhile is definitely and really within the danger zone with just 52,000. --NW
11:15pm: Derwiche dentedLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (ante 2,000)
From middle position Daniel Negrenau opened to 27,000, Imad Derwiche smooth called at the button just for Rafael Da Silva Moraes to three-bet squeeze all-in for 215,000 total. Negreanu scarpered sharpish but Derwiche got a count after which called.
Derwiche: A♠K♥Da Silva Moraes: K♦K♠
"I can inform you there are not any kings left," said Negreanu before the 8♥7♦9♠Q♦3♠ board doubled Da Silva Moraes to around 500,000 and dropped Derwiche to 600,000. --NW
11:12pm: Miller timeLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (ante 2,000)
Thomas Miller is as much as 350,000 after doubling through Niall Farrell. The yank shoved for 162,000 with K♦Q♠ and Farrell looked him up with A♦J♥.
The 5♠6♠K♥7♣3♦ board means Farrell is right down to 245,000. --NW
11:10pm: Luca out, Kaverman survivesLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (ante 2,000)
This should've been a double knockout but Ivan Luca is the one player heading to gather his winnings. The Argentinian shoved for 65,000 from under-the-gun, Quan Zhou flat called and Byron Kaverman then shoved for 232,000.
It passed back to Zhou who had to call another 167,000 from his stack of 521,000 to position both players in danger. He thought for therefore long that the clock was called by Mikhail Korotkikh. As time ticked down Zhou seemed no toward a call after which suddenly he mucked A♣Q♥ face-up.
Luca: Q♠T♦Kaverman: K♠Q♣
Zhou had folded the most productive hand and he lived to regret it because the board ran 2♣J♦8♠6♣6♦. Kaverman is as much as 400,000 after winning that hand. -NW
Luca leaves
11:07pm: Siddiqui finishes 27th by the hands of SchillhabelLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
Yet another player down. Shaan Siddiqui got his short stack all-in with the A♣K♥ and Stefan Schillhabel called with the 9♠T♣. The J♥8♠4♠ was a foul flop for the at-risk player as Schillhabel picked up an open-ender, but he'd also pair his ten at the T♦ turn. The river came the J♠ and Siddiqui was out for €49,800. --JS
11pm: Troyanovskiy gone in 29th; Karmazinas out in 28thLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
They're falling thick and fast at the moment. First Vladimir Troyanovskiy left us; he got it all-in with the Q♥9♥ and want a large number of help as he was called by Saar Wilf with the Q♦Q♣. There has been never any danger of a flush or straight and the Russian is out.
On another table, Dominykas Karmazinas moved all-in for 131,000 and was called by Niall Farrell who had the A♠K♥. That was out in front against Karmazinas' K♠J♣ and the board ran out 5♥K♦3♣6♥Q♦ to send the Lithuanian to the rail.
Both players take home €49,800 for his or her efforts. --JS
Another cash for Troyanovskiy
10:52pm: Chip countsLevel 19 - Blinds 6,000/12,000 (2,000 ante)
It's still Zvi Stern who leads the way...
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,444,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 890,000 |
| Imad Derwiche | France | 748,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 715,000 |
| Max Silver | UK | 675,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 664,000 |
| Quan Zhou | China | 650,000 |
| Julian Stuer | Germany | 615,000 |
| Enrico Coppola | Italy | 585,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 530,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 500,000 |
| Daniel Negreanu | Canada | 488,000 |
| Mikhail Korotkikh | Russia | 433,000 |
| Niall Farrell | UK | 308,000 |
| Ramin Hajiyev | Azerbaijan | 270,000 |
| Stefan Schillhabel | Germany | 245,000 |
| Byron Kaverman | USA | 242,000 |
| Andrey Bondar | Russia | 208,000 |
| Ivan Deyra | France | 200,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 190,000 |
| Amit Makhija | USA | 158,000 |
| Dominykas Karmazinas | Lithuania | 145,000 |
| Dan Smith | USA | 106,000 |
| Alain Goldberg | Israel | 100,000 |
| Igor Yaroshevskyy | Ukraine | 100,000 |
| Thomas Miller | USA | 70,000 |
| Ivan Luca | Argentina | 69,000 |
| Shaan Siddiqui | Canada | 54,000 |
| 19 | 6,000 | 12,000 | 2,000 |
10:32pm: Break timeLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
The players at the moment are on a fifteen minute break. --NW
10:30pm: Pablo Melogno out in 30thLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
Down to simply 138,000 Pablo Melogno shoved from under-the-gun with A♣T♣ and Anthony Zinno isolated with A♠Q♣. The 2♦K♥6♠Q♦9♦ board kept Zinno in front and Melogno headed to the payout desk. Zinno is as much as 500,000. --NW
10:22pm: O'Dwyer gone in 31stLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
The first player to depart us after the bubble is Steve O'Dwyer. He moved all-in from utg+1 for 85,000 and Julian Stuer - the person chargeable for busting Ami Barer because the bubble boy - made the decision. It folded back around and the cards were flipped:
O'Dwyer - J♣Q♠Stuer - A♦K♠
It ran out A♥3♠T♠7♦J♦ and Stuer moved as much as 920,000, while O'Dwyer will collect €49,800. --JS
O'Dwyer - out but within the money
10:15pm: Farrell scoops a pleasant pot, and the cards didn't matterLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
He was chip leader in the beginning of the day after which one of the crucial shorter stacks on the bubble, but now that it's burst Niall Farrell is back to business.
Farrell opened to 22,000 from the cut-off and Enrico Coppola called from the small blind. The flop came the Q♦3♣7♦ and both checked, taking us to the 5♣ turn, Coppola now led for 29,000 which Farrell would call, after which led for 55,000 at the 5♦ river.
Farrell thought for around a minute, counting out the calling chips. He would eventually put them within the middle and Coppola instantly mucked, so Farrell did too before stacking his winnings.
"Sorry, that's really boring for you guys," Farrell told the PokerStars Blog after the hand. "But I had ten-high...just kidding." --JS
10:05pm: Double up for BondarLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
Andrey Bondar open shoved for 92,000 at the button with A♠Q♣ and Vladimir Troyanovskiy gave him a spin with A♦4♣. The most productive hand-held up at the J♥5♣7♥8♣A♣ board and Bondar survived. --NW
10:05pm: The bar is open for Barer - he bubbles the 25K high rollerLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
Meet our latest bubble boy here on the PokerStars and Monte-Carlo®Casino EPT12 Grand Final - Ami Barer.
He moved all-in from the cut-off for 84,000 with the T♥T♦ and was called by Julian Stuer within the big blind with the A♦Q♦. Naturally we needed to wait some time to peer the hands, but if the race was revealed the dealer put out a 5♣6♠J♥ flop. The tens were holding up.
The turn came the 8♣, and Barer was still out in front.
Then the A♣ landed at the river. Barer's chips shipped to Stuer who now has 825,000; meanwhile, Ami Barer slipped off into the night. --JS
Barer makes his exit
9:55pm: Dan Smith doubles through Byron KavermanLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
Dan Smith was under-the-gun with just 47,000 in chips. He capped his cards with two 1K chips and waited. There has been a hand in progress between Zvi Stern and Daniel Negreanu and he desired to see how that one panned out. It went the entire strategy to the river and Negreanu took it down with aces.
Once that hand had ended Smith moved all-in - well almost. He had 45,000 of his chips around the line but left the 2 orange 1k chips on his cards. It folded all of the technique to Byron Kaverman within the big blind and he peaked down at his cards. There has been no snap call, no anything in truth for a while.
He grimaced, so much. He clearly did not have a tight hand, but just how bad was it? Bad enough to fold to a 4.7 big blind shove? Perhaps. We discovered soon enough as he did make the decision to position Smith at risk.
Smith: J♣T♣Kaverman: 9♣3♦
A big crowd had gathered and so they watch on because the flop came 5♥5♦Q♠. The 3♥ turn gave Kaverman the lead, Smith laughed and took a sip from his beer, whilst his friend Steve O'Dwyer seemed more upset on the turn of events. The river though was the Q♦ meaning Kaverman's pair was counterfeited and Smith doubled up. --NW
Smith survives
9:48pm: Bubble bossLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
Max Silver is taking full good thing about the bubble and has managed to extend his stack to 880,000. --JS
9:43pm: Jacobson soft-bubblesLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
We're now officially at the real money bubble as Martin Jacobson has busted in 33rd.
He moved all-in for 103,000 after it folded around to him and Imad Derwiche made the decision. Jacobson had the A♠9♦ which had to hit against the 7♣7♥. However the board bricked for the previous world champ - K♠Q♦4♣2♦J♦ - and he was gone. Derwiche is as much as 700,000. --JS
Derwiche whispers what he has to Jacobson
Jacobson takes it in his stride
9:20pm: At riskLevel 18 - Blinds 5,000/10,000 (1,000 ante)
We're just two off the money and the next players are most vulnerable to bubbling:
Dan Smith - 60,000Andrey Bodnar - 100,000Martin Jacobson - 105,000Ami Barer - 105,000Steve O'Dwyer - 110,000
| 18 | 5,000 | 10,000 | 1,000 |
9:07pm: Hand for handLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
Even though we're only at the soft bubble, it's been decided that we'll now play hand for hand. The clock is paused temporarily, but could be back up and running shortly. --JS
9:05pm: Silver second best to SchillhabelLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
Stefan Schillhabel needed a double up and he's just found one, courtesy of Max Silver.
Silver opened to 23,000 with the A♣T♠ and Schillhabel shipped it in for 97,000 with the K♥K♦. Silver called and it ran out Q♦2♠J♥3♠9♥, bringing Schillhabel as much as a bit over 200,000, while Silver has 400,000 remaining. --JS
9pm: Zinno doubles through HajiyevLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
Anthony Zinno has just doubled through Ramin Hajiyev after he got it all-in along with his K♠K♥ against Hajiyev's J♣J♥. Finally the board showed A♠Q♣5♣8♣7♥ and Zinno moved as much as 472,000, while Hajiyev has 250,000. --JS
8:55pm: Heath loses el classico to ZhoLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
Ben Heath made a large shove for 190,000 under the gun and it folded around to Quan Zho within the big blind. He asked how much it was but made the decision before the dealer had even counted.
Heath - A♦K♥Zho - Q♠Q♣
It was essentially the most classic of races and it was person who Heath couldn't win. The board ran out 3♣2♠2♥6♥5♥ and Heath went over to his rail (Charlie Carrel). The pair made their exit while Zho moved as much as 565,000. We're now two from the cash. --JS
8:45pm: David Yan out in 35thLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
Just two off the bubble now as David Yan saw his stack evaporate in back to back hands. It was the primary of the 2 that did nearly all of the damage as he lost a large pot to Imad Derwiche, who was runner-up on this event last year.
The hand started with Yan raising to what seemed like 18,000 from under-the-gun, one seat along Derwiche called and the 2 of them took a J♦5♥T♦ flop. Yan c-bet 20,000, Derwiche raised it as much as 80,000 and Yan smooth called.
Both players checked the 6♦ turn and the 7♥ completed the board. Yan jammed for 216,000 and Derwiche checked his own stack (199,000) before calling.
Yan rolled over K♦Q♥ and Derwiche had J♣J♠ for the flopped set. That left Yan with just 17,000 and he was eliminated at the next hand by Daniel Negreanu. --NW
8:40pm: O'Dwyer doubles through ZhoLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
It folded to Steve O'Dwyer within the cut-off and he moved all-in for 87,000. Chip leader Zvi Stern tanked for around two minutes before folding, but Quan Zho made the decision. He had the A♦J♠, but O'Dwyer was ahead with the Q♥Q♣.
The board ran out pure for the No.1 ranked live tournament player, but not without providing a sweat; it came the 2♠J♣8♣2♥4♣ and O'Dwyer got the double to around 180,000. --JS
A timely double up for 'Mr High Roller'
8:30pm: Badziakouski busts in first hand backLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
We head another loud roar from Mikhail Korotkikh and the rationale was he eliminated Mikita Badziakouski within the first actual hand after the dinner break.
Alexandros Kolonias opened and Badziakouski jammed together with his A♥J♦, just for Korotkikh to re-jam with the J♣J♠. Kolonias got out of ways and the board ran out 7♠6♣T♦7♥K♣.
With those new chips, Korotkikh is now playing 530,000. --JS
8:20pm: Play restartsLevel 17 - Blinds 4,000/8,000 (1,000 ante)
There are 36 players remaining of whom 31 gets paid. Below you will find the highest five and bottom five stack as level 17 gets underway.
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,180,000 |
| Julian Stuer | Germany | 720,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 650,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 550,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 485,000 |
| Martin Jacobson | Sweden | 130,000 |
| Pablo Melogno | Uruguay | 126,000 |
| Stefan Schillhabel | Germany | 120,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 110,000 |
| Dan Smith | USA | 90,000 |
You can see full counts here.
Stern has the chip lead
| 17 | 4,000 | 8,000 | 1,000 |
7:07pm: Dinner break
With 36 players left -- just five off the money -- and Zvi Stern still well in front, the high rollers at the moment are taking a 75-minute dinner break. - MH
7:06pm: Stephensen unlucky to bustLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (1,000 ante)
We've just lost Felix Stephensen right before the dinner break. Alexandros Kolonias had opened to 13,000 under the gun and it folded to Stephensen who jammed from the massive blind for around 100,000. Kolonias made the decision with the 8♥8♣, which was trailing Stephensen's J♥J♦.
Only until the flop, though. It came the T♣Q♣8♠ and Kolonias hit a set, but there have been still outs for Stephensen. A nine would give him a straight, while a Jack would give him a larger set. The K♥ turn provided much more outs; now any Ace would do it, too. It came the 3♦, though, and the disappointed Norwegian made his exit.
Kolonias is as much as 446,000 now. --JS
7:02pm: More gold for GoldbergLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
Alain Goldberg is as much as 225,000 after doubling up in a hand against Ami Barer. The Israeli opened to 12,000 from early position, Barer - who was to his immediate left - three-bet to 36,000 and Daniel Negreanu folded what he later said was ace-jack.
When it got back to Goldberg he shoved for 106,000 and Barer called the additional. Goldberg showed K♠K♥, whilst Barer had A♣K♦. The J♦2♦J♣ flop was good for Negreanu, but he wasn't within the hand anymore. The 8♠ turn was a blank and the K♣ river gave Goldberg an entire house and made Negreanu very glad he folded. Barer is all the way down to 101,000 after that hand. --NW
6:51pm: Silver shown the bluffLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (1,000 ante)
Fresh off a deep run usually Event, Max Silver is heading in the right direction for one more one here. That may be assuming he can avoid tilting, after Stefan Schillhabel showed him a bluff.
Silver opened to 14,000 at the button and Schillhabel defended to peer the 3♣6♥9♣ flop. It checked to Silver who continued for a similar amount -- 14,000 -- and Schillhabel jammed excessive. Silver sighed and folded, showing the A♥, just for Schillhabel to sigh in a "Phew!" more or less way, and he showed the T♣7♦ for only a gutshot.
Schillhabel has 132,000, while Silver continues to be sitting pretty with 426,000. --JS
Silver's still got quite a few gold
6:47pm: CorrectionLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (1,000 ante)
A twinkling of an eye ago we told you that Niall Farrell had paid off a large bet from Zvi Stern at the river (see below, 6:10pm). It seems the hand actually went a little bit differently.
It was Farrell who was doing the betting, and presumably got out-drawn. He bet 20,000 at the T♥8♦5♣ flop, then 52,000 at the 3♠ turn (not the 5♠ as we were previously told), after which 100,000 at the 7♦ river. Stern check-called the entire way and made two pair at the end with 7♥5♦. Stern still has over a million, while Farrell is clawing some back and was as much as 200,000 last time we checked. --JS
6:44pm: Danger a-SternLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
Zvi Stern just extended his result in around 1.25 million after his ace-deuce became bottom pair at the flop and a suite at the river. Amit Makhija thought for a while, then called to repay Stern.
Stern was then desirous about another hand shortly afterward when he opened for 13,000. Quan Zhou was at the button and raised to 32,000. Next to him within the small blind was Ben Heath, who moved all-in for 165,000, a tactic he's used on various occasions this afternoon.
Zhou thought for several minutes before mucking. - SB
6:40pm: Negreanu nabs oneLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
From what we have seen Daniel Negrenau have been playing pretty snug over the past couple of levels. Partly that was all the way down to him getting an extended massage on the table, but that's over now and so it sort of feels is he has a predilection to fold.
He was considered one of two callers of David Yan's opening raise of 12,000 (the opposite was Ami Barer) and that trio of tournament titans took a 8♣6♠9♠ flop. All three players checked and the J♠ hit the turn. Barer was done checking, firing out a opening salvo of 26,000 and Negreanu was the one caller.
The T♦ was an enchanting river card and Barer bogged down. He checked to Negreanu and folded to the Canadian's bet of 36,000. Kid Poker is as much as 255,000 whilst Barer is all the way down to 275,000. --NW
6:30pm: Expanding KoloniasLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
Alexandros Kolonias is as much as 380,000 after doubling through Mikita Badziakouski. I only caught the river action but Kolonias shoved for 124,000 right into a pot of 135,000 with the board showing T♠3♠8♣6♦4♠. Badziakouski snap called with A♦A♥, but he'd been rivered by the A♠9♠ of Kolonias. After that setback, Badziakouski is right down to 205,000. --NW
6:20pm: Negreanu plays nice with DerwicheLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
Daniel Negreanu opened to 11,500 under the gun and Imad Derwiche called, as did Rafael Da Silva Moraes from the small blind and Ami Barer from the big.
The four saw a T♠Q♥A♦ flop hit the felt and it checked to Derwiche who took a 27,000 stab. Only Kid Poker came along.
The turn was the 2♥ which both checked, after which the 8♥ landed at the river. Negreanu led for 22,500 and Derwich came pretty on the subject of calling - even having all of the chips held within the palm of his fist which it appeared like he'd slam at the table like he was giving it a high-five.
"Show me one card if I fold, one time?" he pleaded. "Yes," Negreanu said firmly, pointing on the Frenchman.
He was true to his word, as when Derwiche folded Negreanu showed the A♥. In fact, he went one better and told the table he had Ace-King. The Team Pro has 248,000 now. --JS
Some for Negreanu
6:10pm: Stern over 1,000,000 at Farrell's expenseLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
Zvi Stern's newly-acquired 1.08 million stack came courtesy of a large call from Niall Farrell.
The board was T♥8♦5♣5♠7♦ and Stern bet 100,000, which Farrell called. Stern had the 5♦7♥ for a whole house and is even further in front now, while overnight chip leader Farrell has just 140,000 left. --JS
6:05pm: Zhou zapped by PapazianLevel 16 - Blinds 3,000/6,000 (ante 1,000)
A huge hand just occurred between Alexandru Papazian and Quan Zhou and it's person who ended with Papazian having a stack of near 600,000 and Zhou having a stack of zero.
Pre-flop, Papazian was the aggressor. He raised to 11,000 from the hijack and Zhou called from the small blind. The flop fell 4♣7♣6♦ and Zhou checked it over to Papazian who bet 17,000. Zhou reached for raising chips and check-raised to 44,000 total.
Now it was Papazian who reached for chips. He came back over the top, making it 82,000 to play. The raising war wasn't over though as Zhou moved all-in for 155,000 total and Papazian flicked in a chip to indicate a call.
Zhou: Q♣Q♠Papazian: 7♥6♠
Zhou had got cute with a large pair and in this occasion it had cost him. The 7♦ turn improved Papazian to a whole house and the 3♦ rounded out the board to send Zhou on his way. --NW
| 16 | 3,000 | 6,000 | 1,000 |
6pm: Luca and Stephensen double upLevel 15 - Blinds 2,500/5,000 (ante 500)
Ivan Luca was all-in for 64,000 under the gun with pocket tens. He's back as much as 132,000 having made quads at the flop.
Also doubling up is Felix Stephensen. He moved all-in for 82,000 behind a raffle of 11,000 from Anthony Spinella, who called.
Stephensen showed T♦T♣ to Spinella's A♣Q♣. The board ran 2♣T♠K♥9♠5♠. Stephensen now as much as 170,000. - SB
5:55pm: My two hands with AndreLevel 15 - Blinds 2,500/5,000 (ante 500)
Andre Akkari is one among only two Team PokerStars Pros left on this field (the opposite being Daniel Negreanu) but he's pretty short at the moment. I hovered around his table to peer if an all-in was coming.
It did - at the first hand. Akkari moved all-in for just a little over 60,000 from under the gun and it folded all of the way around. "Nice hand Andre," said Amit Makhija, who was within the big blind. "Thanks. It was well played," Akkari said.
On the following hand, it folded to Makhija who was now within the small blind, and he just limped. Akkari checked his option and the 2 saw an 8♣8♥4♠ flop. Makhija led for 6,000 and the Brazilian came along, but he'd give it as much as a 15,000 bet at the 7♥ turn.
Akkari has 53,000 presently and desires a double up. --JS
5:30pm: Seidel outLevel 15 - Blinds 2,500/5,000 (ante 500)
Erik Seidel is out of the high roller. The yank was all-in with A♥K♠ against the A♠J♣ of Ramin Hajiyev who flopped a jack to send Seidel to the rail. - SB
5:25pm: Papazian doubles through ZhaoLevel 15 - Blinds 2,500/5,000 (500 ante)
Alexandru Papazian opened to 11,000 and faced a three-bet from Dong Zhao to 32,000. The Dane made the decision and the pair saw the 7♦Q♠5♣ flop drop. Papazian checked it to Zhao, who decided to simply shove all-in, having his opponent covered. Papazian shrugged and quickly said: "I call."
He'd paired his Queen with the A♣Q♥, which was now way prior to Zhao's A♠K♥. The ambitious shove didn't figure out and the board was completed by the J♣ and 4♥.
Papazian now has 319,000 while Zhao has dropped to 130,000. --JS
5:15pm: Stokken outLevel 15 - Blinds 2,500/5,000 (ante 500)
Preben Stokkan is out. He moved in with K♥Q♦ and got a choice from Igor Yaroshevskyy with A♥A♦.
There was never really much going for Stokkan from that time at the. board brought a queen but nothing more, running out because it did: Q♠5♠4♣5♦9♣ - SB
5:01pm: Korotkikh lets everyone know he's wonLevel 15 - Blinds 2,500/5,000 (ante 500)
Mikhail Korotkikh got up from his chair and commenced shouting: "Da, da, da (yes, yes, yes)."
He had rivered a queen holding K♠Q♦ to crack Luc Greenwood's A♠K♣. Thing is it was Greenwood who were in danger not Korotkikh so he was simply celebrating getting more chips.
To be fair to Greenwood he took it incredibly well and was actually laughing on the excessiveness of Korotkikh's celebration. The 2 of them shook hands before Greenwood left the table. --NW
Korotkikh, a.k.a. "da" man
| 15 | 2,500 | 5,000 | 500 |
4:51pm: Kaverman keeps it slowLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Byron Kaverman played his hand slowly, both on the subject of passive play and in time taken.
Dong Zhao made a raise to 9,500 and both Kaverman and Dan Smith called out of the blinds. They saw a 6♦7♦4♦ flop and it checked around, leading to the 8♣ at the turn. Kaverman checked and Smith decided to take a stab at it worth 23,000, which was an excessive amount of for Zhao.
Kaverman came along though, after which took about two minutes to test at the Q♥ river. Smith instantly checked behind but mucked when Kaverman showed his 8♥8♦ for a turned set.
Smith is around 260,000, while Kaverman has roughly 180,000. --JS
4:48pm: Barer busts RamosLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (ante 500)
From middle position Felipe Ramos opened to 8,500 just for David Yan to three-bet to 22,000 total. Action folded round to Ami Barer within the big blind. The Canadian was getting a massage and he took a few minutes before moving all-in for 170,500 total.
Ramos only had 71,600 back and he too took a few minutes to succeed in his decision. His decision was to stack all of them up and move them over the road. Now Yan needed some tank time, he took a minute or so before pitching his cards into the muck and it was time for showdown.
Barer: A♣A♥Ramos: A♦K♦
Ramos got some assistance on the 7♠Q♥T♠ flop, he got further help on the K♣ turn but missed his outs at the 2♥ river and departed. Barer meanwhile is as much as 369,000. --NW
4:45pm: Unstoppable SternLevel 14 - Blinds: 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Zvi Stern is proving unstoppable, moving up towards the 700,000 mark. He just dispatched Georgios Sotiropoulos to the rail in a large hand that started when Sotiropoulos opened for 9,000. Stern, sitting next to him raised to 28,000. But if the action reached Sotiropoulos shoved for 126,000.
Stern paused. "One two six is lots of chips," he said, but then reached back for a tower of blue to call.
Stern T♠T♣Sotiropoulos A♥K♦
The board though was pretty decisive, running because it did: T♥5♦4♦T♦3♣.
Sotiropoulos stood up at the turn, and had left the tournament area by the river. - SB
Stern soaring
4:40pm: Aido says goodbye, yoLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Two players were all-in once I arrived on the table - Sergio Aido and Eddy Maksoud. The action was on Enrico Coppola and he had a difficult decision on his hands.
The hand had started with a 9,000 open from Maksoud which Coppola called. Aido then jammed for 55,000, and Maksoud re-jammed excessive for roughly 230,000. Coppola eventually gave it up and the cards were on their backs.
Aido - A♦9♣Maksoud - A♣Q♣
It didn't look good the Spaniard and the J♥4♣3♣8♠Q♠ brought no help. Aido's gone, but Maksoud is now playing 290,000. --JS
4:30pm: Things ain't swell for Jean-Noel ThorelLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Jean-Noel Thorel's fashion sense is similar to that of a retired Power Ranger; he assembles his ensembles based entirely around one colour. So, on red day, for example, it is a red pair of trousers, a red jacket, and perhaps a Where's Wally-style striped top.
Well, tomorrow's colour is actually going to be blue to check the Frenchman's mood, as sadly he's busted from this high roller. He was pretty short and got all of it in with a good hand within the 9♥9♣. He was up against Mikhail Korotkikh's A♠K♥.
The 7♥Q♦7♦ flop was safe, as was the 8♠ turn. However the A♣ river delivered the death blow. Au revoir, Jean-Noel. --JS
4:25pm: Badziakouski bounds into leadLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Mikita Badziakouski has catapulted into the chip lead because the afternoon wears on, thanks largely to his having secured an enormous one to knock out Yang Wang.
Following a gap raise by Badziakouski, Wang three-bet to 24,500 from the large blind, then Badziakouski made it 60,000 to head and Wang called.
Both checked the Q♦6♣5♦ flop, then the 9♥ fell at the turn, Wang checked, Badziakouski bet 60,000, and Wang called.
The river was the 8♣. Wang checked again, and when Badziakouski pushed all-in, Wang called, turning over 7♥6♠ for the low end of the straight. But Badziakouski had the easier end with J♥T♠, and Wang hit the rail.
Now Badziakouski sits with about 690,000, well prior to the chasing pack with 66 players left. --MH
4:20pm: Silver finds a callLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (ante 500)
I wish I'd got the whole lot of this hand however the river action alone was incredibly interesting. There has been already 100,000 within the pot by the point the 8♣ fell on fifth street. The whole board was 8♦8♠6♦6♥8♣ and Thomas Miller bet enough to set Max Silver all-in (67,200).
Silver stood as much as get a greater take a look at how much Miller had, he then sat back down, shook his head once or twice and commenced talking concerning the hand out loud however it was audible only to himself for essentially the most part. He then addressed Miller directly: "I DO NOT BELIEVE you think that I WILL ever fold, but I still do not want to fold."
He then did some more mental calculations before pushing his chips over the road. Miller opened 7♣6♣ meaning he actually played the board, Silver though had T♠T♣ meaning the third eight at the river had improved him to eights filled with tens and the winning hand.
Silver is as much as roughly 240,000 after that hand. --NW
4:15pm: Zinno busts NeweyLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Paul Newey just got the last of his short stack within the middle with K♦8♠ and had to improve against Anthony Zinno's A♥8♣.
How a couple of king, dealer?
But a board of 4♦7♥Q♠Q♦T♠ provided no help and Newey is out.
On to the following one
Zinno is up around 300,000 after that one. --MH
4:05pm: Hunter or the Foxen?Level 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
William Foxen was the hunter is that this case, albeit a lucky one.
The action folded around to him at the button and he moved all-in for 53,500. Ami Barer was within the next seat and made the call.
Foxen: A♦5♣Barer: A♥T♥
The board ran K♦A♣5♦J♥8♥. Barer, always smiling, paid his dues and dropped to 95,500. --MC
3:55pm: More for Stern as he busts TeltscherLevel 14 - Blinds 2,000/4,000 (500 ante)
Zvi Stern has added much more to his chip lead, soaring over the half 1,000,000 mark and currently playing a 585,000 stack.
He got a few of his latest chips by busting the Brit and previous EPT London winner Mark Teltscher. Georgios Zisimopoulos opened the pot with an under-the-gun open to 9,000 and Stern just called. Teltscher, to Stern's left, then thought for roughly 60 seconds before moving all-in for 39,000. It folded back to Stern.
He slammed down a call, but not without saying to Zisimopoulos: "Ahh! Why couldn't you've got re-shoved!"
The reason behind that statement was that Stern had the A♥A♠ and would have welcomed more action. Teltscher had the Q♠Q♦ and had to hit, however the board ran out T♦K♥2♠4♥2♣ and the Brit was busted. --JS
| 14 | 2,000 | 4,000 | 500 |
3:44pm: Kaverman versus UskovLevel 13 - Blinds 1,500/3,000 (ante 400)
Mohsin Charania opened for 6,300 from the cutoff and the following two players called him -- Saar Wilf (button) and Alexander Uskov (small blind). The action on Byron Kaverman within the big blind, he waited about 45 seconds then reraised all-in. Charania tossed away his cards as did Wilf, and after a little a tank himself Uskov called the push.
Kaverman had A♠K♠ and Uskov A♦Q♥, and it looked as if Kaverman is also about to earn a more-than-double-up. However the board rolled out J♣2♥3♦5♥4♥, that river four creating a wheel for both and necessitating a chopped pot.
Kaverman has 125,000 now, Uskov 145,000, Charania is right down to 70,000, and Wilf as much as 390,000. --MH
3:35pm: Blinds tackle NegreanuLevel 13 - Blinds 1,500/3,000 (ante 400)
Daniel Negreanu opened for 6,500 at the button. Alexander Uksov was within the small blind and called, so too did Alexander Timokhin within the big. The flop came 4♦Q♦4♣.
The blinds each checked, so too did Negreanu sooner than the 4♠ turn card. More checking from the blinds before Negreanu bet 11,000. Uksov called while Timokhin passed. The river card came 6♦. With the action checked to him again Negreanu bet 27,500. Then he waited. Finally Uksov called, but mucked when Negreanu turned over A♠Q♣. - SB
3:24pm: Variants and varianceLevel 13 - Blinds 1,500/3,000 (ante 400)
Over at Preben Stokkan's table, the Norwegian was today describing a hold'em variation through which the player who wins a hand gets the choice of keeping the similar hole cards for the following one, provided there wasn't a showdown.
We've seen a lot of unusual poker variants over the past couple of weeks here in Monaco. Over within the cash game area we have seen a hold'em/Omaha mix during which players were dealt six cards and played both a hold'em and an Omaha hand. There has been another game called One-Eyed Hold'em which required players to depart one among their hole cards face up. And still another hold'em variant involved rolling a dice to peer what number of flop cards could be shown on each street.
Stokkan and Haxton were still discussing the merits of the keep-your-cards version of NLHE when Haxton opened for 6,000, then saw Sylvain Loosli jam all-in from the following seat over. It folded back to Haxton who didn't need long before letting his hand go, deciding he did not want to risk his tournament life on them as Loosli had him covered. Loosli needed to relinquish his, too, despite the fact that he might've liked to maintain them.
Alas for both Loosli and Haxton, both were still short-stacked after that hand, and shortly after both would hit the rail. Such is tournament variance. --MH
3:12pm: Just the basicsLevel 13 - Blinds 1,500/3,000 (ante 400)
Martin Jacobson has tripled up. Alas, we haven't any more details than that. Meanwhile Diego Ventura is out. Funnily enough we do not have much details for that one either. - SB
3:07pm: Prize pool and payoutsLevel 13 - Blinds 1,500/3,000 (ante 400)
We have numbers! Some big ones, too.
With 231 entries (including 56 re-entries), this event has a €5,659,500 prize pool with the highest 31 finishers attending to split up those riches. First place pays €1,197,000, with a min-cash being for €49,800.
See below for the general table payouts. - MH
1st: €1,197,0002nd: €805,9003rd: €568,2004th: €460,7005th: €364,5006th: €276,6507th: €202,0508th: €147,710
2:50pm: Play resumes; 79 remainLevel 13 - Blinds 1,500/3,000 (ante 400)
Players have returned and Level 13 is underway. A few of the bustouts near the tip of the former level were Sergey Lebedev, Orpen Kisacikoglu, Keith Johnson, Sam Chartier, and Mustapha Kanit. - MH
Bust-apha
| 13 | 1,500 | 3,000 | 400 |
2:29pm: Break time
With the clock showing 86 players left from the starting field, they've reached the day's first 20-minute break. - MH
2:28pm: Farrell fires, forces foldsLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Start-of-day chip leader Niall Farrell opened for 5,200 from under the gun, Eddy Maksoud three-bet to 16,000 from one seat over, then after giving the problem some thought next-to-act Javier Zarco called the reraise. It folded back to Farrell who called as well, and the 3 players saw the flop come T♠Q♦9♠.
It seemed like an action flop, but there has been no action and it checked around. Then at the Q♥ turn, Farrell fired a biggish bet of 33,500, forcing a fold from Maksoud. Zarco took greater than two minutes, then folded, and Farrell cheekily showed considered one of his cards -- the 5♠.
That earned some laughter, in addition to a "I almost put it in" from Zarco. Farrell is now up around 375,000 as they near the primary break of the day, Maksoud has 260,000, and Zarco is right down to 65,000. - MH
2:25pm: Long think for LoosliLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Felipe Ramos was just all-in for 110,000 on a board of 9♣8♣T♣9♥A♦.
It was Sylvain Loosli who had the choice to name. He thought for several minutes, then apologised for taking see you later. After seven minutes he looked again, which, given the length of time that had passed, was long enough to have forgotten what he'd been dealt within the first place.
After three more minutes of his tablemates taking a look at the tournament clock, time was called. Loosli let the clock run out after which folded. - SB
Where were we, again... ?
2:15pm: Stern sends two to the railLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Zvi Stern knocked two players out in a single hand. Stern had pocket queens against the aces and ace-jack of Marko Neumann and Keith Johnson and got there. He's now as much as 550,000. - SB
To the Zvictor go the spoils
2pm: Stern, Coppola moving aheadLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Zvi Stern has ascended to the highest of the counts here early on Day 2, moving up over 400,000.
Meanwhile he's being challenged by Enrico Coppola, who just knocked out Timothy Adams to transport up around 390,000.
Adams joins recent busts Chance Kornuth and Faraz Jaka a number of the eliminated. Presently 92 players remain. - MH
1:56pm: Papazian four-betsLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Byron Kaverman opened for 5,500 within the bring to an end. Dan Smith was at the button and raised to 15,500 before the small blind Alexandru Papazian raised to 51,200. Kaverman folded and, after a couple of moments of deliberation, so too did Smith. - SB
1:55pm: Kanit pre-flopLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Philipp Gruissem opened for 6,000 from the bring to an end which Andrew Chen then raised to 16,500 from the button. The small blind past but if play reached Mustapha Kanit within the big blind. He paused, then raised, as much as 60,000, which was enough to win the pot. - SB
1:50pm: Stokjan doublesLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
A double up for Preben Stokjan who shoved with A♣8♥ on a flop of 5♠T♠A♥. Felipe Ramos called with K♠Q♦ but got no assistance on the 4♦ turn or 8♦ river. - SB
1:48pm: More bustsLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Roman Emelyanov, Davidi Kitai, Mike Watson, Mike McDonald, and Salman Behbehani are all at the rail now as Level 12 continues. - MH
Kitai KO'd
1:44pm: Musti's optimismmmLevel 12 - Blinds 1,200/2,400 (ante 300)
Ami "UhhMee" Barer stood from his table to talk briefly with Mustapha "lasagnaaammm" Kanit sitting nearby. As Barer was sitting back off in his seat when he called back to Kanit.
"How much you were given"? asked Barer. Kanit, sitting in front of about 75,000, looked across at Barer's stack of about 175,000.
"We got in regards to the same, don't we?" said the Italian with a grin.
Soon after Kanit grabbed a couple of more in a three-way hand versus Andrew Chen and David Yan (either one of whom are at about 125,000), and pushed his actual total just a bit toward his advertised one. - MH
| 12 | 1,200 | 2,400 | 300 |
1:27pm: Boeree busts, Reinkenmeier runs outLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Add Team PokerStars Pro Liv Boeree and Tobias Reinkenmeier to the list of early Day 2 casualties, along side Murad Akhundov, Adnan Chamaa, and Igor Kurganov.
The big board is showing 231 total entries (adding a couple of today), of which 102 currently remain. - MH
1:25pm: Tremzin outLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Gleb Tremzin is out, having bought in originally of the day. He shoved with 4♠4♥ and located Ben Heath calling with 7♦7♣. Heath wished him good luk and waited for the board. T♣6♠J♠6♣9♦.
Tremzin out. Heath as much as 185,000. - SB
1:20pm: Lichtenberger SuperstarLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
I'm undecided if Andrew Lichtenberger got down to appear to be Jesus this morning, but there is a comparison to be made.
Lichtenberger wears an easy beige cotton shirt, with what seems to be a white scarf over one shoulder. His hair hangs over his shoulders, and is wet, as though he came here after baptising people. What's more there's tranquillity to Lichtenberger, always have been. Ordinary players would drive themselves insane seeking to imitate it.
Give us just today a premium hand
Perhaps coincidentally on every occasion he raises pre-flop everyone folds. Amen to that. - SB
b>1:15pm: Ilkin all-inLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Ilkin Amarov moved all-in for 58,000 and it was Murad Akhundov left with the verdict even if to name. Eventually he folded, but he shouted "Niet!!" when Amirov showed him pocket aces. I AM NOT sure whether the Niet was regarding Amirov's actions or his own. They continue to be friends. - SB
1:12pm: Jaka tosses jack, Deyra benefitsLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Two players were already all-in -- Peter Akery with a brief stack, and Ivan Deyra with a larger one -- following a J♠6♥5♦ flop, and after some thought Faraz Jaka decided it best to toss his hand and preserve the 35,000 or so he had left.
Jaka showed one among his cards -- the J♥ -- as he folded, then the opposite two tabled their hands. Akery had 6♣5♣ for 2 pair, while Deyra had A♣A♦ for a greater pair than the jacks. Good fold, Jaka.
Then came the turn... the J♣! The table chuckled at what could have been for Faraz, but meanwhile the brink within the hand had swung to Deyra. The Q♥ river sent Akery railward, and Deyra is now stacking about 220,000. - MH
12:59pm: Juanda, Kenney KO'd; Coppola collects Cates's stackLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
John Juanda just lost the last of his short stack to hit the rail. He was soon followed out of the tournament by late entrants Bryn Kenney and Daniel Cates.
GG, JJ
Cates we spotted on the lookout for his seat only a twinkling of an eye ago. He finally found it, to the immediate left of giant stack Enrico Coppola, and shortly enough "Jungleman" and Coppola got right into a blind-versus-blind battle that saw Cates commit his entire starting stack.
Cates had K♣3♣ while Coppola showed A♦J♣, and following the 9♠7♠J♥2♠4♥ runout, Cates's short while within the €25K was done. Coppola meanwhile moves up into the chip lead with 334,000. - MH
12:50pm: Melongo doublesLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Pablo Melongo just doubled up through Luc Greenwood. He was all in with lower than 30,000 with 7♥7♦ which Greenwood called with A♣9♣. The flop brought an ace, however the turn a seven: A♠T♣4♦7♣J♦. - SB
12:49pm: Schemion outLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Ole Schemion is the primary player out today, within minutes of the beginning. He shoved with the pitiful looking 3♠8♠, the poker equivalent of a noble cavalry charge with nothing but blunt persist with which to whack the enemy.
David Yan did the calling with pocket tens. The board came 2♥5♦4♣Q♦8♣. Schemion picked up his cards and gave them to the dealer. Then he picked up Yan's cards and gave those to the dealer too.
Done tidying up everything at the table, he gathered his things, which included a big C & A shopping bag, and departed the tournament. - SB
12:39pm: Mercier mowed downLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
In one of the vital first hands of the day, Jason Mercier committed his last 50,000 or so with pocket jacks against the A♥J♥ of Alexandros Kolonias, but was drawing dead before the river following a 2♠K♥5♥ flop and 7♥ turn.
Kolonias sits with as regards to 200,000 now. - MH
12:34pm: Shuffle up and dealLevel 11 - Blinds 1,000/2,000 (ante 300)
Players have arrived and the primary hands of Day 2 are being dealt. Back soon to tell you who the late entrants (or re-entrants) are. - MH
| 11 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 3,000 |
11:55am: The €25K EPT High Roller Day 2 awaits
It's already a record-breaker, with 220 entries and late registration still open until previous to the beginning of play today within the €25K High Roller here on the EPT12 Grand Final. And we've already been talking so much concerning the scintillating Scotsman, Niall Farrell, after his second-place finish within the France Poker Series Monaco Main Event last week.
Farrell leads the 95 survivors of Day 1 who're returning today, having bagged a fab 311,200 on the end of play last night. Enrico Coppola (302,100), Saar Wilf (288,000), Dong Zhao (278,900), and David Dayan (272,900) round out the start-of-day top five, with a whole lot usual suspects still scattered inside the counts.
Play begins at 12:30pm local time, and with a single re-entry available we'll likely see a few of last night's later busts jumping back in for an additional shot at this final, highly-coveted High Roller trophy from EPT Season 12. Back then with live updates, chip counts, photos, and more all day and all night. - MH
The €25K High Roller rolls along
Ready to join PokerStars? Click here to get an account.Take a glance on the official website of the EPT, with tournament schedule, news and results.
Also all of the schedule information is at the EPT App, that's available on both Android or IOS.
PokerStars Blog reporting team at the EPT12 Grand Final main event: Stephen Bartley, Martin Harris, Jack Stanton, Nick Wright. Photography by Rene Velli. Follow the PokerStars Blog on Twitter: @PokerStarsBlog
Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: European Poker Tour]
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