| Buy-In: | $7,202 + $433 |
|---|---|
| Prize Pool: | $7,108,142 |
| Entrants: | 987 |
The European Poker Tour main event in San Remo came to a close in typically glittering style this afternoon, when Englishman Rupert Elder defeated Max Heinzelmann to the title, a first prize of €930,000, a place in the Champion of Champions event, and a gold bracelet worth €16,200, from official EPT sponsor Shamballa Jewels.
That’s the short version of an incredible day in the theatre of Casino San Remo. Former winners Jason Mercier, Constant Rijkenberg and Liv Boeree had each won in memorable fashion, with elan and no shortage of drama. Elder’s success was no different.
It came in a final table top heavy with talent, specifically the final four of Elder and Heinzelmann, as well as Xuan Liu and Team PokerStars Pro Max Lykov, all of whom had something to prove.
For Lykov it was the chance to become the EPT’s first double winner. Alas, Lykov, who won EPT Kyiv in Season 6, fell short in fourth place, closing the still empty record book after being sent to the rail by a combination of Liu and bad luck; the Canadian’s tens turning a set to dethrone Lykov’s kings.
For Liu, San Remo was about making her live tournament entrance, and EPT history was on her side. When female players reach the final table they tend to win (just ask Boree, Naujoks and Coren), but despite the performance of her career so far, the 25-year-old, another graduate of the Waterloo University poker anomaly, was eliminated in third place, herself the victim of bad luck when her ace-jack was out flopped by Elder’s ace-seven.
In a strange twist, Heinzelmann was lumbered with his double, finishing as EPT runner-up for the second consecutive event, a result that this week earned him €600,000, adding up to €1,000,000 since Berlin. It’s almost a unique achievement, one already recorded by Martin Jacobson this season. But that makes it an exclusive one, the domain of only the unquestionably talented. For Heinzelmann; reputation secured.
The day had not begun in such dramatic fashion and more than an hour of pedestrian play had elapsed before former chip leader Roberto Spada, from Italy, busted in eighth. His countryman Costantino Russo followed more than an hour later in seventh, sent there by the ace-queen of Liu.
Russo’s elimination marked the first of a flurry of departures that would rid the main event of its entire Italian cast. Four minutes after Russo, Massimiliano Manigrasso was gone, then Francesco de Vivo, himself a former runner-up, went in fifth.
The rest was wrapped up in three hours, a final four to rival that of the tour’s first visit here, and a week that did the same. The week now belongs to Rupert Elder, the fourth British winner of the season, following Toby Lewis, David Vamplew and Roberto Romanello.
The half an hour of heads-up play flipped the lead between him and Heinzelmann, the German reining in Elder’s two-to-one lead at one stage, only to fall back to where he’d started in a memorable hand in which the German flopped the nuts, only for Elder’s bottom set to reach full house status by the river.
In an event often punctuated by shameless self-promotion and witless celebration, Elder was always gracious, typically so in victory, when he turned to tournament director Thomas Kremser to say: “I think he played better than me heads-up.”
Both players had an easy, genuine respect toward each other, having shared dinner several times this week. It not only made for an entertaining finale, but a feel-good one too, one that made those watching the beneficiaries; all of which you can find in its entirely, by clicking through the links below…
Final table player profiles
Level 27 (cont.), 28 & 29 updates
Level 30 & 31 updates
It brings a great week of poker to an end in San Remo, one of bravado, bunting and Shamballa Jewels, the pre-cursor to what should be the biggest show in world poker when the Season 7 EPT Grand Final begins in Madrid, Spain, this weekend.
Our thanks to all those involved in the blog this week, including our foreign language bloggers working in German, Dutch and Italian, as well as our photographer Neil Stoddart for all the copyrighted images used this week.
The EPT now takes a 24-hour break before the EPT Grand Final high roller event begins on Thursday. It should be fantastic, followed by the main event and then that much vaunted Champion of Champions event a week on Friday.
We’ll be there for all of it. Until then though, we’ll be taking a short break to wash clothes and remind loved ones what we look like. Then it’s back on a plane to Madrid.
See you there.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
5pm: Deja vu all over again
Well this looks familiar, Max Heinzelmann sitting across the table, heads-up at an EPT final table. Across from him sits Rupert Elder and play is about to restart. — SB
4.38pm: Heads-up
Play has paused as the two remaining players take a short break.
Rupert Elder — 19,000,000
Max Heinzelmann — 10,000.000
As my slightly irritating fellow blogger Rick Dacey pointed out, that’s 246 big blinds in play. — SB
4.35pm: Xuan Liu out in 3rd (€360,000)
Xuan Liu’s remarkable San Remo event has come to a close in third place. Liu, the short stack, moved all-in for 2,440,000 in the big blind which, after pause for reflection, Rupert Elder called, turning over A
7
. Liu likes her chances, turning over AJ. But the flop put Elder ahead, coming 457
. The 10
turn and 6 river did nothing to help Liu, who took defeat graciously, out in third place earning €360,000. – SB
4.28pm: Liu down to the felt
Xuan Liu is down to less than 2,000,000 after getting smashed by a monster courtesy of Max Heinzelmann. The German had min-raised the button and had been called by Liu in the small blind. Liu went on to check-call a small c-bet on the 3QJ flop, a further 510,000 on the A turn and a huge 2,075,000 bet on the J river. Heinzelmann showed QQ for a flopped top set that turned into a full house on the river.
Elder – 17,550,000
Heinzelmann – 10,095,000
Liu – 1,940,000
Heinzelmann now looking very good to at least reprise his role of runner-up from EPT Berlin. Stellar back-to-back tournament performances from the young German. He’ll have to do some serious catching up against Rupert Elder if he wants to go one further. — RD
4.20pm: Elder out to a big lead
Rupert Elder – 17,870,000
Max Heinzelmann – 6,115,000
Xuan Liu – 5,550,000
4.15pm: Liu takes hit as Elder extends lead
Rupert Elder opened for 395,000 on the button which Liu then three-bet 645,000 from the big blind which Elder called.
The flop came 1043. Liu then bet big, making it 855,000. Elder then raised to 1,925,000 before Liu raised again to 4,025,000. A huge hand over quickly when Elder raised all-in. Liu folded instantly. – SV
4.10pm: Three-way dance
Rupert Elder opened the button for 250,000 and was three-bet by Max Heinzelmann out of the small blind for 625,000. Xuan Liu called from the big blind as did Elder.
Heinzelmann c-bet 910,000 and Elder made the call. The 5 turn was checked by both players as was the J river.
Heinzelmann: 98
Elder: J10
Elder caught the jack on the river to rake in the pot. — RD
4pm: New chip counts
Xuan Liu — 11,400,000
Rupert Elder — 10,600,000
Max Heinzelmann — 7,700,000
3.55pm: Heinzelmann back in the game
On a flop of A9A Rupert Elder in the big blind checked to Max Heinzelmann on the button who bet 225,000. Elder then raised to 525,000 which Heinzelmann called immediately for a 4 turn card. Elder led this time, betting 700,000 which Heinzelmann called for a 3 river card. Elder then announced all-in, a move snap-called by the German who turned over A10. “Nice call,” said Elder, turning over Q8.
Elder slips a little to 10,600,000 while Heinzelmann is back in the game with 7,700,000. – SB
3.52pm: Chip counts
Rupert Elder — 14,495,000
Xuan Liu — 11,245,000
Max Heinzelmann — 3,795,000
3.50pm: Cards in the air
Play restarts in level 30.
3.45pm: Not yet
Players will be returning in about five minutes.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
5.35pm: Chips chips
Rupert Elder – 14,890,000
Max Heinzelmann – 14,645,000
5.30pm: All square
Small pot to Rupert Elder, then another before Max Heinzelmann took one, then another. It’s back and forth between the two players.
Then a big hand erupted.
Heinzelmann opened for 320,000 which Elder three-bet 825,000. Heinzelmann then four-bet 1,785,000 which Elder called.
With 3,500,000 in the pot, the flop came 963. The betting then continued, Heinzelmann making ot 2,000,000 which Elder then raised to 4,000,000. Heinzelmann then moved all-in getting an insta-fold from Elder, who tossed his cards away disgusted.
That hand brings the scores back to even. — SB
5.20pm: Heinzelmann pegs Elder back
We’re not far from evens here after Elder’s 685,000 check-raise on a 65Q flop failed to budge Heinzelmann from his 270,000 c-bet. Elder didn’t put another chip into the pot and quickly passed to Heinzelmann’s 700,000 bet on the 510 river.
Elder – 16,090,000
Heinzelmann – 13,400,000
Elder won a small pot the next hand. — RD
5.10pm: Heinzelmann not wasting any time
Max Heinzelmann has come back firing, taking the first pot back. After a couple of raise and takes Heinzelmann got a call from Rupert Elder for his bet of 240,000 in the small blind. The flop came 42Q which Heinzelmann bet at, 310,000 total, which was called, as was his bet on the J turn. On the 7 river card Heinzelmann pushed forward a million chips, winning the pot and showing 8Q when Elder called. – SB
5pm: Deja vu all over again
Well this looks familiar, Max Heinzelmann sitting across the table, heads-up at an EPT final table. Across from him sits Rupert Elder and play is about to restart. — SB
4.38pm: Heads-up
Play has paused as the two remaining players take a short break.
Rupert Elder — 19,000,000
Max Heinzelmann — 10,000.000
As my slightly irritating fellow blogger Rick Dacey pointed out, that’s 246 big blinds in play. — SB
4.35pm: Xuan Liu out in 3rd (€360,000)
Xuan Liu’s remarkable San Remo event has come to a close in third place. Liu, the short stack, moved all-in for 2,440,000 in the big blind which, after pause for reflection, Rupert Elder called, turning over A7. Liu likes her chances, turning over AJ. But the flop put Elder ahead, coming 457. The 10 turn and 6 river did nothing to help Liu, who took defeat graciously, out in third place earning €360,000. – SB
4.28pm: Liu down to the felt
Xuan Liu is down to less than 2,000,000 after getting smashed by a monster courtesy of Max Heinzelmann. The German had min-raised the button and had been called by Liu in the small blind. Liu went on to check-call a small c-bet on the 3QJ flop, a further 510,000 on the A turn and a huge 2,075,000 bet on the J river. Heinzelmann showed QQ for a flopped top set that turned into a full house on the river.
Elder – 17,550,000
Heinzelmann – 10,095,000
Liu – 1,940,000
Heinzelmann now looking very good to at least reprise his role of runner-up from EPT Berlin. Stellar back-to-back tournament performances from the young German. He’ll have to do some serious catching up against Rupert Elder if he wants to go one further. — RD
4.20pm: Elder out to a big lead
Rupert Elder – 17,870,000
Max Heinzelmann – 6,115,000
Xuan Liu – 5,550,000
4.15pm: Liu takes hit as Elder extends lead
Rupert Elder opened for 395,000 on the button which Liu then three-bet 645,000 from the big blind which Elder called.
The flop came 1043. Liu then bet big, making it 855,000. Elder then raised to 1,925,000 before Liu raised again to 4,025,000. A huge hand over quickly when Elder raised all-in. Liu folded instantly. – SV
4.10pm: Three-way dance
Rupert Elder opened the button for 250,000 and was three-bet by Max Heinzelmann out of the small blind for 625,000. Xuan Liu called from the big blind as did Elder.
Heinzelmann c-bet 910,000 and Elder made the call. The 5 turn was checked by both players as was the J river.
Heinzelmann: 98
Elder: J10
Elder caught the jack on the river to rake in the pot. — RD
4pm: New chip counts
Xuan Liu — 11,400,000
Rupert Elder — 10,600,000
Max Heinzelmann — 7,700,000
3.55pm: Heinzelmann back in the game
On a flop of A9A Rupert Elder in the big blind checked to Max Heinzelmann on the button who bet 225,000. Elder then raised to 525,000 which Heinzelmann called immediately for a 4 turn card. Elder led this time, betting 700,000 which Heinzelmann called for a 3 river card. Elder then announced all-in, a move snap-called by the German who turned over A10. “Nice call,” said Elder, turning over Q8.
Elder slips a little to 10,600,000 while Heinzelmann is back in the game with 7,700,000. – SB
3.52pm: Chip counts
Rupert Elder — 14,495,000
Xuan Liu — 11,245,000
Max Heinzelmann — 3,795,000
3.50pm: Cards in the air
Play restarts in level 30.
3.45pm: Not yet
Players will be returning in about five minutes.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
6.25pm: Elder wins EPT San Remo for €930,000
Rupert Elder has just won EPT San Remo defeating Max Heinzelmann heads up.
Elder opened the button and was shoved on by Heinzelmann for 3,200,000. Elder made the call.
Elder: A5
Heinzelmann: Q5
Horrible dominated situation for Heinzelmann who failed to catch up on the 32710K board. Unbelievably Heinzelmann becomes the second player this season to have come second in two EPTs. A fantastic final table. — RD
6.10pm: Elder catches another bluff
Rupert Elder is within touching distance of EPT victory here. He’s up to 25,670,000 to Max Heinzelmann’s 3,865,000.
Neither players bet the Q47 flop but Elder led 400,000 into the 6 turn. Elder pushed out 900,000 into the 6 river and Heinzelmann raised it up to 2,705,000. Elder covered his mouth, deep in thought. He made the call and was good with J7 to Heinzelmann’s pocket threes. — RD
6pm: Elder catches the bluff
After getting oh so close Max Heinzelmann is down to 7,690,000. After both players checked the flop Heinzelmann led 175,000 into the JJQK turn which Elder raised to 650,000 in position. Heinzelmann came back over the top for 1,450,000 and Elder made the call. On the 10 river Heinzelmann moved 3,075,000 across the line and Elder slowly made the call. Heinzelmann mucked his hand and we didn’t get to see Elder’s hand (I’ve head anecdotally that it might well have been with a king).
Heinzelmann: 7,690,000
Elder: 21,895,000
Elder back in the driving seat. Will Heinzelmann be able to mount another comeback? — RD
5.40pm: Heinzelmann one card away from victory
It transpires that the TV graphics have been completely off on the chip counts and it turns out Max Heinzelmann’s lead was larger than we thought; he was closer to two to one ahead before this hand took place.
On a 769 flop Heinzelmann c-bet 300,000 and was check-raised to 825,000 by Rupert Elder. Heinzelmann came back over the top for 1,700,000 and Elder made the call to go to the A turn at which point all the money went in with Elder at risk.
Elder: 66 for bottom set
Heinzelmann: 108 for the nut straight
Max Heinzelmann, after finishing as runner-up at EPT Berlin just a few weeks ago, was one card away from winning this EPT. He just had to dodge the board pairing, but that wasn’t to be (not yet at least). The A river filled Elder’s full house and swung the chips back. Elder on 18,500,000, Heinzelmann on 11,000,000. — RD
5.40pm: Heinzelmann takes the chip lead
Max Heinzelmann has just moved into the chip lead after barrelling a 6799K board; 275,000 on the flop, 630,000 on the turn and 1,675,000 on the river. Elder passed to the final bullet.
Heinzelmann – 15,550,000
Elder – 13,985,000
Big hand brewing. — RD
5.35pm: Chips chips
Rupert Elder – 14,890,000
Max Heinzelmann – 14,645,000
5.30pm: All square
Small pot to Rupert Elder, then another before Max Heinzelmann took one, then another. It’s back and forth between the two players.
Then a big hand erupted.
Heinzelmann opened for 320,000 which Elder three-bet 825,000. Heinzelmann then four-bet 1,785,000 which Elder called.
With 3,500,000 in the pot, the flop came 963. The betting then continued, Heinzelmann making ot 2,000,000 which Elder then raised to 4,000,000. Heinzelmann then moved all-in getting an insta-fold from Elder, who tossed his cards away disgusted.
That hand brings the scores back to even. — SB
5.20pm: Heinzelmann pegs Elder back
We’re not far from evens here after Elder’s 685,000 check-raise on a 65Q flop failed to budge Heinzelmann from his 270,000 c-bet. Elder didn’t put another chip into the pot and quickly passed to Heinzelmann’s 700,000 bet on the 510 river.
Elder – 16,090,000
Heinzelmann – 13,400,000
Elder won a small pot the next hand. — RD
5.10pm: Heinzelmann not wasting any time
Max Heinzelmann has come back firing, taking the first pot back. After a couple of raise and takes Heinzelmann got a call from Rupert Elder for his bet of 240,000 in the small blind. The flop came 42Q which Heinzelmann bet at, 310,000 total, which was called, as was his bet on the J turn. On the 7 river card Heinzelmann pushed forward a million chips, winning the pot and showing 8Q when Elder called. – SB
5pm: Deja vu all over again
Well this looks familiar, Max Heinzelmann sitting across the table, heads-up at an EPT final table. Across from him sits Rupert Elder and play is about to restart. — SB
4.38pm: Heads-up
Play has paused as the two remaining players take a short break.
Rupert Elder — 19,000,000
Max Heinzelmann — 10,000.000
As my slightly irritating fellow blogger Rick Dacey pointed out, that’s 246 big blinds in play. — SB
4.35pm: Xuan Liu out in 3rd (€360,000)
Xuan Liu’s remarkable San Remo event has come to a close in third place. Liu, the short stack, moved all-in for 2,440,000 in the big blind which, after pause for reflection, Rupert Elder called, turning over A7. Liu likes her chances, turning over AJ. But the flop put Elder ahead, coming 457. The 10 turn and 6 river did nothing to help Liu, who took defeat graciously, out in third place earning €360,000. – SB
4.28pm: Liu down to the felt
Xuan Liu is down to less than 2,000,000 after getting smashed by a monster courtesy of Max Heinzelmann. The German had min-raised the button and had been called by Liu in the small blind. Liu went on to check-call a small c-bet on the 3QJ flop, a further 510,000 on the A turn and a huge 2,075,000 bet on the J river. Heinzelmann showed QQ for a flopped top set that turned into a full house on the river.
Elder – 17,550,000
Heinzelmann – 10,095,000
Liu – 1,940,000
Heinzelmann now looking very good to at least reprise his role of runner-up from EPT Berlin. Stellar back-to-back tournament performances from the young German. He’ll have to do some serious catching up against Rupert Elder if he wants to go one further. — RD
4.20pm: Elder out to a big lead
Rupert Elder – 17,870,000
Max Heinzelmann – 6,115,000
Xuan Liu – 5,550,000
4.15pm: Liu takes hit as Elder extends lead
Rupert Elder opened for 395,000 on the button which Liu then three-bet 645,000 from the big blind which Elder called.
The flop came 1043. Liu then bet big, making it 855,000. Elder then raised to 1,925,000 before Liu raised again to 4,025,000. A huge hand over quickly when Elder raised all-in. Liu folded instantly. – SV
4.10pm: Three-way dance
Rupert Elder opened the button for 250,000 and was three-bet by Max Heinzelmann out of the small blind for 625,000. Xuan Liu called from the big blind as did Elder.
Heinzelmann c-bet 910,000 and Elder made the call. The 5 turn was checked by both players as was the J river.
Heinzelmann: 98
Elder: J10
Elder caught the jack on the river to rake in the pot. — RD
4pm: New chip counts
Xuan Liu — 11,400,000
Rupert Elder — 10,600,000
Max Heinzelmann — 7,700,000
3.55pm: Heinzelmann back in the game
On a flop of A9A Rupert Elder in the big blind checked to Max Heinzelmann on the button who bet 225,000. Elder then raised to 525,000 which Heinzelmann called immediately for a 4 turn card. Elder led this time, betting 700,000 which Heinzelmann called for a 3 river card. Elder then announced all-in, a move snap-called by the German who turned over A10. “Nice call,” said Elder, turning over Q8.
Elder slips a little to 10,600,000 while Heinzelmann is back in the game with 7,700,000. – SB
3.52pm: Chip counts
Rupert Elder — 14,495,000
Xuan Liu — 11,245,000
Max Heinzelmann — 3,795,000
3.50pm: Cards in the air
Play restarts in level 30.
3.45pm: Not yet
Players will be returning in about five minutes.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
A field of 987 players from 57 countries competed at EPT7 San Remo, creating a prize pool of €4,786,950. The winner will take home €930,000 plus a stunning bracelet worth more than €16,000 from the EPT’s Official Bracelet Sponsor, Shamballa Jewels.
The winner will also get a seat in the EPT Grand Final, plus a seat in the Champion of Champions tournament on May 13.
Seat 1: Francesco De Vivo, 40, Turin, Italy – 1,090,000
Born in Turin, former real estate agent De Vivo began to play poker in 2005, and from 2008 it became his primary activity, scoring over $600,000 in tournament winnings. Francesco best result to date came at EPT Copenhagen in Season 6, where he finished second, earning $416,506.
De Vivo when the Italian championship of Texas Hold’em in 2008 and since then has cashed in the World Series Main Event. De Vivo plays on PokerStars as Checco.D.
Seat 2. Max Lykov, 23, Moscow, Russia – Team PokerStars Pro – 1,495,000
Russian pro Max Lykov started playing poker back in 2005 while studying engineering at university. By 2006, he’d started crushing the online game, having made only two $40 deposits. Lykov now has a huge bankroll and is one of the highest earning Russian tournament players of all time.
Lykov’s breakout year came in 2009, with a run of results at events around Europe. First came his win at the Red Sea Poker Cup, then, in Vegas, he came close to winning his first WSOP bracelet, finishing third in a $5,000 NL Shootout event for $145,062. Just a few weeks later, Lykov scored his first major title, winning the inaugural EPT Kyiv event, in Ukraine, earning $468,504.
Since then Lykov finished 13th at EPT Snowfest last season and won a $1,000 side event at the 2010 PCA for $100,000. At this year’s PCA he topped that with a third place in the $25k High Roller tournament, a finish worth $369,490. A month later, he final-tabled WPT Venice, bringing his total live tournament earnings to more than $1,400,000.
Seat 3. Rupert Elder, 24, UK – 8,005,000

Elder was an Economics student at Warwick University before turning professional several years ago. He now plays mostly a mixture of online $2-4, $3-6 and $5-10 no-limit hold’em cash games, though he switches to tournaments on Sunday nights.
Whatever happens on today’s final table this will be Elder’s biggest ever live tournament cash, his previous best coming in EPT Berlin last month where he finished 80th, earning €10,000.
Elder will be supported today by his good friend Andrew Teng, who was eliminated in 12th place yesterday, as well as former PCA finalist Ricky Fohrenbach. Elder isn’t too happy about being seated to the right of Max Heinzelmann who he rates as the most dangerous opponent at the final table.
Seat 4: Max Heinzelmann, 20, Heubach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany – 7,885,000
Heinzelmann was runner-up at EPT Berlin a few weeks ago and could better that result, worth €500,000, in San Remo today. Prior to Berlin, the 20-year-old German was already a familiar figure on the EPT circuit, having played around 20 events. His Berlin success dwarfed his previous best live results which included min-cashes in main events as well as side event final tables.
Heinzelmann has been playing poker for around two years after a friend sent him a few dollars to deposit online. He has won both the PokerStars Sunday 500 and the $100 Daily rebuy tourney. His online winnings now total more than $450,000.
Seat 5: Xuan Liu, 25, Toronto, Canada- 1,740,000
Xuan Liu is another graduate of Waterloo University, in Canada, a school that has produced former EPT winners such as Glen Chorny, Steve Paul and Mike McDonald. During her studies they played home games arranged by Liu, who continued to play after leaving college.
Liu recently switched her focus to live tournaments, so far earning more than $80,000. She took to the live poker circuit last November, competing at the North American Poker Tour event in Los Angeles before travelling to Spain to play EPT Barcelona. Her breakthrough came soon after when she won an Italian Poker Tour San Remo, €1,000 side event in December, earning €48,000.
Liu is the first female finalist this season; the last woman to make a final was Team PokerStars Pro Liv Boeree who won EPT San Remo last year.
Seat 6. Roberto Spada, 36, Ostia, Italy, 4,775,000
This is the first major live tournament that Spada has contested, something that the man from Ostia, near Rome, says is a dream come true.
He started playing online six years ago on PokerStars and plays under the username as “Spacchennatt”. Now he plays mainly cash games and say he spends his winnings on his four kids. His family are coming to support him at the final.
Seat 7. Massimiliano Manigrasso, 35, Milan, Italy – 2,000,000
Manigrasso has been playing poker for two years, already scoring good results in local events, including tenth place in Campione d’Italia worth $17,245. While not a professional player, Manigrasso says it is his dream to win an EPT. Whatever happens at the final, his wife and daughter will come out of it well – he’s pledged to buy them some great presents.
Manigrasso plays online at PokerStars.it under the username “sofia2007175”.
Seat 8. Costantino Russo, 27, Italy – 2,565,000
Russo, from Naples, has been playing poker for the last five years, with good results, notably a final table at a tournament in Saint Vincent. Russo might not be that well-known in Europe, but says that his recent improvement makes him considered to be “someone to watch,” on the Italian circuit.
Russo recently graduated from the “Bocconi” in Milan, one of the most prestigious universities in Italy, where he read Economics. He’s now a professional player and also keen on chess and backgammon. He’s planning to use his poker winnings to increase his bankroll, and book a fantastic holiday.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
1.15pm: Lykov gets a fold, back over a million
Max Lykov picked up an important pot after shoving from the big blind for 965,000. Francesco De Vivo opened for 180,000 and Lykov insta-shoved. De Vivo passed and Lykov is up to around 1,150,000. — RD
1.05pm: Second double up for Liu
Xuan Liu gets her second double up, taking her stack to more than 5,000,000 after a battle of the blinds with Roberto Spada.
Liu opened for 215,000 in the small blind which Spada called from the big for a flop of 1094. Liu then bet 235,000 which Spada raised to 560,000. Liu then moved all-in which Spada soon called showing A10 to Liu’s KK. The turn came 3, the river K. Spada plunges down to 550,000. – SB
12.58pm: Double for De Vivo, then for Liu
Francesco De Vivo has just doubled through Xuan Liu after the Canadian opened to 160,000 from under-the-gun. De Vivo moved all-in, Liu called. Tens for De Vivo and pocket fives for Liu. The board blanked out to move De Vivo up to 1,700,000.
That put Liu down to 1,200,000 which all went in the very next hand from the big blind to a 205,000 open from Roberto Spada from under-the-gun. Spada snap called.
Liu: JJ
Spada: 1010
The board ran out 3956K for Liu to double up and see Spada’s decline continue. — RD
12.52pm: Heinzelmann strikes
Max Hinzelmann opened before Roberto Spada three bet to 445,000 in the cut off. Heinzelmann called for a flop of 4Q10. Heinzelmann then checked to Spada who bet 865,000. Heinzelmann then raised to 2,125,000 sending Spada into the tank. No, not this time. He passes. A big pot for Heinzelmann, now up to 8,730,000. – SB
12.45pm: Lykov loses out to Manigrasso
Max Lykov opened to 120,000 and was called by Massimiliano Manigrasso, who check-called a 479 flop before leading 230,000 and winning the pot. — RD
12.38pm: A Heinzelmann pass
Roberto Spada takes a pot opened by Max Heinzelmann on a board of 732. Spada showed QJ to take it down. – SB
12.35pm: Liu lets loose
Chip leader Rupert Elder opened the button to 120,000 and Xuan Liu three-bet to 290,000. Elder passed and Liu picked up a small but important pot. — RD
12.28pm: Early pots
Uneventful start. Both Roberto Spada and Max Heinzelmann opened pots and swiped the blinds. — RD
12.15pm: Cards in the air
Play has started at the final table.
12.12pm: Who’s that guy?
Check out the profiles of all the players on the Final Table Player Profiles page.
12.10pm: Live feed
Oooo, you’re in for a treat today. Marc Convey, yes, he of the PokerStars blog, is leading EPT Live today. Reprising the Nick Wealthall/James Hartigan role, Convey will be showcasing the action and trying to keep David Tuckman from incorrectly calling the action. Be gentle with him. — RD
12pm: Seat draw reminder
There is no seat redraw today as the players return eight-handed to the final table following the elimination of Luigi Pignataro yesterday afternoon.
Seat 1. Francesco De Vivo, Italy – 1,090,000
Seat 2. Max Lykov, Russia, Team PokerStars Pro — 1,495,000
Seat 3. Rupert Elder, United Kingdom – 8,005,000
Seat 4. Max Heinzelmann, Germany – 7,885,000
Seat 5. Xuan Liu, Canada – 1,740,000
Seat 6. Roberto Spada, Italy, 4,775,000
Seat 7. Massimiliano Manigrasso, Italy – 1,980,000
Seat 8. Costantino Russo, Italy – 2,565,000
Play is due to start, well, now. Delays are inevitable when you get TV crews or poker players involved. Both? It’s a hiding to nothing. — RD
11.40am: Welcome to the final table
Welcome to the final table of the European Poker Tour main event in San Remo. A total of 987 players started this event, six days later just eight remain. They’re now arriving at Casino San Remo, making their way into the theatre to face off for a first prize of €930,000.
While we force coffee and carbohydrates down ahead of the start, read all about how these players got here by reading yesterday’s match report.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
1.40pm: Small pots
Constanino Russo opened for 160,000 in the cut off before Max Lykov moved all-in from the small blind for about 1,700,000. Russo passed.
On the next hand Rupert Elder and Max Heinzelmann played a hand for the first time together, Heinzelmann taking the chips pre-flop, three-betting to 405,000 after Elder’s opening 160,000.
Lykov was soon in action again, raising to 160,000 from middle position but finding no takers. – SB
1.30pm: Rupert the Elder
Rupert Elder opened for 160,000 in middle position which Constantino Russo called from the big blind for a flop of 22Q. Both checked that for a 10 turn card. Russo checked to Elder to bet 160,000 which was again called. On the 9 river Russo kept up the checking, but folded to an Elder bet of 275,000. – SB
1.25pm: Spada out in 8th (€81,950)
The short stacked Roberto Spada moved his 550,000 across the line and Max Lykov moved all-in to isolate.
Spada: K3
Lykov: A9
The 1047J8 board blanked out for both players and Spada is the first player to bust from this final table. Spada started the day third in chips, it really didn’t go well for the Italian. Lykov has chipped up to 1,700,000. — RD
1.20pm: Action from Elder
Xuan Liu lays down a hand against Rupert Elder who three-bet her opener from the big blind. When she called for a flop KQ10 Elder bet 325,000, good enough to take the pot. — SB
1.15pm: Lykov gets a fold, back over a million
Max Lykov picked up an important pot after shoving from the big blind for 965,000. Francesco De Vivo opened for 180,000 and Lykov insta-shoved. De Vivo passed and Lykov is up to around 1,150,000. — RD
1.05pm: Second double up for Liu
Xuan Liu gets her second double up, taking her stack to more than 5,000,000 after a battle of the blinds with Roberto Spada.
Liu opened for 215,000 in the small blind which Spada called from the big for a flop of 1094. Liu then bet 235,000 which Spada raised to 560,000. Liu then moved all-in which Spada soon called showing A10 to Liu’s KK. The turn came 3, the river K. Spada plunges down to 550,000. – SB
12.58pm: Double for De Vivo, then for Liu
Francesco De Vivo has just doubled through Xuan Liu after the Canadian opened to 160,000 from under-the-gun. De Vivo moved all-in, Liu called. Tens for De Vivo and pocket fives for Liu. The board blanked out to move De Vivo up to 1,700,000.
That put Liu down to 1,200,000 which all went in the very next hand from the big blind to a 205,000 open from Roberto Spada from under-the-gun. Spada snap called.
Liu: JJ
Spada: 1010
The board ran out 3956K for Liu to double up and see Spada’s decline continue. — RD
12.52pm: Heinzelmann strikes
Max Hinzelmann opened before Roberto Spada three bet to 445,000 in the cut off. Heinzelmann called for a flop of 4Q10. Heinzelmann then checked to Spada who bet 865,000. Heinzelmann then raised to 2,125,000 sending Spada into the tank. No, not this time. He passes. A big pot for Heinzelmann, now up to 8,730,000. – SB
12.45pm: Lykov loses out to Manigrasso
Max Lykov opened to 120,000 and was called by Massimiliano Manigrasso, who check-called a 479 flop before leading 230,000 and winning the pot. — RD
12.38pm: A Heinzelmann pass
Roberto Spada takes a pot opened by Max Heinzelmann on a board of 732. Spada showed QJ to take it down. – SB
12.35pm: Liu lets loose
Chip leader Rupert Elder opened the button to 120,000 and Xuan Liu three-bet to 290,000. Elder passed and Liu picked up a small but important pot. — RD
12.28pm: Early pots
Uneventful start. Both Roberto Spada and Max Heinzelmann opened pots and swiped the blinds. — RD
12.15pm: Cards in the air
Play has started at the final table.
12.12pm: Who’s that guy?
Check out the profiles of all the players on the Final Table Player Profiles page.
12.12pm: From the tournament floor
Gloria Balding introduces the final table of EPT San Remo.
12.10pm: Live feed
Oooo, you’re in for a treat today. Marc Convey, yes, he of the PokerStars blog, is leading EPT Live today. Reprising the Nick Wealthall/James Hartigan role, Convey will be showcasing the action and trying to keep David Tuckman from incorrectly calling the action. Be gentle with him. — RD
12pm: Seat draw reminder
There is no seat redraw today as the players return eight-handed to the final table following the elimination of Luigi Pignataro yesterday afternoon.
Seat 1. Francesco De Vivo, Italy – 1,090,000
Seat 2. Max Lykov, Russia, Team PokerStars Pro — 1,495,000
Seat 3. Rupert Elder, United Kingdom – 8,005,000
Seat 4. Max Heinzelmann, Germany – 7,885,000
Seat 5. Xuan Liu, Canada – 1,740,000
Seat 6. Roberto Spada, Italy, 4,775,000
Seat 7. Massimiliano Manigrasso, Italy – 1,980,000
Seat 8. Costantino Russo, Italy – 2,565,000
Play is due to start, well, now. Delays are inevitable when you get TV crews or poker players involved. Both? It’s a hiding to nothing. — RD
11.40am: Welcome to the final table
Welcome to the final table of the European Poker Tour main event in San Remo. A total of 987 players started this event, six days later just eight remain. They’re now arriving at Casino San Remo, making their way into the theatre to face off for a first prize of €930,000.
While we force coffee and carbohydrates down ahead of the start, read all about how these players got here by reading yesterday’s match report.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
3.40pm: Heinzelman back in
Max Heinzelmann has dragged himself back into this three-handed fight. After defending his big blind from a 200,000 Xuan Liu button raise Heinzelmann led 180,000 into the 458 flop. Liu made the call. Heinzelmann led a smallish 330,000 into the 2 turn and was raised by Liu to 885,000. Heinzelmann came back over the top for 1,605,000 and then shoved the A river for 2,400,000. Liu sat for a short while mulling her options before passing.
Heinzelmann up to 6,415,000.
Liu down to 8,560,000
Elder still ahead on 14,560,000
That’s the end of the level and a 15-minute break. Join us in the new post then. — RD
3.32pm: Four-bet threat
Xuan Liu just four-bet Max Heinzelmann out of a pot, in a battle of the blinds. Heinzelmann passed after Liu made it 1,260,000 to play. – SB
3.30pm: All for one
On a flop of 78A there was checking all the way from Rupert Elder in the small blind, Max Heinzelmann in the big blind and Xuan Liu on the button, for a turn card 2. All three checked again for a K river card before Elder took it down with a bet of 200,000. – SB
3.25pm: Elder lays a five-bet into Liu
Xuan Liu opened to 245,000 from the small blind and Elder three-bet to 625,000. Considering every hand three-handed has been three-bet it’s all fairly standard. Then Liu came back over the top for 1,525,000 and Elder pulled the trigger with a five-bet re-raise to 2,800,000.
Liu passed and Elder shot the rail and happy grin. — RD
3.15pm: Max Lykov eliminated in 4th place (€290,000)
Max Lykov departs in fourth place, despatched by Xuan Liu who got lucky on the turn.
Max Heinzelmann had opened the pot to 200,000 on the button before Xuan Liu three-bet 490,000 in the small blind before Max Lykov four-bet to 925,000 in the big blind, effectively committing himself. Heinzelmann passed before Liu moved all-in. Lykov called.
Lykov KK
Liu 1010
The flop was fine for the Russian – 232 but the turn card 10 put an end to Lykov’s double-winner hopes. He left after a harmless 9 river, in fourth place, earning €290,000. – SB
3.04pm: The Maxes double
Max Lykov shoved 1,500,000 with pocket sixes and was called by Max Heinzelmann with pocket fours and held up. Lykov up to 3,260,000, Heinzelmann down to 2,280,000.
The next hand Heinzelmann managed to stop the rot after chipping up to 4,730,000 after open shoving QJ from the cut-off. Liu insta-called with AK but the young German caught the turn of a 436Q7 board to double back up. No one player is super short stacked. This looks like the toughest final EPT four I can remember. — RD
2.58pm: King high good
Xian Liu opened for 200,000 under-the-gun which Max Heinzelmann called from the big blind. The flop came Q69 and Liu bet another 250,000, which Heinzelmann called. Both checked the 2 turn for a 9 river and checked that all also. Liu won the hand with her K7 good to take the pot, Heinzelmann showing 87. – SB
2.55pm: Liu into second place
Xuan Liu is now just behind Rupert Elder with 11,320,000 after rivering Broadway against Max Heinzelmann. Liu had three-bet pre-flop from the button and had c-bet 530,000 into the AJ3 flop, which Heinzelmann had called in the cut-off.
The 9 turn was checked before Heinzelmann led 1,305,000 into the 10 river. Liu clicked it back to 2,610,000 and Heinzelmann made what looked like a very grudging call. Liu showed KQ for the nuts. Heinzelmann drops to 4,200,000. — RD
2.44pm: De Vivo out in 5th place (€220,000)
Francesco de Vivo departs in fifth place, the third elimination in four hands. De Vivo was short stacked, and when he found Q9 in the big blind when Xuan Liu raised all-in in the small blind he called. Liu turned over 4J but caught a card on the 274 flop. The A turn and 5 river did nothing. De Vivo, the last Italian in the field, out in fifth place earning €220,000. – SB
2.42pm: Elder out in front, Manigrasso out in 6th (€170,000)
Rupert Elder is a huge chip leader with 12,345,000 after knocking out Massimilano Manigrasso in a cooler of a hand. Manigrasso four-bet shoved for 2,700,000 and was snap called by Elder.
Elder: KK
Manigrasso: QQ
Manigrasso takes home €170,000. That’s a second quick knockout. — RD
2.39pm: Costantino Russo out in seventh place
Costantino Russo moved all-in for his last 1,400,000 which Xuan Liu called, showing AQ. Russo showed 99.
The board ran J6A310 to send Russo to the rail, earning €125,000. – SB
2.35pm: De Vivo gets shorter
Massimiliano Manigrasso opened for 225,000 in middle position, getting a call from Francesco de Vivo on the button. The flop came JQ4 and Manigrasso bet another 285,000, which De Vivo called for a 5 turn. Both checked for a 9 rover. More checking, Manigrasso showing Q10 to take the pot. – SB
2.30pm: Russo moves in
Xuan Liu opened for 200,000 and Costantino Russo moved all-in from the small blind for over a million. Liu quickly passed. — RD
2.25pm: Elder puts in the four-bet
Rupert Elder opened the button for 200,000 and was called by Max Heinzelmann before Xuan Liu squeezed to 585,000 from the big blind. Elder came back over the top for 1,350,000 piling the pressure back onto Liu. The Canadian passed and drops to 5,400,000. — RD
2.24pm: New level action
Rupert Elder opened from middle position, but got no action. The same went for Massimiliano Manigrasso in the next hand when he moved all-in for 1,780,000 after a Max Heinzelmann bet of 200,000.
Francesco de Vivo was next to go all in, he took shoving behind a bet from Heinzelmann. No takers for him though. We play on. – SB
2.15pm: Play restarts
We’re into Level 29 with blinds of 50,000-100,000, with a 10,000 ante.
2pm: End of the level
That’s break time. Play pauses for 15 minutes.
1.55pm: Greenstein doesn’t like Lyov’s shove
Barry Greenstein is now in the EPT Live commentary box and is confronted by a Max Lykov shove from the small blind into Rupert Elder. How many hands would you be shoving 25 big blinds from the small blind, Greenstein was asked. “None,” he replied.
That’s the beauty about poker, you can get two winning players who approach the game very differently. End of level and a 15 minute break. — RD
1.40pm: Small pots
Constanino Russo opened for 160,000 in the cut off before Max Lykov moved all-in from the small blind for about 1,700,000. Russo passed.
On the next hand Rupert Elder and Max Heinzelmann played a hand for the first time together, Heinzelmann taking the chips pre-flop, three-betting to 405,000 after Elder’s opening 160,000.
Lykov was soon in action again, raising to 160,000 from middle position but finding no takers. – SB
1.30pm: Rupert the Elder
Rupert Elder opened for 160,000 in middle position which Constantino Russo called from the big blind for a flop of 22Q. Both checked that for a 10 turn card. Russo checked to Elder to bet 160,000 which was again called. On the 9 river Russo kept up the checking, but folded to an Elder bet of 275,000. – SB
1.25pm: Spada out in 8th (€81,950)
The short stacked Roberto Spada moved his 550,000 across the line and Max Lykov moved all-in to isolate.
Spada: K3
Lykov: A9
The 1047J8 board blanked out for both players and Spada is the first player to bust from this final table. Spada started the day third in chips, it really didn’t go well for the Italian. Lykov has chipped up to 1,700,000. — RD
1.20pm: Action from Elder
Xuan Liu lays down a hand against Rupert Elder who three-bet her opener from the big blind. When she called for a flop KQ10 Elder bet 325,000, good enough to take the pot. — SB
1.15pm: Lykov gets a fold, back over a million
Max Lykov picked up an important pot after shoving from the big blind for 965,000. Francesco De Vivo opened for 180,000 and Lykov insta-shoved. De Vivo passed and Lykov is up to around 1,150,000. — RD
1.05pm: Second double up for Liu
Xuan Liu gets her second double up, taking her stack to more than 5,000,000 after a battle of the blinds with Roberto Spada.
Liu opened for 215,000 in the small blind which Spada called from the big for a flop of 1094. Liu then bet 235,000 which Spada raised to 560,000. Liu then moved all-in which Spada soon called showing A10 to Liu’s KK. The turn came 3, the river K. Spada plunges down to 550,000. – SB
12.58pm: Double for De Vivo, then for Liu
Francesco De Vivo has just doubled through Xuan Liu after the Canadian opened to 160,000 from under-the-gun. De Vivo moved all-in, Liu called. Tens for De Vivo and pocket fives for Liu. The board blanked out to move De Vivo up to 1,700,000.
That put Liu down to 1,200,000 which all went in the very next hand from the big blind to a 205,000 open from Roberto Spada from under-the-gun. Spada snap called.
Liu: JJ
Spada: 1010
The board ran out 3956K for Liu to double up and see Spada’s decline continue. — RD
12.52pm: Heinzelmann strikes
Max Hinzelmann opened before Roberto Spada three bet to 445,000 in the cut off. Heinzelmann called for a flop of 4Q10. Heinzelmann then checked to Spada who bet 865,000. Heinzelmann then raised to 2,125,000 sending Spada into the tank. No, not this time. He passes. A big pot for Heinzelmann, now up to 8,730,000. – SB
12.45pm: Lykov loses out to Manigrasso
Max Lykov opened to 120,000 and was called by Massimiliano Manigrasso, who check-called a 479 flop before leading 230,000 and winning the pot. — RD
12.38pm: A Heinzelmann pass
Roberto Spada takes a pot opened by Max Heinzelmann on a board of 732. Spada showed QJ to take it down. – SB
12.35pm: Liu lets loose
Chip leader Rupert Elder opened the button to 120,000 and Xuan Liu three-bet to 290,000. Elder passed and Liu picked up a small but important pot. — RD
12.28pm: Early pots
Uneventful start. Both Roberto Spada and Max Heinzelmann opened pots and swiped the blinds. — RD
12.15pm: Cards in the air
Play has started at the final table.
12.12pm: Who’s that guy?
Check out the profiles of all the players on the Final Table Player Profiles page.
12.12pm: From the tournament floor
Gloria Balding introduces the final table of EPT San Remo.
12.10pm: Live feed
Oooo, you’re in for a treat today. Marc Convey, yes, he of the PokerStars blog, is leading EPT Live today. Reprising the Nick Wealthall/James Hartigan role, Convey will be showcasing the action and trying to keep David Tuckman from incorrectly calling the action. Be gentle with him. — RD
12pm: Seat draw reminder
There is no seat redraw today as the players return eight-handed to the final table following the elimination of Luigi Pignataro yesterday afternoon.
Seat 1. Francesco De Vivo, Italy – 1,090,000
Seat 2. Max Lykov, Russia, Team PokerStars Pro — 1,495,000
Seat 3. Rupert Elder, United Kingdom – 8,005,000
Seat 4. Max Heinzelmann, Germany – 7,885,000
Seat 5. Xuan Liu, Canada – 1,740,000
Seat 6. Roberto Spada, Italy, 4,775,000
Seat 7. Massimiliano Manigrasso, Italy – 1,980,000
Seat 8. Costantino Russo, Italy – 2,565,000
Play is due to start, well, now. Delays are inevitable when you get TV crews or poker players involved. Both? It’s a hiding to nothing. — RD
11.40am: Welcome to the final table
Welcome to the final table of the European Poker Tour main event in San Remo. A total of 987 players started this event, six days later just eight remain. They’re now arriving at Casino San Remo, making their way into the theatre to face off for a first prize of €930,000.
While we force coffee and carbohydrates down ahead of the start, read all about how these players got here by reading yesterday’s match report.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
Four weeks ago Ben Wilinofsky swaggered his way to a first European Poker Tour title in Berlin, his prize earned after what was a mesmerising performance, pivoting on his early accumulation of more than half the chips in play. It was an advantage the Canadian never wavered from pressing home.
His opponents that day had been capable, but of those one stood out as perhaps his greatest obstacle, Maximilian Heinzelmann.
Back in the German capital, Heinzelmann could not quite get the better of Wilinofsky, always playing in his shadow, as Wilinofsky sparkled both on and off the table. But the German could undoubtedly play a bit and his second place finish could quite easily have been a first.
Now he may get that win, almost leading tonight in San Remo, with 7,800,000 chips, just 120,000 (two big blinds) behind chip leader Rupert Elder, and looking to put his Berlin misfortune to rest.
The 21-year-old German dominated Day 5 today to make his second EPT final in a row, starting on the outer tables before finishing appropriately under the glare of the TV lights, where at times it seemed every flop dealt was made for television.
Heinzelmann’s surge began at the expense of the chip leader coming into today, Nicolas Yunis. Yunis had four-bet shoved for around a million chips which Heinzelmann snap called with pocket kings. Yunis was beaten, out in 16th, while for Heinzelmann it was the start of an incredible surge towards the final.
While all that was going on Elder was doing the same on the outer table.
There may have been less of the attention, but as far as Elder was concerned the conditions were perfect. Elder started by taking chips from everyone, notably Nicola Greico, who he dispatched early on with aces, then Constantin Russo, before sending Marco Bognanni to the rail with an untraditional six-deuce-off.
Heinzelmann and Elder will lead what is one of the most talent-filled finals of the season. Even with the departure of former World Champion and Team PokerStars Pro Joe Cada, as well as impressive English player Andrew Teng, the final could prove an undiluted masterpiece, an epic piece of theatre, on stage at Casino San Remo.
Max Lykov will likely play a part in it. When it comes to setting records, even two final tables in a row holds no sway over becoming the first double-EPT-winner, which is exactly what Lykov stands poised to do.
The Russian was among the leaders last night, while tomorrow will return in seventh place. Few would doubt he has the will, but his stack will look miniature when lined up against that of Elder and Heinzelmann, both directly to his left. To win EPT number two Lykov will have to overcome his biggest challenge yet.
Of course, these things don’t always go according to plan, and while Xuan Liu will attempt to become only the fourth female winner of an EPT (the second in a row here, following Liv Boeree 12 months ago), Francesco de Vivo makes his second final table, following Copenhagen in Season 6. Meanwhile the likes of Roberto Spada, Massimiliano Manigrasso and Constantino Russo, meat and two veg players, will be looking to corrupt the history making, or any attempt to satisfy the sentimentally needy.
Here’s how they’ll line up:
Seat 1. Francesco De Vivo, Italy – 1,090,000
Seat 2. Max Lykov, Russia, Team PokerStars Pro — 1,495,000
Seat 3. Rupert Elder, United Kingdom – 8,005,000
Seat 4. Max Heinzelmann, Germany – 7,885,000
Seat 5. Xuan Liu, Canada – 1,740,000
Seat 6. Roberto Spada, Italy, 4,775,000
Seat 7. Massimiliano Manigrasso, Italy – 2,000,000
Seat 8. Costantino Russo, Italy – 2,565,000
Read all about the exploits of these eight, and those no longer with us, by clicking through the links below. You can also find details of those eliminated on the prize winners page.
Level 24 (cont.) & 25 updates
Level 26 & 27 updates
Now to the final table, which will begin at 12 noon tomorrow.
All of today’s action can be found in the usual German, Dutch and Italian formats, and you’re can thank photographer Neil Stoddart for the superlative images.
That’s it from us for today. We now head for our meditative oxygen chamber to prepare for tomorrow. Don’t forget EPT Live will be in action for the final table, with David Tuckman and our very own (take him, he’s yours) Marc Convey in the commentary booth. Details of that tomorrow.
Until then, it’s goodnight from San Remo.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
6.25pm: Pignataro busts in ninth to end play
The first hand hand back after the redraw and Luigi Pignataro shoved 88 into the aces of Costantino Russo. It’s a tough bust out for Pignataro who has played some great, solid poker here over the last few days. He takes home €50,000 which he can add to the €30,000 he won for finishing 23rd in this event last year.
Full wrap and chip counts to come. — RD
6.18pm: Play resumes
Apart from the actual bubble, 9th place has to be the most painful position to be eliminated in. Who will be the unfortunate player to get so near to a prestigious EPT final table? Play has just resumed so stayed tuned in to find out. — MC
6.10pm: Final nine seat draw
Seat 1. Francesco De Vivo, Italy – 1,095,000
Seat 2. Max Lykov, Russia, Team PokerStars Pro — 1,500,000
Seat 3. Rupert Elder, United Kingdom – 8,010,000
Seat 4. Max Heinzelmann, Germany – 7,890,000
Seat 5. Xuan Liu, Canada – 1,745,000
Seat 6. Roberto Spada, Italy, 4,780,000
Seat 7. Massimiliano Manigrasso, Italy – 2,015,000
Seat 8. Luigi Pignataro, Italy – 910,000
Seat 9. Costantino Russo, Italy – 1,590,000
5.55pm: Venneri calls off with king high to bust in 10th
Antonino Venneri is out after busting to the other shortest stack at the table, Xuan Liu. The two were in the blinds and the pot was limped to the 73A flop.
Venneri bet 100,000 here and on the A turn and Liu check-called both times. The river came 7 and and Liu moved all-in and Venneri snap called with K10. Liu tabled 78 for a full house, the pot and the scalp.
All the players will reconvene on the feature table now. We lose one more player and that’s the final table set for tomorrow. — MC
5.50pm: Heinzelmann continuing to bash the table
Max Heinzelmann is continuing to exert his dominance and just forced Luigi Pignataro to fold an ace. The Italian opened for 130,000 and Heinzelmann three-bet to 270,000. Pignataro passed his hand flashing a red ace before doing so. — RD
5.48pm: Marco Bognanni out in 11th
We’re playing in a theatre so it’s only fitting that there should be some drama, and we have Rupert Elder to thank for that.
It was no great display, no screaming melodrama, just the subtle turning over of a devastating hand.
On a flop of 534 Marco Bognanni began a series of check-calling. Elder bet 140,000, which was called. Bognanni then check called a 285,000 bet on the 10 turn. On the 9 river Elder announced “I’m all in.” Bognanni leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. Then he said “I call.”
At that instant Elder flipped up 62 and Bognanni’s tournament was over. – SB
5.38pm: Captain Elder
Rupert Elder’s running the outer table at the moment and using his big stack extremely well. He has more than 6,000,000 for the first time now and the last million of those have been won without showdown. An example of this is when he three-bet all-in from the big blind after Costantino Russo raised to 130,000 from the small blind. The Italian had a 30 big blind stack and would’ve needed a very big hand to call seeing as there are four stacks lower than him in the field. — MC
5.25pm: Tough to get callers
Antonino Vennari has been the most active on the outer table, left with little option but fold or shove. He moved in from under-the-gun leaving it to Xuan Liu to call. She passed though, as did everyone else did when he next moved in from the small blind. – SB
5.20pm: Teng turned over in 12th (€40,000)
Andrew Teng has just been eliminated by Max Heinzelmann, who is putting in a steamrolling performance at this TV table. A short stacked Teng was forced to get it in with A3 and was looked up by Heinzelmann with A5.
Another exciting flop, 937, hit both players destroying the chance of a chopped pot. The turn finished the hand with the Q as Heinzelmann made the nuts. The German, who finished runner-up at EPT Berlin, is stretching out at the top with 7,000,000. — RD
5.15pm: Heinzelmann takes on Spada
Max Heinzelmann has taken some more chips, this time from Roberto Spada. On a 549 flop Heinzelmann led around 125,000 and three-bet after Spada raised to 310,000. Spada passed (cameras cut away from the three-bet amount). Heinzelmann up to 5,300,000. — RD
5.12pm: Cada out in 13th, Heinzelmann takes chip lead
Joe Cada has just busted out after getting it all-in with K9 against Max Heinzelmann’s JJ. There have been some action-packed flops on this feature table today and the dealer didn’t break that trend; A45. The turn was a blank 10 but the river gave a flash of red. It was the 4 and Cada rose to his feet; so close, yet to so far. The Team PokerStars Pro takes €35,000 for his deep run.
Heinzelmann up to nearly 6,000,000 and takes the chip lead from Rupert Elder, who is still well chipped on over 5,000,000. — RD
5.08pm: Aces baby
Massimiliano Manigrasso raised to 130,000 from under-the-gun and called when Francesco De Vivo three-bet to 280,000 from the hijack. The flop came down J109 and Manigrasso bet 350,000 (out of 900,000) and took the pot down and then showed AA. — MC
5pm: Vennari charmed
Antonino Vennari just moved all-in for 450,000 from under the gun. It was folded around to Xuan Liu in the big blind who called immediately, showing A7. Vennari turned over K6.
The flop came J910 to give Vennari more outs. The 2 didn’t help but the 6 river card did. Vennari doubles. Strangely, Massimiliano Manigrasso seemed even more delighted. — SB
4.57pm: Cada down to 30 big blinds
Joe Cada has slipped a little further down the chip charts after losing a small pot to Max Heinzelmann. The former world champ is down to 1,500,000, some 30 big blinds, so the American Team PokerStars Pro still has plenty of room for manoeuvre. — RD
4.55pm: Play resumes
Cards are back in the air.
4.40pm: Level ends
It’s break time again. Players are on a 15 minute break.
4.38pm: Bolzoni busted in 14th (€35,000)
The actual last hand of the level was played on the TV feature table and it saw Diego Bolzoni sent to the rail in 14th place. Roberto Spada had done the serious damage earlier, it was the same said Italian to land the final blow.
On a 88A2 board the players got it all-in with Bolzoni’s AJ trailing Spada’s A[k]. The Q river was not of the nine outs that Bolzoni needed to win or chop the pot. Bolzoni departs as Spada chips up to close to 4,000,000. — RD
4.35pm: Manigrasso spikes on the river to survive
Massimiliano Manigrasso was all but out the door until the river came to his rescue to double him up.
Antonino Venneri raised to 130,000 from the cut-off and took a surprisingly long time to call when Manigrasso moved all-in for 1,125,000 from the small blind.
Manigrasso: AJ
Venneri: KK
The board ran QJ75A to make Manigrasso two-pair. This blogger is now deaf thanks to the dangerously high decibel level reached with the celebrations.
That was also the last hand of this level. Join us back here in 15 minutes. — MC
4.32pm: Bolzoni doubles through Heinzelmann
Diego Bolzoni has just doubled up to 900,000 through Max Heinzelmann. The German had opened from the hijack and Bolzoni moved all-in for around 450,000. The action passed back around to Heinzelmann who made the call.
Heinzelmann: 107
Bolzoni: QQ
The 9QK flop gave plenty of possibilities, which was increase with the 8 turn. “Too many outs,” said a German colleague. Indeed. The 8 rivered big hands for both players, the flush for Heinzelmann and a full house for Bolzoni.
Also, Andy Teng joined the feature table a short while ago to fill the void left by Marco Fabbrini’s exit. — RD
4.25pm: Pot to Vanneri
Antonino Vanneri just took down a pot, having opened from the cut off pre-flop. Massimiliano Manigrasso called and it came 105A. Vanneri then bet 150,000 again, lunging it forward like you might reach forward in a game of air hockey. Manigrasso passed. — SB
4.20pm: Monsters clash, Spada breaks 3m
I’m a little facts-lite here thanks to cameras cutting away before revealing all the action. The feed showed that Diego Bolzoni opened from the cut-off and was either three-bet or called by Roberto Spada on the button (I think it was flatted)>
Bolzoni checked the 107J flop over to Spada who checked it back. Bolzoni then led into the K turn (again the camera cut before I could see how much) and Spada quickly waved his hands forward to announce that he was all-in for around 1,600,000. Bolzoni made the call.
Spada: AQ for the Broadway straight
Bolzoni: KK for top set
Bolzoni needed the board to pair. It didn’t and Bolzoni dropped to 600,000. Spada is now sitting on 3,200,000. — RD
4.15pm: Liu finds a jack to double-up
Xuan Liu is back in the game after coming from behind to double-up to over 1,500,000 chips.
The action folded to her in the small blind and she moved all-in for 765,000. Antonino Venneri was her opponent in the big blind and he had already looked at his cards and made a snap call, causing Liu to utter, “Oops”.
Liu: J2
Venneri: A10
The board ran 4KJ99 to make Liu two-pair. Venneri was on his feet and backed away from the table, shaking his head in disbelief. — MC
4.06pm: Fabbrini can’t hold on, out in 15th
Short stacked Marco Fabbrini was going to need a little luck to get back into this tournament and when he got it in with JJ against Max Lykov’s AQ, and flopped top set on a J48 board, it looked like the opening he was looking for.
Then the 10 turn brought the possibility of a gutshot, which duly arrived with the K on the river. Lykov chips back up to 2,500,000, Fabbrini takes home €30,000. 14 players left. — RD
4pm: Yunis out in 16th, Heinzelmann stacking up
Nick Yunis (as I’ve just been told he prefers) has just busted to Max Heinzlemann. Yunis had opened the button 100,000 and the aggressive young German three-bet to 245,000. Yunis moved all-in (it was difficult to see how much for given that we’re following a TV feed but it must have been close to a million). Heinzelmann instantly called.
Heinzelmann: KK
Yunis: 10J
The 69Q flop gave a decent sweat but the Q turn cut Yunis’ outs significantly as a king would bring the straight and the full house. Of course, the K arrived. The overnight chip leader takes home €30,000. Heinzelmann now up to nearly 3,700,000. — RD
3.55pm: Elder and De Vivo
Rupert Elder opened for 100,000 from the button which Francisco de Vivo called in the small blind. The flop came 107Q which both players checked for a 9 turn. De Vivo checked to Elder who bet 120,000, which the Italian called for a 3 before checking again. Elder bet another 150,000 which was called. De Vivo won the pot showing KQ to Elder’s Q2. – SB
3.50pm: Lykov’s bullying backfires
Max Lykov opened for 105,000 from the hijack and was three-bet to 290,000 by Luigi Pignataro out of the big blind. The Russian Team Pro thought for a short while before coming back over the top for 475,000. Pignataro would not be budged from his hand and announced that he was all-in for over 1,500,000. Lykov passed allowing Pignataro to scoop half-a-million uncontested. Lykov still well chipped with 2,700,000. — RD
3.48pm: Russo doubles
Costantino Russo just doubled up through Xuan Liu. Liu had opened for 105,000 before Russo moved all-in for roughly 900,000. With the action folded back to her she asked how much before calling, turning over AJ to Russo’s JJ.
The board ran 294K6 to leave Russo about 2,000,000, while Liu drops to around half of that. – SB
3.45pm: Fabbrini gets it in with kings
Short stacked Marco Fabbrini opened under-the-gun for 125,000 and was called by fellow Italian Diego Bolzoni in the cut-off. Fabbrini c-bet into the 2310 flop and Bolzoni moved all-in for the remainder of his stack. Insta-call.
Both players held pocket kings and the pot was chopped. Fabbrini looked understandably irritated. He’s still short and will have to get it in again soon. — RD
3.44pm: Spontaneous applause for De Vivo’s fold
Francesco De Vivo just three-bet a quarter of his stack and folded whilst holding QQ. How he found the fold is anyone’s guess but it turned out to be a good fold, for him.
Antonino Venneri opened to 100,000 from under-the-gun before De Vivo three-bet to 250,000 from the button. The action was back on Venneri and he quickly moved all-in. De Vivo had just under 800,000 behind and folded. Venneri showed him KK and that is when De Vivo opened his holding and he received a round of applause from the railing Italians. — MC
3.31pm: No respect for Elder
Xuan Lui just won a pot, then lost a pot. In the first she raised to 260,000 from the cut off after Rupert Elder opened for 105,000 in early position. He then folded.
In the next Lui opened for 105,000 in middle position before Antonino Venneri called for a flop of 9J6. Lui bet another 130,000 but Vanneri raised to 400,000, forcing her out. – SB
3.26pm: TV table draw
We have an incredible feature table.
Seat one: Team PokerStars Pro Max Lykov – 2,941,000
Seat two: Roberto Spada – 1,630,000
Seat three: Team PokerStars Pro Joe Cada – 2,180,000
Seat four: Marco Fabbrini, 400,000
Seat five: Luigi Pignataro – 2,112,000
Seat six: Nicolas Yunis – 1,165,000
Seat seven: Max Heinzelmann – 1,875,000
Seat eight: Diego Bolzoni – 2,217,000
Max Heinzelmann is getting incredibly close to making back to back final tables. — -RD
3.25pm: The look of the outer table
After the table balancing here’s how the outer table now looks:
Seat 1. Andrew Teng
Seat 2. Rupert Elder
Seat 3. Francesco De Vivo
Seat 4. Marco Bognanni
Seat 5. Xuan Liu
Seat 6. Antonino Venneri
Seat 7. Costantino Russo
Seat 8. Massimiliano Manigrasso
3.21pm: Re-balance
With this most recent departure just 16 players remain. That means three tables become two, with a new line up at each coming right up. — SB
3.20pm: Kamal Choraria out in 17th place
Kamal Choraria is out, having moved in for 475,000 behind a bet of 105,000 from Rupert Elder. Elder called showing K7 to Choraria ’s 66 which he threw face up towards Elder.
The board ran 4K3J4. Choraria was out of his chair on the turn, and out of the tournament on the river. — SB
3.16pm: Farbbrini flips back up to 10 big blinds
Marco Fabbrini is still in. Just. The short stacked Italian shoved from the small blind just before the break, into Luigi Pignataro for his last 300,000 and was quickly called.
Fabbrini: K7
Pignataro: QJ
The window card was a queen but the board ran out KAQ3A to double Farbbrini up. Fabbrini’s exultation was quickly reigned in when the realisation set in that he was still very short with around ten big blinds. — RD
3.15pm: Into Level 26
The new level is about to begin.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
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