EPT Cyprus Main Event: Bobby James Leads on Day 3 in an Exhilarating Showdown
The resplendent Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, nestled along the picturesque Mediterranean coast, recently set the stage for an electrifying poker event that seamlessly blended luxury and high-stakes competition. Week one of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus attracted players from around the globe, all vying for the coveted title of EPT Champion. As Day 3 of the EPT Cyprus Main Event drew to a close, a mere 45 players remained with dreams of claiming the prestigious title alive.
Bobby James Shines Bright
At the end of an action-packed Day 3, it was none other than Bobby James who found himself at the top of the leaderboard with an impressive chip count of 2,605,000. James’s ascent to the lead came courtesy of two critical pots, showcasing his immense skill and a touch of fortune.
In a particularly remarkable hand, James managed to river the nut flush, claiming victory over Akin Tuna’s flopped straight, along with a king-high flush, which skyrocketed his chip count to 1,600,000. Not long after, James faced Maksim Rogov and successfully navigated a showdown with pocket aces up against Rogov’s kings, pushing his stack past the 2 million mark.
Close Contenders: Zhugralin and Joyce
Hot on James’s heels was Damir Zhugralin, who finished the day in second place with 2,410,000 chips. Zhugralin’s journey was defined by a pivotal moment when he faced a critical decision for his tournament life. Finding himself with a set of sevens against Fahredin Mustafov, he had the foresight to call, ultimately besting Mustafov’s bluff.
Meanwhile, Philip Joyce marked his territory as a formidable contender, closing Day 3 with a robust stack of 2,175,000. Joyce’s chip growth was solidified after he heroically snap-called Natan Chauskin’s all-in on the river, revealing his full house. He later amplified his stack by snuffing out a bluff from Taago Tamm, aptly demonstrating his prowess at the table.
Top Ten Chip Counts After Day 3
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 2,605,000 | 174 |
| 2 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 2,410,000 | 161 |
| 3 | Philip Joyce | United Kingdom | 2,175,000 | 145 |
| 4 | Daniel Jackson | United Kingdom | 1,560,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Lander Lijo | Spain | 1,490,000 | 99 |
| 6 | Roeland Peeks | Netherlands | 1,350,000 | 90 |
| 7 | Adrien Quetelart | France | 1,275,000 | 85 |
| 8 | Artsiom Lasouski | Belarus | 1,240,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Christopher Nguyen | Austria | 1,200,000 | 80 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,195,000 | 80 |
The top ten featured notable players like Daniel Jackson (1,560,000), Lander Lijo (1,490,000), and Artsiom Lasouski (1,240,000), while established competitors such as Chakib Mhiri (1,140,000) and Samuel Dray (870,000) also maintained viable stacks.
The Quest for Consecutive Final Tables
Interestingly, two players from last year’s inaugural EPT Cyprus Main Event found themselves in strikingly familiar waters: Andrea Dato, who finished as runner-up, and Halil Tasyurek, who placed fourth. With respective chip counts of 780,000 and 965,000, both are keen on replicating their previous successes and etching their names in EPT history.
Adding to the narrative of legacy, Anton Wigg, the 2010 EPT Copenhagen champion, still strives to join the elite ranks of two-time winners as he approaches Day 4 in tenth place.
Day 3 Bustouts: Talent Meets Misfortune
Despite the exciting moments, Day 3 also witnessed the unfortunate exits of several poker heavyweights. Among them was Adrian Mateos, eliminated in 124th place after a straight-over-straight cooler. Team PokerStars Pro Benjamin Spragg was also sent packing, falling in 115th after a river that bolstered Mihiri’s hand against his top pair.
The day wasn’t devoid of drama, as three EPT champions—including Sebastian Malec and Nicolas Chouity—also succumbed to the intense competition toward the end of the night.
Looking Ahead: Day 4 Promises More Action
As the tournament progresses, the remaining 45 players are guaranteed a minimum cash of $18,240 from a total prize pool of $6,227,400. However, aspirations run high, with a coveted final table spot guaranteeing at least $123,400—while the ultimate champion walks away with a staggering $1,030,000 plus the esteemed EPT trophy.
The action resumes tomorrow at noon local time, continuing into Level 21, where blinds of 10,000/15,000 and a 15,000 big blind ante will set the pace. With the average stack still worth nearly 60 big blinds, players will face both opportunity and challenge as they venture deeper into the heart of this thrilling tournament.
Conclusion
As Day 3 of the EPT Cyprus Main Event has come to a close, anticipation builds for Day 4. With Bobby James currently leading the charge, his rivals remain poised to upset the hierarchy. Will James maintain his lead, or will a dark horse emerge from the pack? The luxurious backdrop of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa serves as the perfect setting for such an epic showdown. Stay tuned as PokerNews delivers live updates and coverage from this prestigious event.
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