Poker Merit Cyprus Classic 3,5/5 6082 votes

The first-ever World Poker Tour Merit Cyprus Classic has crowned a champion, and it is Frenchman Thomas Bichon. The $10,000 no-limit hold’em event attracted 181 players who created a top prize worth $579,165. The top 18 players were awarded prize money at the event, and many top professionals found themselves in the money. They included Tommy Vedes (18th), Anthony Lellouche (14th), Kelly Kim (11th), Layne Flack (10th), Nenad Medic (ninth), Jonathan Little (eighth), and Huck Seed (seventh).

2012 World Poker Tour Merit Cyprus Classic – Combined Day 1 Chip Leaders. David “Chino” Rheem – 291,500 2. Maxim Panyak – 255,800 3. Husnu Sincar – 247,500 4. Merit Poker Classic, Kyrenia. 2.1k away from Montenegro, as the crow flies, lies the Merit Crystal Cove in Kyrenia, and between Wed 8 and Sat 11 May, there will be a $25,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller as part of the Merit Poker Classic.

The final table of six players began with Rony Jazzar leading the way in chips, but surprisingly, he was the first to hit the rail in sixth place ($73,535) after bluffing off a huge portion of his stack against Rep Porter. On his final hand, Jazzar moved all in with K-Q against Uri Keidar on a Q-7-5-2 board that held two spades. Keidar held 8 6, and when the 10 fell on the river, Jazzar’s tournament was over. Janar Kiivermees fell in fifth place ($90,835) after he looked down at pocket fives and decided to move all in. Steven Fung called him down with pocket nines, and they held up to win the pot.

Four-handed action came next, and it proved to be the longest stretch of play at the final table. After three hours of battle, Rep Porter (Q 10) decided to pin his tournament hopes on a flush draw against Thomas Bichon on a board of 9 5 3. Bichon called him down with pocket nines, and the board bricked out for Porter, who was eliminated in fourth place ($121,115).

Bichon scored his second elimination when his J-5 dominated the 9-5 of Fung preflop. The board cooperated for Bichon, and Fung busted out of play in third place ($216,275). This hand also made Bichon the overwhelming chip leader with 5.6 million against the 1.6 million of Keidar heading into heads-up play.

That edge was insurmountable for Keidar, who fell on the second hand of heads-up play. Keidar raised to 350,000 preflop, from the button and Bichon reraised all in. Keidar thought for a moment and then made the call. Their cards:

Bichon: 7 7
Keidar: J 10

Board: A K 7 10 3

Keidar was eliminated in second place ($380,645), and Bichon captured the WPT title. Bichon also took home the first-place prize money of $579,615.

Poker Merit Cyprus Classic League

Here are the final results:

1st: Thomas Bichon — $579,165
2nd: Uri Keidar — $380,645
3rd: Steven Fung — $216,275
4th: Rep Porter — $121,115
5th: Janar Kiivramees — $90,835
6th: Rony Jazzar — $73,535

The next WPT event will take place at the Borgata Poker Open from Sept. 19-24.

WPT No-Limit Hold'em Championship - Event 3 Coverage:

MyLounge:

Relax while you’re away from the tables in your exclusive partypoker LIVE lounge. It’s your dedicated members-only area where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments, massages and hookah in between all the action.

The MyLounge at the Merit Poker Classic at Merit Crystal Cove Hotel is open from Thursday 2nd – Sunday 12th May between 2pm – 1am.

Come along and see us at the Scala Bar!

MyDeals:

You can take advantage of some great deals negotiated for you during your stay in North Cyprus

20% Discount on Spa Treatments at the Crystal Spa
20% Discount at A La Carte Restaurants Lambusa and Ottoman Kebab House
20% Discount on Water Sport Activities at Merit Crystal Cove
20% Discount on Hookah within Merit Crystal Cove

These deals will be available to you from the lounge with your membership card. You are free to attend any activities at your own leisure. For more information visit the MyLounge during the event.

Visit MyLounge, located in the Scala Bar of Merit Crystal Cove Hotel, with your partypoker LIVE app logged in to collect your membership card and enjoy all these benefits. Your MyMembership card will guarantee you access to the lounge during the event and beneficiate your offers and deals.

MyParty:

Poker Merit Cyprus Classic Cars For Sale

You’re also invited to our exclusive ‘Arabian Nights’ MyParty taking place in the Maxim Royale on Thursday 9th May starting at 10:30pm – 2am.

Poker Merit Cyprus Classic Car Auctions

Poker Merit Cyprus Classic Horse Show

Refreshments are included and we have some special entertainment lined up for you!

Players must be partypoker LIVE members to attend the party, with a valid MyMembership card. For More info, visit the MyLounge during the event, or email mymembership@mypartypokerlive.com