Day 1b

Below you can find the entry numbers for the two completed flights.

Below are the chip counts after Day 1b:

Level 16: 3,000/6,000 (6,000)
Entries: 53/353

The hand-for-hand mode of the bubble only lasted two hands. While nothing happened during the first hand, the second hand saw an all-in and a call at Table 12.

Eliyahu Yamin was all-in with KXQX against Carsten Mawick with 5X5X.

The board fell AX7X4X5XTX and just like that Eliyahu Yamin was eliminated and the remaining 53 players are guaranteed a spot in the money.

We will come back with full counts in a bit.

Eliyahu Yamin leaves the tournament

With 55 / 353 entries left, we enter the last break of the day. After that, the bubble looms as 53 spots will be paid and only two more players will bust without getting paid.

Level 16: 3,000/6,000 (6,000)
Entries: 55/353

At Table 11 we witnessed David Keuftedjian lose his last hand and his tournament seat a few spots before the money ranks.

With already 50k in the middle on the turn the board read A♠J♣5♦2♠ and Keuftedjian bet 30k. His only opponent, Mariano Bucca called.

The river fell 4♦ and Keuftedjian moved all-in for a few 10k more. Bucca immediately called again and tabled A♥J♦ for a flopped two pair. Keuftedjian turned over A♣2♣ for a turned worse two pair.

As Bucca had him barely covered, Keuftedjian was left with no chips and had to leave the tournament.

Mariano Bucca – 165,000
David Keuftedjian – 0

Mariano Bucca stacks his chips after winning

Level 16: 3,000/6,000 (6,000)
Entries: 61/353

At Table 11 Liron Kroani moved all-in from middle position for roughly 60,000 – 10 big blinds.

After it was folded to Boban Stevanovic in the big blind, he called the all-in. Showdown:

Liron Kroani: Q♠Q♣
Boban Stevanovic: A♠J♠
Board: A♥A♦8♦K♣K♥

Despite being the underdog, Stevanovic hit a full house and eliminated Liron Kroani.

Boban Stevanovic – 155,000
Liron Kroani – 0

Boban Stevanovic counting his newfound chips

Level 15: 2,000/4,000 (4,000)
Entries: 64/353

The hand started with Alberto Cigliano raising to 8k from middle position. Behind him, Andrius Janca moved all-in for 59,500. In the big blind Sebastiano Caruso mulled over his options and eventually called. After Cigliano folded, the hands were revealed.

Andrius Janca: J♠J♥
Sebastiano Caruso: T♥T♣

The board fell T♦9♣8♥Q♥3♠ – giving Caruso a set but a straight to Janca who managed to double up while Caruso is left with only a handful of big blinds.

Andrius Janca – 135,000
Sebastiano Caruso – 26,000

Andrius Janca after the double-up

Emma Oliver Wins Back-to-Back BoM Ladies Events

The €150 Ladies Event is in the books after United Kingdom’s Emma Oliver defeated Florence Mazet heads-up to win the title along with the €1,460 top prize.

The Ladies Event attracted 26 entries to create a €3,330 prize pool with four players cashing for at least a €400 min-cash.

Oliver is no stranger to the winner’s circle at the Battle of Malta. She announced before the event on her Facebook that she came specifically to Malta to defend the title she won in the Ladies Event during the last Battle of Malta.

“I was determined to win the trophy back-to-back and I came to Malta specifically with that in mind,” said Oliver. “I would have liked to have also played the Mystery Bounty event but it was more important to defend my title.”

Oliver shared that she is very competitive at the poker tables and enjoyed her heads-up battle with Mazet, who she described as a lovely person. This was despite the fact that Oliver entered the heads-up action with a substantial chip lead only for Mazet to nearly even the stacks up. Oliver regained the momentum before securing the title.

“I want to win a triple title,” said Oliver. “I will be back in the autumn

Uri Gilboa with the double K.O.

Level 15: 2,000/4,000 (4,000)
Entries: 66/353

Rain Moelderkivi went all-in for 33k (a tad over 8 big blinds) from middle position and in the small blind Uri Gilboa called. Behind him in the big blind Alexandru Borcan only had half a big blind left and also called the all-in.

Showdown:

Rain Moelderkivi: A♥Q♣
Uri Gilboa: A♠A♣
Alexandru Borcan: J♠3♥

Board: 8♥7♥5♣3♦6♠

The board didn’t provide enough help for any of Gilboa’s opponents and thus both had to take their leave while Gilboa is up to roughly average stack now.

Uri Gilboa – 120,000
Alexandru Borcan – 0
Rain Moelderkivi – 0

Michele Iracani explains how he hit his set

Level 14: 1,500/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 73/353

Over at Table 8, Michele Iracani just managed to eliminate Jan Maciej. The two were all-in before the flop for roughly 12 big blinds each.

Iracani hat 7X7X while Maciej was on the come with AXKX.

The board improved both players’ holdings: AX9X7X6X3X and with his set, Iracani won the pot and eliminated Maciej.

Michele Iracani – 150,000
Jan Maciej – 0

Level 14: 1,500/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 75/353

Gytis Lazauninkas came from Lithuania to the Battle of Malta with more than two dozen Lithuanians he has in his long-term staking stable. Lazauninkas wasn’t able to get much going on Day 1a and had a rough start today when he lost his first bullet. His second Day 1b bullet is a different story as he just won another hand and in the process sent Shmuel Hadad to the rail.

Lazauninkas opened for 6,000 from under the gun. Hadad three-bet to 16,000 from the small blind and Lazauninkas went into the tank for a couple of minutes before he jammed his big stack. Hadad called off for around 60,000 and the cards were turned over.

Shmuel Hadad: 6♣6♠
Gytis Lazauninkas: A♠K♦

Lazauninkas improved to a better pair than Hadad to eliminate his opponent after the 7♥5♠9♠K♣7♠ ran out on the board.

Gytis Lazauninkas – 320,000
Shmuel Hadad – 0

Gytis Lazauninkas realizes his victory in this intense battle

Level 14: 1,500/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 78/353

Balazs Onodi bet 8,000 into a multiway limped pot after the 3♦2♠Q♠ flop before Daniel Ryder jacked it up to 25,000. By this time the other players were out of the way and Onodi jammed for around 70,000. Ryder called and the cards were turned over.

Balazs Onodi: A♥A♣
Daniel Ryder: 7♠3♠

Ryder had tons of equity with both bottom pair and a flush draw. He had Ononi drawing dead with his rockets after improving to a flush on the T♠ turn and officially eliminated his opponent after the 5♣ river completed the board.

Daniel Ryder – 350,000
Balazs Onodi – 0

Daniel Ryder

Albert Ostrovskij

Level 14: 1,500/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 79/353

From UTG Albert Ostrovskij opened with a raise to 6,500. In middle position, Zlatin Penev re-raised to 16,000. After all the other players folded, Ostrovskij called.

Flop: A♥6♠6♦

After Ostrovskij checked, Penev made it a very tame 4,000 to go. Ostrovskij elected to check-raise to an as tame amount – 10,000. Penev called.

Turn: 8♦

Both players checked this time.

River: 5♥

Now Ostrovskij fired 21,000 and Penev quickly folded his hand, awarding this sizeable pot to Albert Ostrovskij.

Albert Ostrovskij – 180,000
Zlatin Penev – 75,000

Level 14: 1,500/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 81/353

Roberto Lollio three-bet jammed for around a starting stack and was called by Sebastiano Caruso.

Roberto Lollio: 9♣9♠
Sebastiano Caruso: T♣T♠

Lollio was one pair behind and was unable to buck the odds to stay alive on Day 1b after no love came on the 3♦T♦3♣3♠8♠ board to hit the rail.

“Ciao Bello,” Caruso said to Lollio after the hand.

Sebastiano Caruso – 160,000
Roberto Lollio – 0

Sebastiano Caruso

We counted some more chips during the recent break and from our eyeballing, Fabian Rolli is back in the lead for now.

Not the biggest stack, but the best card protector so far

Players are on a 20-minute break. This could in theory be the final one of the day with 83 players remaining and 53 (or less) players advancing to Sunday’s Day 2 through the Day 1b field with at least a min-cash in hand.

We will be updating the biggest stacks from around the room during the break and players will return with blinds at 1,500/3,000 along with a 3,000 big blind ante.

Meanwhile, the Ladies Event has advanced to the heads-up action between French poker journalist Florence Mazet and Emma Oliver, who is also known by some as Em Doll. Oliver has a substantial lead but things can quickly change in heads-up play. We will update more about this event when we have a winner.

Georgios Karakausis shortly before folding

Level 13: 1,000/2,000 (2,000)
Entries: 89/353

At Table 13 Georgios Karakausis opened from the cutoff to 4,000 and in the small blind Alexis Roch called.

The flop came down rather monotonously: Q♣9♣7♣. After a check, Karakausis bet 7,000, and Roch called.

On the 9♥ turn Roch came out betting 13,000 and Karakausis quickly called.

The river fell A♥ and now Roch came guns blazing, firing 55,000. Karakausis took some time, asked for a count, and eventually let go of his hand.

Alexis Roch – 120,000
Georgios Karakausis – 75,000

Level 13: 1,000/2,000 (2,000)
Entries: 93/353

Mary Dvorkin opened from the button and was called by Uri Gilboa from the small blind before Maksym Sheingart three-bet jammed for around 20 big blinds. Dvorkin, who is currently among the chip leaders, folded and Gilboa called.

Maksym Sheingart: K♥T♥
Uri Gilboa: A♠9♠

Gilboa was ahead after both the 2♣8♠J♠ flop and the Q♥ turn. The A♥ river completed the board to further improve Gilboa to the top pair. However, Sheingart won the hand with a Broadway straight and Gilboa expressed his displeasure about the hand as the cards were being shuffled for the next hand.

Mary Dvorkin – 220,000
Uri Gilboa – 90,000
Maksym Sheingart – 85,000

Maksym Sheingart

Level 13: 1,000/2,000 (2,000)
Entries: 94/353

It is always a pleasure to run into Jackie Cachia whenever we happen to be in Malta. Many know her around the local poker community as “Poker Mama” and that is how we’ve known her since we first met close to a decade ago.

Poker Mama just busted from the Main Event but she had a blast she shared. She said she hasn’t been into poker for a little bit of time but she was watching the WSOP action and decided it was time to enjoy poker again.

It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Poker Mama at the end of her Day 1b run as she shared that she first doubled up with aces before the next hand ran her kings into aces to hit the rail.

Poker Mama shared that she was only in for one bullet. So, unfortunately, it was a quick hello and a quick goodbye but we are sure we will see Poker Mama again at the next Battle of Malta in the autumn.

Jackie “Poker Mama” Cachia

Level 12: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 97/353

Haven’t we just been there? Mariano Bucca just doubled through Daniel Ryder. Again.

This time the Italian, who had a stack of roughly 15 big blinds was all-in before the flop with QXJX against Ryder’s TXTX.

The board fell AXKX7X3XQX and with the pair on the river, Bucca claimed this pot as well, just a little while after doubling up through Ryder one orbit before. This time it was a little bit more expensive for Ryder, who is now well below his 300k chip lead.

Daniel Ryder – 220,000
Mariano Bucca – 55,000

Bucca and Ryder – Round Two

Level 12: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 103/353

Watinee Robinson three-bet jammed over an early position opener for about 30 big blinds. Georgios Bakloris called off his stack of slightly less from the blinds and the player that originally opened gave up on his hand.

Georgios Bakloris: A♣5♣
Watinee Robinson: A♠K♠

Both players snagged a piece of the 5♥2♠K♦ flop but Robinson kept ahead the entire way with the J♥ turn and 6♣ river completing the board to eliminate Bakloris and just about double her stack.

Watinee Robinson – 85,000
Georgios Bakloris – 0

Watinee Robinson

Level 12: 1000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 103/353

Meanwhile, at Table 5, Ricardas Lukauskas managed to double up with JXJX against Moreno Ferrari’s 8X8X. Both were all-in preflop and the board ran down AX7X5X9X4X.

After that hand Ferrari was left with two 100 chips – only a fraction of a big blind. He lost those two chips in the next hand when he was all-in with K-J against A-T and his opponent hit an Ace on the river.

Ricardas Lukauskas – 55,000
Moreno Ferrari – 0

Level 12: 1000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 112/353

We finally succeeded in our quest to get a hand with our chip leader Daniel Ryder. Unfortunately, it’s a rather small one. And unfortunately, he lost the hand. But there’s one player that will be happy about the outcome. Mariano Bucca just managed to double up through Ryder.

Bucca shoved all-in from late position with AX6X for less than 10 big blinds and Ryder called with KXQX. All other players folded and the dealer fanned a board of 6X5XJX9X3X – no help for Ryder and a pair for Bucca.

Thus the Italian doubled up and put a tiny dent into Ryder’s still impressively big stack.

Daniel Ryder – 290,000
Mariano Bucca – 30,000

Mariano Bucca and Daniel Ryder

While multiple events are underway in the Casino Malta, our presenter Patrisha met with WSOP bracelet winner Dario Minieri and chatted about poker here in Malta:

Dominik Asztemborski eyes his improved position in the event

Level 11: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 124/353

While we trying to catch a hand with the current chip leader Daniel Ryder (who has close to 300k chips now), we witnessed a hand at the neighboring Table 8.

Dominik Asztemborski, who was having a stack of roughly 30k, open-shoved from middle position for 25 big blinds. Behind him, Matteo Intiso quickly called the All-In. All other players folded.

Asztemborski showed 9X9X and was slightly ahead of Intiso’s AXKX. The board fell TX8X8X7X5X – no help for Intiso and giving a double up to Asztemborski.

Dominik Asztemborski – 63,000
Matteo Intiso – 55,000

The Mystery Bounty event has been providing tons of excitement. Telly Bartolo and Patrisha Rimfire have been busy conducting a fun ceremony for every bounty pull.

The room was buzzing the past five minutes. First, Koen Muetstege snagged the €4,000 mystery bounty prize.

“Not bad,” Meutstege said privately to this reporter with a massive smile. “€4,000!”

Just a couple of minutes later, Giuseppe Dedoni had even more reason to celebrate as he pulled the €10,000 top mystery bounty prize. He was over the moon and enjoying a few moments with his friends before popping back into the action.

Giuseppe Dedoni Wins Top €10K Mystery Bounty

Level 11: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 127/353

Players are back from dinner break and late registration for Day 1b is closed. The field attracted 353 entries to bring the total up to 626 entries when taking into account the 273 entries that battled it out during yesterday’s Day 1a. These figures will still continue to climb with three more opening flights to go and we expect that the €500,000 guarantee will be smashed during tomorrow’s Day 1c.

Day 1b will conclude when the field is down to just 53 hopefuls or 15% of the field. All players bagging chips will already be in the money for at least a min-cash. The amount of the min-cash will be announced later in the event.

Best of luck to all of the Main Event players!

Dinner Break? More like Chip Count Break. We did some counting. Those are the biggest stack in the tournament.

Play commences at around 10pm and then the late reg will close. So far we have 124 / 350 runners in the field.

Saddle your H.O.R.S.E.s

Get ready to trot your way to the poker tables as the Battle of Malta Tournament gallops ahead with its next thrilling side event! In just a few minutes, the H.O.R.S.E. side event will kick off, adding a whole new level of excitement to the poker arena. This multi-faceted tournament is set to challenge even the most seasoned players, testing their skills across five distinct poker disciplines. With a start time of 21:00, participants better saddle up and be prepared to showcase their versatility and adaptability in this prestigious event.

Joining the H.O.R.S.E. variant comes with a modest buy-in of €200, giving poker enthusiasts a chance to enter the race and compete for glory. But wait, there’s more! The Battle of Malta Tournament gladly invites brave souls to take advantage of the re-entry option, allowing players to mount another attempt if their first ride doesn’t quite go as planned. So, whether you’re a high-stakes stallion or a clever colt, this side event promises a thrilling poker experience that will leave you hoofing for more. Don’t miss your chance to grab the reins and showcase your equestrian poker prowess in this unforgettable battle at the tables!

Players are on a 75-minute dinner break. We will update the chip counts during the break. Late registration will be closed after the break is concluded and then we will see a re-run of the 600/1,200 (1,200) blind level.

Danny Eihaiany (next to the dealer) after his bluff is called

Level 10: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 126/348

Over at Table 17 Danny Eihaiany just pulled off a huge bluff against Gytis Lazauninkas and lost most of his stack after the latter looked him up.

We came to the table after the pre-flop action was over and the board read K♥K♠3♠ with roughly 60k in the middle. Three players were still in the hand and Lazauninkas initiated the action with a bet worth 17k. Behind him, David Keuftedjian needed some time and eventually folded. But behind him, Danny Eihaiany on the button almost immediately moved all-in for effectively 63k. The action was back on Lazauninkas who very quickly called and tabled AXAX. Eihaiany shrugged and showed 7X7X.

Eihaiany was left with two outs after his bluff was called off and after turn and river fell QX, 6X and none of those two outs manifested, Eihaiany was left with a much smaller stack while Lazauninkas is among the chip leaders now.

Gytis Lazauninkas – 180,000
Danny Eihaiany – 45,000

Gytis Lazauninkas slowly realizes his victory in this intense battle

Level 10: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 137/346

There were around 50,000 in the pot with the T♠A♣9♦J♥ on the board after the turn when Alessandro Furneri jammed for 40,000. Dominik Asztemborski called off his stack of around 15,000 before Alessandro Francaviglia folded. Meanwhile, Joel Ylismaki, who was sitting on a sizeable chip stack, asked for a count before he called moments later.

Dominik Asztermborski: 8♣7♣
Alessandro Furneri: 8♠7♠
Joel Ylismaki: A♥T♥

Both Astztermborski and Furneri had the same straight with neither player holding any redraws. Both were hoping for a chop which was the most likely scenaro with Ylismaki needing a four-outer to improve his two pair to a full house. The blank 8♦ river completed the board and Astermborski and Furneri chopped the main pot while Furneri claimed the side pot for himself.

Joel Ylismaki – 105,000
Alessandro Furneri – 75,000
Dominik Asztermborski – 50,000

Level 10: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 139/346

Over at Table 18, two rather short-stacked players collided in a quick preflop all-in.

After a raise, re-raise, and call Nicola Stagi was all-in before the flop against Watinee Robinson. Stagi had AXKX and Watinee a pair with 8X8X.

The board ran down TX6X5XJX2X – no help for Stagi and the Italian had to take his leave while Robinson almost doubled her (still small) stack.

Watinee Robinson – 30,000
Nicola Stagi – 0

Watinee Robinson (she was happier with the win than the picture let’s on, we promise!)

Level 9: 500/1,000 (1,000)
Entries: 147/344

There were a few players in the hand when Marthijn Lakerveld jammed for 21,000. He got one caller in Sebastiano Caruso but likely wishes that Caruso would have just folded.

Marthijn Lakerveld: A♥9♦
Sebastiano Caruso: A♦Q♥

Caruso’s ace-queen not only held but it improved to two pair on the 6♣3♦Q♦8♦A♠ board and Lakerveld quickly exited the tournament area after Caruso claimed his stack.

Sebastiano Caruso – 150,000
Marthijn Lakerveld – 0

Sebastiano Caruso

Andreas Pavli flopping a set

Level 9: 500/1,000 (1,000)
Entries: 154/344

Over at table 17, Andreas Pavli was involved in a big hand against David Keuftedjian. We joined the action on the flop with 8.5k in the middle and te board reading 7♠5♣4♠. Pavli checked to Keuftedjian, who quickly bet 7k. In turn Pavli moved all-in for 26.7k.

After a few moments of thinking Keuftedjian called and showed JXJX for an overpair. Pavli had that crushed with his flopped set with 4X4X. Turn and river didn’t change the outcome of the hand and thus Pavli doubled up.

Andreas Pavli – 61,900
David Keuftedjian – 50,000

Level 9: 500/1,000 (1,000)
Entries: 156/344

Ugo Gasparini fired out for 5,900 into a pot of 15,000 after the 3♥Q♥9♠ landed on the flop. The action paused on Juri Recchi who less than a minute later shoved for about 15,000. Gasparini called and shook his head in frustration when he saw how behind he was.

Juri Recchi: 9♣9♥
Ugo Gasparini: A♣A♠

Gasparini was miles ahead preflop but far behind when the rest of the chips went into the pot. His two outer never came as the 3♠ turn and 5♥ river completed the board and Recchi doubled up after cracking his opponent’s rockets.

Juri Recchi

During the break, we did some more rough chip counting and from the looks of it, Fabian Rolli has the most of them right now.

Players are on their third short break. This means that we will be updating the biggest stacks from around the room on Day 1b.

Blinds will increase to 500/1,000 with a 1,000 big blind ante before progressing to 600/1,200 with a 1,200 big blind ante. Players will then enjoy a 75-minute dinner break after these two blind levels after which time late registration will be closed for Day 1b. The 600/1,200 blind level will repeat for a second time after late registration is closed.

BoM Presenter Patrisha Rimfire

Level 8: 400/800 (800)
Entries: 176/336

Wesley Peinen three-bet jammed for around 20 big blinds before Uri Gilboa four-bet shoved for a lot more. Dimitros Kilintaris, who called Gilboa’s initial bet folded and players turned over their cards before shouting what they were looking for.

Wesley Peinen: A♥J♦
Uri Gilboa: A♣Q♠

“Jack!” Peinen begged. “Maybe two jacks!”

A jack would no longer help Peinen after Gilboa connected with his queen on the Q♥T♥5♠ flop. Peinen quickly changed course and immediately began asking for a different card to complete his Broadway miracle.

“King!” pleaded Peinen.

“No king,” Gilboa said back before repeating. “Deuce, deuce, deuce, deuce.”

No deuce came but Gilboa’s hand remained safe regardless with the 5♦ turn and 4♠ river completing the board.

“Good game,” Peinen told the table before heading out of the tournament arena.

Uri Gilboa – 90,000
Wesley Peinen – 0

Uri Gilboa

Get ready, poker enthusiasts! A thrilling side event is about to kick off here at the Battle of Malta. Brace yourselves for intense Texas No Limit Hold’em action, where skill, strategy, and nerves of steel will be put to the ultimate test!

Here’s what you need to know about this exciting side event:

Time: 7 pm sharp.

Buy-in: The stakes are set at an affordable €200, making it an enticing opportunity for both seasoned players and newcomers looking to make their mark. Get ready to join the battle for a chance at substantial winnings!

Variant: This side event will feature the ever-popular Texas No Limit Hold’em format. Prepare to showcase your poker prowess as you face off against a diverse field of players, all vying for victory in this classic and thrilling variant.

Speed: Time will be of the essence as the action unfolds. Each blind level will last a speedy 15 minutes, demanding quick decision-making and calculated moves. Adaptability and the ability to read your opponents will be crucial in securing your path to triumph.

Freeze Out Modus: In this side event, once you’re out, you’re out! The Freeze Out Modus ensures that no re-entries are allowed. Every player will have one shot at glory, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. Will you seize the opportunity and emerge as the last player standing?

Giuseppe Rosa Moments Before the Bust

Level 8: 400/800 (800)
Entries: 189/332

The action started with the 2022 BoM Main Event winner Giuseppe Rosa raising from UTG to 1,600. Behind him, Vasilij Barna, who had fewer chips than that in his stack, called the raise and was all-in. From the button, Cory Desmond called the raise and the Small Blind called as well.

Flop: 9♦8♥5♠

Giuseppe Rosa bet out 2,500 and Cory Desmond called. The player in the Small Blind elected to fold.

Turn: 5♦

Now Rosa checked and Desmond slid 6,000 chips forward. Rosa quickly called.

River: A♠

Again Rosa checked and without missing a beat Desmond moved all-in for effectively 24,000. Rosa looked quite puzzled as this was a massive bet in an already big pot. Eventually, he decided to call and tabled A♦9♥ for top two. But his hand was not good as Desmond had flopped a straight with 7♥6♥.

Barna Vasilij, who was in the hand as well, mucked and was eliminated alongside Giuseppe Rosa who will have to re-enter to defend his title in the Battle of Malta Spring Edition.

Cory Desmond – 120,000
Vasilij Barna – 0
Giuseppe Rosa – 0

Level 8: 400/800 (800)
Entries: 189/331

Dominik Asztenborski four-bet jammed for close to 35,000 and was called by Samuel Tebege.

Dominik Asztenborski: A♦K♦
Samuel Tebege: Q♥Q♦

It was a classic coin flip with big slick facing off against pocket queens. The queens were good after Astenborski’s big slick was unable to connect with the 4♠6♣7♠T♣5♥ runout.

Samuel Tebege – 85,000
Dominik Asztenborski – 0

Theo Baldanza contemplates his fold

Level 7: 300/600 (600)
Entries: 204/315

Over at Table 10, the French player Theo Baldanza was left wondering about his actions when he was in a big pot against Elhanan Torgeman.

We arrived at the table with the board reading K♣8♦5♦J♦A♠ and 12k in the middle.

Torgeman open-shoved roughly 14k and Theo Baldanza needed quite some time to come to the decision to fold his hand. He showed K♥8♥ for two pair, hoping to get some info from Torgeman. But the latter didn’t show any of his cards and left Baldanza and us wondering if the fold was indeed correct.

Theo Baldanza – 65,000
Elhanan Torgeman – 26,000

Level 7: 300/600 (600)
Entries: 204/312

Peter Kaspar fired out for 8,500 into a pot of around 20,000 with the J♥9♣A♠5♥6♦ on the board. Dimitrios Kilintaris went into the tank for a few minutes with both players remaining quiet at first.

“Ace-king?” asked Kilintaris to Kaspar.

“You call, I show,” responded Kaspar before adding. “If you fold, I will also show.”

Kilintaris called a few moments later and instantly mucked his hand after Kaspar turned over the Q♦J♣ for the second pair. This was good enough as Kilintaris mucked his cards and appeared to be frustrated by his call.

Peter Kaspar – 60,000
Dimitros Kilintaris – 10,000

Peter Kaspar & Dimitrios Kilintaris

During the second break of the day, we eyeballed the biggest stacks once more. From the looks of it, Daniel Ryder is our current chip leader with over 120,000 chips.

Players are on their second short break of Day 2. We will update as many of the big stacks around the room as possible during the break. Blinds will increase to 300/600 with a 600 big blind ante when the action resumes.

Isaak Wilhelm stacks his newly found chips

Level 6: 200/500 (500)
Entries: 206/298

We strolled by Table 3 and saw a small pot with only 4k in the middle and the board reading 7♣6♣4♣J♥3♥.

But the pot was about to grow significantly.

From the Big Blind Gaspare Sposato bet 3.2k and Issak Wilhelm made it 11k to go from the Cut-Off.

Sposato took a lot of time to think about his next move. Eventually “time” was called and a floor arrived at the table, counting down 30 seconds. Shortly before his hand was declared dead, Sposato moved all-in for effectively 21.6k. Wilhelm instantly called and tabled J♣9♣ for a flopped and apparently slow-played flush. Gaspare turned over A♣6♦ for a bluff with the nut-blocker.

Wilhelm doubled up and Sposato is down to starting stack again.

Isaak Wilhelm – 47,200
Gaspare Sposato – 24,000

The €150 Ladies Event kicked off with a tidy field of 11 ladies.

We wanted to give a special shoutout to Florence Mazet who is in the field. Mazet is an old friend (she’s not old, just this reporter is, but you get the idea that we have known each other for many years) and typically we work side by side at some events as she is a very talented French reporter that more recently has been dabbling with English reporting as well.

Mazet loves to play like this reporter does and she was excited about her prospects to win a trophy today.

Unfortunately, we won’t see Mazet after today as she will soon be traveling to an event in Italy before heading to Vegas for poker’s summer camp in the WSOP.

Anamaria Hemmert, Maxime Berends, Revital Dray, Flavia Gomes Guedes, Theresa Kitson, Marita Koutsouki, Monica Poggi, Carmel Reynolds, Yedidya Shmuel, and Vita Veidemane are also among the early entries.

Best of luck to Mazet and all of the other ladies in the field.

Florence Mazet Getting Ready for the Ladies Event

Level 5: 200/400 (400)
Entries: 217/287

Edgaras Kausinis fired out for 2,500 from the small blind into a pot north of 10,000 after the 2♠9♥5♣ landed on the flop. Georgios Karakausis called from the big blind as did Itamar Nachshon from the hijack.

Kausinis checked after the 6♥ followed on the turn. Karakausis bet 5,000. Nachshon immediately folded before Kausinis went into the tank. He asked to see Karakausis’s chip stack a little closer before eventually jamming for 18,900. Karakausis quickly called and appeared to regret the decision instantly.

Edgaras Kausinis: A♥9♠
Georgios Karakausis: 4♠4♥

Karakausis had outs for a set or a straight with one card to come. The 6♦ river pairing the board wasn’t one of them and Kausinis managed to double his stack.

Edgaras Kausinis – 60,000
Georgios Karakausis – 7,000

Edgaras Kausinis & Georgios Karakausis

Level 5: 200/400 (400)
Entries: 221/278

This won’t come as a big surprise that Day 1b is already bigger than the 273 entries attracted on Day 1a. The surprise is how quickly it happened as late registration will still be open for 4 1/2 more blind levels and the dinner break that follows. At this pace, the €500,000 guarantee will likely be already broken during tomorrow’s Day 1c.

Best of luck to all of the Main Event players!

Level 5: 200/400 (400)
Entries: 218/268

Perhaps we have a Cinderella story in the making with Kostadin Mihaylov as he was down to just 1,000 chips. He is still short but is headed in the right direction after getting a little bit of luck on the following hand.

Mihaylov jammed for 1,000 from under the gun and was called by Marios Stefani from the button and Joshua Stewart from the small blind before Martinus Dogge three-bet jammed for about 14,000 from the big blind. Stefani and Stewart didn’t waste a ton of time folding their hands and the cards were turned over.

Kostadin Mihaylov: T♠9♠
Martinus Dogge: A♦Q♦

Mihaylov was behind but not by much when the chips went in. He fell further behind after getting nowhere on the 4♥4♠K♦ flop. However, the Bulgarian took a big lead in the hand after his ten found a buddy on the T♥ turn. The 8♥ river didn’t switch the pendulum and Mihaylov got a small amount of breathing room instead of hitting the rail.

Martinus Dogge – 13,000
Kostadin Mihaylov – 4,400

Kostadin Mihaylov

Level 4: 100/300 (300)
Entries: 212/252

Maksym Sheingart jammed for 7,200 into a pot of around 10,000 with the 7♣7♠4♠4♣J♥ on the board after the river. Simon Steinberg tanked for about a minute before he called for most of his stack.

Sheingart turned over Q♦J♣ for a better two pair than was on the board. Steinberg attempted to muck his cards but the dealer quickly turned them over to show he made a hero call with his ace after bricking a flopped flush draw with A♠2♠.

Maksym Sheingart – 25,000
Simon Steinberg – 3,000

Yesterday, we noticed Liran Derei Moshe playing the part of a king in the Main Event. While the King is gone (but not forgotten) today we didn’t notice him in the poker room.

However, we did instead notice one of the kings of the jungle in play with Yair Orbach playing a Main Event satellite earlier today dressed as a tiger. His mask wasn’t always fully on but we caught him at the table in a hand when he was in full tiger mode.

Orbach isn’t in the Main Event field now, but perhaps we will see him again later this week.

Yair “The Tiger” Orbach

The poker players at the table are practically swimming in a sea of drinks! It’s like they’ve formed an exclusive hydration club, always making sure their thirst is on the rocks. When this reporter took a break from counting the chips, he had the inexplicable urge to keep counting, only this time, it was the drinks on the table that captured his attention.

Hold onto your seats because here are the refreshing digits we stumbled upon:

• Water Bottles: 94 (that’s almost enough to fill a swimming pool!)
• Coffee Cups: 7 (seems like they’re brewing up some caffeinated strategies)
• Coke or Pepsi: 5 (the battle of the bubbly behemoths)
• Red Bulls: 3 (giving the players wings to conquer the game)
• Orange Juice: 3 (they’re definitely squeezing every drop of luck)
• Cranberry Juice: 2 (nothing like a tangy twist during the game)
• Café Latte: 2 (keeping it classy with a touch of frothy sophistication)
• Cisk Beer: 2 (a taste of local refreshment)
• Corona Extra Beer: 1 (well, at least they have a touch of Mexican spirit)

Water, water everywhere

The extraordinarily low beer count leaves us all feeling a bit flabbergasted. It is as low as the stakes in a toddler’s piggy bank! Fear not, though, for we anticipate that number to rise as the night wears on, and the poker faces turn into frothy smiles. Cheers to that!

Level 4: 100/300 (300)
Entries: 212/241

Sergio Ritano checked before Eliyahu Yamin bet 6,500 into a pot of 10,000 with the 2♣Q♥9♠3♦ on the board after the turn. Ritano tanked for about a minute before he called.

Both players checked the 7♥ river. Yamin turned over the K♣Q♥ for the top pair. However, Ritano won the pot with two pair after subsequently showing his Q♣9♣ to win the pot.

Sergio Ritano – 70,000
Eliyahu Yamin – 25,000

Sergio Ritano

During the first break, we eyeballed the biggest stack in the Main Event and by the looks of it, Amir Assal is in the lead with more than three times the starting stack.

Those are the biggest stacks right now:

Day 1b players are on their first break. We will update with the biggest stacks around the room during all of the breaks today including this one.

Blinds will increase to 100/300 with a 300 big blind ante when the action resumes.

Mary Dvorkin

Level 3: 100/200 (200)
Entries: 196/214

Albert Ostrovskij fired out for 6,500 into a pot of a bit more with the 7♦K♠3♥Q♥5♥ on the board after the river. Mary Dvorkin didn’t waste more than five seconds before she called.

Ostrovskij turned over 4♦4♣ and was likely betting to push Dvorkin off something better. This didn’t work for the one of the dozens of Lithuanian poker players here at the Battle of Malta.

Dvorkin turned over the J♦J♣ for the correct hero call with two cards on the board higher than a jack to win the pot and increase her stack.

Mary Dvorkin – 40,000
Albert Ostrovskij – 16,000

Get ready to go all-in on the fun at the Battle of Malta Poker Tournament’s side event sponsored by the one and only “Las Vegas by Playpark”! At 3pm it’s time to shuffle up and deal in the thrilling game of No Limit Hold’em, where the chips are hot and the bets are even hotter.

With a buy-in of just €250, you’ll be putting your poker face to the test alongside fellow card enthusiasts, hoping to hit the jackpot and rake in those sweet winnings. Thanks to “Las Vegas by Playpark,” the excitement of the casino comes to life right here in Malta, where the stakes are high and the thrills are never-ending.

Remember, in this tournament, you’ve got to be as cunning as a fox and as cool as a cucumber. It’s not just about luck; it’s about strategy, bluffing, and seizing the perfect moment to strike. As the blind levels increase every 20 minutes, you’ll need to stay sharp and keep your wits about you. Don’t fold under pressure; instead, rise to the challenge and show them you’re a force to be reckoned with!

So, put on your poker face, tighten your grip on those cards, and let the chips fall where they may. It’s time to play, win, and show everyone that you’re the real ace of the Battle of Malta Poker Tournament. Good luck, and may the cards be forever in your favor!

But wait, there’s more. If you’re from Italy, drop by their desk in the back of the main event area to receive a €20 gift on their platform!

Level 2: 100/100 (100)
Entries: 182/194

In the middle of the tournament area we just witnessed a substantial clash between Mario Panarello and Andrea Mussumarra.

After three raises back and forth before the flop, there were 12k in the middle with the board showing 7♣6♣3♦. Mussumarra checked from the Small Blind and Panarello moved all-in from the Cut-Off for about 25k. He had Mussumarra barely covered.

Mussumarra needed some time to make up his mind but eventually called the overbet. He showed QXQX, but was way behind Panarello’s KXKX. Neither turn nor river brought Mussumarra any help and he had to forfeit his place in the tournament.

Mario Panarello – 57,000
Andrea Mussumarra – 0

Mario Panarello right before the Double-Up

Level 2: 100/100 (100)
Entries: 173/185

Giuseppe Domicoli fired out for 4,600 into a pot of 7,000 with the 6♥8♥Q♣5♠Q♥ on the board after the river. Domenico Condo tanked for about 30 seconds before he called.

Domicoli turned over the J♥T♥ for a rivered flush. Condo didn’t have anything better as he mucked his hand and Domicoli was awarded the pot.

Giuseppe Domicoli – 40,000
Domenico Condo – 15,000

Giuseppe Domicoli

Level 2: 100/100 (100)
Entries: 156/162

Meir Vaqnin fired out for 6,500 into a pot of 15,000 with the J♥8♠Q♦5♥6♣ on the board after the river. Marco D’Amico went into the tank for about a minute before he called.

Vaqnin immediately turned over the J♦J♣ for a set of jacks to win an early pot, while D’Amico lost a good portion of his stack which he will attempt to spin up.

Meir Vaqnin – 45,000
Marco D’Amico – 7,200

Meir Vaqnin

Level 2: 100/100 (100)
Entries: 151/156

The Day 1b field has grown to 156 entries at the start of Level 2. Five players surprisingly hit the rail on the very first level of the day including Nimi Cohen, Rawal Manesh, Mantas Ungulaitis, Gediminas Dirmantas, and Uri Gilboa.

Cohen fired four bullets on Day 1a before giving up after busting out on Level 7 and he along with everyone else still has plenty of time to get back into Day 1b with late registration open until the start of Level 11.

Level 1: 100/100
Entries: 117/117

Matteo Liparulo check-called a bet of 2,500 by Daniele Casino into a pot of 4,000 with the 2♠3♦A♥5♠ on the board after the turn before the 8♣ river completed the board.

Liparulo checked before Casino went into the tank for about a minute. Casino eventually jammed for 22,000. Liparulo and Casino were chatting in Italian which eventually led Casino to give his opponent a sticker he was also wearing as well as get up from his chair. Liparulo tanked for a couple of more minutes before he folded.

Casino was about to toss his hand into the muck but instead turned over the 4♥ to show he had the wheel, which likely led Liparulo to breathe a sigh of relief assuming he had a hand to think about and wasn’t just Hollywooding.

Daniele Casino

Welcome to our live coverage of the Battle of Malta poker tournament. Today, the excitement reached new heights as Day 1b of the Main Event got underway. With presenter Patrisha Rimfire leading the proceedings, the atmosphere was electric as players took their seats, ready to battle it out for poker supremacy.

BoM Presenter Patrisha Rimfire

The tournament officially commenced with the iconic phrase, “Shuffle up and Deal,” resonating through the room. The sound of chips shuffling and cards being dealt added to the anticipation and set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable day of poker action.

As of now, we have 91 players in the field, each with their own unique strategies and aspirations of making a deep run in the tournament. The tables are filled with a mix of seasoned professionals, rising stars, and passionate amateurs, all seeking to seize their moment in the spotlight. We’re expecting more than 300 entries in the Main Event today!

Today promises to be an action-packed day filled with a variety of thrilling tournaments that will test the mettle of the players. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us as we explore the lineup of tournaments set to take place at the Battle of Malta today.

11pm: Mystery Bounty Day 1c

Kicking off the day’s festivities is the Mystery Bounty Day 1c tournament at 11pm. This unique tournament adds a thrilling twist to the traditional bounty format. Each player has a secret bounty on their head, known only to the organizers. The suspense is palpable as participants aim to knock out opponents and claim their mystery rewards.

1pm: Main Event Day 1b

The Battle of Malta Main Event continues with Day 1b at 1pm. As one of the most prestigious tournaments of the series, the Main Event draws players from around the globe, all vying for their chance at poker glory and a share of the massive prize pool. Expect intense competition and strategic plays as the field narrows down to the final table.

3pm: Las Vegas Side Event

At 3pm, players can indulge in the Las Vegas Side Event, which captures the essence of the iconic Las Vegas poker scene. This tournament offers a taste of the glitz and glamour associated with Sin City, featuring high-stakes action and a lively atmosphere. Brace yourself for thrilling hands and a true Vegas-style poker experience.

5pm: Ladies Event

Celebrating the skill and talent of female poker players, the Ladies Event takes center stage at 5pm. This tournament is an excellent opportunity for women in poker to showcase their abilities and compete against a field of like-minded individuals. Expect a spirited competition, camaraderie, and some impressive poker prowess.

7pm: Turbo No Limit Hold’em

If you’re in the mood for fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled action, the Turbo No Limit Hold’em tournament at 7pm is the perfect choice. With rapidly increasing blinds and shorter levels, this tournament tests players’ ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Brace yourself for a flurry of all-ins and heart-pounding moments.

8pm: Mystery Bounty Final

As the day progresses, the anticipation builds for the Mystery Bounty Final at 8pm. Only the best and most skilled players who survived the earlier Mystery Bounty Day 1 flights will compete for the ultimate prize. The identities of the bounties will finally be revealed, adding an extra layer of excitement to this captivating event.

9pm: H.O.R.S.E. Mixed Game Tournament

For those who appreciate the intricacies of mixed games, the H.O.R.S.E. Mixed Game Tournament at 9pm offers a delightful challenge. This tournament tests players’ versatility as they rotate through a series of poker variants, including Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Eight-or-Better. Expect to witness impressive displays of skill and adaptability.