Main Event Day 1a
Level 7: 300/600 (600)
Entries: 121/184
Prize Pool: €700,000 GTD

Poker journalist Christoffer Karlén has arrived to Casino Malta, and is joining fellow reporter Richard Hayes on the floor, ready to cover every knook and cranny of the Battle of Malta action.

Roughly 10 minutes after play resumed in Day 1a of the Main Event, Francesco Canzonieri opened to 1,300 from UTG+1. Olli Palkivaara made the call from the Hi-jack, and Marc Clausin decided to defend his Big Blind.

After an initial check from Clausin, Canzonieri fired a 1,300 continuation bet on the A♣6♥3♥ flop. Both of his opponents made the call, and the dealer revealed the 8♦ turn. Clausin checked again, and Canzonieri bet 4,400. Palkivaara then moved all in for 17,700, a bet which Canzonieri called after Clausin had folded.

Olli Palkivaara: 8♥8♣
Francesco Canzonieri: A♠Q♥

Canzonieri was drawing dead; after the K♣ river, the dealer pushed the chips the way of Palkivaara, who secured himself a full double-up at the expense of Canzonieri.

Olli Palkivaara: 48,500
Francesco Canzonieri: 17,900