Prior to today's event, PokerNews'Lynn Gilmartin took the liberty of writing a Jet Set on Vina del Mar. In it, she focuses on some of the fun things to do, and explains a bit about the city:
"Viña del Mar, which is Spanish for 'vineyard by the sea,' is referred to by the locals as simply 'Viña.' It’s located approximately 90 minutes west of Santiago and is one of the biggest resort beach towns on the South American Pacific coast, making it a popular stop for American and Canadian cruisers."
"Some call Viña del Mar the Chilean version of California’s Laguna Beach thanks to its popularity amongst surfers, or Florida’s Miami thanks to the beachside nightlife. It’s also known as the 'Garden City' with its spring-like climate all year round, along with 13 sandy beaches offering crystal clear Pacific Ocean waters."
Language: Spanish Weather: average high of 71°F (22°C) Currency: Peso (CLP). USD $1 = CLP 493 (approx) Voltage: 220 volts
In a land where Spanish is the primary language, a boisterous English-speaking Australian always stands out. We're talking about Stuart McDonald, who some may recall from the LAPT Colombia final table last year. It was there that he was awarded $87,129 in a six-way chop, the most of the six players. Even though he was the chip leader when the deal was struck, McDonald finished in sixth place.
McDonald is in action today and already mixing it up. In a recent hand, McDonald raised to 325 from early position after an under-the-gun player had limped. The button came along for the ride, and then all three players checked the flop.
When the hit the turn, the UTG check and McDonald threw out three chips, two green T500 chips and one blue T5,000. The rest of the players seems shocked at the drastic overbet, and it was at that point McDonald realized, or claimed to realize, that he accidentally bet 5,050 and meant to bet 550.
Whatever the case, the bet stood and both his opponent folded. "Wrong chip," McDonald said. "I might have had a good hand." Was it a mistake or deliberate overbet? The world will never know.
Here at the start of Day 1a, we've noticed a few players in action from last year's final table including the aforementioned Daniela Horno and New Zealand's James Honeybone. Unfortunately, we've been informed that the reigning champion, Murilo Figueredo, will not be here to defend his title.
In this very event last year, a 24-year-old graphic designer from Chile made a deep run all the way to the final table. Her name was Daniela Oven and she has been deemed the “Chilean Poker Princess.” She ultimately finished in sixth place, pocketing $26,200, while making a lasting impression on both her opponents and the poker media.
Horno is in action here in Day 1a and no doubt looking to repeat her success from last year.
Jonathan Markovits enjoyed an excellent end to Season 4 of the LAPT when he finished in fifth place at the Grand Final last month. We don't recognize many faces in the crowd yet, but we did spot Markovits mixing it up early on.
After a player in middle position opened to 300, Markovits defended his big blind to see an flop. Markovits check-called 300 from his opponent and did the same for 550 when the hit the turn. The landed on the river and Markovits led out for 575. His opponent called with for two pair, besting Markovits' .
On February 27, 2010, a tragic 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile and greatly impacted Vina del Mar, the country’s fourth largest city. With an upcoming PokerStars.net Latin American Poker Tour stop in the city, which was to take place March 19-23, questions soon arose as to the event’s status.
Unfortunately, PokerStar had to cancel that event. In their official press release, the tour operator expressed concern for those affected by the earthquake saying, "everyone at PokerStars.net and the LAPT offers their thoughts and condolences to all of those affected by this tragic natural disaster."
While that event had to be cancelled, the LAPT returned to Chile in 2011 and held what was then the biggest LAPT event ever! Needless to say, poker had no problem rebounding in Vina del Mar!
Welcome to PokerNews' coverage of the PokerStars.netLatin America Poker Tour. The Enjoy Casino and Resort in Viña del Mar, Chile is host to the opening event of Season 5.
Here is the schedule in its entirety:
LAPT Season 5 Schedule
Destination
Main Event Date
Buy-In
Chile, Vina del Mar Enjoy Casino and Hotel
March 21–25, 2012
USD$1,000 +100
Punta del Este, Uruguay Mantra Resort, Spa and Casino
May 24–27, 2012
USD$2,300 +200
Medellín, Colombia, Casino Allegre
Aug. 8–12, 2012
COL$ 3,820,000 +380,000 (≈USD$2,300)
Lima, Peru Casino Atlantic
Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2012
USD$2,500 +200
LAPT Grand Final
TBC
TBC
Last season, 621 players took to the felt here and emerging victorious was Brazilian Murilo Figueredo. He collected $146,000 for his efforts, but we expect the top prize and field to be larger this time around. Team PokerStars will be well represented as Andre Akkari and Humberto Brenes are both expected to take part in the action, though that might be tomorrow on Day 1b.
Day 1a is set to begin at noon local time, about 15 minutes from now, so we'll be back with you then!
flop.
hit the turn, the UTG check and McDonald threw out three chips, two green T500 chips and one blue T5,000. The rest of the players seems shocked at the drastic overbet, and it was at that point McDonald realized, or claimed to realize, that he accidentally bet 5,050 and meant to bet 550.
flop. Markovits check-called 300 from his opponent and did the same for 550 when the 
hit the turn. The 
landed on the river and Markovits led out for 575. His opponent called with 
for two pair, besting Markovits' 
