Merit Cyprus Classic Kicks Off with a Bang!
The second annual Full Tilt Poker Merit Cyprus Classic kicks off today at 4:00 pm local time with the $25,000 High Roller Freeze-Out. With this big buy-in event slated a couple of days before the main event starts, you can bet that all the big names that made the trip to Cyprus will be taking to the felt for some high-stakes action. We're not quite sure yet who's going to be here, but we have heard some rumors that the one and only Phil Ivey might make an appearance.
On top of that, we've spotted some of the big names in the industry roaming around the resort including Chino Rheem, Chip and Karina Jett, Carter Phillips, Sorel Mizzi, Dave Colcough, Roy Winston, Jon "Pearljammer" Turner, Andrew Feldman and Sam Trickett. Jennifer "Jennicide" Leigh and Jean-Robert Bellande are also en route to Cyprus. Rheem made the WSOP's November Nine back in 2008, but there's another November Niner here in Cyprus who may steal the show.
Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi is one of the fortunate nine souls that made it to the 2010 WSOP Main Event final table. He has made the trip to Cyprus and will be on hand for the events. Mizrachi had one amazing WSOP this summer and will be looking to continue his amazing success for 2010 by capturing this title. Winston blogged about how Mizrachi ran super well in a $25-50 cash game here in Cyprus the other night, which could shed some light on how the tournament will go for him. If he still hasn't cooled off from his summer heater, the competition better watch out.
Be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for all the live coverage from the tournament floor once the cards are in the air. We'll see you in a bit!