888poker Qualifier Mihai Manole Finally Gains Traction in 11th Crack at Main Event
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For the past 19 months, the name Mihai Manole keeps popping up.
Back in December 2017, he became the first player to win a $30,000 Platinum Pass to history’s biggest $25,000 buy-in poker tournament, the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC). It wasn’t without controversy as confusion on the bubble – thanks to a Daniel Negreanu miscall of heads-up hand to determine the winner – led Manole to believe he hadn’t won. Long story short, he was called back and ultimately awarded a Pass, as highlighted in this oral history by Brad Willis.
Manole, who currently sits second on Romania’s all-time money list with $2,778,838 in tournament earnings dating back to 2006, failed to cash the PSPC but did place seventh in the PCA Main Event for $208,920.
"I went from the $100 step to the $1,000 Sunday step. The second time I played it this year I made it."
Manole’s name is back in the spotlight as he’s amassed a healthy stack on Day 4 of the 2019 World Series of Poker Main Event, which he qualified for in a $100 satellite on 888poker.
“I won it online back in February,” Manole told PokerNews on a break from the tournament. “I think it was the second satellite. I went from the $100 step to the $1,000 Sunday step. The second time I played it this year I made it. It felt good to have locked up.”
One of the reasons he was happy to get it out of the way early stemmed from having dug deep holes in the past.
“Last year I didn’t qualify, but two years ago I invested like $12,000 in satellite and I won the seat in the final satellite for a $12,500 package,” he explained. “So, it was nice to have it right away this year.”
Busting a Fellow Qualifier
In Level 17 (5,000/10,000/10,000), Manole played a big hand against fellow 888poker qualifier Jason James.
It began with James raising on the button and Manole defending his big blind to see a A♦9♦5♥ flop. Manole checked and called a continuation-bet from James.
Both players checked the 7♠ turn and Manole checked for the third time on the 10♠ river. James bet 75,000 and Manole check-raised all in. James hit the tank for two minutes before calling off the 300,000 he had behind and Manole turned over the 8♥6♥ for a straight and James was ousted holding the 9♣7♣ for two pair.
“I’ve played the Main Event 11 times and have only cashed once."
“He checked two pair on the turn also. The gutshot was the two pair for him,” Manole said when asked why he checked all three streets. “I said if he had something he’ll either bluff or go for value. No point in betting. If I bet and he has like a nine he’ll just call, so I gave him a chance to either bluff or value bet.”
While he didn’t take any pleasure in ending the dreams of a fellow 888poker qualifier, Manole does plan to put the chips to good use.
“I’ve played the Main Event 11 times and have only cashed once. I finished in 122nd place for $52,718 in 2012,” he explained. “I never had chips in 11 times. This is the first time I’ve had chips so it’s becoming interesting.”
Romania's All-Time Money List
While they’re a long way off from life-changing money, Manole does have an opportunity to take over the Romanian all-time money lead. Right now, he sits $418,956 behind Alexandru Papazian, who has $3,197,794 in earnings. If Manole can finish in 15th place or better he’d take over the top spot.
“It’s not that close,” he said modestly. “If it happens it happens, if not it’s alright.”
As for being a part of the 888poker Squad of qualifiers here in Las Vegas, Manole has enjoyed his prize package, though he admits his attention has been focused on the felt as opposed to extracurricular activities.
“They gave us a good reception, but I’ve been playing almost every day so I haven’t had much time to celebrate with the other qualifiers,” he said just before jumping back into play.
For more on Manole follow him on Twitter @MihayManole.
To follow Manole’s run in the Main Event be sure to keep up with PokerNews’ live updates straight from the tournament floor. Click here to see what’s happening now.
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
