Vilamoura Championship Main Event | 2009 PokerStars.com EPT Vilamoura

11-22-2009 20:09 UTC

Matias Floats, Leads

Pierre Neuville raised to 165,000 to open the action, and Antonio Matias came along with a call from the big blind.

The first three cards off the deck were {A-Diamonds}

, and Matias tapped the table. Neuville continued out with a bet of 200,000. After just a quick pause, Matias made the call, and both players would check the {7-Spades}

on the turn. The river was the {8-Diamonds}

, and Matias led out into the pot for 375,000. That was good enough; Neuville laid it down, and the pot goes to Matias.

Tags: Antonio Matias Pierre Neuville

11-22-2009 20:17 UTC

Chick-a-Chick-Ahhhhh!

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Oh yeah.

We are still heads up, and it's time for a break.

Back shortly.

Level: 28

Blinds: 40,000/80,000

Ante: 5,000

11-22-2009 20:30 UTC

Play Resumeth

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We're back, and so are the final two players. Let's settle this.

11-22-2009 20:39 UTC

Pierre Neuville Eliminated in 2nd Place (€257,681)

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Pierre Neuville opened to 240,000 on the first hand back from break. Antonio Matias called, and they went off to an action flop.

It came {J-Diamonds}

, and Matias checked. When Neuville continued out with a bet of 315,000, Matias stuck in a check-raise to 815,000. After just a moment, Neuville announced that he was all in, and Matias instantly called. With the tournament title hanging in the balance, the cards were turned up.

Showdown
Neuville: {10-Spades}

(top pair and straight draw)
Matias: {7-Diamonds}

(bottom two pair)

The crowd pressed in around the table, elbowing for a sight line to catch what would be the final board cards of the day. Neuville needed some help to stay afloat, but the turn was a disastrous {7-Clubs}

. Matias and his posse were already in celebration mode as the dealer filled out the board with a useless {2-Clubs}

.

For Pierre Neuville, it was a remarkable effort that fell just one spot short. He gave it a fine run, but it was clear nobody was going to beat Antoino Matias on this day. For his work this week, Neuville will pocket €257,681.

Photo courtesy of PokerStars and Neil Stoddart

Tags: Pierre Neuville

11-22-2009 20:47 UTC

Antonio Matias Wins the PokerStars.com EPT Vilamoura (€404,793)

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He may have missed the football game that he was so keen to get out of here to see earlier, but 54-year-old Portuguese native Antonio Matias must be taking at least some consolation in the fact that he has beaten an extraordinary 322-strong, pro-spattered field to take the inaugural Portuguese EPT title.

He came into the final day as huge chip leader, and although he did find himself out of the top spot a couple of times, he got it all back in the end to pick up an incredible payday, as well as the coveted EPT title and trophy.

Seldom playing live poker, and even more rarely playing tournaments, the travel agency director felt that he couldn't miss the first EPT in his home country and bought in for fun - but was clearly taking it very seriously, and it was a thoroughly well-deserved win.

Many congratulations to Mr. Matias, and, indeed, all the final tablists. As players and railers alike start to trickle out of the Casino Vilamoura and into the many and various drinking and leisure establishments of the town, all that's left to say is a resounding goodbye from all at PokerNews, PokerStars and the Casino Vilamoura. From the PokerNews team out here in Portugal, it's over and out.

Tags: Antonio Matias

Vilamoura Championship Main Event

Day 5 Completed