Vilamoura Championship Main Event | 2009 PokerStars.com EPT Vilamoura

11-22-2009 16:06 UTC

More for Skampa

[user46392]

Pierre Neuville raised to 95,000 and picked up a call from Jan Skampa behind.

They saw a {5-Hearts}

flop and Neuville bet out 135,000. Call.

They saw a {4-Clubs}

turn as well and now Neuville bet out 300,000. Skampa, though, announced a raise all in. Neuville folded more or less instantly, and Skampa took the pot.

Tags: Jan Skampa Pierre Neuville

11-22-2009 16:12 UTC

Sarwer and Silva Buddy-Buddy

[user66118]

Joao Silva opened to 100,000 from middle position, and Pierre Neuville called on the button. Jeff Sarwer came along from the big blind as well, and it was a three-way flop.

It brought {A-Clubs}

and a check from Sarwer. Silva continued out with 165,000 chips, and Neuville had already mucked at the mere thought of that bet. Action was back on Sarwer now, and he took his pause. He and Silva exchanged a short chat and a few smiles before Sarwer made the minimum check-raise to 330,000. More smiles from Silva and more quick conversation before Silva surrenders his cards.

Tags: Jeff Sarwer Joao Silva

11-22-2009 16:20 UTC

Matias Not Fooled

[user46392]

Jan Skampa made it 110,000 from the button and Antonio Matias called out of the big blind to see a {3-Spades}

flop; Matias checked. Skampa bet 135,000, and back to Matias, who spent some time considering his move. Eventually he raised, dumping a stack of chips in the middle which turned out to total 385,000. Skampa folded in a second.

Tags: Antonio Matias Jan Skampa

11-22-2009 16:22 UTC

Sarwer's Back

[user46392]

Jeff Sarwer button-raised to 90,000; big blind Joao Silva called. Come the {8-Hearts}

flop, though, Silva checked, and a simple 95,000 bet from Sarwer was enough to push him off.

11-22-2009 16:24 UTC

Every Crowd Has a Silva Lining

[user46392]

By the by, we are beginning to feel a little sorry for all the non-Portuguese final tablists still in the running. Every time Joao Silva or his compatriot Antonio Matias wins a hand, the entirely Portuguese rail explodes with joy. Deathly silence reigns at all other times.

11-22-2009 16:27 UTC

Bet Into Me Once, Bet Into Me Twice

[user66118]

Pierre Neuville made it 90,000 to play from middle position, and he found action from big blind Antonio Matias. The flop came out {A-Hearts}

, and Matias took the betting lead. He slid out 100,000, and Neuville put in the call with no delay.

The turn card brought the {4-Spades}

, and Matias pushed another bet of 100,000 out across the line. Neuville didn't want to go any further and kicked his cards back to the dealer.

Tags: Antonio Matias Pierre Neuville

11-22-2009 16:35 UTC

Joao Silva Eliminated in 5th Place (€78,085)

[user66118]

Jan Skampa opened the pot with a raise to 100,000 from under the gun. Joao Silva made the call in the small blind, and Pierre Neuville came along from the big blind as well.

The three men watched the flop come out {2-Hearts}

, and the blinds checked. Skampa kept the heat on with a continuation bet of 175,000. Silva announced a reraise to 551,000 straight, and Neuville quickly mucked. Skampa wasn't going anywhere though. He announced, "I'm all in," with his hands behind his chip towers, and Silva instantly called.

Showdown
Skampa: {Q-Hearts}

Silva:

It feels like Day 4 all over again with another big-pair-versus-big-pair cooler. Skampa was poised for the knockout, having his opponent covered.

The turn was the {9-Hearts}

, changing nothing. And the {3-Diamonds}

filled out the board, locking up the pot and the knockout for Skampa. Silva made a full house, but it wasn't good enough. He's been ousted in 5th place, taking close to €80,000 for his work here in Vilamoura. The Portuguese favorite was sent off with a huge ovation and hugs and high fives all around.

We're now four handed for the title.

Photo courtesy of PokerStars and Neil Stoddart

Tags: Jan Skampa Joao Silva

11-22-2009 16:42 UTC

Sarwer Doubles Through Skampa in Gigantic Bluff Gone Wrong

[user46392]

Jeff Sarwer made it 90,000 under the gun. In the big blind, Jan Skampa made it 260,000. Sarwer now made it 695,000. Skampa announced all in to cover Sarwer. Insta-call.

Wow.

Sarwer: {Q-Clubs}

Skampa: er, {K-Hearts}

Nevertheless, Sarwer, beset by dreadful outdraws today, looked very afraid. "Nothing I can do, it's out of my hands," he told the rail. "I made the right decision." This drew applause from the rail, delighted to have some kind of spectacle to keep them amused. "You go to the toilet, we'll tell you after," offered Pierre Neuville.

Board: {6-Diamonds}

Sarwer stood up and raised his arms in the international posture of I Am A Golden God. Then he did a lap of honour, high-fiving rail and media alike. "I'm sorry," he said to Skampa, "I'm not used to poker at this level."

By the by, Matias folded {6-?}

, which would have made him quads plus a pair.

Skampa - down to 550,000
Sarwer - gigantic chip leader on 4-5 million

Tags: Jan Skampa Jeff Sarwer

11-22-2009 16:43 UTC

Jan Skampa Eliminated in 4th Place (€117,128)

[user66118]

With the betting folded to the blinds, Jan Skampa moved his short stack all in from the small. Jeff Sarwer checked his cards in the big blind and nodded, making the call to put Skampa at risk.

It was a worst-case scenario for Skampa as his {K-Diamonds}

was dominated by Sarwer's {K-Hearts}

. He would find no help from the dealer either; she ran out a board of {8-Diamonds}

. Failing to find his out cards, Jan Skampa has been relieved of his remaining chips. He'll take a six-figure payout home with him, adding nearly €120,000 to his bankroll. Not too shabby, Mr. Skampa.

Photo courtesy of PokerStars and Neil Stoddart

Tags: Jan Skampa Jeff Sarwer