Safiya Umerova Makes A Big Laydown

After winning a WSOP bracelet last summer, defeating Scottish pro Niall Farrell heads-up (and teaming up with him afterwards), Safiya Umerova has set her sights on an EPT-victory as well. Umerova was off to a great start today, chipping up to nearly 200,000 in the early stages, before she clashed with Pavlos Xanthopoulos in a huge pot.

Eduardo De Mello opened to 2,500 from under the gun. Umerova called on the button, and Xanthopoulos defended his big blind. The flop was and Xanthopoulos checked. De Mello checked as well, and Umerova bet 5,200, with Xanthopoulos being the only caller.

The on the turn brought the fireworks out. Xanthopoulos led out 8,500, Umerova raised to 21,500, Xanthopoulos reraised to 45,000, and Umerova called. Both players already build up the pot to over a 100,000 when the river was dealt.

The river brought the and Xanthopoulos moved all in for 71,100. Umerova slumped back in her chair, took a sip of her drink and appeared to have a huge hand for the situation. She removed her sunglasses to take a good look at her opponent, but Xanthopoulos was staring stoically in front of him. After thinking for over five minutes, Umerova slowly slid her hand face-down over the line.