button in SafariAlexander Sokolovsky Leads the Merit Poker Cup
Alexander Sokolovsky has taken a commanding chip lead on Day 1a at the $3,500 Merit Poker Cup with 2,165,000 chips at the beautiful Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino. The Serbian will be looking to convert his colossal advantage into his first-ever major trophy in a poker competition.
Sokolovsky's biggest ever cash was at the same venue, when he came sixth at the Merit Poker Western Series in January 2025. Hot on his heels is one of Uzbekistan's leading players Timur Mukhamedaminov with 1,595,000, and in third place is China's Da Zhuo, who has secured his first cash on European soil.
Also in the mix are two-time WSOP Bracelet winner and KFC bucket hat wearer Yuliyan Kolev (1,200,000), fellow bracelet winners Espen Sandvik (555,000) and Guo Liang Wei (325,000).
The only woman to bag was China's Chenzu Zhang with 620,000, who will be looking to emulate her compatriot Congya Zhang, who won the $2,200 Global Poker Championship earlier today.
And finally, 2007 EPT London winner Joseph Mouawad of Lebanon bagged 190,000 and will be wanting to get a quick spin-up on Tuesday to put himself in contention for the guaranteed prize pool of $1,000,000.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Sokolovsky | Serbia | 2,165,000 | 108 |
| 2 | Timur Mukhamedaminov | Uzbekistan | 1,595,000 | 80 |
| 3 | Da Zhou | China | 1,320,000 | 66 |
| 4 | Mekan Yusupov | Turkey | 1,245,000 | 62 |
| 5 | Yuliyan Kolev | Bulgaria | 1,200,000 | 60 |
| 6 | Boris Smuskevicius | Lithuania | 1,075,000 | 54 |
| 7 | Mihail Ketlerov | Russian Federation | 915,000 | 46 |
| 8 | George Tomescu | Romania | 825,000 | 41 |
| 9 | Bora Kurtulus | Turkey | 750,000 | 38 |
| 10 | Maximilian Wieser | Austria | 700,000 | 35 |
Plenty of big names failed to advance to Day 2, including the Ukrainian powerhouses of Eugene Katchalov and Olga Iremolcheva, who will have to come back on Day 1b for the chance to lift the Merit Poker Cup.
Merit regular Yiannis Liperis, and the highly decorated German Manig Loeser were also bagless on Day 1a.
Day 1b will get underway on Monday at midday, and it will be the last chance for players to advance to Day 2. Each participant will receive 100,000 chips and will play down to 15% of the field.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for updates on the $3,500 Merit Poker Cup live from the tournament floor.