button in SafariWho will Lift the Merit Poker Cup?
Someone is going to win a shiny new trophy and a lot of money, as we have reached Day 2 of the $3,500 Merit Poker Cup at the Mediterranean Poker Party at the majestic Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino.
From the 418 players who entered the tournament, only 63 remain and they have all locked up a minimum cash.
Among the favorites to get their hands on the silverware are overall chip leader Anton Melnikau, who smashed everyone in his way on Day 1b, including bubble boy Nicolae Toma. Hot on his heels are Serbian Alexander Sokolovsky and seasoned veteran Manig Loeser.
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anton Melnikau | Belarus | 3,070,000 |
| 2 | Alexander Sokolovsky | Serbia | 2,165,000 |
| 3 | Timur Mukhamedaminov | Uzbekistan | 1,595,000 |
| 4 | Manig Loeser | Germany | 1,500,000 |
| 5 | Oguzhan Kasar | Turkey | 1,485,000 |
| 6 | Quan Qiu | China | 1,480,000 |
| 7 | Sondre Stormyr | Norway | 1,445,000 |
| 8 | Da Zhou | China | 1,320,000 |
| 9 | Miguel Prospero | Russian Federation | 1,315,000 |
| 10 | Mekan Yusupov | Turkey | 1,245,000 |
Play will resume at Level 15 for 19 minutes with the blinds at 10,000/20,000 and the big blind ante of 20,000. From then on the blinds will increase every 40 minutes. Play will continue until a winner is crowned. Cards will be in the air at midday local time.
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