Kanit, Baumann and Delmas Make It Nine Winamax Team Pros Through to Day 2
Mustapha Kanit has spent most of the latter stages of today under the lights of the live-streamed feature table here in the Winamax Poker Open Dublin Main Event, but the Italian Winamax Team Pro still managed to bag up a healthy 558,000 after an elimination boosted his stack as the day drew to a close.
Fellow Winamax Team Pros Gaelle Baumann (63,000) and Adrien Delmas (390,500) will join Kanit and the six other Team Pros already advanced in Day 2 as they look to put in a good showing at their "home event."
The 2018 Winamax Poker Open is officially the largest ever, eclipsing the 2013 event with a new record of 1,191 entries.
"It was a good day!" said Kanit after bagging up in the largest 6-Max event ever held in Europe. "I'll explain for you. From the big blind I like to play because you've already put one big blind in. From the button I like to play because it's the button. Under the gun is the new best position. I always love it because you keep a stronger range.
"Cutoff is the cutoff, and small blind you want to take some squeeze some times. So that's just the way it is! Five-handed at the table is great; I love it."
"I love this format. I want one of these tables at home! As soon as I move house I will get this table; f*ck nine-handed(!)"
Kanit has good memories here in Dublin and is loving the 6-Max format.
"Dublin is very good for me. Every time I come I win, I love it; some beers. I'm going to win this one! Adrian won [in Marrakech], Mustapha next...Davidi [Kitai] no. Davidi doesn't have the attitude for this tournament! The young guys have! Write a big article - Davidi no attitude! He's a father; too tired!"
Leading the way is Eric Gahon who is the only player over 700,000 after scooping a last-minute 200,000 chip pot when his pocket tens bested the nines of an opponent with just two hands left in the day.
Other big stacks include Yves Siess (610,500) and Elisabeth Loiseau (605,500). Defending champion Otto Richard also managed to find a bag with 114,000 chips in it as he aims to go back-to-back.
Notables left in include Mark Buckley (215,000), Sander van Wesemael (88,000) and former professional footballer [Removed:30] (497,500).
The remaining 161 players will join those already advanced from Day 1a and 1b on Saturday at midday. Stay tuned to PokerNews for all the live updates as we get closer to bursting the money bubble - payouts yet to be announced - and then crowning the latest Winamax champion.