Lakhov Wins WPT Merit Classic

Lakhov Wins WPT Merit Classic

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Alexander Lakhov has made it a northern Cypriot double after adding the WPT Merit Classic title to the WPT National crown he won in July.

The Russian added $325,400 to his bankroll on Wednesday after a topping a 404-runner field in Kyrenia.

Lakhov started a high-class, six-man final table second in the chip counts behind Nicolas Chouity. The 2010 EPT Grand Final winner extended that lead with the early eliminations of Igor Devkin and Ori Miller. The former's pocket queens were no match for Chouity's pocket kings while Miller's KdJs shove couldn't crack the Lebanese pro's pocket aces.

Toby Lewis was the next to go. The Briton pushed all in for 2.1m after Dmitry Gromov's opening 200,000 raise but needed help with Ac10h against the Russian's AdJd. The board aided neither player to send Lewis to the rail in fourth with $102,820.

Chouity's challenge stalled in third. Lebanon's biggest ever tournament winner looked well set for a big double up holding top pair and a flush draw against Gromov's measly pocket deuces with just the river to come. The Russian hit his one outer to set up a heads up clash with Alexander Lakhov.

Gromov's luck ran out against his friend and compatriot though. He looked in great shape to seal the win when all in with pocket aces against Lakhov's AsJs. A jack on the flop followed by another on the river gave Lakhov the pot, the chip lead and all the momentum.

He claimed victory soon after when his pocket jacks prevailed against Gromov's Ad2d.

The WPT Merit Classic Northern Cyprus Results

1. Alexander Lakhov - $325,400
2. Dmitry Gromov - $215,000
3. Nicolas Chouity - $140,000
4. Toby Lewis - $102,820
5. Ori Miller - $77,000
6. Igor Devkin - $62,000



Tags: Alexander Lakhov, Toby Lewis, Dmitry Gromov