Kabir Khattar
Screen Names
GareebPoker
-
-
-
News Tagged
Recent Articles
Most Popular Articles
No articles found.
USOP Da Nang 2023: Main Event Creates a New Vietnam Record With 1,595 Entries & Colossal VN₫ 34.801 Billion Prize Pool, India’s Meherzad Munsaf Third Overall in Chips With 15 Indians Advancing to Day 2
As the U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang 2023 heads towards its conclusion at Vietnam’s opulent Furama Resort, Event #34: VN₫ 2.5 Million USOP Main Event has emerged as the centrepiece, drawing an unprecedented level of participation and excitement. The series, already notable for its high-energy events, has seen many of its tournaments attract record entries, but none more so than the Main Event.
The event’s final two starting flights on Saturday witnessed a substantial turnout, with Day 1C drawing 576 entries and Day 1D adding another 304. This influx pushed the total entries to a staggering 1,595, eclipsing the previous high of 1,336. Consequently, the prize pool surged to an astonishing VN₫ 34.801 Billion, more than double the VN₫ 15 Billion guarantee, making it Vietnam’s most significant and richest $1K buy-in event. The eventual winner is poised to claim a jaw-dropping VN₫ 5.720 Billion.
Alex Wong, USOP Chief Operating Officer, couldn’t hide his elation, remarking, “Today we gather here with hearts full of admiration and gratitude as I reflect on the extraordinary success of USOP Da Nang. This event has not only met but exceeded all expectations. We have boasted record-breaking entries in all our high-roller events, and it looks like we are about to shatter our biggest record of 1,336 entries in the Main Event…. I stand here deeply honoured to have you grace us with your presence…. huge thanks to all of you for making USOP Danang off the charts amazing.”
Post the starting flights, 72 players advanced from Day 1C and another 38 from Day 1D, culminating in 201 contenders ready to battle it out on Day 2. Leading the pack is Australian Alan Pham, the chip leader from Day 1D, who amassed an impressive 1,109,000 chips.
Pham is closely trailed by Hwany Lee with 1,008,000 chips and India’s Meherzad Munsaf with 989,000, the top stacks from Day 1A and Day 1B, respectively.
The Indian team has been a force to reckon with throughout the series, marked by title victories from Amit Kaushik and Vinay B. The Indian delegation is strongly positioned in the Main Event, with 15 players advancing to Day 2.
A batch of five Indians: Manoj Pentakota (631,000), Harsh Bubna (618,000), the DPT October 2023 Warm-Up NLH Turbo winner, Rising Star Ritwik Khanna (559,000), Deepankur Gupta (361,000) and Arun Vijay (253,000) secured their seats from Day 1C.
Vietnam’s Phạm Duy Ánh led the charge among the 72 advancing players from Day 1C with 833,000 chips.
Another two Indians, Avneesh Munjal (193,000) and Rohit Begwani (149,000), qualified from Day 1D.
Other Indians in contention for the Main Event crown include the Day 1A qualifier, the Event #40: VN₫ 88 Million Mystery Rush Bounty winner Vinay B (411,000), and seven Day 1B qualifiers: Munsaf, as well as Amit Kaushik (720,000), Aditya Singh (575,000), the defending USOP Main Event champion, Vishal Ojha (314,000), Young Gun Siddharth Karia (145,000), Kabir Khattar (145,000), and Mohit Bohra (51,000), bringing the total count to 15 Indians, with Munsaf leading the pack.
In side events, Amit Kaushik, the Event #5: VN₫ 3.4 Million Turbo champion, continued his outstanding run, securing his fifth cash of the series in Event #45: VN₫ 4.5 Million 6-Card PLO, a fifth-place prize of VN₫ 17.80 Million (~₹61,091). Kaushik’s series scorecard currently stands at a striking VN₫ 319.580 Million (~₹10.97 Lakhs), with another cash prize guaranteed in the Main Event.
Another Indian, Rawat Rishab Singh, also made a mark in Event #45: VN₫ 4.5 Million 6-Card PLO, placing eighth for VN₫ 8.30 Million (~₹28,487).
Other notable victories in side events were achieved by Vietnam’s Ngo Trong Hieu (Event #44: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller for VN₫ 603.400 Million) and Taiwanese players Jass Wei Chew Jun (Event #46: VN₫ 8.8 Million Hyper Turbo for VN₫ 133.60 Million) and Kun Han Lee (Event #45: VN₫ 4.5 Million 6-Card PLO for VN₫ 83.90 Million).
The action-packed Day 2 of the Main Event began at 12.15 PM (local time) on Sunday, November 26, and will play down to the final table. The final day of the Main Event is scheduled to begin at the same time on Monday, November 27.
Top 10 Chip Counts For Day 2
- Alan Pham – 1,109,000
- Hwany Lee – 1,008,000
- Meherzad Munsaf – 989,000
- The Naing – 923,000
- Hoàng HảI Nam – 854,000
- PhạM Duy Ánh – 833,000
- Seung Mook Jung – 813,000
- Lee Tsung Ying – 805,000
- Wong Ka Fai – 778,000
- Nguyen Quang Huy – 748,000
Content & Images Courtesy: USOP, Crown Poker Club & So Much Poker
Keep following PokerGuru for the latest updates from the USOP Da Nang 2023!
USOP Da Nang 2023: Team India Shines on Black Friday; Vinay B Rings in Maiden Live Title Victory in Event #40: VN₫ 88 Million Mystery Rush Bounty (~₹14.12 Lakhs) & Meherzad Munsaf Tops 48 Main Event Day 1B Qualifiers
The U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang 2023, currently underway at Vietnam’s opulent Furama Resort, is nearing its grand finale with just three days left before the curtains fall on this season-ending series. The record-breaking series has been a showcase of exceptional skill and strategy, especially from the Indian contingent.
Black Friday was particularly momentous for Team India, as Vinay B (cover image) clinched India’s second series trophy in Event #40: VN₫ 88 Million Mystery Rush Bounty. His victory, earning him VN₫ 411.30 Million (~₹14.12 Lakhs), came after an all-Indian heads-up battle against Jatin Sablani. Vinay’s triumph not only brought him his maiden live title but also the second-largest cash prize won by an Indian in the series.
Sablani, a notable online regular, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill, secured the runner-up spot and a personal-best VN₫ 320.40 Million (~₹11 Lakhs) in prize money.
A well-known circuit regular with a live scorecard dating back to 2018, Vinay B had previously cashed in the Mini Main Event at this USOP stop, securing the 40th spot and earning approximately ₹97,700 (VN₫ 28.40 Million). He has already secured a Day 2 berth in the USOP Main Event, having qualified from Day 1A. With this win, his total earnings at the series have soared to VN₫ 439.70 Million (~₹15.09 Lakhs), placing him third among the top Indian scorers.
Simultaneously, Day 1B of the USOP Main Event saw intense action, drawing a massive turnout of 382 entries (286 unique). Meherzad Munsaf emerged as the standout star, seizing the day’s top stack of 989,000 chips (65 big blinds), ranking him second overall for Day 2.
Munsaf, fresh from his recent win in Event #24: VN₫ 7.70 Million Freezeout at the 2023 WPT Vietnam “Passport to World Championship” last month, has maintained a consistent presence throughout this series, amassing scores in Event #15: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller (5th for VN₫ 84.40 Million) (~₹2.91 Lakhs) and the Mystery Millions (67th for VN₫ 11.50 Million) (~₹39,622 ). His total series earnings currently stand at VN₫ 95.90 Million (~ ₹3.30 Lakhs), and his Day 2 advancement in the Main Event has guaranteed him a third cash.
Joining Munsaf in advancing to Day 2 were six prominent Indian players, including Event #5: VN₫ 3.4 Million Turbo champion Amit Kaushik, who bagged the fourth-biggest stack of 720,000 chips, assuring him a fifth cash at this series.
Aditya Singh secured the eighth-biggest stack from Day 1B with 575,000 chips.
With three Indian players making the top ten in chips on Day 1B, others like the defending USOP Main Event champion Vishal Ojha (314,000), fresh from an eighth-place finish in the Super High Roller, Young Gun Siddharth Karia (145,000), Kabir Khattar (145,000), and Mohit Bohra (51,000) completed the Indian contingent advancing from Day 1B.
Abhishek Paul, the DPT November 2022 Main Event champion, was another standout. Having opened his scorecard in Event #16: VN₫ 4.50 Million Turbo, Paul picked his second series cash in Event #43: VN₫ Double Board – Single Winner , securing fifth place for VN₫ 15.20 Million (~₹52,168). Paul’s total has reached VN₫ 44.80 Million (~₹1.54 Lakhs).
Outside Team India`s remarkable Friday showing, South Korea’s Jinho Hong achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural VN₫ 4 Billion GTD Event #39: VN₫ 2.5 Billion Billionaire Cup Challenge, securing a whopping VN₫ 4.585 Billion following an ICM deal and becoming the first inductee into the USOP Hall of Fame.
The series also celebrated notable wins by the team of South Korea’s Junam Lee and Dong Hyun Kim (Event #41: VN₫ 16.50 Million Tag Team Event for VN₫ 356.40 Million), Malaysia’s Liew Yew Tong (Event #42: VN₫ 6.6 Million Turbo for VN₫ 198.60 Million) and Japan’s Zhang Menghong (Event #43: VN₫ 4.5 Million Double Board – Single Winner for VN₫ 68.40 Million).
Here are the highlights!
Vinay B Scores Maiden Live Victory in Event #40: VN₫ 88 Million Mystery Rush Bounty (~₹14.12 Lakhs), Jatin Sablani Finishes Runner-up (~₹11 Lakhs)
Indian poker pro Vinay B won the country its second series trophy in Event #40: VN₫ 88 Million Mystery Rush Bounty. Topping a field of 220 entries (173 unique), Vinay B ultimately squared off with fellow countryman Jatin Sablani in the heads-up battle. In an all-Indian heads-up finale, Vinay B outplayed Jatin Sablani to secure the top prize of VN₫ 411.30 Million (~₹14.12 Lakhs).
This win holds particular significance for Vinay B, as it marks his first live poker victory after near-misses at the 2018 APPT Macau and the 2023 WPT Prime India Event #10: 30K Big Bounty, where he finished as the runner-up. At the ongoing stop, he had previously cashed in the Mini Main Event (40th for VN₫ 28.40 Million), and was the lone Indian survivor on Day 1A of the USOP Main Event. If Vinay B’s current form at the USOP Da Nang is any indication, we should expect to see him more often at the Asian live circuit.
Sablani, a notable online regular, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill, secured the runner-up spot and a personal-best VN₫ 320.40 Million (~₹11 Lakhs).
The tournament paid out the top 28 finishers a slice of the VN₫ 1.702 Billion prize kitty.
Final Table Results (VN₫) (Including Bounties)
- Vinay B – VN₫ 411,300,000
- Jatin Sablani – VN₫ 320,400,000
- Hu Jinlong – VN₫ 209,000,000
- William Kang – VN₫ 81,500,000
- Duong Trung Thuy – VN₫ 72,900,000
- Sarray Jamel – VN₫ 102,000,000
- Kim Jinsung – VN₫ 42,100,000
- Thomas Gary – VN₫ 83,800,000
- Bradshaw Michael Kenneth – VN₫ 31,900,000
India’s Meherzad Munsaf Bags Top Stack Among 48 Qualifiers on Day 1B of Event #34: VN₫ 2.5 Million USOP Main Event, Leads Seven Advancing Indians
The highly anticipated Day 1B of the VN₫ 15 Billion GTD Event #34: VN₫ 2.5 Million USOP Main Event lived up to expectations, attracting a total of 382 contenders (286 unique), adding to the intense action on the field. The turnout has pushed the total number of entries in the tournament to 690. Priced at VN₫ 2.5 Million per entry, the Main Event has already met its guarantee, with the last two flights scheduled today.
At the day’s close, 48 players progressed to the next stage, with India’s Meherzad Munsaf emerging as the frontrunner, amassing a notable 989,000 chips, equivalent to 65 big blinds.
Munsaf, who enlisted himself as a member of the WPT champion’s club in October, shipping Event #24: VN₫ 7.70 Million Freezeout at the 2023 World Poker Tour Vietnam “Passport to World Championship” has marked a consistent presence at this USOP stop from the onset. He had already secured two cashes in previous events, notably finishing fifth in Event #15: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller (~₹2.91 Lakhs), and picking up another score in the Mystery Millions (67th for ₹39,622). His Day 2 advancement in the Main Event has assured him a cash addition to his current series total of VN₫ 95.90 Million (~₹3.30 Lakhs).
Six other Indian players joined Munsaf in the day-end chip counts. Event #5: VN₫ 3.4 Million Turbo champion Amit Kaushik has exerted a dominating presence at the stop. He also impressed by bagging 720,000 chips on Day 1B, confirming himself a fifth cash finish at the festival.
Aditya Singh secured the eighth-biggest stack of 575,000 chips, while the defending USOP Main Event champion Vishal Ojha, fresh from an eighth-place finish in the Super High Roller, carried through 314,000 chips. This was Ojha’s second attempt in the Main Event after firing two bullets on Day 1A and having bagged a middling stack for Day 2, he looks determined to defend his title.
Young Gun Siddharth Karia (145,000), Kabir Khattar (145,000), and Mohit Bohra (51,000) complete the Indian contingent advancing to the next stage.
Veteran poker pro Hoang Hai Nam, the USOP Super High Roller champion, finished the day with the second-largest stack of 854,000 chips, followed by Wong Ka Fai from Hong Kong with 775,000 chips.
The Main Event’s final two flights, Day 1C and Day 1D (turbo), are set to unfold today, starting at noon and 6 PM (local time), promising more high-stakes poker drama and intense rivalry for the prestigious Main Event crown.
Top 10 Chip Counts at the End of Day 1B
- Meherzad Munsaf – 989,000
- Hoang Hai Nam – 854,000
- Wong Ka Fai – 775,000
- Amit Kaushik – 720,000
- Guy Taylor – 633,000
- Nguyen Trung Ha – 622,000
- Seong Uk Huh – 584,000
- Aditya Singh – 575,000
- Farhad Aghayev – 497,000
- Deng Zhi Wen – 494,000
South Korea’s Jinho Hong Wins Inaugural Event #39: VN₫ 2.5 Billion Billionaire Cup Challenge For a Staggering VN₫ 4.586 Billion
The much-anticipated Event #39: VN₫ 2.5 Billion USOP Billionaire Club Challenge debuted with a bang at the USOP Da Nang, attracting an elite field of 72 entries, including 51 unique participants. South Korea’s poker ace, Jinho Hong, entered the final table with a commanding chip lead and maintained his dominance throughout, securing the inaugural Billionaire Cup Challenge title.
Hong’s stellar performance culminated in a heads-up deal, earning him a staggering VN₫ 4.586 Billion top prize. This remarkable feat not only sealed his victory but also etched his name in history as the first player to be officially inaugurated into the prestigious USOP Hall of Fame, commemorating his exceptional achievement.
Nam Hyung Kim, Hong’s final adversary, negotiated an ICM deal, walking away with a stunning VN₫ 3.764 Billion as the runner-up. With this triumph, South Korea has now claimed victory in the two biggest buy-in events of the series, solidifying its dominance on the Asian tournament circuit.
The event witnessed an overwhelming response, generating an awe-inspiring VN₫ 16.762 Billion prize pool, quadrupling the initial VN₫ 4 Billion guarantee. This substantial prize pool makes Event #39 the richest event at this season-ending USOP stop, surpassing the previous record set in the Superstar Challenge by more than VN₫ 2 Billion.
The final table action was live-streamed on a 30-minute delay. You can watch the replay below.
Complete Payouts (VN₫)
- Jinho Hong – VN₫ 4,585,700,000*
- Nam Hyung Kim – VN₫ 3,763,700,000*
- Ivan Hon Cheong Lee – VN₫ 2,028,100,000
- Joshua McCully – VN₫ 1,404,400,000
- Nguyen Quang Huy – VN₫ 1,086,400,000
- John Bert Perry – VN₫ 894,700,000
- Hyunsup Kim – VN₫ 744,300,000
- Seungmook Jung – VN₫ 653,700,000
- Alan Pham – VN₫ 578,200,000
- Ji Hoon Lee – VN₫ 511,200,000
- Nguyen Trung Quan – VN₫ 511,200,001
*denotes an ICM-based deal
Content & Images Courtesy: USOP, Crown Poker Club & So Much Poker
Keep following PokerGuru for the latest updates from the USOP Da Nang 2023!
USOP Da Nang 2023: Chirag Khanduja Nearly Gets Team India Its Second Series Title; Finishes Sixth in Record-Breaking Mini Main Event For ₹8.90 Lakhs
As the U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang 2023, taking place at the picturesque Furama Resort surpasses its halfway point, the atmosphere brims with competitive intensity and anticipation.
The highlight of Wednesday’s action was undoubtedly Event #18: VN₫ 8.80 Million Mini Main Event. An epic 12-hour Day 2 session saw Germany’s Oliver Schulze emerge as the champion from the record-breaking field after an ICM deal with Kyle Bao Diep, who pocketed a better VN₫ 1.084 Billion. Schulze’s victory, earning him VN₫ 1.056 Billion and the distinguished USOP trophy, was a testament to endurance and skill.
Team India has been making a strong impression at this season-ending USOP stop, with several players making deep runs, achieving final-table finishes, and even securing a title. Chirag Khanduja nearly bagged India’s second series title in the Mini Main Event. Entering the nine-handed final table with the shortest stack, Khanduja did well to eventually finish sixth for VN₫ 258.70 Million (~₹8.90 Lakhs), the highest single cash for an Indian at the festival so far!
Amit Kaushik, the series’ standout Indian player, narrowly missed his third final table appearance, finishing 10th in the Mini Main Event for VN₫ 101.70 Million (~₹3.50 Lakhs). This achievement brings his series total to a staggering VN₫ 311.80 Million (~₹10.73 Lakhs), positioning him as the leading Indian earner in the series.
Other Indian players also had their moment to shine in the Mini Main Event include Kabir Khattar (22nd for VN₫ 45.80 Million) (~₹1.58 Lakhs), Young Gun Anmol Mehta (37th for VN₫ 28.40 Million) (~₹97,700), Vinay B (40th for 28.40 Million) (~₹97,700), Vaibhav Temani (54th for VN₫ 25.10 Million) (~₹86,348), defending USOP Main Event champion Vishal Ojha (105th for VN₫ 14.20 Million) (~₹48,850), and Mohit Bohra (112th for VN₫ 12.70 Million) (~₹43,690) all securing payouts
Fresh off his runner-in finish in Event #26: Turbo, Rohit Begwani continued his strong form with another final table appearance in Event #31: VN₫ 8.80 Million PLO, taking eighth place and adding VN₫ 26.30 Million (~₹90,476) to his series tally. New Zealand’s Natalia Rozova clinched the title and VN₫ 209 Million in first-place prize money.
In other side events, Vietnam’s Pham Song Hau (Won Event #29: Midweek Superstack for VN₫ 584 Million), Philippines’ Delfino Tan Ty (Won Event #32: Freezeout for VN₫ 137.50 Million), and Australia’s Andrew Robert Hawes (Won Event #33: 10/10/10 for VN₫ 57 Million) emerged victorious.
Here are the highlights!
Germany’s Oliver Schulze Champions Record-Crushing Event #18: VN₫ 8.80 Million Mini Main Event (VN₫ 1.056 Billion); India’s Chirag Khanduja Places Sixth (~₹8.90 Lakhs)
Event #18: VN₫ 8.80 Million Mini Main Event concluded its thrilling three-day run on Wednesday, crowning Germany’s Oliver Schulze as the champion. A record 935 entries (659 unique) across three flights generated a staggering VN₫ 7.256 Billion prize pool, setting a new USOP record.
The 117 contenders who returned for Day 2 faced an intense 12-hour poker session. Schulze, beginning the final table just behind the chip leader, maintained a strategic approach, which paid off as he doubled up against Kyle Bao Diep in a pivotal hand.
As the competition narrowed down to the final six, Schulze’s momentum surged, leading to the eliminations of Ngo Minh Tien (5th), Calvin Tan (4th), and Pham Duy Tien (3rd) and propelling him into the heads-up showdown against Diep with a slight chip deficit. However, the battle continued for the trophy after an ICM deal that saw Diep secure VN₫ 1.084 Billion and Schulze VN₫ 1.056 Billion.
Soon after, Schulze claimed the chip lead and rode it across the finish line. On the final hand, Schulze’s beat out Diep’s , with the board showing .
India’s Chirag Khanduja was among the nine Indians who had found a bag for Day 2. He had qualified from Day 1B with a stack of 271,000. He reached the nine-handed final table with the shortest stack of 495,000. Though at a disadvantage, Khanduja did not give up the fight. Early into the final table, he found double-ups against Kyle Bao Diep and Pham Duy Tien. Down to eight-handed play, Khanduja had built up his stack to 2 Million. He continued applying pressure and even scooped up a big pot from Teoh Ming Hong.
Despite his brilliant play, Khanduja’s run ended in sixth place. His elimination hand saw Pham Duy Tien raise to 300,000 from the hijack. Khanduja 3-bet jammed from the cutoff for 1.30 Million. Calvin Tran 4-bet re-shoved from the big blind, forcing Tien to fold.
Chirag Khanduja
Calvin Tan
The showdown revealed and was of no help to Khanduja who took home VN₫ 258.70 Million (~₹8.90 Lakhs) for his efforts. This is now the single-biggest score by an Indian in the ongoing series.
Amit Kaushik, the Event #5 champion, narrowly missed his third final table finish, ending in 10th place, but cemented his position as the top Indian earner of the series. He bubbled the final table when his ran into Kyle Bao Diep’s which bettered to a one-card straight on the board . Kaushik collected VN₫ 101.70 Million (~₹3.50 Lakhs) for his finish, marking his fourth cash of the series, taking his series winnings to an impressive VN₫ 311.80 Million (~₹10.73 Lakhs).
The Mini Main Event was also a platform for other Indian players to shine, with Kabir Khattar (22nd for VN₫ 45.80 Million) (~₹1.58 Lakhs), Young Gun Anmol Mehta (37th for VN₫ 28.40 Million) (~₹97,700), Vinay B (40th for 28.40 Million) (~₹97,700), Vaibhav Temani (54th for VN₫ 25.10 Million) (~₹86,348), Vishal Ojha (105th for VN₫ 14.20 Million) (~₹48,850), and Mohit Bohra (112th for VN₫ 12.70 Million) (~₹43,690), all securing payouts, contributing to India’s strong showing in the series.
Final Table Results (VN₫)
- Oliver Schulze – VN₫ 1,056,000,000*
- Kyle Bao Diep – VN₫ 1,084,000,000*
- Pham Duy Tien – VN₫ 571,000,000
- Tan Kean Wei – VN₫ 421,800,000
- Ngo Minh Tien – VN₫ 321,400,000
- Chirag Khanduja – VN₫ 258,700,000
- Teoh Ming Hong – VN₫ 207,500,000
- Guy Taylor – VN₫ 162,700,000
- Cao Minh Thang – VN₫ 126,000,000
*denotes a heads-up deal
New Zealand’s Natalia Rozova Wins Event #31: VN₫ 8.80 Million PLO (VN₫ 209 Million); India’s Rohit Begwani Finishes Eighth (~₹90,476)
On Wednesday, the tables were hot with competition in Event #31: VN₫ 8.80 Million PLO. With 87 entries (65 unique), the prize pool swelled to VN₫ 675.10 Million. New Zealand’s Natalia Rozova stood victorious, earning the prestigious USOP trophy and a lucrative VN₫ 209 Million in winnings. Close on her heels was Latvia’s Roland Norietis, who secured a solid VN₫ 129 Million for his runner-up finish.
Not to be overlooked, India’s Rohit Begwani followed up his recent second-place success in Event #26: Turbo with another commendable performance, achieving his second final table finish of the series. His eighth-place finish in this event added VN₫ 26.30 Million (~₹90,476) to his earnings, elevating his series total to VN₫ 73.20 Million (~₹2.52 Lakhs), making for a spectacular resurgence to the live tournament scene after a six-year hiatus.
Complete Payouts (VN₫)
- Natalia Rozova – VN₫ 209,000,000
- Roland Norietis – VN₫ 129,000,000
- Dong Van Tan – VN₫ 81,700,000
- Micheal O’Neill – VN₫ 55,400,000
- Nguyen Huu Vinh – VN₫ 42,900,000
- Lim Beng Wei – VN₫ 35,100,000
- Tong Jia Chuan – VN₫ 29,900,000
- Rohit Begwani – VN₫ 26,300,000
- Wong Charles Ying Wai – VN₫ 23,400,000
- Sun Kai Yi – VN₫ 21,200,000
- Gavin Mark Flynn – VN₫ 21,200,000
Content & Images Courtesy: USOP, Crown Poker Club & So Much Poker
Keep following PokerGuru for the latest updates from the USOP Da Nang 2023!
USOP Da Nang 2023: Aditya Singh Finishes 8th in Mini High Roller (~₹2.59 Lakhs) & Amit Kaushik Bags Big on Day 1A of Mini Main Event
The season-ending 2023 U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang, unfolding amidst the luxurious confines of the Furama Resort, has been a spectacle of thrilling poker action for the last four days. The series has been the stage for commendable performances, especially from Indian players, with Aditya Singh and Amit Kaushik standing out on Monday.
Aditya Singh, renowned for his online MTT dominance, has been venturing successfully onto the live poker scene. Having already scored in Las Vegas, Rozvadov, and Goa, Singh made his first significant impact on the South-Asian circuit last night. He advanced to the final table in Event #21: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller, placing eighth for VN₫ 75.10 Million (~₹2.59 Lakhs).
Meanwhile, Event #21: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller saw Frenchman Bier Romain Michel lifting his second USOP trophy on consecutive days, pocketing a lucrative VN₫ 703 Million.
Amit Kaushik, another formidable Indian contender, has been making waves in the series. Following his victory in Event #5 and a robust finish in Event #12, the postgraduate from IIT Roorkee, Kaushik, continued his momentum by bagging the seventh-largest stack of 376,000 chips on Day 1A of the VN₫ 2 Billion GTD Event #18: VN₫ 8.80 Million Mini Main Event. He was among 33 survivors from 267 entrants, while Hwigon Park from South Korea emerged as the day-end chip leader with 684,000 chips. Kaushik’s fellow compatriot Kabir Khattar also advanced to Day 2 with a short stack of 61,000 chips.
Adding to South Korea’s triumphs, Jaewook Shin championed the massive VN₫ 4 Billion GTD Event #13: VN₫ 120 Million Superstar Challenge, earning a staggering VN₫ 3.967 Billion.
Other recent side event winners at the series include New Zealand’s Thomas Ward (Won Event #19: High Roller Bounty Hunter for VN₫ 1.122 Billion), Russia’s Iablokov Sergei (Won Event #20: Progressive Knockout for VN₫ 69 Million), Canada’s Alen Bakovic (Won Event #22: Run it Twice for VN₫ 43 Million), and South Korea’s Lee Koangho (Won Event 23: Hyper Turbo for VN₫ 73.30 Million).
Here are the highlights!
Frenchman Bier Romain Michel Champions Event #21: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller (VN₫ 703 Million); India’s Aditya Singh Finishes 8th (~₹2.59 Lakhs)
Making a late-night finish on Monday, Event #21: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller attracted a robust lineup of 122 entries (90 unique), amassing a staggering VN₫ 2.367 Billion in prize money, effortlessly exceeding the advertised VN₫ 400 Million guarantee.
Riding the wave of his recent triumph in Event #16: VN₫ 4.50 Million Turbo, France’s Bier Romain Michel captured his second title of the series in the Mini High Roller, pocketing a hefty VN₫ 703 Million. Hein Hiet Aung put up a strong fight but ultimately secured the runner-up spot with a reward of VN₫ 430 Million.
The event also featured the well-known Indian online maestro Aditya Singh, who marked his first series cash and his inaugural score on the South-Asian circuit. Singh showcased his skills and finished in eighth place, earning VN₫ 75.10 Million (~₹2.59 Lakhs).
Notably, Natural8’s Victor Chong also made the final table cut, placing eighth with VN₫ 105.60 Million.
Final Table Results (VN₫)
- Bier Romain Michel – VN₫ 703,000,000
- Hein Hiet Aung – VN₫ 430,000,000
- Tan Ong Kwan – VN₫ 262,000,000
- Thomas Gary Pound – VN₫ 178,800,000
- Haro Clement Jean-Michel – VN₫ 133,200,000
- Victor Chong – VN₫ 105,600,000
- Yita Choong – VN₫ 88,500,000
- Aditya Singh – VN₫ 75,100,000
South Korea’s Hwigon Park Chip Leads 33 Survivors on Day 1A of the Mini Main Event; India’s Amit Kaushik Bags 7th Biggest Stack
The second marquee tournament of the USOP Da Nang 2023, the VN₫ 2 Billion GTD Event #18: VN₫ 8.80 Million Mini Main Event, kicked off its opening flight, Day 1A, on Monday, drawing an impressive 267 entrants. From this spirited group, only 33 competitors advanced to Day 2.
Emerging at the forefront, South Korea’s Hwigon Park concluded the first starting flight with a commanding lead, amassing a formidable stack of 684,000 chips.
Continuing his remarkable performance in the series, Amit Kaushik, victor of Event #5: VN₫ 3.4 Million Turbo, finished the day with a substantial 376,000 chips, securing the seventh-largest stack.
Joining Kaushik in the advance to Day 2 is compatriot Kabir Khattar, who, despite holding a more modest chip count of 61,000, will proceed with the second smallest stack among those moving forward.
Top 10 Chip Counts at the End of Day 1A
- Hwigon Park – 684,000
- Lee Wai Huen – 678,000
- Tran Quoc Uy – 484,000
- Milkty – 438,000
- Ham Dong Myung – 421,000
- Sung Ho Kim – 385,000
- Amit Kaushik – 376,000
- Tung Zi Wei – 347,000
- Tsang Ka Shun – 335,000
- 10 Dat Suc Nguyen – 319,000
South Korea’s Jaewook Shin Ships Event #13: VN₫ 120 Million Superstar Challenge For a Jaw-Dropping VN₫ 3.967 Billion
The VN₫ 4 Billion GTD Event #13: VN₫ 120 Million Superstar Challenge delivered an electrifying high-stakes experience, attracting a groundbreaking 133 entries (89 unique) that shattered the previous record of 94. This surge in participation led to a staggering VN₫ 14.449 Billion prize pool, setting a new benchmark for the event.
In an exhilarating conclusion, South Korea’s Jaewook Shin emerged as the Superstar Challenge champion, clinching a massive VN₫ 3.967 Billion top prize. The runner-up spot was claimed by Nguyen Quang Huy, who walked away with a substantial VN₫ 2.413 Billion.
The final showdown between Shin and Huy was a marathon session that lasted over two gruelling hours. Despite Shin’s significant chip advantage of 63 BBs to Huy’s 27 BBs at the start, the lead oscillated between the two, with Shin momentarily conceding it to Huy before decisively reclaiming control.
In the climactic hand, Shin went all-in with , while Huy pushed his chips in with . The community cards unfolded, crowning Shin as the champion. Huy, demonstrating formidable tenacity, earned the second-place finish.
The tournament paid out the top 20 finishers, with Filipino poker ace Mike Takayama securing the third-highest prize, concluding his run with a whopping VN₫ 1.481 Billion prize.
Final Table Results (VN₫)
- Jaewook Shin – VN₫ 3,967,000,000
- Nguyen Quang Huy – VN₫ 2,413,000,000
- Mike Takayama – VN₫ 1,481,000,000
- Win Meng “Jerome” Tan – VN₫ 1,043,200,000
- Dylan Foster – VN₫ 758,600,000
- Junhyoung Ki – VN₫ 635,800,000
- Jeffrey Lo – VN₫ 534,600,000
- Alan Pham – VN₫ 437,100,000
- Alan Khoo – VN₫ 361,300,000
Content & Images Courtesy: USOP, Crown Poker Club & So Much Poker
Keep following PokerGuru for the latest updates from the USOP Da Nang 2023!
