Scott Symonds Leads GUKPT Goliath

The Grosvenor UK Poker Tour “Goliath” had the first of its three Day 1s last night, and a decent entry of 391 turned up for the £100,000 guaranteed event at the Ricoh Stadium in Coventry.

When the dust had settled from the carnage that went on through 16 levels of play, just 73 players remained, with Scott Symonds sitting at the head of the Goliath leaderboard with an incredible 453,500 chips (90 BBs).

Scott Leaves his Ascent Late

We were into the sixteenth and last level of the day (Blinds 2,500/5,000 – ante 500) when Scott took down the major pot of the day. Dealt J♣ J♠, Scott raised the pot by 16K and was called by Graham “The Wizard” Pound (10♦ 7♦). The flop fell 5♦ 6♦ 8♣, and Scott´s raise was again called by Graham. When the 10♠ was drawn on the turn, Graham shoved his stack into the middle and Scott called. However, Graham could not conjure up another diamond on the river, and Scott captured a pot worth more than 250,000 chips.

Players Fall in Their Droves

Big pots were won and lost all throughout the day – sometimes taking out two players at a time! Martin Hockaday (K♥ K♣) did his prospects no harm, getting all-in pre-flop against Dominic Ricepierse (9♠ 9♣) and Philip Bain (K♠ Q♥) and sending both players to the rail when his kings held, but Ian Taylor failed to take full advantage of his Q♠ on a board which ran 7♠ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠, and he will be one of the players contemplating a re-entry today as he was later knocked out from the tournament.

GUKPT Goliath Chip Counts

Aiming to be the Biggest Live Poker Event in Europe

Organisers are hoping that the total entry will surpass the UK record of 848 entrants for a live poker tournament (EPT London 2010) and also the European record of 987 (EPT San Remo 2011) by the time the two further Day 1s are completed. With a good entry on Day 1A, and re-entries allowed for those eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday and Thursday, it looks as if they will be successful in their quest.

GUKPT Season Leaderboard Update

A huge number of points for Europe´s most valuable poker leaderboard competition are also up for grabs in the Goliath. Steve Vigour may look as if he has the title sewn up (and David Johnson the second spot), but a strong performance from any of the chasing pack could see a close battle for the £26,000 first prize by the time the tour concludes in London in November.