Imraan Khan, Rubin Petersen, Sam Liversage and Shane Davids were the big winners at the highly successful WPT Freeroll Satellite at Goodwood Cricket Club on Saturday.
Imraan, Rubin and Sam booked their WPT Main Event packages worth R18 000 each, which includes their seat at the most prestigious poker tournament in Africa (with a guaranteed R1 million first prize) and four nights at a hotel over Main Event weekend at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. Shane decided to trade in his package.
What was even more impressive – both Rubin and Sam won their prizes without investing a cent – no rebuys or add-ons! They freerolled from start to finish in a massive field of 95 players. Imraan _(pictured, top left)_ wasn’t heavily invested either as he only paid for an add-on after building a big chip stack during the rebuy phase.
“I’ve never been to WPT before, so I’m really excited!,” said Sam (pictured above). “It was a fantastic and entertaining game of poker. I managed to win a big couple of hands during the re-buy phase, so this meant I didn’t have to do any re-buys or add-ons.
“I still can’t believe how I won this amazing prize, without putting in a cent! Imagine I win big at WPT? I can’t wait!”
Rubin (pictured above) added: “It was a great day of poker. I had some moments when I was low on chips but I remained patient. On final table, I nearly took a cash deal, but luckily I didn’t and doubled up with Kings two hands later! I managed to surprise everyone by making the Top 4 and winning the seat!”
It was indeed a great day of poker – which saw plenty of action from start to finish. The great support on the day saw 4 WPT packages on offer in the prize pool, as well as five cash payouts.
This meant all the players on final table made the money. And the prize bubble popped in heartbreaking fashion for Blamo Brooks, who finished in 10th when he moved in with 8s on the button and ran into Reza Slemang’s Qs in big blind. The ladies hit a set on the flop and held up.
The action continued on final table as Imraan and Dorian Davids tangoed in the first big hand. On a 10♠️ 5♠️ 3♥️ flop, Dorian put the pressure on by moving all in. Imraan made the big call with 8s, while Dorian tabled KQ ♠️ suited – targeting a wide range of outs with spades and two overs possible. But the turn and river bricked, which saw Imraan send Dorian to the rail in 9th.
Ramees Miller ended a run of bad form in Goodwood by making the final table, but his run was brought to an end in 8th spot. During blind on blind action, Ramees went all in with 6s and was snap called by Shane, who tabled AK. The ace flopped, which was enough to score the knockout.
Concept log leader Vicky Moodley continued his dream form this year by making another final table. He fell short of the WPT prizes, though, as he raised all in under the gun with AK. Sam tanked for a few minutes before making the call with Js. The board ran 10-high, which saw Vicky finish in 7th.
Kemal Kahn was grinding with a short stack, but was heavily restricted with a card-dead session. The blinds eventually caught up with him when Shane, holding K10, raised enough to force Kemal all in on the big blind, with a lowly J5. Shane hit two pair to eliminate Kemal in 6th.
There was plenty of tension on the WPT prize bubble, which popped when Reza moved all in on the button with A10. He was called by Sam, who had Js again. The board ran 10 high, which saw Reza finish 5th and the remaining players all win their packages.
Organiser Gareth Duncan thanked all the support staff, as well as all of the players for a great day of poker.
“History was made today. It was officially the biggest tourney in Cape Town in recent years, which allowed us to offer such an amazing prize pool, said Gareth.
“Thanks to the Concept Poker Club committee and Tournament Director Shaun Crous for helping out on the day. As well as to Jade Moodley, who did a fantastic job in the admin office, along with all the runners on the floor.
“And thanks to all the players for the support. Considering the event’s success, we will definitely be hosting another one – stay tuned for details to be announced soon.”
Results from WPT Freeroll, 27 July 2019:
T1st Imraan Khan (WPT Package)
T1st Sam Liversage (WPT Package)
T1st Rubin Petersen (WPT Package)
T1st Shane Davids (WPT Package – Traded In)
5th Reza Slemang
6th Kemal Khan
7th Vicky Moodley
8th Ramees Miller
9th Dorian Davids