Nathaniel Beukes won every all-in battle on final table, which set the foundation for his victory at Concept Midweek Game #29 in Goodwood on Thursday night.
Nathaniel arrived at the final table as the shortest stack among the 9 players, but with patience, big folds and hot form on the board, he built himself into the chip lead during the latter stages and surged to the tournament win. It’s his second triumph of the 2019 season.
And it was an enjoyable tournament from the outset as 46 players entered the field, creating an exciting game and social camaraderie.
And when it came down to final table, it didn’t take long for the fireworks to go.
In fact, Pine Pienaar was all in first hand with KJ, and got called by Shane Solomons with AQ – but the King flopped to give Pine the double-up.
Nathaniel was all in on the second hand, and he doubled up with AK against Gerhard Beukes, who snap called with pocket Qs. But the King flopped for a second time, giving another player a much-needed double-up.
Vicky Moodley was eventually the first elimination after he lost the bulk of his chips during a badly-timed move with 3s. He re-raised Preston Jonas with the small pair before Clinton Reddy shoved all in over the top. Hoping for a race, he made the big call, but found himself dominated against pocket 7s, which flopped a set and held.
Vicky then shoved all in with A2, which got two calls from Pine and Clinton – the latter raked the pot with KQ, spiking the K to see Vicky out in 9th.
Preston hit the rail in 8th as he suffered a bad beat against Gerhard. Gerhard applied the pressure by raising on the button, which received resistance on the small blind as Preston shoved all in with pocket 6s. Already committed to the call, Gerhard tabled K5 ♦️ suited, which managed to spike a K on the Flop to score the knockout.
The final 7 created a bubble prize, which meant they all made the money.
Clinton then surged into the chip lead when he took both Jodamus brothers out of the game with pocket Qs. Franklin raised all in under the gun with A8, which was snapped off by Jeremy with AQ in late position. Clinton then woke up with the ladies among the blinds and called to put both at risk. The flop ran 378, giving Franklin hope – but killing Jeremy’s chances of winning the pot. But the Turn and River bricked, handing Clinton a massive pot.
Shane Solomons was knocked out in 5th after losing a race among the blinds. Pine Pienaar raised in small blind with KQ before Shane shoved with pocket 9s. Pine made the call and hit a Queen on the flop to take the hand.
There were several swings among the final 4, and eventually Pine was out in 4th when he made a move with J3 ♣️ suited on the button. His all in was called by Nathaniel’s pocket 6s, which did the business.
Gerhard finished in 3rd place when he shoved with A5 ♠️ suited. He got called by Clinton, who had him dominated with A10 – the bigger ace held up on a dry board.
Nathaniel and Clinton agreed on a 50-50 cash split before playing for the points. It was a tough heads-up battle, which saw Nathaniel take the edge as he slow played his made-hands against Clinton’s post-flop aggression.
The decisive hand saw Nathaniel shove with pocket 4s, which was called by Clinton with J10. The small pocket pair held up and sealed Nathaniel’s impressive tournament win.
Results from Concept Midweek Game #29
1 Nathaniel Beukes
2 Clinton Reddy
3 Gerhard Beukes
4 Pine Pienaar
5 Shane Solomons
6 Franklin Jodamus
7 Jeremy Jodamus
8 Preston Jonas
9 Vicky Moodley