Robin Kayalsum used his chip advantage to great effect on final table as he won his second tourney of the season at Concept Midweek Game #21 on Thursday night.
Robin, who earned his first tourney triumph the Concept Quarterly Game #1 in April, boasted a monster chip lead among the final 9, who all survived a big field of 51 players.
Robbie (feature picture, above) used aggression in position to pile the pressure on his opponents. He never lost momentum, even when losing chips on the odd occasion – he’d just make strong plays to rebuild.
Yes, there was some good fortune as he found himself behind in certain scenarios (just ask Dylan Hughes), but his overall patience, consistency and accurate reading of the game set the foundation for this victory.
And it didn’t come easy – Concept Midweek Game #21 will be remembered as one of the most competitive final tables of the season.
The competition was fierce and showcased many highlights, including several swings of bad beats, hero calls and hitting two-outers on the river.
It took nearly an hour of play until we had our first elimination – Chris Dean was coolered and out in 9th. Dylan Hughes raised in early position, which reached Chris in the big blind. Chris tanked before shipping and received a snap call. Dylan tabled Kings, which dominated Chris’s Jacks and held up.
Robin and Clinton Reddy then faced off. Clinton raised big in late position, before Robbie shoved over the top. Clinton was hoping he was racing when he made the big call with 8s, but found himself crushed against Robbie’s Jacks. On this occasion, the Hooks did the business and won the hand.
Although he was building good momentum after stealing a few blinds, Chandley was out in 7th due to a tough bad beat. Imraan Khan decided to make a move on the button and shoved with A7. Chandley woke up with AJ in the big blind and called, delighted to see himself ahead. Unfortunately, the 7 appeared in the window, followed by a dry board, which gave Imraan the win and the last of Chandley’s chips.
Ronald Napala – fresh off his flight from Durban – did well to grind with a short stack for the most of his time at final table, but his run came to an end in 6th spot. Fearing the blinds, he went all in with Q6, running into Jeremy Jodamus’s AK in the big blind. Ace high was enough to score the knockout.
The toughest beat of the final table saw Dylan (pictured above) and Robin go to showdown preflop. Dylan tabled AQ versus Robbie’s Kings in the blinds – a classic race. The Ace flopped, shooting Dylan into the lead. But Robin somehow hit a set on Third Street as the King turned, which saw Dylan drawing dead and out in 5th. An inconsequential Ace on the River just rubbed the salt into Dylan’s wounds.
Jeremy found himself short on chips and committed himself with 74 suited ♣️. He was matched by Bentley Louw, who held 9♣️7♥️. Although dominated preflop, Jeremy looked certain of a double up when he hit a flush on the turn. But the ups and downs of this final table continued as Bentley ended up winning the hand by hitting a fourth ♣️ on the River, earning him a higher flush. Jemma hit the rail in 4th.
Bentley then suffered a bad beat of his own soon thereafter. He found himself in a great position with AQ, all in against Robbie who loosened up with K8. The King flopped and held up, sending Bentley out in 3rd.
Although Robin had the overwhelming chip lead, Immie fought his way back in a competitive heads-up match. But Robbie enjoyed good form at a critical stage and made a big call with J10 versus Imraan’s Q8 in the tourney decider. The 10 flopped and held up to see Robin win the spoils.
Results from Concept Midweek Game #21:
1st Robbie Kayalsum
2nd Imraan Khan
3rd Bentley Louw
4th Jeremy Jodamus
5th Dylan Hughes
6th Ronald Napala
7th Chandley Bruintjies
8th Clint Reddy
9th Chris Dean