The fifth event of the inaugural British Poker Open went to Sam Soverel, who came second in two prior events to take a commanding lead in the championship standings. Soverel collected £322,200 after beating Rainer Kempe heads-up in this $25K tournament that had 28 entries.
From the winner: “I’m not really a trophy guy but it would be really nice to win it,” Soverel said about his chances to win the overall British Poker Open Championship. “When you’re winning the overall standings it means that you’re doing well and winning a lot of money so I’m pretty excited about that.”
“I like everyone that’s playing here and it’s always fun to play against tough competition. You learn a lot and it’s nice that I’m running well.”
The final table started with five players and four places paid. Vicent Bosca from Spain was unfortunate to bust on the bubble when his pocket jacks didn’t hold up against the A-2 of Soverel. After Kempe took the lead from Soverel, Stephen Chidwick hit runner-runner to stay alive against the German before Kempe himself spiked a crucial deuce on the river to double through the Brit. The action was fast and furious and ultimately it was Chidwick who busted in fourth place.
Poker Masters champion Ali Imsirovic busted in third when he found himself all-in with Q-5 suited against the A-2 suited of Soverel and the board provided no help. The heads-up match was a formality as Soverel dominated and busted Kempe.
Results:
1st, Sam Soverel, £322,000
2nd, Rainer Kempe, £196,000
3rd, Ali Imsirovi, £112,000
4th, Stephen Chidwick, £70,000
