APT Main Event (36,000,000 VND)

Action resumed with Kim Yuriy facing a critical decision, holding about 60,000 in the pot and only 6,000 behind. Mincong Chen was deep in thought, deciding whether to call. After some consideration, Chen made the call, and the dealer revealed the flop: 8♦ 2♦ J♠ .

Both players checked the flop, but on the turn, A♥ , Yuriy threw in a time bank chip, surprising Chen and the table. Yuriy then explained his strategy—he would use time banks until the player count reached 95, securing a pay jump.

Shortly after, Yuriy pushed his last 6,000 chips in. Chen hesitated, looking for confirmation, and Yuriy gave him the go-ahead, prompting Chen to call.

Kim Yuriy: 8♠ 8♣

Mincong Chen: J♣ J♦

When the hands were revealed, the table was stunned—Yuriy had flopped a set of eights, but Chen had flopped a higher set of jacks.

The board completed with the A♥ on the turn and the 3♠ on the river, securing the pot for Chen. Yuriy left the table smiling, pleased to have secured the pay jump before his exit.

Maxim Sorokin opened to 500 from the cutoff and Yuriy Kim three-bet to 1,600 on the button, which only Favre dropped in a call.

On the flop of 6♠ 5♠ 7♦ , bringing flush and straight possibilities, Favre checked it to Kim, who bet 1,500, which Favre put in a raise to 4,500. However, Kim three-bet to 10,000, sending Favre into the tank. After a long time, Favre fired a four-bet to 25,000. With so many chips in the middle, Kim reluctantly sent his cards back to the dealer.

Action picked up on the turn with Kim Yuriy on the button, waiting for Alan Turabayev, in the small blind, to act after he bet 15,000. Turabayev eventually called. The board showed 3♦ J♦ 9♥ A♥ .

On the river, 5♠ , Turabayev checked again. Yuriy put his tournament life on the line, moving all-in. Turabayev carefully considered his move, especially given that it was the tournament’s first level, but ultimately decided to muck his hand.