Main Event (18,500 PHP)

With the new prize pool reaching PhP18,444,589 (~US$328,250) thanks to the addition of 237 more entries, Day 1B of the Manila Super Series 22 came to an end with 36 players joining the 140 who had previously advanced as the finale is set for tomorrow (June 15) at Pokerstars Live here at Okada Manila.

The turbo flight that featured 20-minutes levels that went down to 15-minute levels at close of registration instead of the standard half an hour blinds that was used in the first three qualifying sessions, had those busting out of Day 1C scurrying to get a foothold in the last chance to get in and at the end of it all the bubble came down to Baguio City, Philippines native Redentor Edoc waylaying fellow Filipino Jansen Tiu who had the preflop lead with A♠ 7♣ against his opponent’s Q♦ 5♦ . The flop went J♦ 9♠ 6♦ and it was enough to call Tiu’s shove with a flush draw. The 5♦ arrived on the turn and that pair was enough to burst the bubble.

For the first time in all the Day 1s, it was a Filipino who rose to the top as Lance de Vera amassed 629,000 to lead those who made it through from the last qualifying session. Germany’s Finn Penderak has the second most chips with 544,000 while Edoc ended up in third with 412,000.

That now sets up the Main Event finale that happens at 12:00NN (UCT+8).

Earlier, this battle between two Filipino big stacks went the way of Lance de Vera as this time, Marco Espela is at it again as he opens from UTG for 16,000. It folds to de Vera who fires a 3-bet to 48,000 from the HJ. It folds back to Espela who releases his hand.

Once again de Vega holds his ground and now has over half a million in chips.