Well, the chips didn’t stop flying for long. With a little under 12 levels played today, the Irish Open Deaf Championship concluded its first flight — and saw Croatia’s Sabahudin Jusic and Switzerland’s Starny Hoang progress to Day 2 and into the money.
Nauth Simon was the unfortunate bubble-boy and will surely be looking to return tomorrow and stake his claim on a final table appearance.
After Hoang knocked out Phillip Debs in fourth, the stacks were fairly even but he upped the aggression at just the right time, constantly taking down pots and chipping away at his opponents.
Hoang’s relentlessness and Jusic’s solidity served them well and they will be able to relax on Friday while others must battle again. Those who fell short have the option to return tomorrow afternoon, hopefully alongside some new faces too.
Day 1A of the Deaf Championship has caused quite a stir here today, thanks to the work of Darren Chow and the Irish Open team. They should all be proud of what they have achieved here — and hopefully this event will become firm fixture at the festival in years to come.
Day 1B will take place tomorrow. Starting stacks are 30,000. Cards are in the air at 14:00, with with 30-minute blind levels. Coverage starts here at 15:00.
