Oliver Hutchins was sweeping in a big pot, having secured a full double-up with K♠K♥ versus Nick Thomsen’s 7♣7♠ on a board of 9♠3♠2♥4♠2♠, his king-high flush besting Thomsen’s seven-high flush.

In a four-way three-bet pot, the K♦6♠6♥ flop was checked through. On the 3♥ turn, Albert Sapiano led out with a bet of 8,000, forcing folds from two opponents. The pre-flop three-bettor, Liam McVeigh, made the call after some thought.

The A♦ river completes the board, and Sapiano takes a bit of time to think before firing out a bet of 15,000. McVeigh doesn’t like it, and bins his cards after some deliberation.

Sapiano promptly showed 7♥5♠ for the seven-high bluff, having missed his turned gutshot, and McVeigh chuckled to himself and intimated he folded pocket tens.

As the players are sent on a 20-minute break, after which late registration will close, Ryan Ashe still tops the standings, having steadily accumulated chips since the last break.

The top three are as follows:-

1. Ryan Ashe – 190,000
2. Jenny Steele – 188,000
3. Nicolas Seivers – 182,000

In a four-way hand with around 25,000 in the middle, action on a K♣J♥9♥ flop was checked to the button, who moved all in for around 23,500. Jason Shellum rejammed for around 50,000, forcing out the rest of the table.

Jason Shellum: K♠J♠
Opponent: A♥A♠

Shellum had flopped top two pair to usurp his foe’s pocket aces, and the 4♥2♣ turn and river were bricks, to send him a chunky pot.

Irish poker legend Dara O’Kearney has joined the festivities here in Killarney, having jumped into the Mystery Bounty. He doesn’t have much to work with at present, but that has never concerned the short-stack master.

Andy Black is steadily building a decent stack in the Mystery Bounty, sitting on 83 big blinds.

Irish Poker Tour ambassador Darren Harbinson is still in battling in the Mystery Bounty, but has a bit of work to do, sitting on 13 big blinds.

2021 WSOP Main Event third place finisher Jack Oliver has made the trip across the water to Killarney, having bagged a package to the Irish Poker Cup on Paddy Power. He’ll be looking to make a few deep runs this week.

Ryan Ashe and Alex Coughlan are continuing their fine form following their final table performances in The Opener last night, leading the standings at the first break in the Mystery Bounty, with the top three as follows:-

1. Ryan Ashe – 116,000
2. Alex Coughlan – 115,000
3. Jaunius Kavalciukas – 105,000

Marc Macdonnell is in the mix in the Mystery Bounty, and is up to 38,000.