Henrique Pinho Wins 2016 Marrakech Poker Open

Henrique Pinho has won the 2016 Marrakech Poker Open, after topping a field of 220 players over three days on his way to capturing the title, and collecting the event’s $40,400 first place prize. Following his latest victory in Morocco, the Portuguese player now boosts his poker career earnings to $246,730.
On the last day of the competition, eight players returned to the Casino de Marrakech, with Abdenbi Abida in front as the chip leader, followed close behind by Henrique Pinho, and Patrick Groppi.
Adbenbi Abida – 1,499,000
Henrique Pinho – 1,425,000
Patrick Groppi – 1,080,000
Ali Méchiche – 1,027,000
Mathieu Papineau – 886,000
Fahd – 456,000
Mathieu Biague – 126,000
Michael van der Ghinst – 94,000
After the action got underway, Abida (A-K) eliminated Mathieu Biague (K-J) in 8th, while Henrique Pinho (A-6) took care of Van der Ghinst (4-4) in 7th. Fahd (A-K) subsequently reduced Abida (K-K) to a short-stack before the French player was eliminated from the tournament soon after, but 90 minutes later Patrick Groppi (10-10) then sent Fahd (A-5) to the rail in 3rd to usher in heads-up against Henrique Pinho for the title.
As the final battle commenced, Pinho held a 3-1 chip advantage over Groppi, who still managed to eek out a slight lead, prompting the two players to agree a split of the prize money, whilst leaving $3,100 behind for the eventual winner.
On the very last hand of the tournament, Pinho (Ks-10s) and Groppi (As-Ah) went all-in on a Qs-Js-5d flop, and after an 8s and 6c fell on the turn and river, Henrique Pinho was crowned the 2016 Marrakech Open Main Event champion. Meanwhile, Patrick Groppi earned his first live tournament cash, with the 27-year-old Egyptian-Swiss pro more noted for his online play, having earned $253,422 competing under the screen name ‘Schtruddle’.
“Unfortunately, poker in Africa in general isn’t developed at all. Except in Morocco where some nice events are organized a couple of times per year,” explained Groppi.
Final Table Results:
1 Henrique Pinho (Portugal) $40,400
2 Patrick Groppi (Switz) $36,250
3 Fahd (Morocco) $21,200
4 Abdenbi Abida (France) $15,400
5 Mathieu Papineau (France) $11,400
6 Ali Mechiche (Morocco) $8,900
7 Van der Ghinst (Belgium) $7,250
8 Mathieu Biague (France) $5,700