Navickas’ rollercoaster day: snooker exit and poker survival in Kiel

A brutal snooker defeat wasn’t the end for Navickas—his poker gamble kept him alive, but barely. How far can he push with just 94,000 chips left?

, and Administrator

2026 January 19 . 4:18 PM

1 min read

The image shows two men in cocked hats and tails, engaged in a fencing match. They are both holding... — The image shows two men in cocked hats and tails, engaged in a fencing match. They are both holding swords in their hands and there is text at the bottom of the paper.

Navickas’ rollercoaster day: snooker exit and poker survival in Kiel

Ignas Navickas suffered a narrow defeat in the German Open 2025 snooker quarter-finals on 7 October in Kiel. He lost 3–5 to Si Jiahui, ending his run in the tournament. Meanwhile, at the poker tables, Navickas faced another high-stakes challenge against Deividas Daubaris in a tense heads-up clash.

The poker match began with Navickas holding K♥ K♣, a strong starting hand. From the Hi-jack position, he went all in for 41,000 chips. Daubaris, in the Small Blind with 8♥ 8♠, decided to call, setting up a direct showdown.

The flop (**6♣ 5♠ 8♦**) favoured Daubaris, giving him a set of eights. Navickas fought back, retaking the lead on the turn with a **K♦**, improving to top pair. But the river (**Q♣**) failed to deliver quads for Daubaris, leaving his set intact. After the hand, Daubaris held a commanding 430,000 chips, while Navickas was left with just 94,000. Despite the setback, Navickas remained in the tournament, his run continuing for now.

Navickas’ poker battle left him severely short-stacked but still alive in the event. His earlier snooker loss to Si Jiahui marked the end of his German Open campaign. The poker tournament, however, continues with Navickas clinging on after a costly confrontation.