Fresh off the recent APT Cruise 2016, the Asian Poker Tour quickly went from sea to terra for another nine-day poker event, the APT Manila 2016, now ongoing at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Casino in Manila, Philippines from October 4-October 12, 2016. The first three days attracted a lower turnout than usual but it didn’t deter the pros who showed up at the tables bringing with them their A-game. With only a few months left before the end of the year, this is a crucial time for several players in the APT Player of the Year 2016 race. Here are some highlights of the festival:
Filipino Emmanuel Segismundo wins the Welcome Event
The Welcome Event P1M Guaranteed attracted 127 players to the felt which was an unexpected low turnout for one of the most popular events in the APT schedule. Despite that, there were many decorated players in the field such as John Tech, Lester Edoc, UK’s Samad Razavi, Korea’s Jeon Seung Soo, and SJ Kim, but only the Englishman pro Razavi would reach the money, finishing in 10th place. Going the full distance was Filipino player Emmanuel Segismundo, the APT Poker Room player of the year in 2015. Segismundo earned a big payout of PHP247,900.
Korea’s SJ Kim wins the NLH 50K Challenge
Korean pro SJ Kim, an APT circuit regular, won the newest event in the APT roster, the NLH 50K Challenge. Kim had to dodge the likes of heavy hitters UK’s Samad Razavi, Denmark’s Michael Kim Falcon, and Slovenia’s Casey Kastle to get to the heads up round against Japan’s Iori Yogo. Though behind in chips, Kim outlasted the tough playing Japanese pro to win the trophy and PHP220,700 in cash.
Ante Up for Charity event goes to UK’s Samad Razavi
The Ante Up for Charity saw another familiar face at the awarding stage, none other than Englishman Samad Razavi. He claimed his first trophy of the event and his second payout worth PHP22,700. More importantly, Razavi earned points towards the APT POY 2016 race.
USA’s Nick Gorman on a winning streak
USA’s Nick Gorman is quickly becoming a regular in the APT and Philippine poker circuit having been seen consistently at the tables since late last year. This past July, Gorman made headlines after winning his first-ever APT side event trophy, and several days ago, he claimed another, this time a golden spade at the PokerStars Live Manila 2M Guaranteed Main Event. At the ongoing APT Manila 2016, Gorman seized his second APT trophy by outlasting everyone at the Head Hunter event.
Tight race between Yogo and Razavi in the APT Player of the Year 2016
The APT POY 2016 race is one battle on high alert with the quest for the overall title running bumper to bumper between Japan’s Iori Yogo and UK’s Samad Razavi. Both players have been on high gear with Yogo ahead in the polls, looking to dethrone the quadruple champion Razavi. At the ongoing APT event, Yogo earned points with a second place finish at the NLH 50K Challenge while Razavi continues to inch closer with his two cashouts, a 10th place finish at the Welcome Event and a win at the charity event.
Next up on the APT Manila 2016 is the Main Event. Stay tuned to Somuchpoker.com for recaps and results as it concludes.
Louis Hartwell
Graduated in Media Communication at the University of Lausanne, Louis Hartman is a co-founder of somuchpoker.com. He began his career in Cambodia as freelance journalist. In same time he was making his living by playing poker every night at that time. Intense learner, he read dozens of poker strategy books to improve his skills during many years. With a strong interest about poker "behind the scene" in Asia and his communication skills, Louis launched Somuchpoker in 2014.
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