02:22: Wu Yuanning crowned APPT Manila Main Event champion
After 13 hours of play into the Final Day, Wu Yuanning locked up the APPT Manila Main Event win after beating local pro Christopher Mateo in heads up battle. Wu takes home PHP 11,414,730 in winnings, the trophy, and the PHP 105,000 2024 APPT package for his impressive run.
Congratulations to all the players!
02:21: Christopher Mateo out in 2nd place – PHP 10,000,000
Level 36: 250,000 – 500,000 ante 500,000
Action began with an open from Wu Yuanning to 1.1 Million, called by Christopher Mateo. A flop of 
saw Mateo check call a 900,000 bet from Wu. Turn 
then went check check and river 
completed the board. Mateo, with a check once more, faced a river bet of 3.2 Million from Wu. Mateo reshoved all-in and was called by Wu with 
for a straight.
Mateo 
Christopher Mateo exits in runner up finish, making Wu Yuanning the 2023 APPT Manila Main Event champion.
02:18: Christopher Mateo bounces back
Level 36: 250,000 – 500,000 ante 500,000
With an open from Christopher Mateo and a call from Wu Yuanning, the two headed on to a flop of 
. Mateo continued with a 1.1 Millon bet, called by Wu. The turn saw a 
land on board, earning a bigger 2.1 Million barrel from Mateo. Wu surrenders the spot and makes the fold.
Christopher Mateo recovers to 17.2 Million in chips.
01:54: Wu Yuanning turns up the heat
Level 36: 250,000 – 500,000 ante 500,000
After losing several pots, Christopher Mateo took another hit against aggressive opponent Wu Yuanning. The hand started with an open from Wu to 1.1 Million, called by Mateo. Flop came 
and Wu sent out a continuation bet of 800,000. Mateo put the chips in and proceeded to the turn . Wu threw in another 2.2 Million bet, and was again called by Mateo. River toned down the action, earning a check-check from both players.
Mateo 
Wu 
Wu Yuanning takes the pot with his pair of jacks and climbs to 21.75 Million.
01:31: Payout deal is made
Level 35: 200,000 – 400,000 ante 400,000
A deal is in place with two players left in the game, leaving PHP 1,414,730, the trophy, and the PHP 105,000 2024 APPT package for the champion. Both Christopher Mateo and Wu Yuanning are guaranteed a payout of PHP 10,000,000 each continuing forward.
Chip count as follows:
Christopher Mateo – 20,100,000
Wu Yuanning – 20,650,000
01:18: Lee Gyuhyuk railed in 3rd place – PHP 5,501,000
Level 35: 200,000 – 400,000 ante 400,000
Facing an open from Christopher Mateo, Lee Gyuhyuk raised all-in from the small blind and was immediately called by Mateo with 
. Lee with 
saw his final board of 
as he headed for the rails in 3rd place.
Christopher Mateo goes on to heads up with 20.1 Million chips in tow.
01:06: Lee Gyuhyuk heads downhill
Level 34: 150,000 – 300,000 ante 300,000
A blind vs blind battle, Christopher Mateo risked it all with and was up against Lee Gyuhyuk pocket pair 
. Flipping for his survival, Mateo was saved from elimination after he turned the nut straight on a board of 
.
Christopher Mateo claims the 10.65 Million pot while Lee Gyuhyuk chips down to 4.3 Million.
00:52: Wu Yuanning continues to dominate
Level 34: 200,000 – 400,000 ante 400,000
Folded to Wu Yuanning on the small blind, he opened to 800,000 and was called by Christopher Mateo on the big. The flop 
saw no bets in as both players checked round. Turn came a and Wu sent out a bet of 1.2 Million, called behind by Mateo. The river warranted a 3.6 Million bet from Wu, convincing Mateo to give up his hand.
Wu Yuanning sits atop with 27.4 Million in chips.
00:17: Wu Yuanning claims top spot
Level 34: 150,000 – 300,000 ante 300,000
Action began on Wu Yuanning with an open from the button and a call from Lee on the big blind. Flop came 
and Lee decided to check-raise Wu’s 500,000 bet to 1.2 Million. Wu made the call and saw a turn of 
. Lee fired a 2.3 Million bet, called by Lee. The completed the board and Lee slowed down with a check. This time Wu sent out a hefty bet of 4.7 Million, to which Lee made the final call. Wu revealed full house 
for the win.
Wu Yuanning catapults to the top spot with 26.3 Million in chips, Lee Gyuhyuk down to 7.2 Million.
00:05: Wu Yuanning gets value
Level 33: 125,000 – 250,000 ante 250,000
Action began with an open from Wu Yuanning on the button, called by Lee Gyuhyuk on the big blind. Flop came 
and Wu continued with a bet of 400,000, called by Lee. Turn saw a 
and another bet of 750,000 from Wu. Lee makes the call once more and moves on to the river . Action goes check-check and Wu shows 
, beating Lee’s for the pot.
Wu Yuanning chips up to 18.2 Million.
00:00: Christopher Mateo back in the game
Level 33: 125,000 – 250,000 ante 250,000
Folded to the small blind, Wu Yuanning jammed his stack in with 
and was quickly called by Christopher Mateo with 
. Mateo at risk, cruised his way to a double up after landing two pair right on the flop and further improving to a full house by the turn.
Christopher Mateo doubles to 7.9 Million in chips.
23:43: Break update!
Level 33: 125,000 – 250,000 ante 250,000
Three players left in the running means blind levels will shift to 30 minute intervals.
Chip count as follows:
Wu Yuanning – 19,225,000
Lee Gyuhyuk – 17,425,000
Christopher Mateo – 4,100,000
Remaining payouts:
1st – PHP 13,588,730
2nd – PHP 7,826,000
3rd – PHP 5,501,000
23:42: John Tech eliminated in 4th place – PHP 4,074,000
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
Folded to John Tech on the button, he opened to 400,000 and was met with a three bet to 1.2 Million from small blind Wu Yuanning. Tech pulled the trigger and four bet jammed his remaining chips with , called by Wu with . The board gave Tech top pair yet still no good against Wu’s overpair of tens.
Wu Yuanning takes the lead with 19.25 Million.
23:32: Pocket queens good for Wu Yuanning
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
Hand began with an early open from Lee Gyuhyuk and a three bet click back from Wu Yuanning on the small blind. A pot of 2 Million in the middle, Wu sent out a 700,000 flop bet on 
, called by Lee. Turn and river saw no action from either player, leading Wu to show down for the win.
Wu Yuanning bumps up to 16.5 Million, 500,00 shy of the chip leader.
23:21: John Tech fails to complete
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
A button open from Lee Gyuhyuk, John Tech defended his small blind and saw a flop of . Both players checked round and headed to see the turn . Tech led out a bet of 300,000, raised by Lee to 750,000. Tech made the call, ushering a to land on the river. Both players checked again for the final showdown. Tech revealed a busted flush draw and Lee with top pair 
.
Lee Gyuhyuk rises to 18.2 Million, John Tech notches down to a stack of 2.95 Million.
22:52: Wu Yuanning clips some off Lee Gyuhyuk
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
Preflop action began on Lee Gyuhyuk with an open from the cut off and a three bet from small blind Wu Yuanning to 1.3 Million. Lee called and the flop tabled on the felt. Wu continued with a bet of 800,000, called by Lee. The turn saw Wu with another 1.7 Million bet, again called by Lee. A showed up on the river and Wu sent out a final bet of 2.6 Million. Lee, convinced to be behind finally makes the fold.
Wu Yuanning chips up to 14.8 Million.
23:02: Lee Gyuhyuk delivers double bust – Riku Sasahara in 6th place (PHP 2,398,000) and Nino Pansier in 5th place (PHP 3,184,000)
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
Running hot, Lee Gyuhyuk covered both Riku Sasahara and Nino Pansier in a three-way all-in preflop. Lee with the best hand 
, dominated Pansier’s and shortest stacked Sasahara’s . Board posed no threat, running 
to bust both his opponents in quick fashion.
Lee Gyuhyuk soars to a massive 19.5 Million in chips while the remaining four players score a double pay jump.
22:52: No call for Christopher Mateo
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
An under the gun open from Christopher Mateo saw Nino Pansier defend his big blind. Flop tabled and both players checked round. Turn urged Pansier to lead out a 300,000, called by Mateo. The river completed the board and Pansier with a check-fold after Mateo threw in a 700,000 bet.
Christopher Mateo stacks 3.1 Million in chips.
22:39: Riku Sasahara survives with a triple up
Level 32: 100,000 – 200,000 ante 200,000
Following his loss in the previous hand, Riku Sasahara stuffed his micro stack in, called by both Wu Yuanning and Christopher Mateo. Flop came and Wu bet 200,000 for a side pot. Mateo raised all-in, Wu with a fold. Mateo shows set and Sasahara with 
for a gutshot straight draw. The turn however, catapulted Sasahara in favor and remained ahead as the river dropped .
Riku Sasahara survives with 1.845 Million in chips.
22:35: Riku Sasahara crippled to 4 BB
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
Folded to the hi-jack, Riku Sasahara shoved all-in and was called by Nino Pansier on the big blind with . Sasahara with 
needed a six to show up on board but failed to see it coming as turned face up on the felt.
Nino Pansier recovers to 3.8 Million in chips while Riku Sasahara slips to 500,000 left.
22:29: Bottom pair good for John Tech
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
Action began on Nino Pansier with an open from the hi-jack, called by John Tech on the big blind. Flop revealed and Pansier continued with a bet of 220,000. Tech made the call and moved on to the turn . Both players checked around this time, seeing a river 
to complete the board. Tech again with a check, was met with a 660,000 bet from Pansier. Tech used a time bank and found the call with 
, good for the take down.
Pansier
John Tech rises to 5.25 Million in chips, Nino Pansier down to 1.9 Million.
22:12: Triple barrel works for Wu Yuanning
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
A blind vs blind battle, small blind Wu Yuanning opened to 380,000, called behind by Nino Pansier. The two went on to see a flop of and Wu fired a 200,000 bet. Pansier made the call and saw a turn of . Wu bet another 750,000, called once more by Pansier. An completed the board, Wu again with a bet of 1.1 Million. Pansier decides to finally give it up, saving his 3.28 Million behind.
Wu Yuanning climbs back up to 11.5 Million in chips.
22:07: Lee Gyuhyuk folds to a jam
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
Beginning with a late position open from Christopher Mateo, Lee Gyuhyuk fired a three bet to 800,000 total, called by Mateo. Flop came and Lee continued with a small bet of 300,000. Mateo pushes all-in, leaving Lee to fold.
Christopher Mateo boosts to 4.1 Million in chips.
21:50: Christopher Mateo scores a double
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
Folded to Nino Pansier on the small blind, he open jammed against big blind Christopher Mateo’s 10 BB stack. Mateo took the spot and called off with , ahead of Pansier’s . The board 
fared safe for Mateo as he secured his double to 3.2 Million.
21:42: Nino Pansier loses half his stack
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
Kicking things off with an under the gun open from Nino Pansier and a call from John Tech, Wu Yuanning launched a three bet to 1.15 Million in total. Pansier answered back with an all-in, Tech with a fold, and Wu with a call for his tournament life. Pansier reveals for a flip against Wu’s . Board ran immediately flopping a set of tens for Wu.
Wu Yuanning climbs to 11 Million in chips, Nino Pansier down to 4.5 Million.
21:21: Break update!
Level 31: 80,000 – 160,000 ante 160,000
Estimated chip count as follows:
Christopher Mateo – 1,690,000
Riku Sasahara – 3,575,000
Lee Gyuhyuk – 15,725,000
John Tech – 4,740,000
Wu Yuanning – 5,510,000
Nino Pansier – 9,520,000
21:06: Archie Mariano crashes into kings, eliminated in 7th place – PHP 1,833,000
Level 30: 60,000 – 120,000 ante 120,000
An all-in preflop situation, Archie Mariano found himself up against chip leader Lee Gyuhyuk’s as all the chips piled high in the middle. The board ran 
and tabled no ace to pair Mariano’s , leaving him to settle for a 7th place finish.
Lee Gyuhyuk continues to ascend and is up to 15.8 Million in chips.
20:46: Top pair good for Wu Yuanning
Level 30: 60,000 – 120,000 ante 120,000
Beginning with an open from Riku Sasahara on the cutoff, Wu Yuanning on the big blind opted to three bet to 690,000 total. Sasahara made the call and continued to a flop of . Wu followed through with a 450,000 bet, called by Sasahara. Turn came and this time, Wu check-called a 900,000 bet from his opponent. River saw a face up on board, leaving the action with a final check-check. Wu reveals top pair , good enough to take down the pot.
Wu Yuanning piles a stack of 5.5 Million.
20:40: Lee Gyuhyuk continues to dominate
Level 30: 60,000 – 120,000 ante 120,000
The hand started with an open from Archie Mariano on the cut off and a call from Lee Gyuhyuk on the big blind. Flop saw and Lee proceeded to check-raise Mariano’s 225,000 bet to 475,000. Mariano made the call and peeled a turn of . Lee continued with the aggression, sending out a 550,000 bet. Mariano surrenders and throws his hand in the muck.
Lee Gyuhyuk rakes it in and stacks a very healthy 13.9 Million.
20:27: Thomas Ward dusted in 8th place – PHP 1,301,000
Level 30: 60,000 – 120,000 ante 120,000
With five big blinds left, Thomas Ward flicked his short stack in with 
and was up against Nino Pansier’s . The flop instantly killed Ward’s hopes of a double up as he headed for the rails in 8th.
Nino Pansier sits with a stack of 8.7 Million.
20:24: Thomas Ward gets crippled
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Following a hi-jack open and a three bet from John Tech on the small blind to 850,000, big blind Thomas Ward decided it was a good time to shove in this spot with . Unfortunately for Ward, Tech was waiting with a real monster and quickly made the call. The two run a queen-high board , Tech good with a higher two-pair.
John Tech bounces back to 5.85 Million while Thomas Ward is left with 625,000.
20:06: Tak Sin Alex Chong loses flip, exits in 9th place – PHP 1,021,000
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Facing a late position open from chip leader Lee Gyuhyuk, Tak Sin Alex Chong shoved his 1.255 Million stack in with . Lee took the spot and turned over for a flip. The flop hit both players, Lee with a set and Chong with a combo draw however, the turn and river meant no straight or flush completed for Chong.
Lee Gyuhyuk secures the pot and boosts even more to 13 Million high.
19:51: Wu Yuanning quickly recovers
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Following his loss in the previous hand, Wu Yuanning jammed his 1.54 Million stack in after Riku Sasahara opened from under the gun. Sasahara with a call with was left drawing thin against Wu’s higher pocket pair . A queen immediately appeared on the flop with the runout further improving Wu to a boat.
Wu Yuanning bounces back to 3.34 Million.
19:48: Archie Mariano bags higher straight
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Facing a button open from Wu Yuanning, Archie Mariano defended his big blind and went on to see a flop of . Mariano led out a 370,000 bet and was met with a raise all-in for his remaining 1.11 Million. Mariano makes the call with a straight draw , surprisingly still ahead against Wu’s lower open ender . Turn immediately came , sealing the win for Mariano.
Archie Mariano climbs to 2.7 Million in chips, Wu Yuanning down to 1.54 Million.
19:44: Alex Chong doubles up
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Folded to the hi-jack, Alex Chong pushed his 725,000 stack in and was called by Thomas Ward behind with . Chong, ahead with remained a favorite all the way on board .
Alex Chong doubles up to 1.7 Million.
19:38: Riku Sasahara rakes in four bet pot
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Action began with an open from Nino Pansier, followed by a three bet from Riku Sasahara to 550,000 total. Continuing the heat was John Tech on the big blind who cold four bet for a bigger 1.3 Million. Pansier folds and Sasahara makes the call. Flop came and action went check-check. Turn was an and no bets were fired again. River filled the board and Tech with another check, was met with a 1.1 Million bet from Sasahara. Tech gives it up, chipping down to 2.6 Million.
Riku Sasahara rises to 6.8 Million.
17:55: Final table is set!
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Chip count as follows:
17:50: Chen Zhigang loses race, out in 10th place – PHP 837,000
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Up against a 200,000 open from Thomas Ward on the cut off, Chen Zhigang used up two time banks before making the decision to jam his remaining 925,000 in. Ward made the call with and outran Chen’s on .
Thomas Ward climbs to 6.5 Million while delivering the last elimination before the final table gameplay begins.
17:47: Junya Kubo busts in 11th place – PHP 837,000
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Folded to the button, Junya Kubo pushed his 15 BB stack in with and was crushed to see Lee Gyuhyuk on the small blind make the call with . In need of much help, the board didn’t turn up in any way Kubo would have wanted.
Lee Gyuhyuk scoops up the pot and takes the lead with a massive 11.1 Million chip stack.
17:43: Lloyd Locsin suffers bad beat, exits in 12th place – PHP 747,000
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Facing a button open from Nino Pansier, Lloyd Locsin moved all-in for 600,000 with . Pansier made the call with , dominated by Locsin’s better ace. The board however, gave Pansier a pair of fours to send his opponent out in 12th place finish.
Nino Pansier packs in a 6.9 Million stack.
17:28: Second break of the day
Level 29: 50,000 – 100,000 ante 100,000
Only 12 players remain in contention for the PHP 13.5 Million top prize, all of which are now guaranteed to receive PHP 747,000 in winnings.
17:21: Ivan Tabucal throws in the towel in 13th place – PHP 747,000
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
Folded to Ivan Tabucal on the hi-jack, he decided to slam his 1.06 Million stack through with and was unfortunately for him, called by Nino Pansier on the big blind. Pansier’s was way ahead of his opponent’s holdings, and remained that way when no king turned up on the felt.
Ivan Tabucal exits in 13th place while Nino rise to 6.2 Million.
17:19: Lee Gyuhyuk takes down over 5M pot
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
The hand started with a raise to 160,000 from Lee Gyuhyuk on the lo-jack. Christopher Mateo on the big blind found a three bet to 450,000, called by Lee. Flop came and Mateo sent out a 375,000 bet, again called by Lee. The turn peeled and Mateo continued for another 750,000, and again Lee makes the call. The river completed the board and Mateo slowed down with a check. Lee fired a 1.3 Million river bet for the bloated pot, called by Mateo. Lee tables for two-pair aces and fives, good enough for Mateo to throw his hand in.
Lee Gyuhyuk soars to 9.1 Million in chips, Christopher Mateo down to 1.2 Million.
17:11: Mid pair vs mid pair
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
Action began on Thomas Ward with an open from the hi-jack and Archie Mariano defending his big blind. The two went on to see a flop of with both players checking round. Turn saw , safe enough for Mariano to push his remaining 540,000 in the middle. Ward makes the call with mid pair , slightly behind Mariano’s . A river meant both kickers place and Mariano with the win.
Archie Mariano doubles to a 1.61 Million chip count.
17:05: Kei Kiyohara busts in 14th place – PHP 671,000
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
Facing an under the gun open, Kei Kiyohara moved all-in for 850,000 total, and was called only by John Tech on the big blind. Kiyohara at risk, showed , dominated by Tech’s . The board tabled , missing to hit both players’ hands.
John Tech takes down the pot with ace-jack high for the win and bounces back to 3.3 Million in chips.
16:49: Lee Gyuhyuk triple barrels against big blind
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
A button vs blind battle, Lee Gyuhyuk started with an open to 170,000, called by Archie Mariano on the big blind. Flop came and Mariano check-called a 200,000 bet. Turn revealed and Mariano again, check-called for another 425,000. The completed the board, Mariano with a final check. Lee sent out a 1.35 Million river bet to which Mariano folded.
Lee shows for a straight and is up to 6.5 Million in chips, Archie Mariano saved with 900,000.
16:46: Yea Joonhee heads for the exit in 15th place – PHP 671,000
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
An open jam from the lo-jack, short stacked Yea Joonhee pushed his remaining 475,000 in with and was called by Alex Chong on the big blind with . Whilst a flip, no runout was safe for the low pocket pair including the faced up on the felt.
Alex Chong delivers the bust and sits with 1.4 Million in chips.
16:43: Riku Sasahara wins preflop war
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
Having opened the lo-jack to 160,000, Riku Sasahara was met with a three bet to 500,000 from Wu Yuanning on the button. Sasahara not ready to let it go and raised all-in for over 3 Million. Wu makes the fold and saves his 2.6 Million in chips.
16:40: Lee Gyuhyuk folds to all-in
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
Battling for a 900,000 pot in the middle on a board of , action saw Lee Gyuhyuk on the big blind lead out a 475,000 bet on the turn. Riku Sasahara raised all-in for 2.06 Million total and ushered a fold from Lee.
Riku Sasahara chips up to 3.4 Million.
16:32: Tens no good for Fisher Slade, out in 16th place – PHP 594,000
Level 28: 40,000 – 80,000 ante 80,000
Action began with a huge open to 260,000 from the hi-jack, followed by a three bet to 600,000 from Thomas Ward on the small blind. Fisher Slade with no more fold equity, stuffed his 860,000 in from the big blind with . Only Ward took the spot, crushing Slade’s pocket pair with . The board ran and eliminated Slade in the running completely.
Thomas Ward holds the chip lead with 7.3 Million.
16:22: Kenny Shih dusted in 17th place – PHP 594,000
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
With 650,000 in the middle on a board of , action was seen on Kenny Shih throwing in a hefty bet of 400,000. Nino Pansier on the big blind, came back with an all-in to 1.915 Million in total. Shih makes the call with combo draw and sees Pansier’s bottom pair . Looking for a ton of outs, Shih fails to fill up on the river and hits the rails in 17th place.
Nino Pansier sits with a stack of 4.1 Million.
16:18: Hiroshi Irimajiri railed in 18th place – PHP 517,000
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
An all-in preflop situation, Hiroshi Irimajiri was at risk with up against Thomas Ward’s 8h}. The two ran the board , instantly killing Irimajiri’s hopes of a win.
Thomas Ward collects the 4 Million pot and rises to 6 Million in chips.
16:10: Yea Joonhee scores a double up
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
Folded to the button, Yea Joonhee got his 470,000 stack in with and was called by Shih Kenny on the small blind with . Both good hands, Yea’s better ace holds for the win after hitting two pair on the river .
Yea Joonhee climbs up to 11 BB, 660,000.
16:09: Christopher Mateo recovers
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
Beginning with an under the gun open from Christopher Mateo, Alex Chong on the cut off and the big blind came along to see a flop of . Mateo continued with a 500,000 bet, called only by Chong. The turn peeled a and action went check-check. River saw another and Mateo with a 700,000 bet. Chong pays him off and folds to his opponent’s trip jacks .
Christopher Mateo recovers to 4.8 Million in chips.
15:54: Thomas Ward doubles through Christopher Mateo
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
Action saw Christopher Mateo with a three bet to 340,000 following an under the gun open. Thomas Ward on the small blind, squeezed all-in for 1.58 Million total. Original raiser folds and Mateo makes the call with . Revealing the hands, Ward’s didn’t even warrant a flip as it smoothly made its way to a double up after Mateo plays the board .
Thomas Ward soars to 3.4 Million in chips.
15:46: One barrel works for Archie Mariano
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
The hand started with an open from Riku Sasahara on the button, followed by a huge three bet from small blind Archie Mariano to 500,000. Sasahara completes his raise and continues to a flop of . Mariano sent out a 475,000 bet, and Sasahara turns in the fold, giving up the seven-figured pot.
Archie Mariano climbs to 2.2 Million in chips.
15:42: Christopher Mateo puts on maximum pressure
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
Having built a pot of 700,000 on a board of , Christopher Mateo pulled the trigger and stuffed his 490,000 stack in against big blind defender Thomas Ward. Ward makes the fold, moving on to the next hand with a 1.4 Million stack.
Christopher Mateo boosts to 4.9 Million.
15:40: John Tech misses
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
In a battle to claim the 800,000 pot in the middle, action on the turn saw John Tech on the small blind check-raise Wu Yuanning’s bet to 470,000. Wu made the call and saw a river of , with a check-check. Tech flips open for a missed straight draw, leaving Wu’s to claim the pot.
Wu Yuanning bumps up to 3 Million in chips.
15:34: Alvin Sembrano in bad shape
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
Folded to Alvin Sembrano on the hi-jack, he slammed his 9 BB stack in with and was called by Riku Sasahara behind with . Being a heavy underdog, Sembrano failed to spike a lucky runout on as he exited in 19th place finish.
Riku Sasahara rises to 4 Million.
15:27: Lloyd Locsin running good
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
Facing an under the gun open from Archie Mariano, Lloyd Locsin once again shoved his 545,000 stack in and was called by Mariano with . Locsin reveals for a flip and heads on to flop . None of Mariano’s two-outers came on the turn and river as he doubled his opponent for another time.
Lloyd Locsin surges to 1.24 Million in chips.
15:10: First break of the day
Level 27: 30,000 – 60,000 ante 60,000
A total of 11 players have already left the arena following their eliminations. 19 remain in the running, led by local pro Christopher Mateo. Guaranteed payout now is listed at PHP 517,000.
15:03: Thomas Ward flips for survival
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
Action began with Kei Kiyohara opening from under the gun and Thomas Ward with a raise all-in for 380,000 total. Kiyohara makes the call with and takes a flip against Ward’s . The board however, revealed one of Ward’s needed overcards for the win.
Thomas Ward scores the flip and is up to 885,000 in chips.
14:57: Aces for Lloyd Locsin
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
Folded to Archie Mariano on the hi-jack, he opened to 105,000 and called off a short stack jam from Lloyd Locsin with . Locsin way ahead with didn’t sweat the runout as he quickly secured his double to 735,000.
Archie Mariano notches down to a stack of 1.9 Million.
14:53: Ira Evan Blumenthal drops down to 7 BB
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
Vying for a 300,000 pot in the middle on a board of , Ira Evan Blumenthal and big blind Chen Zhigang piled their chips high right on the flop – Blumenthal with a flush draw and Chen with two pair . The turn and river changed nothing, giving Chen the 1.46 Million pot.
Ira Evan Blumenthal down to 350,000 following his missed draw.
14:40: Christopher Mateo tops the ranks
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
Beginning with an open from the lo-jack, Christopher Mateo on the button fired a three bet to 250,000. Action continued with Nino Pansier on the big blind with a cold four bet to 750,000 total. Original raiser folds and Mateo calls to see a flop of . Pansier pushes a 500,000 continuation bet, urging Mateo to raise all-in for nearly 3 Million total. Pansier gives up the fight and takes his 2.7 Million stack on to the next hand.
Christopher Mateo sits atop with 5.16 Million in chips.
14:28: Easy win for Fisher Slade
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
Folded to Fisher Slade on the button, he opened to 110,000 and was met with a re-jam from Chen Zhigang on the big blind. Slade called for his 1,085,000 stack behind and revealed , crushing Chen’s . No suck outs were seen in this hand as Fisher Slade doubles to a stack of 2.24 Million.
Chen Zhigang drops down to 700,000.
14:25: Riku Sasahara rakes in three bet pot
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
Action began on Riku Sasahara with an under the gun open to 100,000. Archie Mariano on the lo-jack found a three bet to 295,000, called by Sasahara. The flop came and Sasahara check-called a 300,000 continuation bet from Mariano. The turn saw both players check round, heading to the river . Sasahara led out a 400,000 bet to which Mariano folded. Riku Sasahara collects the pot and boosts to 3.3 Million.
14:18: Terrible runout for Dexter Santos
Level 26: 25,000 – 50,000 ante 50,000
All the chips quickly piled up in the middle preflop with Chen Zhigang’s behind against Dexter Santos’ . While very much ahead, Santos couldn’t ask for anything worse when a queen-high flop faced up on board. The turn and river drew a blank, eliminating Santos in 21st place.
Chen Zhigang claims the pot and is up to 1.85 Million in chips.
13:56: No bad beat for Nino Pansier
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Folded to the hi-jack, Jacque Ramsden flicked his 685,000 stack in with , called behind by Nino Pansier with a better . The two table a safe runout for Pansier as he takes the cake, sending his opponent out in 22nd place.
Nino Pansier rises to 3.9 Million in chips.
13:52: Christopher Mateo banks huge flip
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Beginning with an under the gun open from Edward Penaflorida, bigger stacked Christopher Mateo raised all-in for Penaflorida’s 40 BB stack behind. Penaflorida eventually makes the call with and is up against Mateo’s for a flip. The board however, immediately flops a king putting Mateo way ahead for the win.
Christopher Mateo dusts Edward Penaflorida and grows his stack to a healthy 4 Million.
13:38: Jacque Ramsden doubles with kings
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
With a 400,000 pot built on a board of , Jacque Ramsden on the small blind threw a final bet of 300,000 and was called by Koichi Nozaki on the big blind with . A pair and straight draw, Nozaki didn’t see any of his outs come up on the river, leaving Ramsden’s the double up to survive.
Jacque Ramsden bounces back to 1 Million, Koichi Nozaki slips to less than 10 BB – 300,000.
13:32: Midpair good against Erdenekhu Uuganbayar
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Battling for 750,000 in the middle on a flop of , Erdenekhu Uuganbayar continued the aggression, moving all-in for 500,000 with . Nino Pansier behind, makes the call with mid pair . The turn and river further improve Pansier to a two pair as Uuganbayar heads for the exit.
Nino Pansier surges to 3.1 Million in chips, Erdenekhu Uuganbayar railed in 27th place.
13:25: Riku Sasahara takes a chunk off John Tech
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Action began with an open from Riku Sasahara on the cut-off and John Tech with a three bet to 235,000 on the button. Sasahara fired a four-bet jam for 1.3 Million total, Tech with the final call. Sasahara reveals his monster hand , way ahead of Tech’s . The two run a dry ten-high board, awarding Sasahara the 2.7 Million pot entirely.
John Tech down to 1.8 Million.
13:20: Open jam pays off for Junya Kubo
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Sitting with a 15 BB stack, under the gun Junya Kubo open jammed his 605,000 in with and was called by Jacque Ramsden with . Off to a flip, the board ran , giving Kubo a straight to beat Ramsden’s top pair.
Junya Kubo builds a stack of 1.3 Million.
13:18: Edward Penaflorida doubles through chip leader
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Action began with an open from under the gun Edward Penaflorida to 85,000, followed by a three bet from Lee Gyuhyuk to 215,000 total. Back to Penaflorida, he answered back with an all-in for 600,000. Lee makes the call with , behind Penaflorida’s . The two run a seven-high board with Penaflorida’s higher overpair claiming the win.
Edward Penaflorida doubles to 1.1 Million in chips.
13:15: Archie Mariano crushes Manuel Mascunana
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Facing a late position open from Archie Mariano, Manuel Mascunana on the big blind rejammed his 650,000 in with . Mariano with his premium makes the call and sweeps the pot after hitting the nut straight by the river .
Manuel Mascunana finishes in 28th place, Archie Mariano up to 2 Million.
13:10: Kaushal Vasa dominated
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Another fold to the button, Kaushal Vasa pushed his 700,000 stack in the middle with and found himself dominated against small blind Lee Gyuhyuk’s . Board reveals , no piece for either player. Lee takes the pot with ace-king high, leaving Vasa out in 29th place.
Lee Gyuhyuk rises to the top with 3.5 Million in chips.
13:06: Norbert Koh as day’s first casualty
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Folded to Norbert Koh on the button, the Singaporean stuffed his 760,000 stack in and was called by Kei Kiyohara on the big blind with . Running into the top of his opponent’s range, Koh’s was in need of help, none of which came on board .
Norbert Koh exits the arena in 30th place finish while Kei Kiyohara climbs to 2.05 Million in chips.
13:02: Final Day begins
Level 25: 20,000 – 40,000 ante 40,000
Shuffle up & deal, good luck to all the players!
The final day of the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Main Event is finally here! This year’s running collected the tour’s largest Manila prize pool in APPT history, recording a massive PHP 76,832,730 (~USD 1,382,368) pot over three starting flights. From a 1,354 entry field, only 30 return to the felt this Sunday, with John Tech in the lead heading into the Final Day.
Champion is set to be crowned today, taking home a listed top prize of PHP 13,588,730 (~USD 244,674), the golden APPT shard, and a PHP 105,000 (~USD 1,890) package for the 2024 APPT Manila games.
Action resumes at 13:00, Level 25: 15,000 – 30,000 ante 30,000.
Remaining Payouts
1st – PHP 13,588,730
2nd – PHP 7,826,000
3rd – PHP 5,501,000
4th – PHP 4,074,000
5th – PHP 3,184,000
6th – PHP 2,398,000
7th – PHP 1,833,000
8th – PHP 1,301,000
9th – PHP 1,021,000
10th – 11th – PHP 837,000
12th – 13th – PHP 747,000
14th – 15th – PHP 671,000
16th – 17th – PHP 594,000
18th – 20th – PHP 517,000
21st – 23rd – PHP 440,000
24th – 27th – PHP 368,000
28th – 30th – PHP 312,000
APPT Manila Main Event Review
Dates: August 3-6, 2023
Buy in: PHP 65,000 (~USD 1,174)
Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 361,366)
Prize pool: PHP 76,832,730 (~USD 1,382,368)
ITM: 199 players
Day 1 Results
Day 1A: 395 entries / 91 advanced
Day 1B: 646 entries / 148 advanced
Day 1C: 313 entries / 113 advanced
Day 2: 343 players / 30 advanced
Final Day: August 6, 2023, Sunday
APPT Manila Main Event Day 1A – Live Updates and Chip Counts
APPT Manila Main Event Day 1A Results
APPT Manila Main Event Day 1B and Day 1C – Live Updates
APPT Manila Main Event Day 1B and Day 1C Results
APPT Manila Main Event Day 2 Live Updates
APPT Manila Main Event Day 2 Results
