From a field of 362 entries, the 2025 APPT Manila Championship - APPT Open is down to the final 9 players! The hunt for the first shard trophy begins at 12PM today, October 20, at the newly renovated Coral Lounge in world-class Okada Manila in Manila, Philippines.
Headlining the all-international lineup is Australia's Leo Kamiya, the defending APPT Open champion. Kamiya captured this very title last July at APPT Manila and now returns in top form, holding a commanding 103 bb in his bid to become the first-ever two-time APPT Open champion.
Close behind is Maxwell Rosete of the Philippines with 98 bb. Rosete started Day 2 as chip leader, weathered a few dips midway through, then regained momentum late in the day. Adding intrigue to the final table dynamic - Rosete also has position on Kamiya.
Rounding out the lineup are several PokerStars LIVE regulars and fresh faces: Yao Liu (China, 48 bb), Michael Uguccioni (Italy, 47 bb), Mikhail Katkov (Russia, 32 bb), Leo Lombardozzi (France, 30 bb), Birger Larsen (Norway, 30 bb), Craig Jones (UK, 25 bb), and Battulga Ganbold (Mongolia, 20 bb).
Action restarts with 14:26 left in Level 26 (10,000/25,000, ante 25,000). When the level ends, play will continue with blinds increasing ever 24 hands until 6-handed play where it will increase every 22 hands, then 20 hands once it reaches 4-handed until a champion is crowned.
Each player has already secured ₱420,000 (~US$ 7,225), but all eyes are on the coveted ₱3,900,000 (~US$ 67,075) top prize and the glory.
Stay tuned to Somuchpoker for all the action from start to finish.