Taiwan, Red SpaceEVENT #1006

2025.11.19 - 2025.11.22Add to Calendar

Asian Poker Tour

Blind level

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Entries

71/490

Total Chips

19,600,000

Average

276,056

LIVE UPDATES BY APT

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 6:00:53 PM

Deja Vu Dominance As Akshay Nasa Bags Day 2 Chip Lead at the Natural8 Cup Championship Freezeout

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Akshay Nasa

Day 2 of the Natural8 Cup Championship Freezeout delivered a full spectrum of tournament highlights at Red Space in Taipei City, from chip lead swings to marathon bubble play, including a one-chip survivor as the 71 remaining players inched closer to the coveted title.

Sponsored by Natural8, the event attracted 490 players to absolutely crush the TWD 31,000,000 guarantee and push the prize pool to TWD 39,372,480 (~USD 1,270,080). With the bubble now in the past, the remaining players are all secured a minimum payout of TWD 148,400 (~USD 4,790) while awaiting the champion is a top prize of TWD 7,538,480 (~USD 243,180) and an APT Main Event seat worth TWD 311,000 (~USD 10,000).

When all the excitement finally dissipated, it was deja vu for India's Akshay Nasa who once again finished on top of the leaderboard. Just days ago, Nasa bagged the chip lead at Day 1 of the 7-Max Championship before ultimately finishing in 20th place. This time, he stood alone as the only player to amass in the seven-digit range.

NATURAL8 CUP CHAMPIONSHIP DAY 2 TOP TEN STACKS

Player	Chips
AN Akshay NasaIndia	1,095,000(137 BB)
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	916,000(115 BB)
JP Jon Peter Rounce SueAustralia	868,000(109 BB)
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	791,000(99 BB)
KS Kazuhiro ShirasawaJapan	756,000(95 BB)
JY Jun Yi HoSingapore	693,000(87 BB)
KW Kuo Wei KaoTaiwan	667,000(83 BB)
CL Curtis Lim Siew JianSingapore	632,000(79 BB)
JW Julian WarhurstAustralia	590,000(74 BB)
TQ Tao Qin 2China	574,000(72 BB)

While most of the day’s dramatic moments came during the bubble round, several major stories unfolded beforehand. Adrian State dominated early, claiming the chip lead after running into the perfect cooler against Matthew Wakeman - turning his hidden hooks into a set to crush Wakeman’s cowboys.

Shiina Okamoto

Shiina Okamoto also made waves, knocking out Gerald Karlic to vault into one of the biggest stacks.

Other notables making the cut were Natural8 Ambassadors Kitty Kuo and Sparrow Cheung, APT Main Event title-holders Abraham Ceesvin, Mike Takayama, and Huu Dung Nguyen.

Toby Joyce

There were countless showdowns during the two-hour hand-for-hand grind. Among the game-changers was Ireland’s Toby Joyce’s crucial showdown against long-time Day 2 leader Adrian State. The victory propelled him to second rank by day’s end with a stack of 916,000.

Another memorable moment saw Nasa push with rags, only to get caught red-handed by Teng Kuei Hsu. The crowd erupted in laughter when Nasa sheepishly revealed his cards.

Seungyeol Kim survives with one chip

While Nasa earned plenty of praise for his performance, it was the short-stacked Seungyeol Kim who stole the show. Not only did he survive a forced all-in, but he also navigated another orbit to finish the day with just a single 1,000-chip denomination — a classic chip-and-a-chair moment.

When play resumes on Friday, November 21 at 11:15am, it will be another grueling race as they play down to the final table of nine players where the action will be live-streamed until the champion is crowned.

For the Full Natural8 Cup Championship Freezeout Survivor List: Click here.

For the Payouts of the Natural8 Cup Championship Freezeout: Click here.

Be sure to tune back in for all the action throughout Day 3.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 5:00:41 PM

Players Bag for Day 3

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

The remaining 71 players have now bagged for day 3. They will resume action tomorrow at 11.15am.

The full day recap will be posted shortly.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 4:10:02 PM

Liu's Overcards Miss To Burst The Bubble

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Wun Long Liu bubbles

Wun Long Liu was down to crumbs when he went all-in from under the gun and while everyone passed it up, big blind Teng Kuei Hsu called, barely causing a dent to his stack.

Liu had K♣ T♥ and was flipping against Hsu's 9♠ 9♥ .

It was nearly all over for Liu at the flop 8♥ 3♦ 9♦ with Hsu improving to a set. The turn card A♥ sealed the elimination as the river completed the board with a 2♥.

Everyone is now in the money. 71 players remain and they are bagging up for the night.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 4:00:35 PM

Hollink Survives The Race

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Following a min-raise from the early position player Po Lam Lun, cutoff player Robertus Hollink pushed all of his chips out front for a total of 58,000. With action folding around and back to Lun, he called and told Hollink, "I don't have good cards. You are ahead"

When he finally showed, Hollink was indeed ahead with A♣ K♦ against Lun's 8♦ 9♦.

An ace at the flop A♥ T♣ 2♥ widened Hollink's lead but with an 8♥ on the turn, he wasn't out of the woods yet until

the river J♥ for his pair of aces to hold, keeping him alive.

Player	Chips
PL Po Lam LunHong Kong	558,000(70 BB)
RH Robertus HollinkNetherlands	135,000(17 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:57:53 PM

Guo's Queens Make The Double

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Zhan Xi Guo

Zhan Xi Guo made a pre-flop all-in shove for 240,000 and was called by Andrei Spataru.

There were two other tables with all-in situations as hand-for-hand play was being done to determine the bubble.

By the time the tournament director reached their table, there was already news that the bubble had burst, and the only thing needed to determine is if anyone would be part of the bubble.

Zhang Xi Guo: Q♣ Q♥

Andrei Spataru: A♦ J♣

Board ran T♠ Q♦ 8♦ 6♥ T♣

Guo ended up with a full-house for a resolute double-up.

However, that wasn't the show-stopper.

Seungyeol Kim

Seungyeol Kim literally had a single 1,000 chip and was celebrating for surviving the bubble and making the money with just a solitary chip, giving testament to the saying "a chip and a chair."

"Final table here we go!" Kim shouted.

Also proudly celebrating on the same table, but not as loudly was Wai Kit Lo, who had only 4,000 left to close the night.

Player	Chips
ZX Zhan Xi GuoTaiwan	505,000(63 BB)
AS Andrei SpataruRomania	422,000(53 BB)
WK Wai Kit LoHong Kong	4,000(1 BB)
SK Seungyeol KimSouth Korea	1,000(0 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:53:57 PM

Kim Survives Bubble with a Chip and a Chair

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

It was the stone money bubble and Suengyeol Kim was down to his last 5,000 and forced all-in in the big blind. Kim hadn't looked at his hand, and a crowd was drawing around the table.

The action slowly folded around, with hope of a walk getting stronger and stronger.

Suengyeol Kim

Kim was vocal and was stood at the table, talking to each player when the action went around to them. "We are family"... he cried, to the table.

His hopes of a walk faded when Andrei Spataru limped on the button for 8,000. Lillis Frank came along for the ride from the small blind and the players went three-ways to the flop.

The T♦ 9♦ T♣ flop was checked to see the K♥ turn.

Murmers spread around the table from the rail, but with neither non-all player giving anything away, Kim was still in the dark.

A K♦ river double paired the board, and it was time for showdown. Kim was fishing for an idea of how strong his opponents were, "Good, no good?". There was action on another table and Kim yelled "Someone else all-in?" he continued with "It's almost a champion feeling". Spataru replied "Enjoy it bro."

It was time for showdown and the floor asked the players to turn over their hands in order.

Andrei Spataru

Andrei Spataru: 2♥ 3♦

Spataru was playing the board, and it was time to sweat the next hand.

Lillis Frank

Lillis Frank: 8♣ 7♦

Frank had no better, and Kim's excitement showed. Kim peeled the seven, five offsuit over slowly, but it ended in a chop.

Suengyeol Kim: 7♥ 5♣

Andrei Spataru, Lillis Frank and Suengyeol Kim

There were celebrations all around, with all three players up from their seats. Once the adrenaline wore off, Kim sat back with his original 5,000 stack and was forced to immediately surrender 4,000 for the small blind. Kim folded and claimed another lifeline and one more orbit.

Player	Chips
AS Andrei SpataruRomania	653,000(82 BB)
FL Frank LillisIreland	450,000(56 BB)
SK Seungyeol KimSouth Korea	1,000(0 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:28:31 PM

Salaun's Hooks Catch a Monster

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Akshay Nasa had been bullying the table with his million-big monster stack. In one of his all-in shoves, Vincent Salaun snap-called and risked his last 225,000.

When the cards were shown...

Akshay Nasa: K♥ 9♦

Vincent Salaun: J♦ J♣

Board ran J♥ A♠ 5♣ J♠ K♠

Salaun made quads on the turn and, of course, proceeded to makea. significant double-up.

Player	Chips
AN Akshay NasaIndia	1,100,000(138 BB)
VS Vincent SalaunFrance	470,000(59 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:26:28 PM

Joyce's Flopped Two Pair Holds

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

The bubble round continues with yet another double up for 72 players still on the hunt for a piece of the pot.

The latest to keep his fire burning was Toby Joyce who defended on the small blind after Dohang Na raised 16,000 from cutoff that was called by Adrian State on the button.

At the flop 7♣ 8♠ 2♠, Na continued for 45,000, State called, then Joyce check-raised to 150,000. This was enough to push out Na while State made the call.

The battle intensified when the turn came T♦ with Joyce announcing all in foer 273,000. State counted out the chips and after spending a time-bank, State called, putting Joyce in danger of elimination.

Toby Joyce: 7♦ 8♦

Adrian State: Q♠ J♠

Joyce was ahead with a flopped two pair but needed to dodge a bunch outs. He did just that when an A♥ showed up on the river.

Player	Chips
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	945,000(118 BB)
AS Adrian Sorel StateRomania	236,000(30 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:17:40 PM

Singam Caught By Kao's Boats

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

There was around 160,000 in the pot and a complete board that showed 8♥ 2♣ 2♥ J♠ Q♥

Joel Singam fired 200,000, covering the stack of Kuo Wei Kao. Kao made the call, risking his last 180,000.

Singam jokingly begged, "Please, no pictures." as they waited for the tournament director to announce the hand.

When asked to show the cards, Singam sheepishly peeled over 9♣ 7♥ for the bluff while Kao showed J♦ J♥ for a monster full house.

Player	Chips
KW Kuo Wei KaoTaiwan	550,000(69 BB)
JS Joel SingamMalaysia	360,000(45 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:09:32 PM

Lai Doubles

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Hsuan Yu Lai

Hsuan-Yu Lai went amost all-in for 47,000 leaving 1,000 behind, Andrei Spataru made the call on his big blind.

The flop arrived A♦ 5♠ K♣

Spataru threw in the 1,000 and Lai risked his last.

Spataru opened T♣ 8♣ and was way behind the A♣ K♥ of Lai.

The runout of 8♥ 9♥ favored Lai and gave him a critical double up.

Player	Chips
AS Andrei SpataruRomania	675,000(84 BB)
HY Hsuan Yu LaiTaiwan	120,000(15 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:07:32 PM

Cooler Alert

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Seunghyuk Jung

Seunghyuk Jung shoved his last 36,000 all-in and was matched by Mike Takayama.

Jung peeled open J♦ J♥ and ran into the A♥ A♦ of Takayama.

The runout of 9♣ K♥ K♠ 7♣ 6♥ ended Jung's run in the championship.

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	480,000(60 BB)
SJ Seunghyuk JungSouth Korea	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 3:00:45 PM

Magsakay Survives and Doubles Through Lo

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Vamerdino Magsakay

Action was heavy on Table 83, as having secured a near triple up during hand for hand, Jeffrey Lo found himself in another pot.

Lo opened from middle position for 16,000 and Vamerdino Magsakay called from the big blind. Magsakay was one of the shortest stacks on his table and started the hand with 81,000.

The K♠ Q♣ 5♣ flop saw Magsakay check, Lo bet 11,000 and Magsakay call.

A 8♣ was turned, and Magsakay went into the tank after Lo moved a 100,000 stack of blue chips across the line. Magsakay picked up his five time bank cards and fanned them in front of him.

The dealer was slowly removing them one by one, and eventually, with just one time bank left, he moved in his remaining 54,000 to call.

Vamerdino Magsakay: Q♦ J♦

Jeffrey Lo: 10h 10c

Magsakay was sitting with a pair of queens, but there were some chances for Lo to steal, with the club flush draw.

The 5♦ river didn't bring it in and Magsakay saw the needed double, saving him from being eliminated as the bubble drew closer.

Player	Chips
KW Kuen Wai Jeffrey LoHong Kong	204,000(26 BB)
VM Vamerdino MagsakayPhilippines	166,000(21 BB)

Just 73 players remain, hand for hand is still in progress.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 2:57:34 PM

Nasa Caught Red-Handed

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

With the bubble round at hand, Akshay Nasa tried to bully with his gargantuan stack, asking for the all-in triangle while sitting at under the gun+1. To his immediate left, Teng Kuei Hsu only had 53,000 behind and went for it.

With a big crowd around, everyone burst into laughter when Nasa flipped over 2♦ 3♦. Even Hsu who turned over J♣ J♠.

Players were calling out cards for a sweat, but the board had other plans, giving everything to Hsu as it ran out 9♠ T♣ 5♠ 8♠ 7♠.

Player	Chips
AN Akshay NasaIndia	1,250,000(156 BB)
TK Teng Kuei HsuTaiwan	126,000(16 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 2:43:05 PM

When the Fung Runs Out

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Nopparat Kongjai

Sam Fung was all in and at risk from the cutoff for his remaining 62,000. Jeffrey Lo re-jammed from the button for 104,000 and action went to Vamerdino Magsakay.

Magsakay was very vocal during his tank, letting out a number of "F**k"'s and "OMG"'s. He counted out the 104,000 from his stack and saw he would be left with just 90,000 behind.

After using two of his time bank cards, he exclaimed "Call!", and due to hand for hand, the cards were held face down for a while.

The floor announced "showdown", all three players flipped their hands.

Sam Fung: T♦ T♠

Jeffrey Lo: A♦ A♠

Vamerdino Magsakay: J♠ J♥

Lo was ahead, and it was looking likely that one player would bust. With 74 remaining, there was a gathering of other players around the table, calling for the covering stack Magsakay to hit.

The Q♠ 6♦ 3♦ 9♣ 9♥ runout kept Lo ahead and Fung was eliminated in 74th place.

Player	Chips
KW Kuen Wai Jeffrey LoHong Kong	285,000(36 BB)
NK Nopparat KongjaiThailand	90,000(11 BB)
FS Fung Sam LamUnited Kingdom	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 2:34:39 PM

Kim Stays Alive

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Soobum Kim moved all-in for his last 21,000 from the cut-off and big blind Akshay Nasa with a monster stack made the call.

Kim looked unfazed while waiting for the tournament director to come around to their table. There was nothing more to do since the chips were all-in.

When the director asked for the cards to be revealed.

Soobum Kim peeled A♥ 8♠ versus the 7♥ 7♦ of Nasa.

The board ran 5♠ A♠ Q♦ 6♥ 4♠

Kim paired his ace on the flop and held on to earn a life-saving double-up.

Player	Chips
AN Akshay NasaIndia	1,100,000(138 BB)
SK Soobum KimSouth Korea	52,000(7 BB)

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 74/490

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 2:10:46 PM

Kongai Roars!

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

So close to the money and players with 74 players remaining. Nopparat Kongjai was heard roaring across the room having doubled up through Michael Allen.

Catching the moment as the dealer was counting out his chips, Kongjai had Q♠ Q♦, Allen with K♦ T♦, the board was A♥ 4♠ Q♥ J♠ 4♥ .

Player	Chips
NK Nopparat KongjaiThailand	217,000(36 BB)
MJ Michael Joseph AllenUnited Kingdom	184,000(31 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 2:05:57 PM

Short Stacks On The Move

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

With hand-for-hand in effect until the bubble bursts, short stacks have been much more active. Here were a a few hands that saw showdowns.

At Table 80, Wun Long Liu was all in from middle position for his last 31,000 and big blind Huu Dung Nguyen called. Liu was flipping for his tournament life with overcards needing to pair up.

Wun Long Liu: K♣ Q♥

Huu Dung Nguyen: 8♣ 8♠

The board quickly granted Liu his needs as it completed A♦ Q♣ T♣ Q♦ 9♠ to double through.

At Table 76, Wai Kit Lo was fortunate as well. From the big blind, he three-bet to 25,000 leaving just 4,000 behind and initial raiser Frank Lillis from under the gun put him all-in. Lo committed the rest.

Wai Kit Lo: K♦ Q♥

Frank Lillis: K♠ J♣

Lo;s kicker was one point higher and it held when the board came down 2♣ 4♦ 7♦ 4♥ 9♦ to survive the race.

At Table 71, Yita Choong min-raised from under the gun and massive-stacked Akshay Nasa defended on the big blind. When the flop ran 5♠ 8♣ Q♥, Choong continued for 20,000 and Nasa check-called.

The turn 7♥ drew another check from Nasa. Choong unloaded it all and to his surprise, Nasa snap-called and turned over 9♣ 6♦ straight. Choong had Q♦ T♦ top pair and was drawing dead to the river J♠.

Player	Chips
AN Akshay NasaIndia	1,200,000(200 BB)
FL Frank LillisIreland	298,000(50 BB)
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	133,000(22 BB)
WL Wun Long LiuTaiwan	71,000(12 BB)
WK Wai Kit LoHong Kong	67,000(11 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 2:01:11 PM

Shirasawa Eliminates Doddapaneni

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Kazuhiro Shirasawa opened for 12,000 from the cut-off and Sriharsha Doddapaneni defended the big blind.

Flop arrived J♠ 9♥ 8♣

Doddapaneni check-called the 10,000 bet of Shirasawa to open a 5♠ turn.

Doddapaneni checked and Shirasawa continued for 18,000.

Doddapaneni paused and declared all-in. Shirasawa snap-called even before any chips were counted or the all-in triangle was put in place.

Doddapaneni flipped open J♦ 9♦ for two-pair while Shirasawa showed T♠ 7♣ for a flopped straight.

The river A♦ bricked for Doddapaneni, ending his run just before the money.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:59:45 PM

Mateo's Top Pair Gets Paid

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Chang Seog Chae opened for 12,000 from under the gun and Christopher Mateo three-bet to 35,000 on the cut-off. Chae made the call.

Both checked the flop 8♥ 7♠ 4♣

Turn came Q♣

Chae check-called the 40,000 bet of Mateo to see a 9♣ river.

Chae checked and Mateo fired 105,000.

Chae tanked, wondered if giants had dinosaurs as pets a million years ago and made the call.

Mateo turned over A♥ Q♥ And Chae mucked.

Player	Chips
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	685,000(114 BB)
CS Chang Seog ChaeSouth Korea	360,000(60 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:51:41 PM

Nasa Takes Controle in APT Natural8 Cup Event

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Akshay Nasa

Akshay Nasa is a highly respected poker pro with a strong track record on the Asian Poker Tour (APT). Among his tournament highlights, he won the APT Vietnam Main Event in 2019, claiming the APT lion trophy and making a name for himself on the Asian live circuit.

Akshay Nasa 7-Max Championship Here in the APT 2025 Championship in Taipei, Nasa has already dominated early in the 7-Max Championship — he began Day 1 as the chip leader and carried that momentum into the final day. Ultimately, he finished in 20th place, earning TWD 230,300 (~ USD 7,375).

Nasa entered the day on just 44,000, but now sits with a 860,000 stack, which looks to be the current chip lead as players head towards the bubble.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:38:50 PM

Na Picks Off Rounce-Sue's Bluff

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Dohang Na

The pot had built up to around 125,000 by the turn, the board was 3♥ 3♦ K♦ 6♦.

From the small blind, big stacked John Peter Rounce-Sue, bet 20,000 into the pot and big blind Dohang Na matched him.

The dealer completed the board with a Q♣ on the river and again Rounce-Sue took the lead, however this time, he pushed all-in, putting Na on the ropes. After burning through a couple of time-banks, Na risked it.

Since it was an all-in situation, Rounce-Sue had to show, and revealed 8♦ 5♠ for a bluff.

Na won the pot with K♣ 8♣ for two pair.

Player	Chips
JP Jon Peter Rounce SueAustralia	450,000(75 BB)
DN Dohang NaSouth Korea	259,000(43 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:35:32 PM

Yun Wins Brawl Of The Blinds

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

It was a brawl between Hyeonsik Yun on the small blind and Sriharsha Doddapaneni on the big blind.

There was a board of K♣ K♦ J♥ 6♥ and a pot of 45,000 near it.

Both checked the turn to open a 9♣ on the river.

Yun fired out 80,000 and Doddapaneni waved the white flag.

Player	Chips
HY Hyeonsik YunSouth Korea	170,000(28 BB)
SD Sriharsha DoddapaneniIndia	112,000(19 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:33:53 PM

Pedersen Flexes On Jung

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Seunghyuk Jung and Johan Pedersen had a flop of 6♥ 7♣ 2♦ and a pot of 35,000 beside it.

Jung fired out 21,000 and was raised by Pedersen to 45,000.

Jung took one last look at his cards before finally letting it go.

Player	Chips
JP Johan PedersenDenmark	220,000(37 BB)
SJ Seunghyuk JungSouth Korea	95,500(16 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:33:06 PM

Tanking Forces Hand for Hand

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

The floor has announced that hand for hand will commence as "too many players were tanking".

The clock is paused and 3-minutes will be taken off for each hand played.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:25:53 PM

Ho Shows Nam The Exit

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Seunghyun Michael Nam moved all-in on the cut-off for his last 237,000 and was looked up by Jun Ho in the small blind.

Seunghyun Michael Nam: K♣ J♠

Jun Ho: A♥ K♦

Board ran K♥ 6♠ T♣ 3♣ 4♣

Both hit their king on the flop, but Ho's big slick kicker made the difference, sending Nam out just a few spots away from the bubble.

Player	Chips
JY Jun Yi HoSingapore	760,000(127 BB)
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:24:05 PM

Howe Hero-Calls

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Yeo Kian Howe

Junjie He and Yeo Kian Howe were down to the river on a board of J♦ 8♠ 7♠ 6♥ 4♠ with 65,000 in the pot. He fired 60,000 into it which sent Howe deep in contemplation.

Howe eventually convinced himself to hero-call and it was the correct move with He flipping over A♠ Q♣ bluff. Howe had K♣ J♠ for top pair and took down the pot.

Player	Chips
KH Kian Howe YeoMalaysia	350,000(58 BB)
JH Junjie HeChina	76,000(13 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 1:07:58 PM

Kuo Finds a Double

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Kitty Kuo

In the final hand before the break, Kitty Kuo found herself all in from the big blind for her remaining 119,000. Jaeho Lee was on the button and had Kuo covered.

Kitty Kuo: A♣ 2♣

Jaeho Lee: K♦ Q♣

Kuo was looking to stay ahead, and she paired up on the T♥ A♦ 3♦ flop. But Lee was also now looking at a gutshot straight draw.

The turn and river bricked with the dealer placing the 6♠ 7♦ completers, and Kuo sat back with a more comfortable stack when she returned from the break.

Player	Chips
KK Kitty KuoTaiwan	245,000(41 BB)
JL Jaeho LeeSouth Korea	190,000(32 BB)

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 77/490

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:57:35 PM

Last Break Of The Day

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

This is the last 15-minute break of the day and then two more levels to go. The bubble has yet to burst.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:56:03 PM

Three-Bet, Four-Bet, Five-Bet... Six?

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Hogyun Kang

Hsuan-Yu Lai opened for 10,000 from early position. Hogyun Kang three-bet to 25,000.

When it folded back to Lai, he four-bet to 45,000. Kang then five-bet all-in and Lai made the insta-fold.

Player	Chips
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	222,000(44 BB)
HY Hsuan Yu LaiTaiwan	85,000(17 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:43:24 PM

Pora Fist Pumps The River Catch

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Dumitru-Adrian Pora and Christopher Mateo squared off in a preflop firefight that kicked off with Mateo raising to 11,000 from under the gun+1. At lojack, Pora fired back with a three-bet to 33,000 only for Mateo to shove his big stack right back at him. Pora snap-called, his tournament life hanging in the balance.

Dumitru-Adrian Pora: A♥ K♦

Christopher Mateo: A♣ Q♠

When the cards were revealed, Pora was in prime position to scoop a full double and looked safe on the 7♦ 5♣ 9♦ flop. But disaster struck on the turn with the Q♥ pairing up Mateo and leaving Pora with only thin outs to survive.

That sliver found the river when the K♣ hit the felt and Pora exploded. He leapt from his seat and fist-pumped like a rockstar, celebrating a miracle that kept his run alive

Player	Chips
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	446,000(89 BB)
DP Dumitru PoraRomania	224,000(45 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:42:05 PM

The Bubble Is Coming

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

The event is down to 78 players with 7 more eliminations until the bubble bursts and the remaining 71 players make it in the money.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:38:56 PM

Rounce-Sue On The Rise

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

John Peter Rounce-Sue is steadily closing the gap on Adrian State in the race for the chip lead, and with both seated at the same table, the pressure is building. Though they haven’t tangled yet, Rounce-Sue added a healthy pot to creep even closer.

The hand played out against Ren Han Yong on a board of J♣ 5♥ J♠ J♦ with 86,000 already in the middle. From the hijack, Rounce-Sue led for 18,000, and Yong check-called.

The river brought the T♦, and Rounce-Sue reached for some greens and unloaded a hefty 175,000 bet which more than covered Yong. Yong thought it over but ultimately preserved his remaining chips for a better spot.

Player	Chips
JP Jon Peter Rounce SueAustralia	630,000(126 BB)
RH Ren Han YongMalaysia	63,000(13 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:17:00 PM

Xu Doesn't Find Customers

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Jun Ho

A pot of around 90,000 rested beside a completed board of J♠ 9♦ 6♣ Q♥ 2♠

In the hand were Anthony Xu on the small blind Johan Pedersen on the big blind and Jun Ho in hijack.

Xu fired out 36,000. Pedersen let the clock run before flicking his cards forward.

Ho peeked at his cards several times before deciding it wouldn't improve and did a quiet muck.

Player	Chips
JY Jun Yi HoSingapore	860,000(172 BB)
AX Anthony XuAustralia	285,000(57 BB)
JP Johan PedersenDenmark	115,000(23 BB)

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 89/490

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 12:03:26 PM

Fernandez Stuns Edoc

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Kim Fernandez

Lester Edoc was left reeling after losing a large portion of his stack to Kim Fernandez.

The hand opened with a raise from under the gun+1 Kok Wei Teoh that Kim Fernandez at cutoff called. From the small blind, Edoc squeezed for 38,000 which didn't scare away Teoh until Fernandez and Edoc both shoved.

Kim Fernandez: Q♣ Q♠

Lester Edoc: A♥ A♠

Upon revealing, Fernandez was in dire straits needing plenty of luck to stay in the game. The poker gods answered as it sent down a board K♦ 6♠ T♠ 5♥ Q♦.

Player	Chips
KF Kim FernandezPhilippines	370,000(93 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	60,000(15 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:51:44 AM

Arian Climbs and Builds Empire-State Stack

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

The rise of Adrian State has him positioned among the top contenders. State bagged 159,400 on Day 1, and retook his seat at the felt this morning.

Adrian State

His momentum continued into Day 2 as a hand during Level 12 saw him eliminate Abelard Ma in a flush-over-flush cooler, with State holding the queen of diamonds and Ma holding the jack of diamonds.

A few levels later, State found himself in one of the biggest pots of the day, a hand that rocketed him into the lead. His surge came after cracking Mathew Wiseman's pocket kings with his pocket jacks after turning the set, pushing his stack to 700,000.

The most recent hand saw him take on Chun Yu Ma. The cards were already on their backs, and Ma's A♣ J♥ couldn't find any help on the Q♣ 9♥ 3♣ 5♠ 7♦ runout, while State’s pocket tens T♠ T♦ held strong. After the hand, he was sitting on a monster 970,000 stack, the clear current chip leader.

State has been seen in the live poker circuit since 2015, but this is his first presence at an Asia stop. He is one to watch this series as he recently won the € 1,100 No Limit Hold'em - PokerStars Open Main Event in earlier this year, taking home a cool € 363,000 (~USD 395,515). This made up a significant portion of his USD 2,182,222 recorded live earnings.

State has put himself in a great position to reach Day 3, but with three levels still remaining in the day, anything can happen.

Stay with the APT blog as we follow all the ups and down, rises and falls of this Natural8 Cup event.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:42:07 AM

Shirasawa Squeezes Sapra

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Sumit Sapra

The pot had around 50,000 in the middle beside a board that showed 4♥ K♣ Q♣.

Both Kazuhiro Shirasawa and Sumit Sapra checked to open a A♦ turn.

Sapra, then bet 31,000 and Shirasawa moved almost all-in for 111,000, leaving a 1,000 denomination chip behind.

Sapra tanked and let go of his hand.

Player	Chips
SS Sumit SapraIndia	260,000(65 BB)
KS Kazuhiro ShirasawaJapan	210,500(53 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:33:23 AM

Four-Bet Ends It Preflop

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Before the action reached Anthony Spinella, Benjamin LeBlond kicked things off with an 8,000 open from the cutoff. Next to act, Keiri Hanai burned a time-bank before he opted to three-bet to 20,000.

On the button, Spinella used a time-bank of his own then slid out a four-bet to 75,000. That was enough to end the hand, as the table quickly folded and the pot was pushed his way.

Player	Chips
AS Anthony SpinellaUnited States of America	330,000(83 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:30:38 AM

Qin Flushes To Double Up

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Adrian Pora

Dumitru-Adrian Pora opened for 8,000 from the cut-off and Tao Qin raised all-in for 150,000 on the big blind.

Pora tanked before making the call.

Dumitru-Adrian Pora: A♦ Q♦

Tao Qin: 9♠ 9♣

Board completed 3♣ 8♥ 7♣ 6♣ A♣

Pora spiked an ace on the river, but it was the wrong suit. The club gave Qin a flush and successfully doubled up while leaving Pora short-stacked.

Player	Chips
TQ Tao Qin (2)China	315,500(79 BB)
DP Dumitru PoraRomania	114,000(29 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:25:35 AM

Kim Gets Value For Flopped Two Pair

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Akshay Nasa

Akshay Nasa opened the action with a raise from under the gun+1 and both blinds defended - Soobum Kim on the small blind and Dinesh Alt on the big blind.

When the dealer laid out the flop 2♠ T♥ 5♠ it was checked to the aggressor Nasa who continued for 8,000 to swing it back to Kim.

After a several seconds, Kim raised to 17,000 to turn the tide. Alt passed it up and Nasa on the defense with a call.

Kim barreled again after the turn landed 4♠ and Nasa stuck with him, calling the 16,000 bet. The river was then felted with the Q♣ showing up. Kim drilled another bet, making it 28,000 to continue.

Nasa could not resist and called then mucked to the T♣ 2♣ flopped two pair. Kim is now dethroned Nasa at his table.

Player	Chips
SK Soobum KimSouth Korea	325,000(81 BB)
AN Akshay NasaIndia	293,000(73 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:14:49 AM

Big Turn For Kim Sparks Celebration

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Seungyeol Kim

Seungyeol Kim was all smiles, even breaking into a little dance, and he had every reason to celebrate after surviving from behind.

On a board of Q♣ 7♦ 6♣ K♦ 9♦, Kim spiked the winning pair on the turn with K♣ J♦ to overcome Curtis Lim’s A♠ Q♠ and score a double up.

Player	Chips
SK Seungyeol KimSouth Korea	124,000(31 BB)
CL Curtis Lim Siew JianSingapore	114,000(29 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 11:08:14 AM

Lam Cracks Big Slick To Double

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Fung Sam Lam

Fung Sam Lam risked his last 39,000 from early position and Kuo Wei Kao isolated with a raise to 80,000 on the button.

Fung Sam Lam: A♠ T♣

Kuo Wei Kao: A♦ K♦

Board ran 6♣ 5♣ 9♥ 8♦ 7♣

Lam had one foot out the door, but a miracle river seven from heaven gave him a better straight to gain a life-saving double up.

Player	Chips
KW Kuo Wei KaoTaiwan	185,000(46 BB)
FS Fung Sam LamUnited Kingdom	85,000(21 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 10:56:08 AM

Kuo and Cheung Represent Natural8 in Cup Championship

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Meet the Natural8 Ambassadors who remain in the Natrual8 Cup Event

A number of ambassadors jumped into the notorious event, but only two remain, Kitty Kuo and Sparrow Cheung.

Kitty Kuo

A Natural8 Team Hot ambassador, Kitty maintained an average stack throughout the first few levels of the day but rocketed up and returns from the break with over 300,000. She entered Day 2 with 126,500 and has successfully chipped away at her table, and now sits high in the counts.

She has recently made a strong showing in a number of major live events. Her impressive record includes winning the 2021 APT Taipei Main Event and she came close, and had her eyes on the 2025 APT Taipei Main Event, where she bagged a Day 3 lead. Over her career, she has earned ~USD 3.5 million from playing live tournaments, and sits 4th on the Taiwan all time money list. She frequents both the Asia poker circuit and American tours. She is also a strong role model and advocate for women in poker.

Sparrow Cheung

Her fellow Team Hot ambassador Sparrow Cheung is also still in the tournament. A cornerstone of Natural8’s Team Hot, Sparrow claimed his 15th APT cash of the year and took down the "No Limit Hold'em - Hyper Turbo - High Roller - Win the Button" event at APT Taipei in April. He has been playing professionally since 2009, and focused on his tournament game from 2013. Some of his biggest accolades include being the 2019 APPT Incheon Main Event champion, claiming USD 174,040. Cheung also successfully shipped the APT Incheon Single Day High Roller 8 Max (KRW 5M) in 2023, earning himself USD 64,810.

Beyond his impressive poker results, he also founded the Hong Kong Poker Players Association (HKPPA) and holds a Guinness World Record for the most in-the-money finishes (62) in a single year (2017), underlining his consistency and dedication.

The pair return from the break with everything still to play for. Kuo has span up her stack from this morning and now sits on 327,000 with Cheung is looking down at 125,000, which is just under average.

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 103/490

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 10:14:32 AM

Dinner Break

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Players are now on a 60-minute dinner break. The field has been trimmed to 103 players out of the 490 that entered. Once they return, the chase for the payouts continues with the money set to begin at 71st place.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 10:10:34 AM

Rolli Steals Control On The River

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Fabian Rolli

Fabian Rolli raised to 6,000 from hijack then defended it when cutoff player Bawoo Hyun Sik Yun three-bet to 18,000.

Yu continued for 10,000 at the flop Q♦ K♠ 6♠ and after Rolli matched it up, they both tapped felt on the turn 9♣.

This led to free river card of 4♥ that Rolli liked to lead out for 32,000. Yun reassessed the board then after using up one time extension, he gave up his stake in the pot.

Player	Chips
FR Fabian RolliSwitzerland	210,000(70 BB)
BH Bawoo Hyun Shik YunSouth Korea	66,000(22 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 10:07:14 AM

Cheung Cleans Out Liu

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Wai Ting Cheung kicked off the hand with a 7,000 raise from lojack and was unfazed by Wing Po Liu's button shove for 38,500. The reason why came when they flipped over their hole cards.

Wing Po Liu: A♦ T♦

Wai Ting Cheung: A♥ K♣

A clean board followed 5♦ 9♠ 2♥ 3♣ A♣ to eliminate Liu with the lower spread.

Player	Chips
WT Wai Tung CheungHong Kong	324,000(108 BB)
WP Wing Po LiuHong Kong	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 10:01:13 AM

Ho's Small Pair Stands Up Against Big Slick

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Catching the action as Jun Yi Ho was being awarded the pot and Daniel Ao doing the walk of shame. Ao risked his tournament life on ace-king but with the board running 3♣ 3♦ 8♣ 4♥ 9♦ he could not get past Jun Yi Ho's pocket fours to end his day.

Player	Chips
JY Jun Yi HoSingapore	540,000(180 BB)
DA Daniel AoAustralia	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 9:56:11 AM

One Rises High As One Fall Hard

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Thee biggest pot of the day so far unfolded as two big stacks went head to head, sending one player soaring and the other plummeting.

Action began with Matthew Wakeman raising under the gun, Justin Tsui calling on the button, and Adrian State squeezing to 30,000 from the small blind. Wakeman took a moment before four-betting to 72,000, and State kept the pressure on with a call.

After the heavy preflop action, the 4♥ 6♥ 5♣ flop brought a calmer mood. Wakeman continued for 40,000, and State just check-called.

The turn J♠ reignited the fireworks. Wakeman fired 60,000, and State moved into the tank before jamming. Wakeman snap-called.

Matthew Wakeman: K♣ K♥

Adrian State: J♣ J♥

The river 7♣ sealed it, eliminating Wakeman as State rocketed to the top of the leaderboard.

Player	Chips
AS Adrian Sorel StateRomania	700,000(233 BB)
MW Matthew WakemanAustralia	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 9:54:30 AM

Leblond's Kings Get Paid

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Benjamin Leblond

Benjamin Leblond sat on the button and Abraham Ceesvin was in middle position.

Both players were staring at a completed board of 2♣ 8♠ J♣ 6♠ 7♦

The delicious pot had around 120,000 in the middle.

Ceesvin checked his option to Leblond, who fired off 72,000.

Ceesvin did a quick chip assessment and pushed in a stack to call.

Leblond flipped over K♠ K♦ and Ceesvin mucked.

A♠ Leblond was stacking his chips, there was chatter about the hand and Ceesvin admitted to holding A♠ J♠

He was telling the truth. He raised his hand high to his face enough for the reporter behind him to see.

Player	Chips
BL Benjamin LeblondCanada	320,000(107 BB)
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	190,000(63 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 9:23:39 AM

Lo Finishes Li

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Jeffrey Lo opened for 6,000 and start-of-day chip leader Jason Li jammed his last 45,000 all-in.

Lo made the call and flipped over A♣ J♣ versus the J♦ J♠ of Li.

The flop arrived 6♣ 3♠ 5♣ , which kept Li ahead, but gave Lo a flush draw.

The 8♠ turn still kept Li ahead, but the 9♣ on the river gave Lo the overtake to eliminate Li.

Player	Chips
KW Kuen Wai Jeffrey LoHong Kong	235,000(78 BB)
LJ Li JasonCanada	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 9:13:44 AM

Big Blind Defense Strategy

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Kilian Kramer opened for 6,000 from the hijack, Chrisopher Mateo called from the cutoff. Nguyen Huu Dung then raised to 27,000 on the button. Jeffrey Lo, defending from the big blind jammed all-in for 115,000. Kramer and Mateo snap-folded. Dung took about 10 seconds more before letting go.

Player	Chips
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	255,000(85 BB)
KW Kuen Wai Jeffrey LoHong Kong	170,000(57 BB)
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	155,000(52 BB)
KK Kilian KramerGermany	130,000(43 BB)

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 118/490

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:57:54 AM

Spinella's Hidden Set Chunks Lau

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Anthony Spinella

Keiri Hanai initiated the action with a 5,000 raise at hijack that found a caller in cutoff Anthony Spinella and big blind King Lun Alan Lau.

After the flop ran 7♥ 5♥ 9♣, action was checked to Spinella who sent out a 4,500 bet. Only Lau stuck around to see the turn come down :10c: and that's when the action erupted.

Spinella continued for 32,000. Lau answered with a check-raise all in, Spinella snap-called. Lau saw the bad news.

Anthony Spinella: 5♣ 5♠

Alan Lau: T♥ 9♥

The board completed with a river card Q♦ which was no help to Lau to lose a large portion of his stack.

Player	Chips
AS Anthony SpinellaUnited States of America	245,000(98 BB)
KL King Lun Alan LauHong Kong	30,000(12 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:56:58 AM

The Two-Step Fall Of Chokenjindachai

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Napat Chokejindachai

A pot of 30,000 rested beside a flop that showed 7♣ 9♥ 2♦

Napat Chokenjindachai check-raised the 12,500 bet of Kyung Min Lee to 35,000.

Lee gave that quizzical look and asked, "How much do you have left?" and Chokejindachai gave him full view of his stack.

Lee then counted the chips and placed the call.

The dealer showed a K♣ on the turn.

Chokejindachai checked and before the clock ran out, Lee announced "All in."

Chokejindachai mucked and was left with 95,000.

In the next hand, Chokejindachai raised for 5,000 from under the gun and Hsuan-Yu Lai defended his big blind.

We didn't catch the action because we were covering another hand at a nearby table, but in a few moments the dealer announced "Seat Open" and Chokejindachai was up from his seat and the chips were being shipped Lai's way.

Player	Chips
HY Hsuan Yu LaiTaiwan	265,000(106 BB)
KL Kyungmin LeeUnited States of America	230,000(92 BB)
NC Napat ChokejindachaiThailand	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:56:01 AM

Okamoto Sends Karlic Tanking Multiple Times

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Shiina Okamoto

A massive pot of 87,500 had already been built by the time the turn came down 5♣ 2♥ 2♠ 9♦. From the big blind, Gerald Karlic checked to Shiina Okamoto on the button, who fired a bet of 50,000.

Karlic went into the tank, and his indecision eventually cost him a time bank before he finally called. The 9♥ completed the board, and the tension only escalated.

Karlic checked again, and Okamoto shoved all-in for 151,500. Karlic pushed his remaining time-banks forward and counted out his 111,000 stack. After nearly two minutes went by, he made the call.

To Karlic's dismay, Okamoto held the goods with T♠ 9♠ trips, to dust his 6♦ 6♥ and send him to the exit.

Player	Chips
SO Shiina OkamotoJapan	250,000(100 BB)
GK Gerald KarlicAustria	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:55:21 AM

Big Slick Split

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Sumit Supra

Isaiah Wong and Sumit Sapra were staring at a board of 6♦ 6♠ T♣ A♣ beside a juicy pot worth 70,000.

Supra was the first to act and checked his option over to Wong. Wong took a look at the shorter stack of Supra and fired 60,000 - covering his remaining stack, Supra then called.

Both players tabled ace-king offsuit, thus the 8♥ river was of no consequence as the players pulled back their bets and waited for the dealer to split the pot in the middle.

Player	Chips
YM Yin Ming Isaiah WongHong Kong	265,000(106 BB)
SS Sumit SapraIndia	145,500(58 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:53:12 AM

Ilani Rails Cimbolas

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Ran Ilani (7-Max Championship)

Matas Cimbolas was in a world of hurt when he was all-in and at risk against Ran Ilani on a board of 5♣ 6♥ 5♠ 9♥.

Matas Cimbolas: K♠ K♥

Ran Ilani: A♣ A♠

His tournament life rested on just one final card, but it wasn't to be as the river revealed 2♥. Cimbolas got up and left the scene as Ilani happily collected his winnings.

Player	Chips
RI Ran IlaniIsrael	275,000(110 BB)
MC Matas CimbolasLithuania	40,000(16 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:51:38 AM

Fernandez Wins Classic Flip

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Chung Ching Cheung opened from early position and lojack Xiang Jun Thomas Po wanted to tango, but hijack Kim Fernandez wasn't up for a party, and three-bet all of his chips amounting to 50,000. This was enough to induce a fold from Cheung while Po quickly made the call.

Kim Fernandez: A♥ K♦

Xiang Jun Thomas Po: Q♦ Q♥

A classic flip was to determine Fernandez's fate as he watched the cards roll off the deck 2♣ 8♠ 7♦ 6♥ A♦ to spike the saving gr(ace) on the river.

Player	Chips
PX Po Xiang Jun ThomasSingapore	115,000(46 BB)
KF Kim FernandezPhilippines	111,000(44 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 8:07:25 AM

Joyce's Jacks Scoop A Big One

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Andrei Spataru

Toby Joyce and Andrei Spataru had built a pot of 75,000 on a board that showed 9♠ Q♠ 8♣ 7♠

Both players checked and were shown a 5♣ on the river.

Again, both players checked.

Spataru turned over K♥ J♥ and Joyce turned over J♦ J♣ for a pair of jacks which was good enough to win the pot.

While Joyce was stacking his chips, Spataru commented, "If the ten came out, you will be writing me a big check."

Player	Chips
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	305,000(122 BB)
AS Andrei SpataruRomania	260,000(104 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 8:00:37 AM

Players Topping the Counts

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

With the field narrowing, there are a number of big stacks running away from the pack.

Kok Wei Teoh

The current chip lead, with 325,000, is Kok Wei Teoh. Teoh is a regular in the Asian poker circuit and has a number of recent successful cashed despite taking a break from the scene between 2019-2024. He's made a strong comeback and recently final tabled the No Limit Hold'em - APT High Roller - 8 Max Event in Taipei, locking up TWD 1,274,500 (~ USD 41,214) after finishing in 7th place. He saw another big score in the Single Day High Roller at APT Taipei 2024 where he came 3rd TWD 944,000 (USD ~29,935).

Andrei Spataru

Hot on his tail is Andrei Spataru, who has nearly doubled his stack in these first levels of Day 2. Spataru started the day in the middle of the pack, un-bagging 154,000 chips, but now sits on 309,000.

Hao Che Cheng Mystery Bounty Final Table

There's very little separation between him and Taiwain's Hao Che Cheng, who has 305,000. Cheng will be looking to repeat and beat his recent success after cashing second in the No Limit Hold'em - Mystery Bounty Championship event a few days ago here in the Red Space events centre here in Taipei. He took home TWS 1,400,700 (~ USD 45,659), narrowly missing out on a prestigious lion trophy. No doubt he will have his eye on sustaining his podium position and bagging at the end of today, with the hope of a similar success.

Other big stacks include Steven Chew (268,000), Robertson Yap (260,000) and Abraham Ceesvin (253,000).

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 156/490

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 7:45:47 AM

BREAK!

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

156 players remain and will go on a quick 15-minute break.

Some of those who won't be back from the break include Abby Merk, Jason Chau, Jason Lau, Quang Thai Ha, Hyosung Kim, Yoda Lin, Michael Foo and Dominik Nitsche.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 7:42:47 AM

State Wins Battle Of Flushes

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Adrian State made it 4,000 from the hijack and got called by both the button Abelard Ma and big blind Ren Han Yong.

After the dealer spread a flop of 6♠ 6♦ 8♦ , action was checked to Ma who took a stab for a light 4,000. Only State was interested in continuing to head to fourth street.

Unlike the previous betting round, the K♦ on the turn generated heavier action starting with an 11,000 bet from Ma that State check-raised all-in. Ma only had 30,000 behind and was more than covered.

After using up two time-banks, Ma risked it and flipped open J♦ 7♦ flush.

To his disappointment, State also had the flush, albeit a higher one, with Q♦ 9♦ which meant Ma was drawing dead. The river was meaningless A♠ .

Player	Chips
AS Adrian Sorel StateRomania	261,000(131 BB)
AM Abelard MaCanada	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/20/2025, 7:38:13 AM

Alt Gets Caught

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Dinesh Alt

Guan Lun Chen and Dinesh Alt were staring at a pot of 48,000 chips beside a board that showed 7♦ K♦ 5♦. Chen bet 4,500 and Alt raised it to 15,000. Chen called.

The turn showed a Q♦ and Chen check-called the 6,500 bet of Alt.

The river showed a 3♠ and both players checked.

Chen showed K♣ Q♠ for two pair and while the table waited for Alt to show a diamond. Instead, he threw his cards to the muck.

Player	Chips
GL Guan Lun ChenTaiwan	215,000(108 BB)
DA Dinesh AltSwitzerland	44,500(22 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 7:33:09 AM

Lee Squeezes Ceesvin

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Abraham Ceesvin

A handsome pot worth 56,000 sat beside a board of 5♥ 2♦ 7♦ 9♦

The all-in button was in front of Gyeongbyeong Lee with 48,000 in chips in front.

A few seats down, Abraham Ceesvin was tanking while getting a massage with the massage not looking like it was relieving any stress from the problem at hand.

But perhaps the message gave some positive thoughts with Ceesvin folding while showing an A♦ before tapping out.

Player	Chips
GL Gyeongbyeong LeeSouth Korea	124,000(62 BB)
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	115,000(58 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 7:28:11 AM

Poetra Denies Foo On The River

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Alfie Poetra kicked off the hand with a raise of 5,000 from early position and found one customer in Nopparat Kongjai at the cutoff. Two doors down, small blind Michael Foo took a peek then moved it all in for a total of 42,000.

Poetra let the time run down a bit before announcing a shove with his big stack. Kongjai wasn't happy when he tossed his hand to the dealer for a heads up showdown.

Michael Foo: 8♣ 8♠

Alfie Poetra: J♥ J♠

Foo was in dire straits and needed a miracle which immediately arrived on a flop of 8♥ 3♥ A♠ . With everyone at the table shocked, the turn 5♥ drew some "ooohs". And with the 6♥ river it was "wows" all around except for Foo who packed up and left.

Player	Chips
AP Alfie PoetraUnited States of America	180,000(90 BB)
MF Michael FooNew Zealand	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 7:11:02 AM

Prize Pool & Payouts Confirmed

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

APT Trophy

With Day 1 drawing 408 entries and 82 players hopping into Day 2 before late registration closed, the total prize pool absolutely smashed the TWD 31,000,000 guarantee and ended up totalling TWD 39,372,480 (~USD 1,270,080). This event narrowly missed out on the title of having the biggest prize pool so far of the series, only beaten by the Ultra Stack Tournament - which draw a huge TWD 40,327,000 prize pool.

With just 71 players making the money, the current 172 have a little while to go to reach the money bubble. Once in the money, players are guaranteed at least TWD 168,000 (~USD 5,420). With the top prize taking home TWD 7,538,480 (~USD243,180) and securing an APT Main Event Seat worth TWD 311,000 (~USD 10,000).

Place	Payout (USD)
1	$243,180
2	$153,220
3	$109,750
4	$86,440
5	$67,915
6	$53,050
7	$39,940
8	$27,850
9	$27,850
10	$18,270
11	$18,270
12	$15,625
13	$15,625
14	$13,610
15	$13,610
16	$12,100
17	$12,100
18	$10,835
19	$10,835
20	$10,835
21	$9,580
22	$9,580
23	$9,580
24	$8,315
25	$8,315
26	$8,315
27	$8,315
28	$7,310
29	$7,310
30	$7,310
31	$7,310
32	$6,300
33	$6,300
34	$6,300
35	$6,300
36	$6,300
37	$6,300
38	$6,300
39	$6,300
40	$5,420
41	$5,420
42	$5,420
43	$5,420
44	$5,420
45	$5,420
46	$5,420
47	$5,420
48	$5,420
49	$5,420
50	$5,420
51	$5,420
52	$5,420
53	$5,420
54	$5,420
55	$5,420
56	$4,790
57	$4,790
58	$4,790
59	$4,790
60	$4,790
61	$4,790
62	$4,790
63	$4,790
64	$4,790
65	$4,790
66	$4,790
67	$4,790
68	$4,790
69	$4,790
70	$4,790
71	$4,790

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 7:02:01 AM

Ching Ka-Chings From Neilson

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Daniel Neilson

A pot of 16,000 was built by Daniel Neilson on the small blind and Cheung Chung Ching on the big blind.

The flop arrived 5♠ A♥ 4♠

Neilson check-called the 5,000 bet of Ching and both were shown a 7♥ on the turn.

Neilson checked again and Ching fired 12,000. Neilson took a moment before raising all-in for 78,000.

Ching said, "Are you sure?" and began mumbling stuff like "Seven-Three, Six-Eight, Sevens, Fours, Spades, I hit a pair with a good kicker."

After the conversation with himself, he finally put a stack forward to call.

Daniel Neilson: Q♠ 3♠

Cheung Chung Ching: A♠ 4♦

Neilson was on a draw against the two pair of Ching. The river bricked a 5♦ and Neilson's run was ended with his chipjs headed Ching's way.

Player	Chips
CC Chung Ching CheungChina	242,000(121 BB)
DJ Daniel John NeilsonAustralia	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:57:08 AM

Thanh Doubles Up And More

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Minh Truong Thanh

Action-packed at the get-go started off with a raise from Qin Tao at hijack then a few spots over, small blind Neel Joshi called. The option moved to the big blind Minh Truong Thanh who moved all-in for 24,600 which Tao answered with a jam as well to successfully isolate Thanh.

Qin Tao: J♦ J♣

Minh Truong Thanh A♣ K♦

When the cards were flipped over, Tao needed to dodge the overcards to send Thanh packing and was on his way with a clean flop of 2♠ 3♥ T♣ . However, when the turn A♦ showed, Thanh jumped ahead and scooped up a double and more after the river felted an 8♣ .

Player	Chips
TM Thang Minh TruongAustralia	130,000(65 BB)
TQ Tao Qin (2)China	56,400(28 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:52:10 AM

Star Studded Field Return to Day 2 of Natural8 Cup Championship

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Day 2 of the Natural8 Cup Championship brought back one of the strongest fields of the festival to date. Among the most prominent names in early action were a number of players currently positioned near the top of the Player Of The Series (POTS) standings.

Akira Takasugi

Akira Takasugi Japan’s Akira Takasugi is sitting at the top of the leader board with 1580.64 points. Takasugi jumped into Day 2 at the last minute, just before late registration closed, and will be looking to this event to secure another title and continue their momentum after they took down the APT Taipei main event back in May this year. He also claimed the Player of the Series title, only adding to his accolades this year. Time will tell if he can maintain his position and secure another POTS title.

APT Taipei Main Event 2025 Runner-up of that event was Iat Man Leong (Macau), who also started the day with just over average starting stack having registered yesterday. He remains in contention for a trophy, having narrowly missed out just a few months ago. Leong sits in 5th play in the POTS leader board, around 400 points shy of Takasugi.

Jae Wook Shin, who placed 3rd in the 2024 Taipei Poker classics main event for TWD 5,488,000 (~ USD 171,000) fell early in the day after just 30-minutes of play. Fellow final tablist and 2nd place finisher of the same Main Event, Abraham Ceesvin, is a promenant face to the felt today. He will be on the hunt for another title after getting a taste of success in the most recent ATP Jeju Main Event. Ceesvin returned to play this morning after successfully building his stack in one of the final hands of the evening, late last night.

Junjie He

Junjie He Former APT Incheon 2025 Main Event winner Junjie He, and APT Ho Chi Minh 2019 Main Event winner Akshay Nasa round off some of the notables in the remaining field. Nasa went into the recent 7-Max championship final day at the chip lead but couldn't hold his position.

Stick with the APT blog to follow who will survive the day and bag for Day 3 as we follow the key action throughout the next few days, right down until a winner is crowned.

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 180/490

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:50:51 AM

Sailboats Double For Xu

Level 11: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

Anthony Xu three-bet jammed his very short stack against the open of Justin Tsui.

Tsui had a monster stack, considered a bit and eventually called.

Anthony Xu: 4♥ 4♠

Justin Tsui: K♠ Q♣

Board ran 7♣ A♠ 8♣ 9♠ 2♦

The sailboats of Xu weathered the storm and gave him a crucial double-up to take him out of life support.

Player	Chips
JT Justin TsuiAustralia	160,000(100 BB)
AX Anthony XuAustralia	36,000(23 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:48:09 AM

Four Is Good For Sim

Level 11: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

Following a raise from lojack Ting-Yi Eric Tsai that was called by Caroline Abigail Merek on the button, Eunjung Sim defended her big blind for thee-handed to the flop.

No action when the board ran 7♥ K♠ 3♠ , and as well on the turn T♦ , then with the river 4♥ , Sim switched up with a bet of 6,500. Tsai opted out while Merek wanted to see.

Sim had 4♠ 5♥ and it was good as Merek quickly mucked.

Player	Chips
AC Abigail Caroline MerkUnited States of America	149,500(93 BB)
TY Ting Yi Eric TsaiTaiwan	102,000(64 BB)
ES Eunjung SimSouth Korea	83,000(52 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:30:54 AM

Nasa Melts Snowmen

Level 11: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

Akshay Nasa

Facing a raise from Akshay Nasa at middle position, Xiaowen Zhao moved it all in from the button and after Nasa topped up, Zhao was flipping for his tournament life.

Xiaowen Zhao: 8♣ 8♠

Akshay Nasa: K♦ Q♦

The board favored Nasa throwing paint on the window, and as it completed K♣ T♠ A♠ 5♣ T♥ , he shipped it while ending one's run in the process.

Player	Chips
AN Akshay NasaIndia	124,000(78 BB)
XZ Xiaowen ZhaoChina	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:20:14 AM

Jung Muscles Zhang

Level 11: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

Seunghyuk Jung

A very delicious pot of around 115,000 was spread out in the middle of the table like a Viking buffet.

Beside it was a board that showed J♦ 7♦ 5♥ 4♦ Q♥

Competing for the pot was Seunghyuk Jung and Mingchen Zhang.

Seunghyuk Jung slammed the gas and shoved all-in for his last 76,000, covering Zhang by just a little.

Zhang tanked, peeked at his cards, stared at a board that wouldn't change, threw in his last time bank token, wondered if horses really had wings at one time in history, then finally let go of his hand before the time expired.

Player	Chips
SJ Seunghyuk JungSouth Korea	184,000(115 BB)
MZ Mingchen ZhangChina	70,000(44 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 6:00:45 AM

Merk Scoops with a Flush

Level 11: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

Abby Merk

Action folded around to Chang Seog Chae on the button, who opened for 3,200. Abby Merk defended her big blind.

The dealer fanned a flop of 2♥ 7♥ T♠ . Merk check-raised the 2,500 bet of Chae to 7,500. Chae then bit back and re-raised to 22,000. Merk made the call.

The turn showed a Q♥ and both players checked to see a a J♥ river. Both checked again.

Merk was the first to show and peeled open 8♥ 7♠ for a flush. Chae mucked.

Player	Chips
AM Abby MerkUnited States of America	185,000(116 BB)
CS Chang Seog ChaeSouth Korea	95,500(60 BB)

Level 11: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 210/490

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:30:07 AM

Break!

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

Players will go on a short 15-minute break. It is also the last chance to register before Level 11 starts.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:29:40 AM

No Backing Down For Cheung

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

Wai Tung Cheung

A pot of 17,400 already weighed down the middle of the felt when hijack player Tsz Ho Chau added 6,000 more after under the gun+1 Wai Tung Cheung checked the flop 5♣ K♥ J♥ .

Cheung punched back, making it 16,000 which sent straight Chau into the think tank for a minute. He then three-bet to 35,000, and Cheung tamed the action with a call.

After the dealer dragged in the chips, the J♣ landed on the turn. Cheung led out for 24,000 and this time, he claimed the pot easy with Chau backing down and folding.

Player	Chips
WT Wai Tung CheungHong Kong	187,000(134 BB)
TH Tsz Ho ChauHong Kong	115,000(82 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:24:23 AM

Chen Burns Ratanatabtim On The River

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

Small blind Mean Ratanatabtim was all in and big blind caller Yen Hsi Derek Chen had him well covered. However, Ratanatabtim had hope when their hole cards were revealed.

Mean Ratanatabtim: A♠ Q♥

Yen Hsi Derek Chen: K♦ Q♠

The board initially ran clean for Ratanatabtim with all lows to the turn 5♥ 3♠ 8♠ 7♥ then doom arrived on the river with a K♣ crushing his hopes for a double up.

Player	Chips
YH Yen Hsi Derek ChenUnited States of America	135,000(96 BB)
MR Mean RatanatabtimThailand	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:19:13 AM

Okamoto Picks From Michl

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

Shiina Okamoto opened for 2,400 from under the gun and found Joris Michl calling on the small blind.

Both were shown a flop of 9♣ 3♣ 5♦ .

Michl check-called the 3,000 bet of Okamoto to open a K♥ on the turn. Michl checked again, but this time surrendered when Okamoto fired 4,500.

Player	Chips
SO Shiina OkamotoJapan	148,000(106 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	65,000(46 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:13:01 AM

Nguyen Gets Rivered

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

A pot of around 40,000 was in the middle beside a board that showed 2♦ T♦ J♣ 6♦

Thanh Phat Nguyen shoved his remaining 16,000 in the middle and Kuo Wei Kao made the call.

Thanh Phat Nguyen: J♠ J♥

Kuo Wei Kao: K♦ Q♥

Nguyen was ahead with a set of jacks, but Kao had a flush draw and an open ended straight draw.

The dealer threw a 9♦ on the river to complete the flush, sending a visibly frustrated Nguyen out of the event in brutal fashion.

You know what they say in poker - "It takes a big hand to lose a big pot."

Player	Chips

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:11:30 AM

Champion In The House

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

In case you missed it, the newest APTC champion, Gyeongbyeong Lee from South Korea took down the Ultra Stack Championship last night for his largest-ever career score.

After a night's rest, he is back in action and in fighting form. Sitting at Table 79, he put the heat on King Lun Alan Lau who opened for 3,000 at hijack. Right beside him, Lee at cutoff three-bet to 11,000, and with no first takers, Lau topped up.

After the dealer fanned a flop of Q♦ 9♥ 6♥ , Lee continued to fire, betting three blue chips amouting to 15,000. Lau check-called, then Lee took a break on the the turn 6♣ joining Lau's check.

The free peek at the river revealed 8♥ . Lau tapped again, however no more freebies from Lee with a bet of 35,000. Lau folded and just like that, Lee is one of the biggest stacks at the table.

Player	Chips
GL Gyeongbyeong LeeSouth Korea	140,000(100 BB)
KL King Lun Alan LauHong Kong	68,000(49 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 5:00:04 AM

Dang Keeps Finger On The Trigger

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

Thi Hue Dang kicked off the hand with a raise of 2,800 from under the gun +1 and got folds around the orbit until big blind Gi Boum Kim defended.

With a flop coming down 3♠ A♥ 7♣ , Dang checked her cards and slid out a 2,000 bet that didn't scare off Kim to take them to fourth street.

The K♠ joined the board and again Dang dipped in and laid out 4,300. Still, Kim wanted to see the board complete, which it did with a Q♣ , after he check-called.

Kim checked once more, and Dang fired once more, dropping 10,000. That was enough to scoop up the pot without a showdown.

Player	Chips
TH Thi Hue DangViet Nam	64,500(46 BB)
GB Gi Boum KimSouth Korea	41,200(29 BB)

Level 10: 700 / 1,400 ante: 1,400

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 213/442

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 4:29:52 AM

Po Snaps And Turns

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Xiang Jun Thomas Po and Jacky Jiang went head-to-head on a 6♣ 5♣ 8♦ flop with 6,800 already in the pot. Acting from the big blind, Po checked over to Jiang in middle position, who bet 3,000.

Po ramped up the aggression, returning with a raise to 11,000, then Jiang instantly moved all-in. Po didn’t blink and snap-called for all of his chips.

Xiang Jun Thomas Po: 7♥ 8♠

Jacky Jiang: 6♠ 8♥

Both players exposed their strong hands with Jiang holding two pair and an open-ended for Po that connected on the turn 4♥ . Jiang still had outs but the river K♠ wasn't one of them to pay up.

Player	Chips
PX Po Xiang Jun ThomasSingapore	128,000(107 BB)
JJ Jacky JiangUnited States of America	77,500(65 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 4:12:15 AM

Poetra Catches Teng

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Kah Yew Teng was on the small blind and threw in a raise for 20,600. Big blind Jae Wook Shin folded. When action came back to Alfie Poetra under the gun, he asked, "Can I see your stack?" and shoved a 60,000 raise, covering Teng's stack.

Teng seemed perplexed and immediately folded.

Lester Edoc, seated beside Poetra, gave his theory to Teng, "You didn't see his raise (pointing to Poetra) and then you tried to jam the small stack of the big blind."

Teng just gave an almost smile.

Player	Chips
AP Alfie PoetraUnited States of America	107,000(89 BB)
KY Kah Yew TengMalaysia	28,200(24 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 4:02:30 AM

Neagoe Crushes Wang

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Darius Neagoe opened for 2,500 on the button. Tom Eady three-bet to 10,000 on the small blind. Kaifan Wang then four-bet to 27,000 on the big blind.

Neagoe took a moment and decide to jam all-in for just over 60,000. Eady got out of the way and Wang made sure his phone was ready to take a video and made the call.

Kaifan Wang: T♥ T♦

Darius Neagoe: K♣ K♠

The board ran 4♠ 5♠ A♠ J♣ 9♣ . Wang’s tens could not improve, and once the stacks were counted, he realised he was covered by a small margin and was eliminated from the tournament.

Player	Chips
DN Darius NeagoeRomania	126,000(105 BB)
KW Kaifan WangUnited States of America	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 4:00:59 AM

Zhang Pressures Wongwichit

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Mingchen Zhang

In a single-raised pot, Phachara Wongwichit and Mingchen Zhang saw a flop of J♠ 4♥ 8♦ . Zhang checked then fired a 7,500 after Wongwichit’s 2,000 bet. Wongwichit defended to take them to the turn.

The 7♥ peeled off and Zhang kept the pressure on with a barrel worth 15,000. This time, Wongwichit released, and the pot slid Zhang’s way.

Player	Chips
MZ Mingchen ZhangChina	152,000(127 BB)
PW Phachara WongwichitThailand	33,000(28 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:58:27 AM

Ceesvin Gets Hung

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Abraham Ceesvin

Short stacked Yang Ming Hung pushed his stack all-in from the cutoff and big blind Abraham Ceesvin didn't even ask for a count and just threw a chip to call.

Yang Ming Hung: A♣ K♠

Abraham Ceesvin: K♦ K♣

The board ran out Q♣ 6♠ 6♣ J♦ K♥ , and Hung could not find an out. The king he paired on the river only improved Ceesvin to a set.

Player	Chips
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	134,000(112 BB)
YM Yang Ming HungTaiwan	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:51:56 AM

Cheng Muscles On Lee

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Hao Che Cheng

Hyundong Lee and Hao Che Cheng were looking at a flop of 9♦ Q♠ 5♠ beside a pot of around 17,000.

Lee checked from the big blind and Cheng fired 7,000. Lee called.

The dealer then opened a 4♥ on the turn. Lee checked again, and this time did not make the call when Cheng fired 22,000.

Player	Chips
HC Hao Che ChengTaiwan	127,000(106 BB)
LH Lee HyundongSouth Korea	84,000(70 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:50:18 AM

Tan Chips Up Early

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Starting the day with just 19,000 in his arsenal, Tong Tan found the perfect spot to get his chips in, and even better when he was called by Yusuke Yamoto, who tabled a smaller pair.

Tong Tan: 9♥ 9♣

Yusuke Yamoto: 2♣ 2♠

Tan faced a slight scare on the flop of 4♠ A♣ 3♣ but relief quickly came with the turn 8♦ and river 7♦ for a double-up.

Player	Chips
TT Tong TanSingapore	36,000(30 BB)
YY Yusuke YamotoJapan	26,500(22 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:40:10 AM

Max Value For Hong's Quads

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Jinho Hong

The pot had already grown to 28,000 by the turn showing, T♣ 6♠ 3♦ 8♠ , when Turbo High Roller champion Jinho Hong slid out a bet of 10,500. Kaifan Wang responded with an all-in shove, and Hong snap-called, revealing a set.

Jinho Hong: 6♦ 6♥

Kaifan Wang: A♠ A♥

The river 6♣ delivered the dagger, giving Hong quads and a decisive double-up.

Player	Chips
JH Jinho HongSouth Korea	96,200(80 BB)
KW Kaifan WangUnited States of America	60,000(50 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:31:33 AM

"Seat Open"

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Just within minutes of announcing "Shuffle up and deal!" a crescendo of "Seat Open!" echoed throughout the room.

Among the fallen were Lance Carson Streng, Victor Dai, Jesse Wigan, Jinlong Hu, Jinwoo Jung, George Tomescu, Monika Agnieszka Hrabec, Frank Lagodich and Kuan Han Chen.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:27:43 AM

Flush Over Straight Hurts

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Martin Finger

A pot of 25,500 was being contested by Min Sung Lee in the big blind and Martin Finger on the button. In front of both players, the board read 3♣ 5♠ 2♣ 5♣ .

Lee check-called the 8,000 bet of Finger and both players saw a 8♠ on the river. Lee checked again and Finger tanked before firing a hefty 36,000. Lee counted the chips, made a quick assessment and made the call.

Finger showed K♣ J♣ for a flush while Lee tabled A♠ 4♠ for a straight.

OUCH.

Player	Chips
MF Martin FingerGermany	186,000(155 BB)
MS Min Sung LeeSouth Korea	63,500(53 BB)

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 224/408

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:15:31 AM

And We're Off!

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Tournament director has just announced. Shuffle up and deal!

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 3:15:00 AM

Shuffle Up and Deal

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Day 2 of the Natural8 Cup Championship Freezeout is now underway with cards flying and 224 out of the 408 players back in action. Blinds increase every 60-minute levels. Registration is still open for the next two levels closing at the start of Level 11.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

11/20/2025, 12:49:35 AM

To Be Continued

Day 2 of the Natural8 Cup Championship Freezeout resumes today at 11:15 AM CST with 224 survivors returning to their seats for a share of the TWD 32 million prize pool, which surpassed the original TWD 31 million guarantee with the 408 entries that took to the felt on yesterday's opening day.

The numbers of the prize pool is still expected to climb as registration for the event remains open until the end of Level 10 today, which would be approximately around 1:30 PM CST.

Sitting on the chip leader throne entering Day 2 is Canada's Jason Li, who bagged an impressive stack of 225,000 chips. Li was already pegged to be the chip leader as Day 1 was drawing to a close and surged in the final hands when his straight flush boosted his stack even more.

Jason Li

Lester Edoc of the Philippines holds the second rank with 198,000 chips while WSOP bracelet winner Alexandru Papazian of Romania rounds up the top three with 179,600.

These are the top ten chip counts entering Day 2:

Player	Chips
LJ Li JasonCanada	225,000
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	198,200
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	179,600
NC Napat ChokejindachaiThailand	174,500
SJ Sung Jin YunSouth Korea	169,100
HI Heesoo ImSouth Korea	166,500
HK Hyosung KimSouth Korea	161,100
AC Alexandru CincaRomania	161,000
SJ Seunghyuk JungSouth Korea	159,600
AS Adrian Sorel StateRomania	159,400

Other Day 2 qualifiers include WSOP bracelet winners like Martin Finger (139,500), Shiina Okamoto (133,500) and Joseph Cheong (64,200); noteworthy APT champions like Daniel Neilson (94,900), Abraham Ceesvin (96,400), Sofia Lovgren (68,000) and Alfie Poetra (63,400); and Natural8 Ambassadors Kitty Kuo (126,500) and Sparrow Cheung (67,200).

Shiina Okamoto

Day 2 will play ten 60-minute levels with the remaining survivors continuing their championship journey tomorrow for Day 3.

The complete Day 2 seat draw and chip counts can be found HERE.

Stay tuned here for all the live reports and updates from today's competition.

SMPSMP

11/19/2025, 8:40:56 PM

Day 2 Seat Draw

Player	Chips	Table	Seat
VD Victor DaiAustralia	10,400	33	1
NC Napat ChokejindachaiThailand	174,500	33	2
RS Rafael Sitepu SandhyIndonesia	26,300	33	3
BH Bawoo Hyun Shik YunSouth Korea	66,500	33	4
HY Hsueh Yi ChenTaiwan	12,000	33	6
OL Oliver LirioPhilippines	30,400	33	7
NO Nathan OngSingapore	44,600	33	8
KH Kian Howe YeoMalaysia	58,300	37	2
QL Quan Li Leon TaySingapore	25,900	37	3
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	111,700	37	4
JJ Jun Jie LimSingapore	62,100	37	5
JY Jun Yi HoSingapore	83,500	37	6
SZ Stanislav ZegalGermany	103,000	37	7
MZ Ming Zhou KanSingapore	104,200	37	8
JW Jason Wai Kit LauMalaysia	54,400	40	1
KC Ka Chun TsuiHong Kong	21,800	40	2
GL Guan Lun ChenTaiwan	95,000	40	4
HI Heesoo ImSouth Korea	166,500	40	5
KY Kai YangUnited States of America	33,800	40	6
TK Tang Kuang YuTaiwan	28,300	40	7
FD Florian DutaUnited Kingdom	78,000	40	8
WP Wing Po LiuHong Kong	75,400	41	2
JC James Chiang ChoUnited States of America	113,000	41	3
KP Kacper PyzaraPoland	127,000	41	4
HJ Hannes JeschkaGermany	63,300	41	5
AC Andrew ChangUnited States of America	21,800	41	6
MZ Monika ZukowiczPoland	29,300	41	7
RI Ran IlaniIsrael	85,000	41	8
RH Ren Han YongMalaysia	62,400	58	1
JJ Jinwoo JungSouth Korea	30,500	58	2
SC Sparrow CheungHong Kong	67,200	58	3
JH Junjie HeChina	122,300	58	4
CC Chung Ching CheungChina	20,000	58	6
AN Akshay NasaIndia	44,000	58	7
YZ Yu ZhangChina	59,000	58	8
DS Daniil ShalaevRussia	122,000	59	1
CW Chieh Wei LeeTaiwan	82,000	59	2
KH Kuan Han ChenTaiwan	11,600	59	3
JC Jia Chi LiTaiwan	58,200	59	4
YC Yeow Chung ChongSingapore	59,900	59	6
SK Seungyeol KimSouth Korea	99,600	59	7
MW Matthew WakemanAustralia	98,200	59	8
DN Dohang NaSouth Korea	88,100	60	1
DC Duan ChaoChina	86,500	60	2
FL Frank LillisIreland	96,500	60	3
LH Lifu HuangChina	61,700	60	4
HW Hajime WatanabeJapan	78,500	60	5
LJ Li JasonCanada	225,000	60	6
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	179,600	60	7
AM Andre MarcanoUnited States of America	129,200	61	1
SK Soobum KimSouth Korea	80,000	61	2
JH Jinlong HuChina	16,800	61	3
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	28,200	61	5
AG Apoorva GoelIndia	58,200	61	6
HX Hang XuChina	124,900	61	7
MF Michael FooNew Zealand	157,900	61	8
JG Joshua GebissaDenmark	37,000	62	1
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	158,800	62	2
NG Nicolas GodardFrance	36,800	62	4
VM Vamerdino MagsakayPhilippines	54,100	62	5
SP Slaven PopovBulgaria	36,500	62	6
CC Chijen ChuTaiwan	42,700	62	7
DB Daniel BenorIsrael	51,400	62	8
TT Tetsuro TomitaJapan	55,900	63	1
CH Chia Hsiang KoTaiwan	47,000	63	2
WS Wang Sum LiHong Kong	46,800	63	3
MM Michel MolenaarNetherlands	9,000	63	4
DP Dumitru PoraRomania	30,700	63	5
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	80,000	63	6
JU Jieun UmSouth Korea	10,700	63	7
KH Ka Him LiHong Kong	43,800	64	1
TP Timon PrillGermany	126,700	64	2
YH Yee How LeeMalaysia	26,200	64	3
TW Ta Wei TouTaiwan	40,300	64	4
DA Daniel AoAustralia	92,900	64	5
ZC Zong Chi HeTaiwan	35,900	64	6
JY Jun Young ParkSouth Korea	87,100	64	7
IH I Hsuan WuTaiwan	152,100	65	1
ZX Zhan Xi GuoTaiwan	157,400	65	2
MA Mikael AnderssonSweden	73,700	65	3
CT Chao Ting ChengTaiwan	51,000	65	4
RY Robertson YapPhilippines	81,900	65	5
WT Wai Tung CheungHong Kong	110,500	65	6
SE Shung Er SuaMalaysia	23,600	65	8
SL Steven Louis ChewAustralia	118,300	66	2
AJ Alexander James LynskeyAustralia	22,100	66	3
CR Chaehun RyuSouth Korea	90,500	66	4
GB Gi Boum KimSouth Korea	100,800	66	5
PB Paawan BansalIndia	30,600	66	6
TH Thi Hue DangViet Nam	13,600	66	7
WL Wenyan LiaoChina	26,800	66	8
MS Min Sung LeeSouth Korea	112,400	67	1
TV Tom VerbruggenNetherlands	130,600	67	2
AA Anusorn AsiralertsiriThailand	84,300	67	3
CM Che Ming LinTaiwan	100,600	67	5
PL Ping LinTaiwan	50,900	67	6
MF Martin FingerGermany	139,500	67	7
GK Gerald KarlicAustria	65,200	67	8
SL Sofia LovgrenSweden	68,000	68	1
FG Fabian GumzGermany	56,500	68	3
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	50,400	68	4
SH Sai Hang Jason ChauHong Kong	68,800	68	5
ZW Zhu WeiAustralia	41,100	68	6
SS Sorakit SaengcharuernThailand	129,000	68	7
CA Chen An LinTaiwan	57,100	68	8
KL Kyungmin LeeUnited States of America	85,900	69	1
SJ Seunghyuk JungSouth Korea	159,600	69	3
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	35,000	69	4
MZ Mingchen ZhangChina	140,800	69	5
DL Daehyung LeeSouth Korea	30,500	69	6
KW Kuen Wai Jeffrey LoHong Kong	62,300	69	7
PW Phachara WongwichitThailand	49,100	69	8
TE Tom EadyUnited Kingdom	14,800	70	1
LM Lucusnemeth MoustakasUnited States of America	58,700	70	3
KW Kaifan WangUnited States of America	107,500	70	4
JT John TechPhilippines	75,900	70	5
JH Jinho HongSouth Korea	53,100	70	6
CK Chun Kit KwanHong Kong	67,400	70	7
DN Darius NeagoeRomania	43,400	70	8
KK Kilian KramerGermany	91,200	71	1
AC Alex Christopher LindopUnited Kingdom	55,800	71	2
KY Kah Yew TengMalaysia	56,000	71	3
JW Jae Wook ShinSouth Korea	26,300	71	4
AP Alfie PoetraUnited States of America	63,400	71	5
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	198,200	71	6
RK Robert KissUnited States of America	32,400	71	8
RL Rongshan LiChina	45,300	72	1
BL Benjamin LeblondCanada	138,000	72	2
YM Yin Ming Isaiah WongHong Kong	67,800	72	3
SD Sriharsha DoddapaneniIndia	92,800	72	4
OK Ori KossonogiTaiwan	40,600	72	5
PS Peng Sen WuTaiwan	21,300	72	7
DS Dicky Siu Hang TsangHong Kong	59,900	72	8
PX Po Xiang Jun ThomasSingapore	58,400	73	1
KF Kim FernandezPhilippines	90,700	73	2
PL Po Lam LunHong Kong	95,800	73	4
JJ Jacky JiangUnited States of America	128,000	73	5
JF Joshua FiguerresPhilippines	104,800	73	6
DJ Daniel John NeilsonAustralia	94,900	73	7
KP Kunal PatniIndia	110,800	73	8
LH Lee HyundongSouth Korea	92,500	74	2
AX Anthony XuAustralia	40,500	74	3
JT Justin TsuiAustralia	87,500	74	4
FT Frank Thomas LagodichAmerican Samoa	65,300	74	5
YW Yanfeng WangChina	33,700	74	6
HC Hao Che ChengTaiwan	120,300	74	7
SD Sakan DhangwatnotaiThailand	36,100	74	8
AS Andrei SpataruRomania	154,900	75	1
GT George TomescuRomania	21,500	75	2
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	89,300	75	3
MR Michael RuaneUnited Kingdom	35,500	75	4
RP Ryan PlantUnited Kingdom	52,000	75	5
JW Jesse WiganUnited Kingdom	30,600	75	6
KC Kwang Chung TanSingapore	130,000	75	8
FC Florencio CampomanesPhilippines	146,200	76	1
YC Yi Chang HoTaiwan	96,300	76	2
JC Jennifer CassellAustralia	30,800	76	3
PY Paul YugendraMalaysia	55,000	76	4
CS Chang Seog ChaeSouth Korea	126,300	76	6
JL Jaeho LeeSouth Korea	44,200	76	7
AC Abigail Caroline MerkUnited States of America	62,200	76	8
KS Kei ShinagawaJapan	55,600	77	1
MS Martin SedlakGermany	62,200	77	2
AS Adrian Sorel StateRomania	159,400	77	3
QM Quang Minh BachViet Nam	56,700	77	4
AM Abelard MaCanada	40,800	77	6
KK Kitty KuoTaiwan	126,500	77	7
TQ Trung Quan NguyenViet Nam	145,700	77	8
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	96,400	79	1
KL King Lun Alan LauHong Kong	127,000	79	2
LY Lin YodaTaiwan	97,700	79	4
TC Ting Chieh ChiTaiwan	19,000	79	5
YM Yang Ming HungTaiwan	30,000	79	6
HR Hao Ran LiTaiwan	72,400	79	7
GB Gal BarIsrael	96,300	79	8
AC Alexandru CincaRomania	161,000	80	1
EE Erik EisenGermany	36,300	80	2
JP Jaesung ParkSouth Korea	47,300	80	3
IG Ivan GovorovRussia	94,500	80	4
SJ Seungmook JungSouth Korea	14,000	80	5
SJ Sung Jin YunSouth Korea	169,100	80	6
DA Dinesh AltSwitzerland	62,100	80	7
MJ Michael Joseph AllenUnited Kingdom	75,100	83	2
SK Seunghun KoSouth Korea	69,300	83	3
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	64,200	83	4
HP Huang Po ChunTaiwan	31,000	83	5
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	72,300	83	6
HL Hungte LeeTaiwan	115,300	83	8
CW Chia Wei KuoTaiwan	68,200	84	2
HG Hugues GirardFrance	22,700	84	3
HK Hyosung KimSouth Korea	161,100	84	4
TP Thanh Phat NguyenAustralia	38,000	84	6
KW Kuo Wei KaoTaiwan	61,700	84	7
KP Keshu PengHong Kong	67,500	84	8
CL Curtis Lim Siew JianSingapore	19,300	88	1
SB Sammy BolungIndonesia	39,900	88	3
KL King Lun ShihHong Kong	36,100	88	4
IM Iat Man LeongMacao	106,700	88	5
HY Hsuan Yu LaiTaiwan	111,000	88	6
HC Hao ChuangTaiwan	34,300	88	8
JS Joseph SandaevAustralia	32,300	91	1
KO Keith OngSingapore	33,500	91	3
NA Neel Ajit JoshiIndia	60,700	91	4
TM Thang Minh TruongAustralia	75,400	91	5
PR Pokchat RatanatabtimThailand	44,200	91	6
YH Yen Hsi Derek ChenUnited States of America	101,700	91	8
HY Hyeonsik YunSouth Korea	147,700	92	1
SO Shiina OkamotoJapan	133,500	92	2
TT Tong TanSingapore	19,000	92	3
SH Sia Hansheng MarkMalaysia	86,200	92	5
DJ David Josef SommerGermany	63,400	92	6
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	53,700	92	8
PK Peter KiemUnited States of America	61,400	94	1
MR Max Richard DevesonUnited Kingdom	158,000	94	2
JP Johan PedersenDenmark	32,800	94	3
BL Ben LooMalaysia	37,100	94	5
TP Tanupat PunjarojanakulUnited States of America	25,200	94	6
FS Friedl SiegfriedAustralia	117,100	94	7
SS Sumit SapraIndia	40,000	95	1
YM Yosuke MikiJapan	133,300	95	2
TH Tsz Ho ChauHong Kong	124,500	95	3
LS Lance StrengUnited States of America	13,600	95	6
AI Abhinav IyerIndia	20,000	95	7
RH Ruida HuChina	73,000	95	8