Main Event (45,000 PHP)

Ho Tai Tsai defended his big blind against Naohiro Arita's 8,000 hijack open, and went on to lead all-in for 75,500 on flop T♦ A♣ 9♦ . Arita snap called with A♦ 8♦ , putting Tsai at risk with his lower kicker A♠ 5♠ .

Runout came K♣ J♦ , sealing the win for Arita as Tsai headed out two spots short of making Day 2.

With 50,500 centered around board 2♣ 4♣ A♦ 9♦ 8♦ , Naohiro Arita sent out a 36,500 bet from the big blind and left Ho Tai Tsai to take a minute. Tsai eventually decided to fold, shooting down to twenty big blinds.

Flight A action is close to wrapping up, with five more eliminations to go before bagging time. 13 players out of the 83-entry field are set to advance to Day 2 on Sunday, January 26. Leading the charge is local grinder Mark Almusajin, who has consistently kept the lead all throughout the day.

Chip Counts

With 31,500 in the middle across board A♠ T♦ K♦ 9♣ , Ricardo Torres shot out a bet of 7,000 and was called behind by Naohiro Arita. On river 9♠ , Torres decided to slow down and check to Arita, who bet a hefty 26,500. Torres found the call, only to muck as Arita tabled trip nines 9♦ 8♦ .

Naohiro Arita opened 5,500 on the hijack, followed by an all-in for 23,000 from Roxanne Victorino right behind. Small blind cold called, leaving Ho Tai Tsai on the big blind to reshove for 36,500. Arita came out on top, pushing the small blind out of the way.

In for a race, board 9♦ 4♥ 4♠ 6♠ Q♣ landed in Tsai's favor, earning him a full triple up with two pair.

Ho Tai Tsai opened 5,500 and called Naohiro Arita's all-in on the button for 32,000 total.

In for a flip, board J♠ 3♥ Q♣ 5♦ 8♥ went in favor of Arita's overcards, keeping him in the Main Event games.

Hogyun Kang opened on the button and was met with two all-ins from Patrick Wahlquist and Naohiro Arita (9,000). Kang put in the final call for his entire 40,000, making it a three way showdown.

Kang with the best hand, scooped it all as board K♦ 2♥ 7♦ 3♥ 6♣ ran safe for his pair of aces.