Kickoff (16,500 PHP)

In five-way limped action with Sham Wing Sheuk forced all-in out of the big blind, the king-high flop and ace on the turn were checked through. Akihiro Kawaguchi bet the river for 12,000 and Daito Kamei called, as did Rey Roca. Sheuk revealed trips deuces with the worst kicker, while Kamei had paired the ace. However, Kawaguchi had the best of it and the Day 1a bubble burst.

Akihiro Kawaguchi made it 6,500 to go first to act and was called only by Rey Roca in the small blind. Roca check-called once on the ace-high flop for 8,000 but then check-folded the turn when Kawaguchi made it 17,000 to go.

In a four-way limped pot to the ten-high flop, Akihiro Kawaguchi in the small blind check-raised to 14,000. Hogyun Kang on the button had bet 4,000 and then jammed for 28,000, which Kawaguchi called.

The turn was the instant bad news for Kang, as Kawaguchi improved to an unbeatable flush.

Hogyun Kang opened to 4,000 from under the gun and Lenart Ecarma called in the next seat. Akihiro Kawaguchi then three-bet to 17,000 and forced out both opponents to pull ahead of Ecarma.