The “Coronavirus” – Covid-19 has caused disruption throughout Asia and this does not exclude poker events in the area. Many events have been cancelled or postponed. We have reported about this in the past couple of weeks.
And while the World Poker Tour event in the Philippines is running smoothly and with a reduced guarantee, the organiser has today issued a statement concerning the next two stops of the tour.
In today’s statement the WPT organizers expressed their gratitude about the understanding and feedback from the players about having reduced the prizepool guarantee.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the many players expressing their understanding in person to me in Manila, or via social media, of our decision to reduce the WPT Philippines Main Event Guarantee,” WPT Live Event Specialist Danny McDonagh writes, “I would also like to thank all those players supporting WPT Philippines and our fabulous partner, Okada Manila, for showcasing the event. I trust we will be back in 2021 bigger and better and in more favourable circumstances.”
WORLD POKER TOUR ASIA PACIFIC ANNOUNCEMENTFirstly, I would like to thank the many players expressing their…
Posted by Danny McDonagh on Friday, 14 February 2020
WPT Vietnam cancelled
Danny McDonagh further explains, “This past week we have considered seriously our upcoming events in Asia, notably WPT Vietnam from March 13 to 22 and WPT Taiwan from March 27 to April 6, given the current uncertainty surrounding hosting events in this region.”
“We have come to the conclusion that it is best for WPT to take a break from events in Asia these next three months until a clearer picture about the spread of the Corona Virus, and the ability to safely hold the events, can be determined.”
Season finale in Taiwan postponed to May
This also means that the WPT Taiwan season finale will be postponed to a later date. Originally scheduled for 27th March to 6th April the festival is now going to be held from 14th to 24th May.
This event will remain the last one counting towards the Asia Pacific Player of the Year.
The WPT statement concludes with Danny McDonagh expressing hope and positivity going forward: “Assuming all going well, I hope to see many of you at our Season XVIII finale at CTP in Taiwan, an event that has been a long time coming to fruition and one I am looking forward to very much.”
To follow the action at the current WPT event in the Philippines check out our live updates.
