Poker Stars Returning to the Philippines

Sunday October 03, 2010

Poker Stars has announced a return to the beautiful South Pacific island of Cebu in the Philippines for the fourth leg of Season 4 of the APPT.

After a hugely successful debut in Cebu last year, the tour returns to the luxurious Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa for another five-day Main Event from November 12-16, with a buy-in of 100,000 Pesos and a series of exciting side events.

"We're delighted to be taking the APPT back to the Philippines, and Cebu in particular," said Jeffrey Haas, President of the APPT. "The Tour has gone from strength to strength in its relatively short life and fields are growing all the time. Last year's event in Cebu was a definite highlight and offered further evidence of the continued passion for poker in the Asia Pacific region."

Last time in Cebu, 319 players created a prize pool of more than $630,000, with Korea's Dong-bin Han winning the $156,722 first prize. The 37-year-old outlasted a field of the region's top players, including Poker Stars Team Asia and Australia Pros Bryan Huang, Tae Jun Noh, Celina Lin, Raymond Wu and Tony Hachem.

Han became only the second Asia-based player to win an APPT Main Event. As well as Korea, the United States, New Zealand and the Philippines were all represented on the final table, while 21 of the 40 in-the-money finishers were Poker Stars players and qualifiers.

This year's event in Cebu seems likely to continue the APPT's remarkable growth and international appeal over its first four years.

"The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation congratulates APPT Limited on the holding of the 4th Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) 2010 in Mactan, Cebu," said new PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. "The conduct of these international tournaments helps promote the Philippines as an enjoyable and exciting gaming and tourism destination. Last year's event had participation from more than 300 poker enthusiasts from 33 countries. We hope the APPT 2010 will surpass this."

In addition to great poker action, players can make the most of the tranquil surroundings at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa. During their stay they can take in a round of golf or pampering session in one of the world's best spas. Those looking for more adventure outside of the poker room can partake in a number of water sports activities on the incredible island of Cebu.

Poker Stars Team Asia Pro Celina Lin commented: "The five-star resort, with wonderful beaches, spas and restaurants, is one of the most idyllic places I've ever played poker. Cebu is a beautiful destination and the poker tournament itself was also fierce and fun. It will be even better this time!"