David Saab Wins the Asian Poker Tour's Opening Leg
The cards fall in the right place for David Saab as he wins the opening event on the 2008 APT
Tuesday 3rd June 2008
An ace in the flop sealed the win for David Saab and the Korean-born Australian walked away as the first champion of the 2008 Asian Poker Tour taking home the US$280,000 first prize.
From a total of 316 players that participated in the APT Manila event from 27 May to 1 June, Saab emerged as the last man standing at the table after defeating Korean Chris Roh who won US$150,000 for placing second.
A good 200-strong crowd was on hand at the Dusit Thani Manila, the official venue of the six-day poker event, to witness the final table which saw a boisterous Korean contingent present to cheer on their three players. However, not to be outdone, a loud Australian camp was also present to support Saab while Ishii received the cheers of his countrymen especially when he moved in several times to become chip leader during the tournament. Filipinos cheered their two entrants as well until both were eliminated.
APT CEO Chris Parker opened the final table event with a speech thanking partners of the APT and the organizers and staff for a successful poker event. He also acknowledged the assistance of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), who sanctioned the event and supplied the dealers.
Organizers of the APT Manila event have also expressed their happiness on the large turnout of players for the inaugural APT event this year and hope to come back to Manila next year for the 2009 Asian Poker Tour.
After the successful Philippine leg, the APT moves to Macau from 26 to 31 August 2008. Around 500 players are expected to participate in the Macau event which will be held at the StarWorld Hotel and Casino.
From Macau, the Asian Poker Tour will make two more stops this year - Seoul in South Korea is next and the APT will culminate the year in Singapore where it held its very first APT event in 2006.
