Asian Poker Tour

The first event of 2008’s Asian Poker Tour awarded Korean born Australian David Saab a mound of moolah when it ended on June 1. By fighting off the heads-up challenge of Chris Roh, Saab was able to bank $280,000 and was crowned champion at the Dusit Thani Manila, Philippines.

As is common in poker tournaments, the final hand might seem a little bit strange to disinterested observers. Both players stared at a flop of A-7-4 and Roh made a move for 90k. Saab deliberated, then decided his hand was worth 300k. At times like these, no one calls. They either fold or go all-in.

It’s good poker.

Mostly, they go all in.

That is not always good poker but Saab wasn’t about to buck the trend.

When Roh called, they flipped their hole cards and it was a battle between A-8 of Saab and K-4 of his adversary. In a cash game, bottom pair holds limited appeal but it can prove to be a lock at the heads up stage of a high stakes tournament. When the pair of aces held, Roh’s fate was sealed - it was time for Saab to shake hands and acknowledge the full-throated whoops of the 200-strong crowd.

It was a very successful beginning for the APT as a total of 316 players paid the $2500 buy in and the event offered a guaranteed pool of $1,000,000. The next event takes place in Macau at the end of August and about 500 players are expected to cross the threshold of the StarWorld Hotel & Casino.

Asian Poker Tour 2008 - Event 1

1. Dave Saab - AUS - $280,000
2. Chris Roh - SKR - $150,000
3. Satoru Ishii - JPN - $100,000
4. Kwang Soo Lee - SKR - $73,000
5. Michele Ferrari - ITA - $55,000
6. Man Jin Yun - SKR - $45,000
7. Don Carmona - PHI - $35,000
8. Terry Gongaza - PHI - $25,000
9. Gerasimos Deres - SWE - $20,000