2008 PokerStars.net APPT Seoul

APPT Seoul Main Event
Day: 3
Event Info

2008 PokerStars.net APPT Seoul

Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
29
Prize
$128,216
Event Info
Buy-in
$2,870
Entries
165
Level Info
Level
21
Blinds
8,000 / 16,000
Ante
2,000

APPT Seoul Main Event

Day 3 Completed

Yoshihiro Tasaka Wins 2008 PokerStars.net APPT Seoul Main Event! ($128,216)

Yoshihiro Tasaka Wins!
Yoshihiro Tasaka Wins!
Well, what a tournament! The 2008 PokerStars.net APPT Seoul Main Event has officially concluded with Japanese player Yoshihiro Tasaka taking down the title and the first place prize of $128,216!

It was a fascinating tournament which kicked off three days ago with 165 players cramped into the Walker Hill Casino. There were many big name professionals who came and went, but the Japanese contigent remained prominent throughout.

We saw a wide range of action and unique playing styles throughout the tournament. From the methodical play on Day 1, through to the breath-taking action late on Day 2 as we approached the bubble, and the pressure of the final two tables today. It provided us with plenty of entertaining poker that we are now coming to expect from the Asian region.

The key moment of today's play came when PokerStars pro Dan Schreiber was eliminated after flopping a straight against the set of Canadian Brian Kang. Kang filled up on the turn to eliminate the pro and setup a suffocating three-way battle with the two remaining Japanese players. In the end, Kang succumbed and Tasaka got the better of a courageous Hidenari Shiono to capture the trophy.

Many thanks to the APPT and PokerStars.net for another professionally managed event and continuing the exciting growth of poker in the Asian region. Also thanks to the Walker Hill Casino and associated hotels for their hospitality as our hosts.

The next stop on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour takes us to Auckland, New Zealand from October 9-12 where it is expected that we will witness New Zealand's first ever NZ$1million prize pool. Thanks for your company and we look forward to seeing you with us again in New Zealand! Good night from Seoul!

Tags: Yoshihiro Tasaka

Hidenari Shiono Eliminated in 2nd Place ($80,135); Yoshihiro Tasaka Wins APPT Seoul Main Event

Hidenari Shiono - 2nd Place
Hidenari Shiono - 2nd Place
At the end of the day, it all came down to Montana.

Having fallen behind almost three to one in the chip counts, Hidenari Shiono opened the pot to 60,000. Yoshihiro Tasaka reraised to 196,000. He had put the pressure squarely on the short-stacked Shiono, who had two options: all in or fold. He chose the former, moving all in for 436,000 and putting Tasaka in the tank.

After about a minute, Tasaka beckoned the tournament director to come closer. Pointing at his cards, Tasaka confided, "It's my favorite hand." Then after another five seconds, he loudly and forcefully said, "CALL!"

Shiono: {A-Spades} {4-Clubs}
Tasaka: {2-Clubs} {9-Hearts}

Tasaka held deuce-nine offsuit, known in some circles by the nickname "Montana". It worked out for him on a flop of {8-Hearts} {6-Diamonds} {9-Diamonds} as he paired his nine to take a big lead in the hand. He was the champion after the turn {J-Diamonds} and river {3-Hearts}.

For his part, Shiono appeared crestfallen, but he has nothing to be ashamed of. He got all his money in with the better hand.

Tags: Hidenari ShionoYoshihiro Tasaka

Bets Out Of Turn and Sponsorship

The play has been very conservative and passive so far in this heads-up encounter. The most noteworthy moment in recent times came when Yoshihiro Tasaka accidentally raised to 56,000 out of turn from the big blind.

A Japanese translator had to be called to the table to explain to Hidenari Shiono that if he raised then Tasaka would be allowed to take back his bet. In the end Shiono just called and won the pot with a bet of 50,000 on a flop of {2-Diamonds}{J-Clubs}{4-Spades}.

A few moments later another translator helped to explain to the players that if they were kind enough to wear a couple of shiny new PokerStars.net patches that they would be rewarded with seats at the upcoming APPT event in Manila, Phillipines! Patches all around!

Tasaka Presses the Advantage

After a pause in play for discussions between Hidenari Shiono and Yoshihiro Tasaka, heads-up play re-commenced. The early advantage has gone to Tasaka, thanks in large part to a single pot. He made it 61,000 to go preflop, then called a reraise by Shiono to 161,000. The flop came down highly connected, {9-Hearts} {7-Spades} {10-Hearts}. Shiono checked to Tasaka, who quickly announced all in. Shiono took one more peek at his cards before folding.

Tags: Hidenari ShionoYoshihiro Tasaka

Going Solo

In one of the stranger situations you will see at the poker table, Yoshihiro Tasaka was forced to sit out the first two hands of heads-up play due to his early penalty.

The cards were still dealt out as per normal but the 28,000 in dead blinds and antes were shipped into the stack of Hidenari Shiono as he was the only player sitting at the table!

Tasaka is now relieved that his penalty has been served and the heads-up action can commence!

Heads Up Chip Counts

As we commence heads up play the chip counts are as follows:

Yoshihiro Tasaka: 870,000
Hidenari Shiono: 700,000

They are rocking and rolling in Tokyo as it's a battle of the Japanese for the title. Who will become the 2008 PokerStars.net APPT Seoul champion?

Brian Kang Eliminated in 3rd Place ($44,074)

Brian Kang - 3rd Place
Brian Kang - 3rd Place
With Yoshihiro Tasaka missing due to his penalty, Brian Kang decided to push all in for his last 70,000 chips but Hidenari Shiono made the call.

Kang: {10-Clubs}{3-Clubs}
Shiono: {K-Spades}{4-Spades}

The board ran out {6-Diamonds}{9-Diamonds}{7-Clubs}{K-Clubs}{7-Diamonds} and although Kang flopped a straight draw and turned a flush draw, he was unable to improve and was eliminated from the tournament in third place for $44,074 in prize money. We're now heads up!

Tags: Brian KangHidenari Shiono

Level: 21

Blinds: 8,000/16,000

Ante: 2,000