Celebrity Charity Poker Challenge | 2009 Asian Poker Tour - Manila

Level: 2

Blinds: 200/400

Ante: 0

01-27-2009 20:59 UTC+8

Action Already

[user80015]

There is always plenty of action involved in charity tournaments, but who knew that on the second hand of the tournament we would find an all in and call!

On a flop of {4-Clubs}

John Estrada moved all in holding {9-Diamonds}

and was called by Cynthia Carrion with {A-Spades}

.

The cameras arrived and the crowd stood up to see the {8-Clubs}

and

land on the turn and river to see Estrada double up to 19,000 in chips, while leaving Carrion very short.

01-27-2009 20:52 UTC+8

Charity events are always unique, and this one is no exception.

Players are starting with 10,000 in chips and the blinds are beginning at 100-200. They are playing ten-handed with a few alternates waiting on the side.

Everyone is playing for a first prize of PHP$100,000 to their chosen charity with, PHP$50,000, PHP$25,000 and PHP$15,000 being awarded to second, third and fourth respectively. The remaining five players that make the final table will be receiving PHP$10,000 for their charity with all other entrants receiving PHP$5,000 for their charity.

The poker may not be world-class but the generosity on display by the Asian Poker Tour, Rayban, FHM, JBET Poker and the players involved are definitely world-class!

01-27-2009 20:46 UTC+8

Shuffle Up And Deal

[user80015]

With a bevy of beautiful APT models, Chris Parker entered the floor to continue with the welcome's, and with those famous few words announced, "Shuffle Up and Deal!"

Tournament Director Matt Savage officially kicked off the tournament and the cards are in the air!

Level: 1

Blinds: 100/200

Ante: 0

01-27-2009 20:43 UTC+8

Glitz, Glamour and Beauty Queens

[user80015]

The lights are flashing, the crowd has gathered and the arrival of Beauty Queen Riza Santos is just as expected.

After announcing the tournament to the (future) TV audience, she has introduced last year's Celebrity Challenge winners Lal Gopwani and Jinno Rufino to pass the welcoming remarks.

Gopwani and Rufino passed their well-wishes to the players and the mike has been turned back to Santos to introduce the players as they enter the tournament floor.

01-27-2009 20:18 UTC+8

Play Soon To Begin

[user80015]

Play has been delayed while the tournament staff are preparing the players.

Originally planned for only eighteen entrants, over twenty-five have turned up and are making life a little tougher for the APT crew!

With a now PHP$300,000 prizepool guaranteed, a list of alternates, and people still rolling in before they are briefed by tournament director Matt Savage; it could be some time before the cards are in the air!

01-27-2009 19:45 UTC+8

Welcome To The 2009 APT Celebrity Charity Poker Challenge!

[user80015]

The 2009 Asian Poker Tour, along with Rayban, FHM and JBET Poker, are proud to present the Celebrity Charity Poker Challenge!

Twenty players are taking their part in this event, and will all be playing for their respected charity's with a guaranteed prize pool of PHP$240,000 up for grabs.

The line-up is still being confirmed, but The Poker Pack players David 'Chino' Rheem, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung and Kwang Soo Lee have just stepped into the hotel lobby following their flight from Australia.

Action will be kicking off at 8pm local time with players currently taking photos and conducting interviews. So stay tuned to PokerNews as every flop, bust-out and bad beat will be coming live from the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, Philippines.