PPT crowns World Series of Poker Philippine rep

The Philippine Poker Tour is finally sending an official representative to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Cebuano contender James Peng Mendoza recorded a surprising run in the PPT’s Battle of Champions to win the World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2013 package, which includes airfare, accommodations, pocket money, and most importantly, a seat worth $10,000 at the main event of the WSOP to be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in June. 

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Mendoza gushed. “Representing the Philippines is such an honor for a 22-year old man who always dreamed of having a very good poker career and be able to play those chips at the WSOP main event.”

In its first season, the PPT brought together the champions of its various monthly legs of the 2012 series from all over the country to determine who would win the right to represent the country in the WSOP. On April 14, the Philippine Poker Tour (PPT) Series commenced at the Metro Card Club. Prior to the heads-up round, Mendoza immediately controlled the table and established an early chip lead against rivals: Dexter Bryan Luna, Rebel Magdagasang, Rene Pacayra, Martin Corpuz, Augie Nasser, Dennis Soriano, Jonathan Sy, and Lester Edoc. All were champions of the 10 monthly legs. At one point, Mendoza lost a big chink of his chips, sending him quickly to the bottom of the ranks. But he fought his way back despite tough odds, and later eliminated Sy and Nasser to regain the chip lead and face Edoc in the heads-up round.

In the heads-up round, it took only one hand for Mendoza to eliminate Edoc and claim the WSOP package. Both Edoc and Mendoza had a flush on a board of ace of spades-2 of spades-3 of spades, with Edoc holding 5 of spades-7 of spades against Mendoza’s higher 9 of spades-6 of spades. The turn of 10 of spades and river of king of hearts were no help to Edoc, and Mendoza won the tournament.   

PPT founder, Atty. Jojo Allado was impressed with Mendoza’s performance. Allado himself has played in the WSOP and returned with a dream of a Philippine circuit and an official representative of the country. 

 â€œWe are very proud and excited to have James Peng Mendoza represent the PPT at the World Series of Poker. He showed a lot of heart and determination at the Battle of Champions,” Allado said. â€œWhen we started this tour, we knew it was going to be a challenge. Now that the first season is over, we are very thankful to the Philippine poker community for supporting us and helping us make this a success. Sending one of our best poker players to the WSOP and helping fulfill their dreams really makes me happy. We look forward to providing a bigger and better series for the upcoming PPT 2013 season.”

The PPT will post  updates and highlights of Mendoza’s progress at the WSOP on its website. www.thephilippinepokertour.com.

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DUMAGUETE City – Despite competing with the final day of the Palarong Pambansa Saturday, the fourth leg of the Kopiko Astig 3-in-One Supercross Series 2013 has been a runaway success. A crowd of over 20,000 flocked to the business park here beside Robinsons Mall to catch a glimpse of the nation’s best professional motorcycle riders just in opening day. 

The compact track, which will also be the site of the series’ only night race in November, provided new challenges for the big field of 145 riders, who had a tough time in extremely dusty conditions in Bacolod just three weeks ago. This time, the weather cooperated, as occasional clouds made the riders more comfortable Saturday, and a short downpour stifled the dust Sunday morning.

“It can be very exciting to have such a big field as this,” admits Jonas Adlawan, president of the organizer Man & Machine Racing Promotions. “But it’s also very challenging. So we constantly discuss with our marshals ways to improve officiating, and brief the riders every race day.”

The next stop in the Kopiko Astig 3-in-One Supercross Series is Dipolog from May 18 to 19. Since the bulk of competitors come from Mindanao, local organizers of the next leg have guaranteed a record field of 200 riders. The series record is 160 participants, set in Bacolod during the launch of the Panaad festival and coinciding with a bike convention.