WPT action heats up at Solaire

MANILA, Philippines - The sound of casino chips being stacked and thrown into the pot filled the air as action in the World Poker Tour (WPT) National Philippines heated up yesterday at the Solaire Resort and Casino.

From 385 players representing more than 20 countries, the field was down to 52 at around 6 p.m. with play expected to last until close to midnight.

The number will further drop to 27 before the lights are turned off at Solaire’s massive ballroom, and by tonight, the top six that will occupy the final table will be determined.

The tournament, which continues to put the Philippines in the poker map, comes to a close tomorrow.

The total pool prize is P32.8 million. The winner takes home P6.9 million and all the bragging rights. Those from 37th to 45th places will win P184,000 on a buy-in of P97,000.

Among the Filipinos still in the hunt are 2014 Asian Poker Tour champion Mike Takayama and veterans Martin Corpuz and Eric Sia. Of the big names, one that stands out is that of American Mike Sexton, the voice of the WPT Tour.

Only two female players remain, and none of them is Filipina.

“For the WPT to be here is something, and we’re very happy to say that we are already part of the WPT. We are here to spread the message that poker is a sport,” said Filipino poker official Mark Aventajado.

Since only those in the top 45 will make it to the money list, action is expected to slow down by the time the number of live hands reaches 50.