Taiwan, Red SpaceEVENT #1003

2025.11.17 - 2025.11.19Add to Calendar

Asian Poker Tour

Blind level

Level 21: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Entries

38/266

LIVE UPDATES BY APT

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 6:41:29 PM

Australia's Jennifer Cassell Bags The Lead In Flight B Of Ultra Stack Championship

Level 21: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Jennifer Cassell

The Asian Poker Tour Championship (APTC) lit up Red Space 多元商務空間 with Flight B of the TWD 25,000 (~USD 812) Ultra Stack Championship drawing in a crowd of 266 entries (225 unique). With blinds escalating at a faster 20-minute pace, it took just eight hours for it to complete with 38 players locking up a spot in Day 2.

Leading up to bagging time was a fast bubble, which took less than an orbit to burst. It was an exciting triple showdown that included a double-up for Asish Ghosh, a chopped pot, and Takashi Mizukami's aces cracked by Gi Boum Kim. Both Ghosh and Kim stormed up the counts and finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Earning the flight's chip lead was Australia's Jennifer Cassell with a stack of 1,847,000 chips. Helping Cassell get there was a gutsy call with a small pair that denied a bluff. Next down the pecking order was Taiwan's Chi Fan Hsu in second, who bagged 1,569,000. Rounding out the top three was Canada's Tyler Warken with 1,286,000 chips.

Flight B Top Ten Chip Counts

Player	Chips
JC Jennifer CassellAustralia	1,847,000(46 BB)
CF Chi Fan HsuTaiwan	1,569,000(39 BB)
TW Tyler Warken 2Canada	1,286,000(32 BB)
AG Asish GhoshIndia	1,251,000(31 BB)
GB Gi Boum KimSouth Korea	1,219,000(30 BB)
HS Hao Shan HuangChina	1,177,000(29 BB)
AK Andrew KelsallUnited States of America	1,165,000(29 BB)
YC Yu Che Liu 劉運哲Taiwan	1,152,000(29 BB)
GL Gyeongbyeong LeeSouth Korea	1,148,000(29 BB)
EC Edward Chun Ho YamHong Kong	1,132,000(28 BB)

Several other notables managed to find a bag including WSOP Online bracelet holder Andrew Kelsall with 1,165,000 in chips, Hong Kong's Edward Yam (1,132,000), who broke the record for most cashes in 2019 with 227, and Soobum Kim (860,000), who came second to Punnat Punsri in the first APT Main Event of the new era right here in Taipei back in 2023.

Thi Hue Dang

Outside of the top ten lineup were three other APT Main Event decorated players, namely Thi Hue Dang with 1,057,000 in chips, John Tech with 888,000 in chips, and Mike Takayama with 398,000 in chips.

One of the luckiest players to advance was Raiden Yew Fatt Kan, who narrowly avoided elimination in a three-way all-in, only surviving thanks to an ace that somehow played on a board that ran out quads.

Combined with Flight A's turnout of 293 entries, the cumulative tally after two flights is 559 entries, which will swell further with a further four scheduled. The last three remaining flights will run on Tuesday, November 18. All of the survivors will then merge for the final day on Wednesday, November 19th, and play down to a winner.

For the full Ultra Stack Championship Flight B Survivor List: Click here.

Be sure to check the APT blog frequently for the latest updates right from the tournament floor.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 5:06:08 PM

Play Completed

Level 21: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

The survivors have bagged up their chips and are heading home.

Stay tuned for a recap of the day's action.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 5:00:10 PM

Mizukami Busts With Aces On Flight C Bubble

Level 21: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Three all-in situations unfolded simultaneously resulting in the elimination of Takashi Mizukami on the bubble, a double up for Asish Ghosh, and a chopped pot.

Starting with Ghosh, he three-bet shoved 590,000 after Wai Kit Lo opened for 475,000, and Lo wasted no time tossing in the call.

Asish Ghosh: A♥ A♦

Wai Kit Lo: T♠ 9♦

The board was kind to Ghosh as it ran out 3♠ 4♣ 8♣ K♦ J♠.

Following that hand was an anti-climactic showdown with both players holding Ace-King for a chop while the third all-in hand was a total stunner.

Takashi Mizukami: A♣ A♠

Gi Boum Kim: T♦ T♠

The dealer dropped three diamonds on the flop 3♦ 4♦ 9♦ and with the turn J♦, it was all over for Mizukami whose aces were drawing dead to Kim's flush.

The river was a meaningless T♣ and Mizukami was the stone cold bubble.

Player	Chips
AG Asish GhoshIndia	1,251,000(31 BB)
GB Gi Boum KimSouth Korea	1,219,000(30 BB)
WK Wai Kit LoHong Kong	1,075,000(27 BB)
TM Takashi MizukamiJapan	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 4:23:22 PM

Lo Rockets Up During The Bubble Round

Level 21: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

First all-in showdown of the bubble round opened with a min-raise from Wai Kit Lo at hijack and was met with a three-bet to 320,000 from small blind Maxwell Rosete. Lo quickly answered with a four-bet of 700,000 leaving himself 34,000 behind.

Rosete counted out his bigger stack then set aside the total amount of Lo's stack before deciding to push it all in. Lo committed the rest and a big crowd quickly formed as both players revealed their hole cards.

Lo A♦ K♥

Rosete 9♥ 9♠

Lo jumped ahead at the flop 8♣ A♣ Q♣ and with the turn 6♥ and river 2♦ , Lo was awarded the biggest pot of the day.

Player	Chips
WK Wai Kit LoHong Kong	1,548,000(39 BB)
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	87,000(2 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 3:47:27 PM

Bubble Time

Level 20: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Flight B has reached the bubble round with 39 players remaining.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 3:45:34 PM

No More Jams For Kim

Level 20: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Tyler Warken

After losing a showdown, Wooseok Kim plunged to just 4 big blinds and managed to double up with K♣ K♠ against Takashi Muzakami who isolated with Q♣ T♣ .

However, on Kim's next push, the result was the opposite. His J♣ J♦ wasn't able to fade Tyler Warken's A♣ Q♥ on a board that ran 7♥ 5♣ 2♥ Q♠ 2♦ .

Player	Chips
TW Tyler Warken 2Canada	950,000(32 BB)
WK Wooseok KimSouth Korea	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 3:33:46 PM

Takayama Survives The Race

Level 19: 12,000 / 24,000 ante: 24,000

Mike Takayama committed his last 10 big blinds was quickly called by Wooseok Kim. After action folded around, Takayama turned over A♣ Q♥ and was looking good for a double against Kim's A♥ J♠

When the flop ran 8♠ 7♦ 9♦ , Takayama still had the edge however Kim picked up a gutshot to keep him sweating. The board went on to complete 8♦ turn and 5♥ river for a safe landing for the Filipino pro.

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	600,000(25 BB)
WK Wooseok KimSouth Korea	122,000(5 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 3:03:10 PM

Break Time

Level 18: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

The final 60 players are on another 15-minute break. When action resumes they will until the field is down to just 38 players.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 3:01:34 PM

Kim's Overcards Completely Miss

Level 18: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

John Tech opened the hand with a raise of 45,000 and next door neighbour Ji Hwan Kim jammed. After everyone folded around back to Tech, he tossed in the one-chip call.

Ji Hwan Kim: K♣ Q♠

John Tech: 9♥ 9♠

Unfortunately for Kim, no paint appeared. Instead, the board further improved Tech, running out 9♣ 3♦ A♥ 4♥ 8♥.

Tech scooped up the pot and soared to 880,000.

Player	Chips
JT John TechPhilippines	880,000(44 BB)
JH Ji Hwan KimSouth Korea	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 2:50:21 PM

Rosete's Pocket Pair Holds

Level 18: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Maxwell Rosete

Anthony Xu was down to just 10 big blinds when he shoved from early position. He nearly stole the blinds and ante until big blind Maxwell Rosete defended.

At showdown, Xu had A♣ Q♣ and was flipping against Rosete's 7♣ 7♠ .

Both players improved on the flop 4♦ A♥ 7♦ and with the turn J♥ , Xu packed up as Rosete shipped it. The river was a meaningless 9♣ .

Player	Chips
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	450,000(23 BB)
AX Anthony XuAustralia	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 2:44:57 PM

Lin Falls To Zeng's Cowboys

Level 17: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

It's a shove-fest out there with short stacks going up or going broke. At Table 8, Bo Wei Lin was all-in with T♦ T♣ and ran right into Guo-Jin Zeng's K♦ K♣.

A dramatic board followed with the flop running A♠ T♥ K♠, giving both players a set.

The excitement fizzled out with the turn 5♣ and river 8♥ and Zeng was pushed the pot.

Player	Chips
GZ Guojin ZengTaiwan	505,000(32 BB)
BW Bo Wei LinTaiwan	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 2:18:21 PM

Double Up For Lei

Level 16: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Daniel Lei

With no action before him, button player Daniel Lei opened then snap-called Ka Shing Leung's shove.

When the cards were flipped over, Lei was far ahead with A♦ Q♦ against Leung's Q♠ J♥ . The flop A♠ Q♣ 3♣ brought Lei closer to shipping a double and with the turn 4♣ he secured it. The river was 8♦ just for formality.

Player	Chips
DL Daniel LeiUnited States of America	268,000(22 BB)
KS Ka Shing LeungHong Kong	83,000(7 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 2:15:52 PM

Dang Back On The Rise

Level 16: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Thi Hue Dang

Thi Hue Dang has been swinging lately having started the day strong then dropped in the recent levels. She has since recovered and and is now in contention for the chip lead.

Dang's latest pickup was against Ho Yi Chang who called her 20,000 preflop raise and her 15,000 continuation bet on a flop of 3♦ K♦ 8♣ .

On the turn, Dang slowed down and checked, Chang used the moment to bet a light 20,000 which didn't scare off Dang. When the board completed 8♦ on the river, both players checked. Dang showed Q♥ J♣ and it was good to earn the pot.

Player	Chips
TH Thi Hue DangViet Nam	757,000(63 BB)
YC Yi Chang HoTaiwan	51,000(4 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 1:54:41 PM

Chen Cleans Out Leung

Level 15: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Sin Ren Chen has been one of the biggest stacks for several levels already and is now in firm command after taking down Chi Nam Russ Leung.

The hand opened with a raise from Ren for 20,000, several spots down the orbit, Leung pushed 133,000 sending Ren tanking. He eventually found the call and banged the chips on the felt in frustration.

Upon getting called, it was Leung's turn to go sour seeing his K♣ Q♥ dominated by Chen's A♥ 9♣ .

The board offered no help as it ran out 7♣ 8♦ J♠ A♣ 3♦ . Chen claimed the pot and zoomed to over 800,000.

Player	Chips
SR Sin Ren ChenTaiwan	800,000(80 BB)
RL Russ LeungHong Kong	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 1:40:11 PM

Maguire Rivers The Money Card

Level 14: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Table 15 seems to be attracted to three-way clashes as another one took place just before the break. During the hand, Konstantin Stroulis opened for 16,000 and found two customers in Waris Soontorn and Tom Maguire.

When the flop came down 7♠ K♥ 3♥, action erupted with a bet of 23,000 from Soontorn that was called by Maguire, then Stroulis shoved, well covering both players.

Soontorn and Maguire both liked the flop and called to risk their tournament lives.

Konstantin Stroulis: K♣ T♣

Waris Soontorn: K♠ 8♠

Tom Maguire: 9♥ 4♥

The turn 5♣ changed nothing with Stroulis still ahead until the river J♥ granted Maguire the flush.

Soontorn was eliminated and Maguire dragged in a mighty pot.

Player	Chips
KS Konstantinos StroulisGreece	370,000(37 BB)
TM Tom MaguireAustralia	364,000(36 BB)
WS Waris SoontornThailand	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 1:24:05 PM

Break Time

Level 14: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Players are on their third 15-minute break. There are 108 players remaining out of a field of 266 entries. Flight B will bag up when the field is down to 38 players.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 1:20:43 PM

Stroulis Scoops a Three-Way

Level 14: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Upon hearing the commotion, we rushed over and saw Konstantino Stroulis getting paid in a three-way hand where everyone got a piece of the board 9♠ J♥ Q♣ T♣ 9♦ .

At-risk player had pocket eights for a straight and was eliminated. Julien Van Pelt had A♦ Q♥ for top pair, and Stroulis bested them all with A♥ K♠ for Broadway.

Player	Chips
KS Konstantinos StroulisGreece	350,000(35 BB)
JV Julien Van PeltFrance	48,000(5 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 1:10:42 PM

Khoo Caught Bluffing

Level 14: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Shixiang Khoo

Shixiang Khoo is still plodding along in Flight B, but he just got caught with his hands in the cookie jar.

There were around 150,000 in the middle on a board of 3♦ J♣ 9♥ 6♦ 6♥ and after Sung Woo Choi checked from under the gun, Khoo bet 101,000 in the cutoff. Choi called, then Khoo mucked without revealing her cards.

That meant Choi didn't need to show their cards when claiming the pot.

Player	Chips
SW Sung Woo ChoiSouth Korea	450,000(45 BB)
SK Shixiang KhooSingapore	110,000(11 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 1:08:42 PM

Ngan's Cowboys Hold

Level 13: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Kwun Wah Simon Ngan raised it up to 12,000 only to be challenged by Hao Hsuan Chueh with a three-bet to 35,000. Ngan took several seconds to decide on his move then shoved.

Chueh quickly asked for a count which was confirmed at 172,000, then he called to place Ngan at risk.

Upon revealing, Ngan was made with K♠ K♦ while Chueh needed some help with A♦ K♥ . No such luck came on a nine-high board for Ngan to ship the maximum.

Player	Chips
KW Kwun Wah Simon NganHong Kong	256,000(43 BB)
HH Hao Hsuan ChuehTaiwan	140,000(23 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 12:47:56 PM

Cassell's Gutsy Call Catches The Bluff

Level 12: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

On a board that completed 9♣ 5♦ 7♠ 3♣ 6♣ with 135,000 in the pot, Sung Woo Choi shoved and Jennifer Cassell check-called for her tournament life.

It was the right decision as Choi laughed while turning over Q♦ J♠ bluff. Cassell opened A♦ 5♥ a small pair.

Player	Chips
JC Jennifer CassellAustralia	210,000(42 BB)
SW Sung Woo ChoiSouth Korea	111,000(22 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 12:46:48 PM

Miracle Board Makes Kan Dance

Level 12: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Getting to the table with Raiden Yew Fatt Kan dancing in celebration after a very lucky board saved him from heading to the next flight. It was a three-way showdown with one player holding J♥ J♦ , another with K♥ K♣ and Kan at-risk with A♦ Q♦ . The board felted 5♠ 5♣ 5♥ 5♦ 8♠ for Kan's ace earning him an unbelieveable triple up.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 12:22:18 PM

No Showdown For Yang

Level 11: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Three players invested 8,000 and went flop-hunting. When the cards spread 4♥ 6♠ 7♦ , it was checked to the button Oliver Schulze who took a chance for 8,000. Both Eunhye Yang and Wooseok Kim stuck with him and they all tapped felt on fourth street's Q♣ .

The free river card revealed 9♠ and again it was checked to Schulze. Just as he did at the flop, Schulzed tested the waters for 14,000 and got one caller in Yang. Schulze mucked awarding Yang the pot without a showdown.

Player	Chips
WK Wooseok KimSouth Korea	192,000(48 BB)
YE Yang EunhyeSouth Korea	178,000(45 BB)
OS Oliver SchulzeGermany	167,000(42 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 12:16:52 PM

Ka Shing Leung Gets Paid

Level 11: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Jennifer Cassell

Jacky Jiang kicked it off with a min-raise and next to act Jennifer Cassell made the call. Two seats over, Ka Shing Leung fidgeted until he decided it was time to unload his entire 106,000 stack. This was enough to push out Jiang while Cassell paused for thought then gave him action.

Leung opened up J♠ J♣ and was in good shape against Cassell's 8♥ 8♣ . The board ensured the win as it ran A♠ 3♥ 4♠ 5♠ 7♠ .

Player	Chips
JC Jennifer CassellAustralia	154,000(39 BB)
KS Ka Shing LeungHong Kong	128,000(32 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 11:47:12 AM

Break Time

Level 10: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Players have been sent on their second 15-minute break of the day.

The field is now up to 250 entrants. Of those 172 remain in contention.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 11:45:34 AM

Xu Lightens the Field

Level 10: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Anthony Xu raised from the hijack and was three-bet to 12,500 by Tzuhao May on the button. Yi Cheng Lo went all in for his last 21,000 from the small blind and Xu made it 45,000 to go.

May went deep into to the tank, but eventually decided to let his hand go to set up a showdown between Xu and Lo.

Yi Cheng Lo: J♣ T♣

Anthony Xu: J♥ J♠

It was a rough sight for Lo, and the A♠ Q♣ 3♠ 5♦ 9♦ runout provided no help to send him to the rail late in the evening.

Player	Chips
AX Anthony XuAustralia	205,000(68 BB)
TH Tzu Hao MayUnited States of America	155,000(52 BB)
YC Yi Cheng LoTaiwan	busted

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 11:44:26 AM

Birger Larsen Sitting On A Big Stack

Level 10: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

A fairly newcomer to the Asian scene, Norway's Birger Larsen has already produced several good results since October. Now experiencing his first APT event, he is running hot at the table with a stack of around 345,000. That's over three starting stacks and well over the average of 123K. We will keep an eye on him as he is currently one of the biggest in the field.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 11:42:09 AM

Down And Up For Kuo

Level 9: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Getting to the table with National Cup Championship runner-up Wei Chun Kuo challenged by Yun Han Su on a board showing 8♥ J♥ Q♥ with a pot of 82,000 already brewed.

Kuo bet 15,000 then went deep in the tank after Su shoved 70,800. He opted to let go of his stake in the pot.

Immediately following the hand, he was all in on a flop 6♣ J♠ 2♥ and Aditya Agarwal snap-called.

Kuo's kicker was ahead A♣ J♦ against K♣ J♣ . The turn 4♥ and river A♥ sealed the win to double through.

Player	Chips
KW Kuo Wei ChunTaiwan	130,000(52 BB)
AA Aditya AgarwalIndia	36,000(14 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 11:19:20 AM

Kramer Ships it on Sakai

Level 9: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Kilian Kramer opened to 5,000 first to act and Eita Sakai three-bet to 15,000 from middle position. Action folded back around to Kramer, who called.

Kramer check-called a 12,000 bet from Sakai on the A♠ 4♣ J♣ flop and checked again after the 9♠ landed on the turn.

Sakai tossed out a single green t-25,000 denomination chip into the middle and Kramer took a peek back at his hole cards before announcing, "All in," for over 100,000. Sakai sat back in his seat and gave a puzzled look before tossing his timebanks into the middle.

After burning up a few timebanks contemplating his decision, Sakai landed on a fold and Kramer was sent the pot.

Kramer, who won an APT No Limit Hold'em and PLO mixed side event earlier this year in Manilla, currently sits with about 175,000.

Player	Chips
KK Kilian KramerGermany	175,000(70 BB)
ES Eita SakaiJapan	140,000(56 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 11:01:19 AM

Easy Pickup for Ang

Level 8: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Ka Hei Lo opened to 4,000 from middle position and was three-bet to 9,000 by Wing Yin Lee from directly behind in the hijack. Kai Loon Ang called cold in the big blind and Lo called as well for a bloated three-way pot.

The flop came 2♠ 6♠ 7♦ and it was checked to Ang, who fired 15,000 into the middle.

Neither Lo nor Lee wanted anything to do with it and quickly let their hands go — awarding Ang the pot without any resistance.

Player	Chips
KL Kai Loon AngSingapore	180,000(90 BB)
WY Wing Yin LeeHong Kong	82,000(41 BB)
KH Ka Hei LoHong Kong	51,000(26 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 10:55:43 AM

Yang Dusts Ang's Aces

Level 7: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

Heavy action between two ladies, Tammy Yee Shin Ang and Eunhye Yang, opened with a raise from the latter at cutoff for 3,500. On the big blind, Ang peeked down and defended with a three-bet to 11,000 which still didn't shake off Yang who called to play the flop.

After the dealer fanned out 8♠ 4♣ 7♠ , Ang continued to represent strength for 8,000 and Yang snap-called. Things slowed down on the turn 3♣ as both players opted to check for a free river card 9♥ .

Bouncing back into action, Ang fired a bet of 42,000, Yang used up a time-bank then announced all-in for 71,100. Instantly, Ang put all her time-banks out front and after one was spent, she tossed in the one-chip call only to see the bad news.

Yang flipped open J♣ T♣ , easily dusting Ang's A♣ A♥

Player	Chips
YE Yang EunhyeSouth Korea	182,000(114 BB)
TY Tammy Yee Shin AngSingapore	146,200(91 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 10:54:35 AM

Preflop Pandemonium Ends With Pitakparadon on Top

Level 7: 800 / 1,600 ante: 1,600

A hand was already in progress, wherein Papach Pitakparadon appeared to have already three-bet to 14,500 from the big blind. Junjie He, who was the initial raiser from under the gun, then made it 35,000 to go.

Not to be outdone, Pitakparadon tanked a while before placing a five-bet to 60,000 into the middle.

He was the first to blink and quickly folded — conceding the pot to Pitakparadon, who collected the pot without showing.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 10:52:15 AM

Napat “Top” Chokejindachai Ready for Another Run in Taipei

Level 6: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Napat "Top" Chokejindachai

Thai actor and rising poker figure Napat Chokejindachai, better known as “Top,” returned to Taipei this week with the same enthusiasm that has carried him across Asia’s growing poker circuit. His history with APT Taipei goes back to 2023, where he scored both his first APT cash and his first APT trophy, and he has watched the tour evolve rapidly since then. “The biggest change in the APT since then is that it’s more and more fun. Bigger crowd, bigger prize pools. And the structure is very good, too,” he said.

Taiwan itself remains a special stop for him. “Taiwan is always my second home. The people, the food, and of course, boba tea. Just three and a half hours away from Bangkok, it's a superb poker destination,” he shared with a grin. Red Space, the home of this APT Championship series, has also left an impression, though he offered a candid take on the venue. “To be honest, Red Space is a bit low ceiling to me. But after a big renovation, the airflow is a lot better."

Top’s strongest result on the APT stage came later in 2023 at APT Incheon, where he reached the Main Event final table and finished in third place. The final three traded the chip lead multiple times before he ran pocket threes into his opponents' pocket fives. With no help on the runout, he bowed out in third for KRW 222,200,000 ( ~$168,050), which remains his career-best cash to date. Of his eight recorded live final tables, seven have come at APT stops, underlining just how closely his rise in poker has been tied to the tour.

Napat Chokejindachai took third in the APT Main Event in Incheon 2023

Balancing poker with his acting and hosting career has not always been simple, especially with the fast-paced entertainment scene back home. “It’s a bit hard to balance poker life because once you fly away from Bangkok, you lose an opportunity to host a lot of events that occur there. But, sacrifice has to be made to chase your dreams,” he explained. “I wanna be grinding when I’m young and in my early 30s, that's better than flying around in my 50s. So yeah, I only focus on all APT stops and WSOP in Vegas. That should do for a year.”

Top also spoke about the complicated legal situation surrounding poker in Thailand. “It’s indeed a rollercoaster, yes. Our government changes things a lot and fast. We do what we can do as the largest poker community in Thailand, as Taenaatak,” he said. Despite the uncertainty, he remains optimistic about the long-term future. “I don’t mind playing around Asia. It’s better than competing in Thailand, but you have to keep looking back over your shoulder all the time. Let's hope everything is 100 percent clear. If it is, I guarantee it’s gonna be the best poker destination in Asia, or even in the world.”

as for his APTC plans, Top is keeping things straightforward. “My plan for APTC is simple. Have fun and play the best poker of my life,” he said. “As I speak, I’m playing Ultra Stack. Firing one bullet each in Natural Cup and Mystery, but no dice. Will be playing the $3k freezeout and heading back home. Sadly, I can’t play the $10k due to my schedule.”

Top remains one of the most recognizable personalities at stops across the region, and his passion for the game continues to grow with every series. With a packed schedule and a positive mindset, he is ready to make the most of his time in Taipei once again.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 10:45:15 AM

Tay Gets Value For Trips

Level 6: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

_Zhen Quan Tay-

Action opened with Sakanoue Seita making it 2,500 that found two players to help boost the pot, however when it landed on small blind Ngong Tang Chi, he drove it north to 8,000. Seita tanked for a short bit then defended his initial raise, callers Zhen Quan Tay and In Jae Kim topped up as well resulting in a sigh of disappointment from Chi.

Four-way action brought a flop of A♥ A♦ 4♠ . Chi fidgeted then decided to check it. Seita took control with a bet of 8000 and only Tay stuck around.

More action on the turn 9♥ with a bet of 13,500 from Seita quickly called by Tay for the board to complete J♦ . Seita put the brakes on, while Tay went the opposite direction, firing 44,000 leaving himself just 100 behind. Seita used up a time-bank before he called. Tay had A♠ T♦ trips to rake in the pot.

Player	Chips
ZQ Zhen Quan Barry TayMalaysia	165,000(138 BB)
IK Injae KimAustralia	109,200(91 BB)
KT Kevin TangHong Kong	65,700(55 BB)
SS Sakanoue SeitaJapan	56,400(47 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 10:18:48 AM

Nasathaen Picks Off Chinviriya's Bluff

Level 6: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Orathai Nasathaen

Heads-up on a flop of 8♣ 9♦ T♠ with over 20,000 already in the middle, Orathai Nasathaen checked from under the gun and Viriya Chinviriya checked behind from early position.

The 5♥ fell on the turn and Nasathaen check-called an 8,000 bet from Chinviriya.

Nasathaen checked a final time after the A♥ completed the board and Chinviriya sized up for a bet of 20,000.

Nasathaen called after a bit of thought and Chinviriya shrugged before tabling K♥ Q♣.

Nasathaen revealed A♣ J♣ for a pair of aces and took down the sizable pot.

Player	Chips
ON Orathai NasathaenThailand	220,000(183 BB)
VC Viriya ChinviriyaThailand	60,000(50 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 9:55:21 AM

Break Time

Level 5: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

The players are now on their first 15-minute break of the day. The first five levels drew 117 entries with late registration open for another five levels.

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 9:50:29 AM

Gur Plays "Power Poker"

Level 5: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Ben Gur

Eui Ho Cheun opened to 2,000 from middle position and he found one caller in Ben Gur from the cutoff.

Cheun continued for 1,500 on the T♥ 2♦ 7♥ flop, which was met with a raise to 5,500 from Gur.

"Power poker!" Gur said as he put out the raise. Cheun called.

The K♠ fell on the turn and Cheun checked to Gur, who tossed out a single t-25,000 denomination chip into the middle.

Cheun thought a bit, but opted to lay his hand down.

"Four high!" Gur shouted as he turned over the 4♥.

The boisterous Israeli then collected the pot, which grew his stack to about 115,000.

Player	Chips
EH Eui Ho CheunSouth Korea	135,000(135 BB)
BG Ben GurIsrael	115,000(115 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 9:46:55 AM

Triana Joins The Party And With Low Cards

Level 4: 400 / 800 ante: 800

After revealing his hand, Daniel Triana commented, "everyone called so I called as well." That decision led to him picking up a good pot.

Before doing so, action opened with a min-raise from Mc Yeldarb Mantos that found two callers before landing on the small blind Jennifer Cassell. Assessing the action, she three-bet to 8,500 and to her surprise, everyone called, saying, "wow, okay."

When the flop came 7♥ 7♠ 6♣ it checked around to the button Triana who bet 10,000. This was enough for Cassell to let go of her hand while Mantos and Chang Seog Chae continued to the turn 3♠ .

All three players checked and checked the river 2♠ as well. Mantos missed with K♥ Q♦ , Chae had a pair in the hole 4♥ 4♠ , Triana sheepishly turned over 2♦ 6♦ .

Player	Chips
ET Espanola Triana DanielSpain	134,000(168 BB)
JC Jennifer CassellAustralia	92,000(115 BB)
CC Changseog ChaeSouth Korea	79,200(99 BB)
MY Mc Yeldarb MantosPhilippines	59,100(74 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 9:44:37 AM

Shinagawa Gets Paid

Level 4: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Kei Shinagawa opened to 1,600 from early position and was called by Thomas Antoine in the cutoff, Kwong Ching Wong in the small blind, and Gyeong Beom Kim in the big blind for a multiway affair.

Wong and Kim checked on the 9♠ 4♦ Q♥ flop and Shinagawa bet 6,000. Antoine called, but both Wong and Kim folded.

Shinagawa sized up for a 17,000 bet on the 3♦ turn and Antoine again called.

The 7♣ filled the river and Shinagawa cut out a hefty bet of 45,000 before placing it into the middle.

Antoine didn't like it and burned up a couple of time extensions as he contemplated his decision. He eventually put in a call and Shinagawa confidently tabled A♦ Q♦ for top pair, top kicker. It was good, as Antoine mucked, and Shinagawa collected a nice pot.

Player	Chips
KS Kei ShinagawaJapan	165,000(206 BB)
KC Kwong Ching WongHong Kong	102,000(128 BB)
GB Gyeong Beom KimSouth Korea	95,000(119 BB)
DA Delacampagne Antoine ThomasFrance	30,000(38 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 9:43:01 AM

Tseng Shows Yeo a Straight

Level 3: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Shao Chi Tseng limped first to act and it was folded around to May Sum Yeo, who raised to 1,200 from the small blind. Gregory Winyard called from the big blind and Tseng called as well.

The flop came 6♠ 7♠ 8♦ and action checked to Tseng, who quickly bet 2,400. Yeo called and Winyard folded.

Yeo then proceeded to check-call a 5,000 bet from Tseng on the 2♦ turn and a 10,000 bet from Tseng on the T♣ river.

Tseng turned over 9♦ 7♦ for a straight and Yeo sent their hand into the muck.

Player	Chips
SC Shao Chi TsengTaiwan	112,000(187 BB)
WG Winyard Gregory MatthewThailand	93,000(155 BB)
MS May Sum YeoMalaysia	78,000(130 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 9:41:42 AM

Dang Banks It On A Coinflip

Level 2: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Just before the end of Level 2, decorated APT Main Event champion, Thi Hue Dang, scored an early knockout to propel her stack to twice its starting size.

The hand opened with a raise of 1,000 from from Dang that drew a three-bet of 3,500 from her next door neighbor Jin Wang. Small blind Jung Tu Huang topped up then folded after the heavier action that followed.

Dang answered with a four-bet to 16,000, Wang five-bet to 45,000, then Dang shoved with just over starting stack. Wang snap-called with a near-even stack.

Dang: Q♥ Q♣

Wang: A♠ K♠

Both players watched the board run 4♠ 7♣ 4♦ 6♠ 8♥ and with no hits for Wang, he packed up as Dang happily shipped the big pot.

Player	Chips
TH Thi Hue DangViet Nam	200,000(400 BB)
JW Jin Wang 2China	80,600(161 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 8:44:21 AM

"Go Cant Let Go"

Level 2: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Nicholas Go opened to 1,200 from the hijack and was called by Shao-Kang Chien in the cutoff and Nattawon Chunhaphan in the small blind.

Chunhaphan checked to Go, who wagered 2,000 on the 8♠ J♠ 7♥ flop. Chien called and Chunhaphan folded.

Go sized up for a 6,500 bet on the 5♣ turn and Chien again called.

The 9♣ river brought four cards to a straight on board and Go checked. Chien took the initative with a bet of 10,000, sending Go deep into the tank.

"Flush draw?" Go inquired. No answer.

"You got it," Go said as he reluctantly tossed in calling chips.

Chien indeed had it, as he turned over 6♣ 6♥ for a straight, which got a frustrated muck from Go.

"Go can't let Go," Go said with a smirk.

Player	Chips
SK Shao Kang ChienTaiwan	130,000(260 BB)
NC Nattawon ChunhaphanThailand	98,000(196 BB)
NG Nicholas GoHong Kong	86,000(172 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 8:42:50 AM

Choi's Nut Flush Scoops It

Level 1: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Starting off with over half the table contributing the minimum raise, it was trimmed to just three players when Chang Seog Chae continued for 1,000 on a flop of 2♠ 7♣ 7♥. He was called only by Jin Wang and Sung Woo Choi.

Three-way action to the turn T♥ brought more chips to the middle with Wang taking a stab for 3,100 after two checks.

This time only Choi wanted to complete the runout and slid out the call. When the 4♥ landed on fifth street, Choi quietly checked, Wang dipped in for a second barrel worth 5,000, Choi called once again.

Wang flipped over J♥ 9♥ flush though it wasn't enough to scoop the pot as Choi revealed A♥ 5♥ .

Player	Chips
SW Sung Woo ChoiSouth Korea	168,000(420 BB)
JW Jin Wang 2China	80,600(202 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 8:29:21 AM

Bao Off to an Early Lead

Level 1: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Yu Bao raised to 900 from under the gun and was called by Chang Seog Chae on the button, Eunhye Yang in the small blind, and Jin Wang in the big blind for a four-way pot.

It was checked to Bao, who continued for 1,000 on the 8♣ A♦ 4♦ flop. Chae and Wang called, but Yang folded.

Wang checked to Bao on the K♣ turn and he kept his foot on the gas for a bet of 4,000. Chae got out of the way and Wang called.

The 2♦ completed the board and Wang led out for 4,000, sending Bao into the tank.

Bao used up a timebank and eventually decided to call, prompting Wang to table A♥ J♦ for a pair of aces. Bao revealed 8♥ 8♦ for a flopped set and collected the pot.

Player	Chips
YB Yu BaoChina	113,000(283 BB)
YE Yang EunhyeSouth Korea	99,000(248 BB)
CC Changseog ChaeSouth Korea	98,000(245 BB)
JW Jin Wang 2China	90,000(225 BB)

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 8:08:19 AM

Cards in the Air

With 16 players having taken their seats to start, Flight B of the APT Ultra Stack Championship is now underway!

Karlo De SottoKarlo De Sotto

11/17/2025, 7:30:12 AM

Flight B of APT Ultra Stack Championship Kicks Off at 4pm

The action continues to thrive at the Asian Poker Tour Championship (APTC) inside the Red Space venue and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. With Flight A already underway, Flight B of the Ultra Stack Championship (TWD 20,000,000 GTD) is set to begin at 4pm local time.

True to its name, the championship event starts players off with a 100,000-chip stack, which equates to 250 big blinds at the start of Level 1 (200/400 blinds with a 400 big-blind ante). Flight B features a slightly faster structure than the opening flight, with blinds increasing every 20 minutes instead of 25 minutes.

Late registration for Flight B will remain open until the start of Level 11 (~7:50pm). At that time, any player may surrender their remaining chips and reenter to receive a fresh starting stack. Play will conclude for the day once the field is reduced to 14 percent, at which point everyone remaining will bag and return for the final day on Wednesday, Nov 19.

Players who bust before securing a spot into the Final Day still have plenty of opportunities, with four starting flights yet to come. Flight C will get underway later today at 8pm, while Flights D, E, and F will take place tomorrow (Nov 18) at 11am, 4pm, and 8pm respectively.

The Ultra Stack Championship is just starting to heat up, so be sure to check back here for updates from the tournament floor leading to the next APT Champion!

LIVE UPDATES BY APT﻿

Australia's Jennifer Cassell Bags The Lead In Flight B Of Ultra Stack Championship

Flight B Top Ten Chip Counts

Play Completed

Mizukami Busts With Aces On Flight C Bubble

Lo Rockets Up During The Bubble Round

Bubble Time

No More Jams For Kim

Takayama Survives The Race

Break Time

Kim's Overcards Completely Miss

Rosete's Pocket Pair Holds

Lin Falls To Zeng's Cowboys

Double Up For Lei

Dang Back On The Rise

Chen Cleans Out Leung

Maguire Rivers The Money Card

Break Time

Stroulis Scoops a Three-Way

Khoo Caught Bluffing

Ngan's Cowboys Hold

Cassell's Gutsy Call Catches The Bluff

Miracle Board Makes Kan Dance

No Showdown For Yang

Ka Shing Leung Gets Paid

Break Time

Xu Lightens the Field

Birger Larsen Sitting On A Big Stack

Down And Up For Kuo

Kramer Ships it on Sakai

Easy Pickup for Ang

Yang Dusts Ang's Aces

Preflop Pandemonium Ends With Pitakparadon on Top

Napat “Top” Chokejindachai Ready for Another Run in Taipei

Tay Gets Value For Trips

Nasathaen Picks Off Chinviriya's Bluff

Break Time

Gur Plays "Power Poker"

Triana Joins The Party And With Low Cards

Shinagawa Gets Paid

Tseng Shows Yeo a Straight

Dang Banks It On A Coinflip

"Go Cant Let Go"

Choi's Nut Flush Scoops It

Bao Off to an Early Lead

Cards in the Air

Flight B of APT Ultra Stack Championship Kicks Off at 4pm

Flight B Top Ten Chip Counts

LIVE UPDATES BY APT