Philippines, Okada ManilaEVENT #3

2025.01.20 - 2025.01.22Add to Calendar

PokerStars Live

Blind level

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Entries

10/66

Total Chips

1,980,000

Average

198,000

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 5:20:30 PM

Peter Chung Tops Ten Survivors on Day 1a of the Kickoff Event

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Peter Chung

The Manila Megastack 21 has officially commenced at the PokerStars LIVE Manila poker room inside of Okada Manila and the hunt for the spadie trophies is now underway. One of several marquee events on the schedule is the PHP 16,500 Kickoff Event, which captures the attention of local poker enthusiasts and visitors from nearby countries in South East Asia during the first three days of the festival.

There are three starting days available and the opening flight gathered a total of 66 entries to nearly reach one third of the PHP 3 Million guarantee in the pot already. Only the top 15% of that field were set to advance and that equaled to the top ten finishers. It took around eight hours including breaks to reach that threshold and Canada's Peter Chung who went from average stack at the end of the late registration to chip leader when all was said and done.

Chung's 395,000 put him at the top of the leaderboard ahead of John Jay Magadan (351,000), both of which are well ahead of their nearest followers. Daito Kamei (258,000) and Michihiko Matsuda (202,000) hope to follow into the footsteps of fellow countryman Keijiro Shimojo, who topped a field of 337 entries during the previous edition of Manila Megastack in December 2024.

Another Japanese player also advanced through Day 1a as well in Akihiro Kawaguchi, who bagged up 145,000 and was responsible for bursting the bubble. Sham Wing Sheuk was the last player tonight to leave empty-handed when he was forced all-in out of the big bling, made trips deuces only to be out-kicked by Kawaguchi.

Other notables to bow out on the first of three starting days were Jongmin Kim, Mike Takayama, John Costiniano, Lemmor Patulot as well as Jose Cheung. They have another two chances to do better, both of which await on Tuesday, January 21. Day 1b kicks off at 1 p.m. local time while the 1c heat with a reduced level duration of 20 minutes follows later in the evening. Both of these flights will also play down to the money, bringing back all survivors for the final day in the money.

Stay tuned right here on SoMuchPoker for all of the updates from the Kickoff Event and, as of January 23, the Main Event as well!

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:51:26 PM

End-of-Day 1a Chip Counts

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Player	Chips
PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	395,000(66 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	351,000(59 BB)
DK Daito KameiJapan	258,000(43 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	202,000(34 BB)
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	162,000(27 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	145,000(24 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	123,000(21 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	120,000(20 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	115,000(19 BB)
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	110,000(18 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:41:27 PM

Sham Wing Sheuk Eliminated on the Day 1a Bubble

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Sham Wing Sheuk

In five-way limped action with Sham Wing Sheuk forced all-in out of the big blind, the king-high flop and ace on the turn were checked through. Akihiro Kawaguchi bet the river for 12,000 and Daito Kamei called, as did Rey Roca. Sheuk revealed trips deuces with the worst kicker, while Kamei had paired the ace. However, Kawaguchi had the best of it and the Day 1a bubble burst.

Player	Hand	Chips
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	3♠2♥ BB	busted
DK Daito KameiJapan	A♦8♦ UTG	258,000(43 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	HJ	123,000(21 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	K♦2♦ SB	120,000(20 BB)

Board:K♦4♠2♠A♣2♣

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:36:40 PM

Sham Wing Sheuk Survives

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Ho-Tai Tsai limped in, Sham Wing Sheuk then called all-in for 1,000 in the cutoff. All three players behind limp along to the flop on which Tsai's bet of 20,000 isolates. He revealed top pair but Sheuk turned broadway to escape for now.

Player	Hand	Chips
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	A♦K♠ CO	16,000(3 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	J♠9♦ UTG	115,000(19 BB)

Board:J♦T♠7♠Q♠2♦

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:29:42 PM

Sham Wing Sheuk on Fumes After Tussle With Rey Roca

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Sham Wing Sheuk jams from under the gun with tens and runs into the queens of Rey Roca. No upset on the board and Sheuk is left on fumes right on the stone bubble.

Player	Hand	Chips
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	T♥T♣ UTG	16,000(3 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	Q♦Q♣ CO	118,000(20 BB)

Board:6♣5♦4♠3♠8♠

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:27:00 PM

Sergei Korzhenko Eliminated by John Jay Magadan

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Sergei Korzhenko pushed all-in from the small blind with an ace rag and John Jay Magadan snapped him off with the rockets. Despite flopping top and bottom pair, Korzhenko had no chance at all to leave two spots away from reaching Day 2.

Bubble time on Day 1a with 11 left!

Player	Hand	Chips
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	A♠A♥ BB	325,000(54 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	A♦4♣ SB	busted

Board:A♣T♠4♥3♥6♦

all-in

busted

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 12/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:20:55 PM

Fortunate Double for Taehyun Jang

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Taehyun Jang

Taehyun Jang jammed the button for 85,000 just before the end of the level with a suited king. John Jay Magadan called with tens but the king came on the flop.

Player	Hand	Chips
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	K♥6♥ D	177,000(35 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	T♦T♥ BB	252,000(50 BB)

Board:K♦Q♦8♠6♠7♣

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:16:27 PM

Peter Chung vs Michihiko Matsuda

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Peter Chung

Peter Chung opened to 10,000 in the hijack for Michihiko Matsuda on the button and the big blind to call. Only Matsuda called a bet of Chung for 15,000 on the flop. Chung checked and called Matsuda's bet of 38,000 on the turn, they checked the river and Chung took it down with a turned set of sevens.

Player	Hand	Chips
PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	7♥7♠ HJ	323,000(65 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	D	270,000(54 BB)

Board:T♦5♠2♦7♦4♥

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:14:50 PM

Masaaki Hibini Eliminated by Daito Kamei

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Masaaki Hibino

When limped two ways to Masaaki Hibino in the small blind, he jammed for 56,000. Daito Kamei reshoved over the top and his pocket jacks flopped a set ffor good measure to send his fellow countryman to the rail.

Player	Hand	Chips
DK Daito KameiJapan	J♦J♠ BB	274,000(55 BB)
MH Masaaki HibinoJapan	K♦T♥ SB	busted

Board:T♠8♦J♣2♦4♠

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:07:49 PM

Sunhwi An Eliminated by Daito Kamei

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Sunhwi An

Sunhwi An three-bet jammed for 50,000 in the big blind and initial raiser Daito Kamei called in the hijack with sixes. The treys of An found no help and the field was one step closer to the conclusion of Day 1a.

Player	Hand	Chips
DK Daito KameiJapan	6♣6♠ HJ	211,000(42 BB)
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	3♣3♦ BB	busted

Board:9♠9♥2♠8♣Q♣

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:05:52 PM

Michael Calunsod Doubles Through Jose Cheung

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Michael Calunsod

Jose Cheung jammed a shorter stack in the cutoff and Michael Calunsod called for 74,000 on the button with kings. The suited ace of Cheung only found one four and his stack was reduced to fewer than a big blind.

Player	Hand	Chips
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	K♥K♠ D	170,000(34 BB)
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	A♥4♥ CO	3,000(1 BB)

Board:8♥6♠4♦7♦2♠

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:59:56 PM

John Jay Magadan Wins Three-Way Pot

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

John Jay Magadan

Taehyun Jang opened the action with a raise to 11,000 and was called by Sergei Korzhenko. John Jay Magadan three-bet to 33,000 and two calls later, they checked through the nine-high flop. It checked to Magadan on the repeat seven on the turn, he bet 80,000 and took it down.

Player	Hand	Chips
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	HJ	263,000(53 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	MP	140,000(28 BB)
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	UTG+1	98,000(20 BB)

Board:9♣8♥7♦7♣

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 15/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:50:17 PM

Updated Counts in the Field

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Player	Chips
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	348,000(87 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	175,000(44 BB)
PC Peter Chung (2)United States of America	172,000(43 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	170,000(43 BB)
DK Daito KameiJapan	144,000(36 BB)
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	128,000(32 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	126,000(32 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	116,000(29 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	115,000(29 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	105,000(26 BB)
MH Masaaki HibinoJapan	81,000(20 BB)
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	74,000(19 BB)
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	65,000(16 BB)
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	61,000(15 BB)
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	45,000(11 BB)

chip counts

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:44:43 PM

Third Break With 15 Remaining

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Level 15 comes to an end with as many players remaining and the end of Day 1a is in sight already. Only the top ten players will advance and with an average of 132,000 chips, that may not be long anymore. Time for a quick ten-minute break!

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:35:23 PM

Michihiko Matsuda Near the Top

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Michihiko Matsuda

Michihiko Matsuda opened to 8,500 in an early position and Rey Roca on the button was the only caller. On a ten-high flop and five turn, both players checked. Matsuda bet the river jack for 15,000 to force a fold and win another pot. It was the third in a row, and the player from Japan has climbed near the top of the leaderboard.

Player	Chips
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	293,000(73 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	133,000(33 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:26:18 PM

Hochung Song Eliminated by Sunhwi An

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Hochung Song

Sunhwi An raised to 8,000 from under the gun and called the short stack jam of Hochung Song, who he had previously doubled through. The kicker disadvantage preflop turned into his advantage as the deuce came to knock out Song.

Player	Hand	Chips
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	A♣2♣ HJ	106,500(27 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	A♦4♠ BB	busted

Board:K♦Q♠T♣2♥5♦

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:22:41 PM

Sunhwi An Flips to a Double

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Sunhwi An

Hochung Song jammed from under the gun and Sunhwi An called all-in from the cutoff for 30,000. An flopped the superior pair to survive.

Player	Hand	Chips
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	A♥J♦ CO	70,000(23 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	9♠9♣ UTG	34,500(12 BB)

Board:A♦4♠3♣7♦K♣

all-in

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:16:43 PM

Jose Cheung Gets a Shove Through

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Jose Cheung

Rey Roca limped in the cutoff and Akihiro Kawaguchi raised to 12,000 in the small blind. Jose Cheung then jammed for 46,000 in the big blind to force out Roca as well as Kawaguchi.

Player	Chips
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	190,000(63 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	121,000(40 BB)
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	64,000(21 BB)

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:11:05 PM

Two Barrels Work for Akihiro Kawaguchi

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Akihiro Kawaguchi

Akihiro Kawaguchi made it 6,500 to go first to act and was called only by Rey Roca in the small blind. Roca check-called once on the ace-high flop for 8,000 but then check-folded the turn when Kawaguchi made it 17,000 to go.

Player	Hand	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	UTG	133,000(44 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	SB	193,000(64 BB)

Board:A♥J♣3♣6♦

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:06:06 PM

Daito Kamei vs Paul Coles

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Daito Kamei

Daito Kamei opened to 6,500 on the button for Paul Coles to defend the big blind. Coles check-called for the same amount on the flop and they checked the turn. Coles led the river for 12,000 and Kamei called with the bottom end of the straight to beat Coles' slow-played flopped two pair.

Player	Hand	Chips
DK Daito KameiJapan	7♣6♠ D	118,000(39 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	A♦9♥ BB	112,000(37 BB)

Board:A♠T♠9♦7♦8♠

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:03:30 PM

Nearing the Last Two Tables

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

With 17 players remaining in an eight-handed format, the final two tables on Day 1a are in sight. Joining Hogyun Kang on the rail are the two local players Nichols Manalo and Lenart Ecarma, who will have to try again in the remaining two flights at Okada Manila to earn their share of the prize pool.

Player	Chips
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	busted
NM Nichols ManaloPhilippines	busted
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	busted

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 3:00:42 PM

Sergei Korzhenko Doubles Through Michael Calunsod

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Sergei Korzhenko

Michael Calunsod opened to 6,500 on the button and called the three-bet shove by Sergei Korzhenko for 62,000. The pocket nines of Korzhenko flopped a full house, then dodged the case queen and three aces to double.

Player	Hand	Chips
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	9♥9♠ BB	128,500(43 BB)
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	A♥6♥ D	83,000(28 BB)

Board:Q♥Q♦Q♣9♣5♦

all-in

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:55:18 PM

Peter Chung vs Jansen Tiu

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Jansen Tiu

Button limper Jansen Tiu called a bet of 4,000 by Peter Chung in the small blind on the king-high flop. They checked the turn and Chung bet another 12,500 on the river, Tiu called and mucked against the full house.

Player	Hand	Chips
PC Peter Chung (2)United States of America	3♦3♥ SB	152,000(61 BB)
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	D	51,500(21 BB)

Board:K♦4♦3♠5♦4♠

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:51:31 PM

Hogyun Kang Eliminated by Akihiro Kawaguchi

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Hogyun Kang

In a four-way limped pot to the ten-high flop, Akihiro Kawaguchi in the small blind check-raised to 14,000. Hogyun Kang on the button had bet 4,000 and then jammed for 28,000, which Kawaguchi called.

The turn was the instant bad news for Kang, as Kawaguchi improved to an unbeatable flush.

Player	Hand	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	7♠4♠ SB	111,000(44 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	Q♣T♦ D	busted

Board:T♠8♠5♦2♠9♦

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:46:25 PM

Michael Calunsod Shows Aces

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Michael Calunsod

Jansen Tiu raised to 7,500 and Michael Calunsod just called from the big blind. Calunsod check-raised the flop from 6,000 to 15,000 and Tiu came along. The turn brought a bet of 25,000 by Calunsod for Tiu to call, who then folded the river to Calunsod's shove - the latter flashed his pocket aces.

Player	Hand	Chips
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	A♥A♠ BB	130,000(52 BB)
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	D	81,000(32 BB)

Board:Q♦5♥4♦4♥5♣

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:42:19 PM

Sergei Korzhenko Ships a Double

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Sergei Korzhenko

The hijack limped in, Peter Chung limped in the cutoff. Sergei Korzhenko shipped it in for 18,500 from the big blind with a pair of fours. Chung called but was pipped with treys. They were beaten by a fours full of eights.

Player	Hand	Chips
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	4♠4♥ BB	43,000(17 BB)
PC Peter Chung (2)United States of America	3♦3♣ CO	152,000(61 BB)

Board:A♣8♥4♦8♦7♥

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:36:11 PM

Peter Chung Leaves Sergei Korzhenko Short

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Peter Chung

Sergei Korzhenko raised to 6,000 in the cutoff and found a single caller in Peter Chung out of the big blind. Following two checks on the flop, Chung check-raised the turn from 7,500 to 22,500. Korzhenko called and then bet the 31,000 river when it was checked to him.

Chung called with his ace-rag, having hit the kicker, and Korzhenko's missed open-ender saw his stack melt down a lot.

Player	Hand	Chips
PC Peter Chung (2)United States of America	A♦3♣ BB	175,000(70 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	J♠9♥ CO	21,000(8 BB)

Board:Q♦7♣7♦T♣3♠

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 20/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:28:20 PM

Jose Cheung's Rockets Leave Lenart Ecarma on Fumes

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Jose Cheung

Lenart Ecarma made it 4,000 to go from an early position and Jose Cheung just called in the cutoff. Ecarma bet the flop for 6,000, Cheung raised to 12,000 and then instantly called for his last 35,500 when Ecerma jammed right into his trap. No miracle runner-runner came and Ecarma was left on a nub.

Player	Hand	Chips
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	A♥A♦ MP	81,000(41 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	A♣J♦ CO	16,000(8 BB)

Board:A♠7♠5♥9♥8♥

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:23:58 PM

Tan Wee Jie Eliminated by Michael Calunsod

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Tan Wee Jie

Michael Calunsod opened to 4,500 from under the gun and Tan Wee Jie defended the big blind. Jie check-jammed for 37,000 and Calunsod snapped it off after he had continued for 4,000.

Jie's open-ender was dead on the turn to make the river a formality.

Player	Hand	Chips
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	8♥8♣	114,000(57 BB)
TW Tan Wee JieChina	4♣3♣	busted

Board:8♠5♦2♠5♣4♦

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:17:30 PM

John Jay Magadan vs Sergei Korzhenko

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

John Jay Magadan

Sergei Korzhenko limped the small blind and called a raise to 5,000 by John Jay Magadan. They checked the king-high flop and Korzhenko check-called for 3,000 on the turn. Korzhenko check-called another 3,000 on the river and mucked versus pocket tens.

Player	Hand	Chips
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	T♠T♥ BB	215,000(108 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	SB	94,000(47 BB)

Board:K♦4♥2♥7♠8♠

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:15:34 PM

Akihiro Kawaguchi Three-Bets Successfully

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Akihiro Kawaguchi

Hogyun Kang opened to 4,000 from under the gun and Lenart Ecarma called in the next seat. Akihiro Kawaguchi then three-bet to 17,000 and forced out both opponents to pull ahead of Ecarma.

Player	Hand	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	MP	72,000(36 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	UTG	92,000(46 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	UTG+1	52,000(26 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:11:09 PM

Recent Casualties on Day 1a

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

A♠ expected, the casualties after the end of the late registration kept coming rather quickly and among those to bow out was also Mike Takayama, who entered the previous level with only seven big blinds. He will, however, certainly be back for more action tomorrow and during the entire festival at Okada Manila.

Player	Chips
JK Jinhyun KimSouth Korea	busted
SI Seigi ImaiJapan	busted
SJ Seonghun JeongSouth Korea	busted
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	busted
AA Anju AbrolIndia	busted
PF Prolan FandialanPhilippines	busted
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	busted
MB Michael BuezaPhilippines	busted

Seonghun Jeong

Anju Abrol

Lemmor Patulot

Michael Bueza

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 2:07:42 PM

Jansen Tiu vs Sergei Korzhenko

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Sergei Korzhenko

Sergei Korzhenko raised to 4,000 on the button for Jansen Tiu to defend the big blind. They checked the flop and Tiu bet the turn for 3,500, Korzhenko called. On the river, Tiu bet another 5,000 and Korzhenko folded.

Player	Hand	Chips
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	BB	101,000(51 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	D	102,500(51 BB)

Board:9♠8♥4♣5♦4♥

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 23/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:57:51 PM

Ten Players Set to Advance

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

With the late registration now officially closed, it has also been confirmed that a total of 10 players from the first of three starting days will advance to Day 2 and lock up a cash prize. That only represents one third of those who returned from the last break and the number of hopefuls will likely drop very soon.

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:43:04 PM

Assorted Counts in the Field

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

John Jay Magadan

Player	Chips
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	204,000(136 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	153,000(102 BB)
MH Masaaki HibinoJapan	128,000(85 BB)
PC Peter Chung (2)United States of America	120,000(80 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	117,000(78 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	110,000(73 BB)
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	103,000(69 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	86,000(57 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	84,000(56 BB)
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	81,000(54 BB)
TW Tan Wee JieChina	77,000(51 BB)
DK Daito KameiJapan	65,000(43 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	62,500(42 BB)
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	50,600(34 BB)
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	50,500(34 BB)
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	50,000(33 BB)
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	48,000(32 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	47,000(31 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	43,500(29 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	34,000(23 BB)
NM Nichols ManaloPhilippines	30,000(20 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	28,000(19 BB)
SI Seigi ImaiJapan	26,500(18 BB)
PF Prolan FandialanPhilippines	26,000(17 BB)
SC Seonghun CheongSouth Korea	23,500(16 BB)
AA Anju AbrolIndia	19,700(13 BB)
JK Jinhyun KimSouth Korea	17,000(11 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	14,000(9 BB)

chip counts

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 30/66

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:29:26 PM

Second Break And End of Late Registration

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

The end of the late registration period is near as level ten closes with 30 players out of 64 entries remaining. At the end of the ten-minute break, no further entries will be allowed.

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:24:50 PM

Yashiro Naoki Eliminated by John Jay Magadan

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Yashiro Naoki min-raised to 2,400 and the cutoff three-bet to 7,500. John Jay Magadan cold four-bet to 18,000 and Naoki jammed for 64,700, the cutoff folded and Magadan snap-called with the rockets. Naoki was drawing dead on the turn when Magadan hit the set of aces.

Player	Hand	Chips
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	K♦K♣ HJ	busted
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	A♠A♦ D	191,000(159 BB)

Board:8♦4♣3♥A♣2♥

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:20:39 PM

Prolan Fandialan Doubles Through Mike Takayama

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Prolan Fandialan

Near the end of the level, Mike Takayama jams for 15,100 from under the gun and Mike Takayama calls in the big blind. The suited ace-ten of Takayama missed the flush draw and he was left on fumes.

Player	Hand	Chips
PF Prolan FandialanPhilippines	T♥T♠ UTG	32,000(27 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	A♦T♦ BB	4,600(4 BB)

Board:7♦3♦3♣J♥7♣

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:16:47 PM

Yashiro Naoki Takes From Sergei Korzhenko

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Yashiro Naoki

Sergei Korzhenko opened to 2,700 and Yashiro Naoki defended the big blind. They checked the flop and Naoki check-called the turn for 11,000. Both checked again the river and Naoki won the pot with trips jacks.

Player	Hand	Chips
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	J♦3♦ BB	63,900(53 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	UTG	151,000(126 BB)

Board:J♥J♣7♠T♠A♠

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:11:14 PM

Bonghyun Lee Eliminated by Daito Kamei

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Bonghyun Lee

Daito Kamei raised the button to 2,800 and Bonghyun Lee came along from the small blind. Lee check-called the flop for 3,000 and check-raised the turn from 7,000 to 16,000. Kamei moved all-in and Lee called for 39,500 with his bottom two pair.

Kamei tabled the nut flush draw and gutshot broadway draw, the latter of which hit on the river.

Player	Hand	Chips
DK Daito KameiJapan	A♥Q♥ D	105,000(88 BB)
BL Bonghyun LeeSouth Korea	9♣5♣ SB	busted

Board:K♥J♠9♦5♥T♠

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:08:38 PM

Three-Way Pot for Daito Kamei

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Daito Kamei

Daito Kamei opened to 2,700 and earned two callers including Bonghyun Lee and Michael Calunsod. They checked the queen-high flop and Kamei's bet of 4,500 on the turn took it down.

Player	Hand	Chips
DK Daito KameiJapan	UTG	57,700(48 BB)
BL Bonghyun LeeSouth Korea	UTG+1	46,500(39 BB)
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	D	13,500(11 BB)

Board:Q♦9♦2♦Q♣

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 1:07:58 PM

Taehyun Jang Forces Out Lemmor Patulot

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Taehyun Jang

Taehyun Jang in an early position, Lemmor Patulot in the small blind and the big blind are on a king-high flop. With 9,800 in the pot, Jang bet 6,000 when checked to and Patulot was the only caller. Patulot then checked the turn and folded when Jang upped the sizing to 17,000.

Player	Hand	Chips
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	MP	105,600(88 BB)
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	SB	52,400(44 BB)

Board:K♥9♠2♠4♦

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 31/61

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:57:14 PM

Taehyun Jang vs Guicai Ye

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Guicai Ye limped, as did the button, and Taehyun Jang then raised to 6,000. Only Ye called and they checked the flop. On the turn, Jang check-called for 7,000 and did so again for 10,000 on the river to get shown a missed straight draw, which he had beat with the ace-king high.

Player	Hand	Chips
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	A♠K♣ SB	86,300(72 BB)
GY Guicai YeChina	K♦Q♠ UTG+1	20,600(17 BB)

Board:J♠7♠5♦T♠T♥

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:52:05 PM

Hongyun Kang Doubles Through Rey Roca

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Hogyun Kang

Rey Roca made it 2,500 to go and then called the shove by Hogyun Kang for 17,600. The classic flip went to the Korean after a nine-high runout.

Player	Hand	Chips
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	J♠J♦ D	38,200(32 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	A♣K♥ HJ	109,200(91 BB)

Board:8♣6♥5♥6♠9♣

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:48:49 PM

Tan Wee Jie Doubles Through Sergei Korzhenko

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Tan Wee Jie

After their previous big clash that vaulted Sergei Korzhenko into the top spot, he then doubled Tan Wee Jie. In a 2,500-raised pot to the flop, they get it in with Jie at risk for 23,800. Jie's superior flush draw is already ahead and the turn seals the double.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	K♠2♠ HJ	54,400(45 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	J♠8♠ BB	202,000(168 BB)

Board:6♠5♥3♠7♠Q♠

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 29/57

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:36:43 PM

Michael Calunsod Eliminated by Brenton Buttigieg

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Michael Calunsod

Michael Calunsod opened to 2,500 and was called by the button and big blind. On the flop, it checked to him and he jammed for 14,900. Brenton Buttigieg called on the button and needed to improve versus top pair, which he did right away with broadway on the turn.

Player	Hand	Chips
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	Q♥5♥ CO	busted
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	A♦K♦ D	76,700(77 BB)

Board:Q♦J♥2♣T♦9♣

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:32:16 PM

Hochung Song Takes From Michihiko Matsuda

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Hochung Song

Michihiko Matsuda made it 2,000 to go first to act and was called only by Hochung Song in the big blind. Song check-called the A♠ T♦ 9♠ flop for 2,000 and the 8♣ turn was checked. Song led the 5♦ river for 5,500 and Matsuda called, but couldn't beat the second nuts.

Player	Hand	Chips
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	J♦7♥ BB	45,700(46 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	UTG	62,300(62 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:27:04 PM

Jose Cheung Takes From Michihiko Matsuda

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Jose Cheung

Michihiko Matsuda opened to 2,000 and Jose Cheung defended out of the small blind. Both checked the flop before Cheung bet the turn for 3,000 and the river for 3,500. Matsuda called but couldn't beat the flopped top pair.

Player	Hand	Chips
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	J♥9♠ SB	63,500(64 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	D	71,300(71 BB)

Board:J♦8♠3♣4♠5♠

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:23:42 PM

Michael Bueza Doubles Through Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Michael Bueza

Michael Bueza raised to 2,500 and instantly called all-in for 14,800 when Ho-Tai Tsai three-bet large for 75,000 in middle position once everyone else had folded.

Queens beat jacks for Bueza to double and dent the larger stack of Tsai

Player	Hand	Chips
MB Michael BuezaPhilippines	Q♣Q♠ UTG	32,100(32 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	J♥J♣ MP	72,000(72 BB)

Board:7♥6♠5♣5♠6♦

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:17:12 PM

Sunhwi An vs Hogyun Kang

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Sunhwi An

Hogyun Kang raised to 2,500 for fellow Korean player Sunhwi An to defend the big blind. On the T♠ 2♠ 2♣ flop, An check-raised from 1,200 to 6,000 and that did the trick to force out Kang.

Player	Hand	Chips
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	BB	22,000(22 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	HJ	26,500(27 BB)

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 33/555

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:06:55 PM

Yashiro Naoki Back in Action

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Yashiro Naoki

Anju Abrol raised to 2,000 and was called by John Costiniano on the button. Yashiro Naoki popped it up to 6,500 in the small blind and shut down both opponents.

Player	Hand	Chips
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	SB	46,500(47 BB)
AA Anju AbrolIndia	UTG+1	51,000(51 BB)
JC John CostinianoPhilippines	D	37,000(37 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 12:02:39 PM

Peter Chung vs Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Peter Chung

Peter Chung opened to 2,500 and Ho-Tai Tsai called in the big blind. They checked to the river on which Tsai bet 2,000, Chung called and won with ace-king high.

Player	Hand	Chips
PC Peter Chung (2)United States of America	A♦K♣ CO	39,700(40 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	K♦7♦ BB	121,000(121 BB)

Board:9♠5♣2♠J♦9♦

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:57:28 AM

One Chip and a Chair for Badrudin Ampatuan

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Badrudin Ampatuan

Sergei Korzhenko raised to 2,200 for Tan Wee Jie in the cutoff and Badrudin Ampatuan in the big blind to call. They all checked the eight-high flop to the king on the turn. Korzhenko's bet of 12,000 was called by Jie, Ampatuan then jammed for 53,500 and Korzhenko called for 100 chips fewer. The two pair of Ampatuan could not improve and he was left with a chip and a chair.

Player	Hand	Chips
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	5♠5♣ UTG+1	114,500(115 BB)
TW Tan Wee JieChina	CO	106,000(106 BB)
BA Badrudin AmpatuanPhilippines	K♣6♣ BB	100(0 BB)

Board:8♦6♥5♦K♥9♦

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:54:15 AM

Jansen Tiu Eliminated by Michihiko Matsuda

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Jansen Tiu

Michihiko Matsuda opened to 2,200 and received three callers behind including Jansen Tiu in the small blind. On the eight-high flop, the cutopff bet 2,000 and Tiu as well as Matsuda came along to the turn. Tiu now bet 5,000, only Matsuda called.

Tiu jammed the river for 13,300 and was snapped off by Matsuda with fives full of treys.

Player	Hand	Chips
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	8♥7♥ SB	busted
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	5♣5♦ UTG	61,500(62 BB)

Board:8♣5♥3♣3♦T♣

all-in

busted

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 40/54

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:47:35 AM

Anju Abrol Gets a Shove Through

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Wooben Lee raised to 2,000 and Anju Abrol called in the small blind. Tan Wee Jie three-bet to 6,000 for both opponents to call. On the K♠ 7♥ 4♠ flop, Abrol simply moved all-in and forced two folds.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	BB	128,100(160 BB)
WL Wooben LeeSouth Korea	UTG	33,200(42 BB)
AA Anju AbrolIndia	SB	63,000(79 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:41:26 AM

Masaaki Hibino Runs Into Aces

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Masaaki Hibino

The hijack raised to 1,600 and the cutoff called. Ho-Tai Tsai on the button three-bet to 5,600 and was then the only caller when Masaaki Hibino jammed for 21,900 in the small blind.

Hibino's ace-king were drawing dead versus aces on the turn.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	A♠A♣ D	98,000(123 BB)
MH Masaaki HibinoJapan	A♥K♦ SB	busted

Board:J♦6♥2♥9♦K♠

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:36:31 AM

Prolan Fandialan Flushed Away By Lemmor Patulot

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Lemmor Patulot

Lemmor Patulot raised to 3,000 when limped to by two opponents and Prolan Fandialan was the only caller. They checked the flop and Fandialan bet the turn for 8,000, which Patulot called. Fandialan jammed the river for 15,000 and Patulot called with the flush to beat the flopped trips of Fandialan.

Player	Hand	Chips
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	A♦Q♣ CO	54,000(68 BB)
PF Prolan FandialanPhilippines	T♦7♠ MP	busted

Board:A♣T♥T♣3♣2♣

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:30:28 AM

Naohiro Arita Eliminated by Paul Coles

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Paul Coles

A short-stacked Naohiro Arita jammed for 11,400 and was called by Paul Coles in the big blind. The ace-rag fell behind on the flop and never improved anymore for Coles to score the knockout.

Player	Hand	Chips
NA Naohiro AritaJapan	A♥4♦ D	busted
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	Q♥T♥ BB	47,000(59 BB)

Board:T♠6♣K♥2♣6♥

all-in

busted

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 41/50

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:26:16 AM

Tan Wee Jie Flops Set

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Tan Wee Jie made it 3,200 to go and was called only by Sergei Korzhenko in the big blind. Korzhenko check-called the flop for 3,800 and the turn for 8,000. They checked the river and Jie showed his set of sevens to win the pot.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	7♣7♦ MP	141,200(177 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	BB	52,600(66 BB)

Board:K♣T♥7♠4♥2♥

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:20:14 AM

Assorted Counts in the Field

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Tan Wee Jie

Player	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	125,000(156 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	92,000(115 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	83,000(104 BB)
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	68,000(85 BB)
JC John CostinianoPhilippines	45,600(57 BB)
TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	43,200(54 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	41,200(52 BB)
JD John Daenzel DavidPhilippines	40,300(50 BB)
BA Badrudin AmpatuanPhilippines	39,600(50 BB)
GY Guicai YeChina	37,000(46 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:14:05 AM

First Break of the Day

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Out of a field of 48 entries thus far, some 39 players remain and they have been sent on their first scheduled break of the opening flight. The late registration is open for another five levels and following break.

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:10:55 AM

Badrudin Ampatuan Jams Into Wooben Lee

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Badrudin Ampatuan

Wooben Lee opened to 1,500 and Badrudin Ampatuan called from the big blind. They checked the K♦ J♠ 9♣ flop and Ampatuan led the 9♦ turn for 5,000, his opponent called. Ampatuan jammed the 2♠ river for 18,500 and forced a fold.

Player	Hand	Chips
BA Badrudin AmpatuanPhilippines	BB	39,600(66 BB)
WL Wooben LeeSouth Korea	D	38,600(64 BB)

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:07:52 AM

Junghyun An Eliminated by John Jay Magadan

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Junghyun An

Junghyun An raised to 1,500 and John Jay Magadan called in the cutoff. On the five-high flop with two clubs, Magadan check-raised from 3,900 to 8,500 and called the shove by An for 28,800. Magadan's seven-five suited was ahead versus the superior flush draw and two blanks later, An was out.

Player	Hand	Chips
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	7♣5♣ CO	85,600(143 BB)
JA Junghyun AnSouth Korea	Q♣J♣ UTG	busted

Board:5♦4♣3♣K♠A♦

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 11:00:38 AM

Xiang Rong vs John Costiniano

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Xiang Rong

With 16,500 in the middle to the A♣ A♦ K♦ 4♥ turn, Xiang Rong check-called for 2,600 and they checked the 2♣ on the river. Rong showed ace-nine for flopped trips to win the pot.

Player	Hand	Chips
XR Xiang RongChina	A♥9♠ BB	43,700(73 BB)
JC John CostinianoPhilippines	HJ	21,000(35 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:57:12 AM

Double Knockout for Sergei Korzhenko

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Sergei Korzhenko

Junghyun An limped in, Lenart Ecarma raised the button to 2,000 and Sergei Korzhenko called on the big blind with An following suit. On the queen-high flop, the action checked to Ecarma and he bet 5,000. Korzhenko called, An check-raised all-in for 28,000. Ecarma called all-in for 11,500 and Korzhenko looked up both to reveal trips fours.

Turn and river were bricks for Korzhenko to score a double knockout.

Player	Hand	Chips
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	T♣4♣ BB	93,000(155 BB)
JA Junghyun AnSouth Korea	Q♦8♥ MP	busted
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	A♠A♦ D	busted

Board:Q♣4♠4♦5♣7♦

all-in

busted

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 32/40

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:51:33 AM

John Costiniano Wins Without Showdown vs Junghyun An

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

John Costiniano

Junghyun An limp-called a raise to 1,800 by John Costiniano and then check-called the 9♣ 6♥ 3♦ flop for 1,700. On the Q♣ turn, An check-called for 5,500 and they checked the 6♦ on the river. An was first to show but mucked, forfeiting the pot to Costiniano.

Player	Hand	Chips
JC John CostinianoPhilippines	D	32,500(54 BB)
JA Junghyun AnSouth Korea	HJ	31,000(52 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:44:11 AM

Tan Wee Jie Knocks Out Seonghun Jeong

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Tan Wee Jie

Seonghun Jeong raised to receive two callers in the hijack and on the button. Tan Wee Jie three-bet to 3,500 in the big blind, then called Jeong's four-bet to 8,500. Jie's bet of 3,500 on the flop was called and they checked the turn. On the river, Jie check-called the shove of Jeong for 12,700 with ace-queen for top pair and top kicker, catching Jeong on a move with ace-king high.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	A♣Q♣ BB	152,000(304 BB)
SJ Seonghun JeongSouth Korea	A♠K♣ UTG	busted

Board:Q♠6♥3♠7♥5♠

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:39:17 AM

Bonghyun Lee vs Naohiro Arita

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Naohiro Arita

With 2,500 in the middle to the A♣ K♥ 3♥ flop, both Naohiro Arita and Bonghyun Lee checked to the A♦ on the turn. Arita check-called for 1,500 and did so again for 7,000 on the 4♦ river. Lee showed his suited ace for trips to leave Arita on fumes.

Player	Hand	Chips
BL Bonghyun LeeSouth Korea	A♥6♥ BB	36,100(72 BB)
NA Naohiro AritaJapan	SB	3,700(7 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:33:07 AM

Yashiro Naoki Eliminated by Tan Wee Jie

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Yashiro Naoki

Three ways to the eight-high flop, the hijack folded when Yashiro Naoki in the big blind bet 6,000 into 15,200. Tan Wee Jie in the cutoff raised to 20,000 and Naoki called. Jie jammed the turn for 28,200 and Naoki check-called for 26,000 to find his kings in prime shape.

However, the dreadful eight on the river sent Naoki to the rail with a bad beat story to tell.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	Q♠8♠ CO	115,400(231 BB)
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	K♦K♥ BB	busted

Board:8♥7♦2♥7♥8♣

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:27:13 AM

John Daenzel David Catches Prolan Fandialan Bluffing

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

John Daenzel David

Four ways to the flop with 1,200 invested each, John Daenzel David bet 1,800 in the hijack. Only Prolan Fandialan called on the button. After the turn, David bet another 2,800 and Fandialan called.

David then check-called the river for 5,500 and won the pot with top pair, as Fandialan had missed a straight draw.

Player	Hand	Chips
JD John Daenzel DavidPhilippines	J♣8♣ HJ	44,400(89 BB)
PF Prolan FandialanPhilippines	9♥7♥ D	40,000(80 BB)

Board:J♦6♠5♠4♣2♠

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 27/31

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:22:56 AM

Tan Wee Jie Wins Three-Way Pot

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Tan Wee Jie

Sergei Korzhenko opened to 1,000 in the cutoff and was called by both players in the blinds including Junghyun An and Tan Wee Jie. The 7♠ 5♥ 2♥ flop was checked to Jie, who bet 1,300 and called twice. They checked the 3♦ turn and An also checked the 3♠ on the river. Jie bet 3,000, forcing two folds.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	BB	busted
SK Sergei KorzhenkoRussia	CO	busted
JA Junghyun AnSouth Korea	SB	busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:15:57 AM

Another Knockout for Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Ho-Tai Tsai

John Daenzel David four-bet jammed for 18,800 from under the gun and cutoff three-bettor Ho-Tai Tsai, who had made it 4,400 to go, was the only caller as the small blind got out of the way. The hot streak early on for Tsai continued, as his kings held versus ace-jack to knock out another opponent.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	K♥K♣ CO	93,700(234 BB)
JD John Daenzel DavidPhilippines	A♣J♦ UTG	busted

Board:Q♦T♥9♦9♠9♥

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:12:21 AM

Hiroyuki Matzusaki Flipped Out by Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Hiroyuki Matzusaki

The action started with a raise by Hiroyuki Matzusaki and Ho-Tai Tsai three-bet to 3,700 on the button. The big blind called, Matzusaki then jammed for 18,500. Tsai called, the big blind folded. In the classic flip, the ace-king of Tsai got there to beat Matzusaki's tens.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	A♦K♠ D	69,700(174 BB)
HM Hiroyuki MatzusakiJapan	T♣T♥ UTG	busted

Board:A♣7♥5♥6♦Q♦

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 10:04:04 AM

Prolan Fandialan vs Alexis Lim

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Prolan Fandialan

With 8,500 in the middle in a battle of the blinds to the 9♠ 5♥ 3♦ flop, Alexis Lim led for 3,800 and Prolan Fandialan called. The 4♥ followed on the turn and Lim bet another 5,800. Fandialan jammed and forced out Lim.

Player	Hand	Chips
PF Prolan FandialanPhilippines	BB	47,300(118 BB)
AL Alexis LimPhilippines	SB	23,500(59 BB)

all-in

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 25/27

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:57:26 AM

Jongmin Kim Eliminated by Yashiro Naoki

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Yashiro Naoki

The player under the gun raised to 700 and Yashiro Naoki three-bet to 2,500 thereafter. Jongmin Kim on the button four-bet to 6,500 for the initial raiser to fold. Naoki jammed and Kim called all-in. Aces held versus queens and Kim's second bullet ended quickly, too.

Player	Hand	Chips
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	A♦A♥	50,400(168 BB)
JK Jongmin KimCanada	Q♥Q♦	busted

Board:T♣5♠4♠6♦6♥

all-in

busted

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:52:03 AM

Guicai Ye vs Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Ho-Tai Tsai

With around 6,200 in the middle to the A♠ T♦ 8♠ T♣ turn, Ho-Tai Tsai bet 5,000 and Guicai Ye check-called. They checked the Q♠ on the river and Ye showed his ten-nine suited for turned trips to win the pot.

Player	Hand	Chips
GY Guicai YeChina	HJ	52,000(173 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	D	21,400(71 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:48:36 AM

Sunhwi An Doubles Through Rey Roca

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Sunhwi An

In one of the most classic setup hands in tournament poker, Rey Roca opened and then four-bet jammed into South Korea's Sunhwi An, who snap-called for 22,400. The aces of An held versus kings to send Roca back to the drawing board.

Player	Hand	Chips
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	K♣K♠ UTG	12,300(41 BB)
SA Sunhwi AnSouth Korea	A♣A♦ BB	45,200(151 BB)

Board:9♦7♦3♠Q♠9♠

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:47:24 AM

John Costiniano Forces Out Jongmin Kim

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

John Costiniano

Following an open raise to 700, Jongmin Kim in the hijack called after he had recently re-entered. John Costiniano three-bet top 3,000 on the button and Kim was the only caller. The flop came 8♦ 3♣ 2♣ and Costiniano's bet of 3,500 won the pot right there.

Player	Hand	Chips
JC John CostinianoPhilippines	D	38,200(127 BB)
JK Jongmin KimCanada	HJ	26,700(89 BB)

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 16/17

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:35:44 AM

Rey Roca vs Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Rey Roca

On a flop of T♠ 6♥ 2♣ Rey Roca in the big blind check-called for 800 when Ho-Tai Tsai on the button bet. The same action repeated on the J♠ turn for 1,800 and Roca then bet the 7♦ river for 4,500, Tsai folded.

Player	Hand	Chips
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	BB	39,800(133 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	D	28,500(95 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:31:58 AM

Bonghyun Lee Beats Xiang Rong in Showdown

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Bonghyun Lee

The action started with a cutoff raise to 500 by Bonghyun Lee and he earned two callers including Xiang Rong in the small blind as well as the big blind. On the K♥ Q♠ 8♦ flop, it was checked to Lee and his bet of 700 was called two ways. They checked the 8♠ turn and the 5♥ followed on the river.

Only Rong check-called Lee's bet of 1,900 and mucked to the eight-seven for trips.

Player	Hand	Chips
BL Bonghyun LeeSouth Korea	8♣7♠ CO	39,300(197 BB)
XR Xiang RongChina	SB	27,200(136 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:22:02 AM

Jongmin Kim Eliminated by Tan Wee Jie

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Jongmin Kim

Tan Wee Jie raised to 600 from under the gun, Jongmin Kim three-bet the button to 1,900 and then called Jie's four-bet to 5,600. They checked the flop and Jie bet the turn for 12,000, Kim called. Jie jammed the river with his top set and Kim called it off to become the first casualty of Day 1a.

Player	Hand	Chips
TW Tan Wee JieChina	A♠A♥ UTG	busted
JK Jongmin KimCanada	A♣J♣ D	busted

Board:A♦T♠8♥3♣2♥

busted

all-in

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:16:47 AM

Guicai Ye vs Ho-Tai Tsai

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Guicai Ye

Guicai Ye opened to 600 from under the gun and Ho-Tai Tsai called on the button, the small blind three-bet to 1,600 and both called. On the A♠ T♥ 6♠ flop, it checked to Ye and he made it 1,500 to go. Only Tsai called to see the Q♦ on the turn, Ye bet 5,500 and forced a fold.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	D	27,500(138 BB)
GY Guicai YeChina	UTG	36,200(181 BB)

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 9:15:45 AM

Bonghyun Lee Takes From Xiang Rong

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Bonghyun Lee

Bonghyun Lee limped the button, Xiang Rong in the small blind called and the big blind checked. On the T♠ 8♠ 8♥ flop, Rong bet 400 and Lee was the only caller. They checked the 2♥ turn and Rong bet the 8♣ river for 1,200. Lee called and won the pot with his eights full of tens, as Rong bluffed.

Player	Hand	Chips
BL Bonghyun LeeSouth Korea	T♦6♦ D	32,400(162 BB)
XR Xiang RongChina	7♦4♦ SB	28,200(141 BB)

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

25 minutes

Remaining Players: 9/9

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 8:35:50 AM

Shuffle Up and Deal

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

With a minor delay, the cards for Day 1a of the Kickoff Event are now officially underway. So far, the tournament screens show a total of nine players.

Christian ZetzscheChristian Zetzsche

1/20/2025, 4:12:47 AM

Welcome to Day 1a of the Manila Megastack 21 Kick-Off Event

The first major live event for the Pinoy Poker community commences today with the Manila Megastack 21 at the stunning PokerStars LIVE room inside of Okada Manila. There are a total of 36 tournaments throughout eight days from January 20-27, headlined by the PHP45,000 Main Event with a PHP 20 million guaranteed prize pool.

With a buy-in of PHP16,500, the Kick-Off Event will be determining a champion in the opening three days of the series. The tournament comes with a PHP 3 Million guarantee and offers a total of three starting days on January 20 and 21. Day 1a is set to get underway later today at 5 p.m. local time with a level duration of 25 minutes each.

The second of three flights is scheduled tomorrow January 21 as of 1 p.m. local time with the same 25-minute levels, followed by the 1c heat with a reduce duration of 20 minutes per level later in the evening at 6 p.m. local time.

All players start with 30,000 in chips at 100-200 and a big blind ante of 200, the late registration for Day 1a is available until approximately 9.30 p.m. local time. On top of the cash prizes, the participants are also competing for a 2025 APPT Manila Main Event Package worth PHP125,000 for the eventual champion, which is taken from the prize pool.

During the Manila Megastack 20 series in December 2024, the Kick-Off trophy went abroad despite five local players reaching the final table. Out of a field of 202 players and 135 entries, it was Japan's Keijiro Shimojo who claimed the biggest slice of the PHP 4,746,433 prize pool, banking a payday of PHP874,443 for his efforts. Shimojo defeated Nichols Manolo in heads-up while Christopher “Big Time” Mateo finished in fourth place.

Stay tuned for all of the action from today as the SMP live reporting team will be on the floor from start to finish. Besides the Kick-Off Event, we will also cover the PHP 45,000 Main Event from January 23 to 27 as well.