The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
CEBU—Filipino John Tech got the better of Russian Alexey Gatsko in their classic heads up duel Wednesday to win the APT Asian Poker Series Cebu 2015 Main Event at the All In Poker Sports Club inside the Waterfront Hotel and Casino here.
Saying he was determined to win the big one after finishing second runner up in last year’s APT-RWM Poker finale at Resorts World Manila, Tech indulged Gatsko in a raise and re-raise affair in what turned out to be the final hand of the tournament and was rewarded with a straight hand on the flop to win the title worth P2.3 million.
“I made the final table of the APT event last year. So I really wanted to lock up this one when I became the chip leader in this final table,” said Tech.
Gatsko, who played tight at the start of the final table, settled for the P1.3 million runner-up prize.
In their final hand, Tech had an A♦ Q♦ while Gatsko had 8♣ 8♥. Right on the flop, Tech grabbed the lead when he flopped K♦ J♣ 10♦ to the delight of his Filipino supporters. The turn and river was insignificant and Tech marched straight to the APT title.
“When I four-bet him, I already decided that if he’s going to push, I am going all-in as well,” said Tech.
Tech had a simple message, especially to the Filipino players, who wants to find similar success in poker.
“If you really want to be successful in poker, you must study it first before playing. Also, persevere and have patience!”
Meanwhile, Tech will have a chance to aim for back-to-back Cebu titles with the Asian Poker Tour coming back to the Queen City of the South for the APT event to be held from August 11 to 19.