Tournament coverage Poker

APT China postponed

Written by Ben Blaschke

The eagerly anticipated APT China event, originally scheduled to take place in Guangzhou from 18 to 25 June, has been postponed to the end of the year.

Despite working hard to gain full government approval, Asian Poker Tour organizers were informed this week that it was unlikely the Provincial Government approval they require would be processed within the next three weeks, leaving little time to finalize details.

APT Chief Executive Jeff Mann said he was disappointed by the outcome.

“Our local partners – by far the most successful poker room in Guangzhou – have worked diligently over the last eight months to put everything in place including event venue, hotel, and everything required to stage a 500 plus player entry event; and most importantly, securing local Government and police department approval,” Mann explained. “However, to ensure the success and longevity of the event in China, APT also required Provincial Government approval, which was set to be received this week. Yesterday APT was notified that written approval was unlikely to be processed within the next three weeks, which clearly does not leave enough time to stage the event to APT standards or give our players sufficient notice.”

With much of the preparation already complete, the APT is now looking to reschedule the event for later in the year – most likely after APT Manila in September.