Japan’s Takumi Samejima has won the first Asian Poker Tour event of 2017, taking down APT Kick-off at Resorts World Manila to claim his maiden APT Championship ring.
Samejima, a cash game player taking part in just his third live tournament, topped a field of 96 starters to claim the US$38,000 first prize.
It wasn’t easy going though, with the tournament rookie having to overcome a tough final table that included four-time APT Player of the Year Sam Razavi – who finished third – to secure victory.
“When the final table started, there were some short stacks so I decided to play a bit tighter than usual,” Samejima said. “After several of them were eliminated, I gradually added more aggression to my game.
“I changed gears after Sam busted out. I played more aggressively at the heads up round.”
The APT heads to South Korea next for APT Daegu from 22 to 30 March.
