The PokerStars.net Asia Pacific Poker Tour Macau: Asian Poker Open attracted 352 players to the Grand Waldo Hotel and Casino yesterday and made history as the first real-money international poker tournament to take place on Chinese soil.
Among those playing for their share of the $810,000 prize pool at the five-day event were former world champion Joe Hachem, multiple World Series of Poker bracelet winner Scotty Nguyen, and this year's WSOP main event runner-up Tuan Lam.
Hachem, who made the journey from his native Australia, said, "It is a great thrill for me to be part of such a historic event in poker's history. Everyone playing today is focused on becoming China's first poker champion."
Jeffrey Haas, president of the PokerStars.net APPT, explained that the trip was more than just a poker tournament for those involved.
"We aim to ensure players, their friends, and families enjoy the local sights and experiences of this culturally diverse island," he said. "To this end, we are working closely with Macau's tourism board to provide all our visitors with some amazing opportunities to enjoy this historic destination."
