Alvan Zheng Wins 2016 Macau Millions, the Largest Event in Macau Poker History
The 2016 Macau Millions Main Event at PokerStars LIVE Macau poker room set a new Macau record for largest field with 2,343 entries, which shattered the previous record of 1,804 entrants from 2014. In addition, Day 1c's field of 1,079 runners set a Macau-record in itself, breaking the previous single-day high which was set just the previous day when Day 1b drew 729 players.
"I'm over the moon with the result and it's safe to say that poker in Macau is still thriving." said APPT President Danny McDonagh. "We increased the buy-in from HK$2,200 to HK$3,000 and decreased from six Day 1s to three so it was certainly a challenge to get here. But the structure adjustments that were implemented have clearly worked as intended and it's a terrific accomplishment to break the record in half the amount of days."
The Main Event obliterated its HK$3 million guarantee with the prize pool weighing in at more than HK$6.1 million, and when all was said and done it was 27-year-old Chinese player Alvan Zheng who walked away with the title and HK$911,000 ($117,390 USD) first-place prize.
The win also saw Zheng, who has cashed at the APPT, World Series of Poker and Aussie Millions, move from 22nd on China's all-time money list to 13th with $582,022 in lifetime earnings. He also has the distinction of winning the largest tournament ever held in Macau.
"Finally!" Zheng cried after the final card had fallen. "I'm excited and overwhelmed."
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alvan Zheng | China | HK$911,000 |
| 2 | Quan Zhou | China | HK$700,000 |
| 3 | Guancheng Wu | China | HK$530,000 |
| 4 | Howard Ka Ho Sun | Hong Kong | HK$383,000 |
| 5 | Chun Liang Pan | Chinese Taipei | HK$272,000 |
| 6 | Tatiana Barausova | Russia | HK$185,000 |
| 7 | Jason Lo | Hong Kong | HK$132,000 |
| 8 | Tony Cheng | Hong Kong | HK$100,817 |
| 9 | Boon Heng Siong | Singapore | HK$75,000 |
Zheng began the final table as chip leader, trailed closely by fellow countryman and 2014 APPT Seoul High Roller champ Quan Zhou. Fittingly, the title came down to the two of them, though with Zheng holding a 3-to-1-chip advantage.
In what would be the final hand of the tournament, Zhou limped the button and Zheng checked his option to see a 2♠5♠10♣ flop. A series of back-and-forth raises resulted in the chips getting in, and it was easy to see why once the cards were tabled.
Zhou: 10♦2♦
Zheng: 10♥5♥
Both players had flopped two pair, but Zheng's top two were well out in front of Zhou's top and bottom pairs. Neither the 8♠ turn nor 3♦ river helped Zhou, and he hand to settle for runner-up and a HK$700,000 consolation prize.
The next big event at PokerStars LIVE Macau is the Macau Poker Cup 24 from February 19 to March 6 featuring the legendary Red Dragon main event which comes with an HK$8 million prize pool guarantee.
*Photo by Kenneth Lim Photography courtesy of PokerStars LIVE Macau
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