Congratulations Van Marcus! So Long Manila!
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In the end, it was Australian Van Marcus who overcame the field of 285 players to collect the trophy. Van rode his luck throughout the tournament, with some breaks going his way on Day 2, followed up with some major fortune on this final table. It was somewhat fitting that his victory was delivered on the wave of another straight draw that connected. While Van had some luck, it must be remembered that he has been a hugely successful online player for many years and this major poker title simply confirms his status as one of Australia's, Asia's, and the world's best all around poker players.
Van collects the trophy and $162,856 for his efforts here at the 2008 PokerStars.net APPT Manila Main Event. Congratulations to Van and Tae Jun Noh for an epic heads-up contest, and to all of our cash winners.
That wraps up our coverage from the Hyatt Hotel & Casino here in Manila, Philippines. With this victory, the poker community will be buzzing back in Australia as the newest APPT champ will be looking to go back-to-back on home soil at the PokerStars.net APPT Grand Final from Sydney, which kicks off on December 2nd. We hope you will join us there once again as Season 2 of the APPT reaches an exciting conclusion!
So long from Manila!