Star Poker Sydney Championships running from 26 July-8 August has seen record registrations with 1,187 players taking part in the Opening Event which concluded on Sunday, 31 July 2016. With nine events over the 14 day schedule, it all concludes with the Main Event which commences Friday, 5 August and runs to Monday, 8 August. Now in its sixth year, there is a series guaranteed prize pool of $1.25 million.
Winning the Opening Event was Haoran Zhang who won $67,125 ahead of Sydney local David Goldberg who placed second with a $42,732 prize. Hannah Lee left her mark on the championships winning the Ladies Event and placing second in the 6-handed tournament for a combined cheque of $39,450.
The Star’s General Manager, Gaming Operations, Hugh Fraser congratulated winners of the Opening Event and is excited to welcome over 200 players for the Main Event this weekend.
“We continue to see interest in professional poker grow across Sydney, with registration numbers breaking records for our Opening Event and recent satellite events. The Opening Event saw great competitive spirit, with Haoran Zhang proud to take out first place. The Main Event will attract over 200 local and international players across four days of play for a guaranteed minimum prize pool of $650,000. The Main Event is shaping up to be a larger and more competitive tournament, not previously seen before in Sydney,” Mr. Fraser commented.
Mr. Fraser explained that the line up of players for the 2016 Main Event final will be announced on the morning of Monday, 8 August 2016. Fraser added that in addition to their cash prize, the champion of this year’s Main Event will also receive a $9,000 24 karat gold diamond and sapphire encrusted Sydney Championships trophy ring, custom made by Cerrone Jewellers.