Jingyi Zhu Takes Down the First Event at the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau Festival

Jingyi Zhu, who hails from Brisbane, Australia, took down Event #1 at the 2009 Asian Poker Tour Macau: the HK $2,500 Welcome Event.  The 45-year-old Crown Altira pit manager, who has been living in Macau for the past three years, enjoys playing poker socially and is an avid fan of the game.

Zhu, who did not originally intend to play the opening event, changed his mind after receiving a text message from the Asian Potker Tour. It turned out to be a great decision as he took home HK $51,500 for surviving a field of 66 players.

Heads up play saw both opponents pretty much even in chips.  Pre-flop action with blinds of 3000/6000 saw our winner on the button raise the pot to $18K with J 9 diamonds. The flop came down with A Q 10 (all diamonds).  Howard Stribbell, the second place finisher, checked and Zhu bet $20K.  Howard re-raised to $20K and Zhu re-raised to $40K.  Howard tanked for a while then decided to put his tournament life on the line with J 9 hearts.  Zhu called instantly and Howard quickly found out that he was drawing dead.