Local player Martin Rowe was the dominant force at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour Grand Final held in Sydney. The 34-year insurance worker is a regular at Star City Casino, where the event was held, but this was his first appearance in an APPT event. After reaching the final table fourth in chips he then proceeded to knock out his opponents one by one. The heads-up battle between Rowe and Jason Gray lasted many hours, but when the end came it was conclusive. Gray moved all-in on a bluff with 9-5 and was insta-called by Rowe, who flipped A-Q.  The board brought no big surprises, and it was Rowe who collected AUD$1,000,000 for first place.

VENUE

Star City Casino
80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Tel: +61 297 779 000
Email: StarReservations@tabcorp.com.au

Casino dress code: smart casual (no shorts, sandals, sportswear, beach clothes or ripped jeans).

Minimum age: 18

The APPT Grand Final in Sydney is a six-day poker festival, being held at the Star City Casino, December 1-6.

PASSPORT INFORMATION

Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Australia. Visit the government advice page for visa options. Also consult your travel agent.

MEDIA INFORMATION

To apply for accreditation before the event, please visit the Media page.

TOURNAMENT RULES

Please note that the APPT Sydney event has a distinct set of rules which supersede the standard rules of our other tournaments.

For the full terms and conditions which apply to APPT Sydney please read this set of rules and the separate Heads Up set of rules.

The following exceptions to APPT Tournament Rules will apply in Sydney:

1. Action of Turn: Two distinct differences to APPT/TDA rule.
   • a. If a players bets out of turn and the intervening player checks, then the out of turn player is forced to check. Likewise, if a player raises an initial bet out of turn and the intervening player only calls the initial bet, then the out of turn player is also forced to call.
   • b. If a player bets out of turn and the intervening player bets a higher amount, then the out of turn player has all options as usual to call, reraise or fold, however, if he chooses to fold he forfeits his initial bet to the pot.
2. Blinds go up if announced prior to cutting the cards (TDA/APPT is first riffle). This is of very little significance.
3. A race-off is determined by the value of cards and does not go to suit. Therefore, if one chip is to be awarded and two players receive an Ace, a redraw of those two cards will be undertaken.

Also note: Star City Casino policy that if a player goes all-in, his cards are exposed in all cases. For example, a player goes all in on 4th street. Two active players remain on 5th street and one turns over the winning hand. Dealer will still turn over all-in players hand even if he attempts to fold.