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Across the world from the Kiev EPT, another major tournament is nearing its climax as the Asian Poker Tour at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau sees some thrilling main event final table action.
This year's main event saw an increase in the HK $ 34 400 buy-in entrance field for the main event to 326 players (2008: 257 registrations), prompting APT CEO Chris Parker to comment: “One year ago we projected that we would get 300 runners for the Main Event so we are delighted with the turnout, especially in the current economic climate. It vindicates our decision to transform The Asian Poker Tour Macau into a 12 day festival. 
"What is hugely encouraging is the growth of Asian players in the field, which bodes very well for the future. For example, on Day 1A just over 50 percent of the field was from Asia. We have also significantly increased the online qualifier contingent in comparison to 2008."
The final table looked like this when the action started this weekend:
Seat 1: Casey Kastle (130,000)
Seat 2: Winfred Yu (61,000)
Seat 3: David Steicke (876,000)
Seat 4: J.C. Tran (444,000)
Seat 5: Adrien Allain (482,000)
Seat 6: Michael Woo (64,000)
Seat 7: Inwook Choi (934,000)
Seat 8: Chris Chau (143,000)
Seat 9: Crister Hallbrook (132,000)
As the low man on the chip counts, it was perhaps not surprising that Kastle was the first to head railwards after only ten minutes of play, earning $16 966 for his efforts. Within minutes, he was followed by Winfred Yu, eliminated in 8th for $26 112 by chip leader Inwook Choi.
Crister Hallbrook lasted a little longer before being busted out by Internet pro Adrien Allain in the seventh spot for $39 167, to be followed quickly by sixth-placed Michael Woo, who collected $52 223 from the cashier after being taken out - again by a rampant Allain.
Chris Chau went out in fifth place following a combination of hits from Allain and Inwook Choi, taking home $65 279 for his time and trouble.
After some exciting confrontations with J.C. Tran, David Steicke finally reached the end of the road in a clash with Choi which sent him to the rail in fourth place with a cheque for $91 378, leaving a threesome of Allain, Choi and JC Tran battling for superiority as InfoPowa went to press.
