Malaysia's Aik Chuan Wins Back-to-Back APT Main Events

Aik Chuan has become the first player in the history of the Asian Poker Tour (APT) to win back-to-back main events. As a result of his two victories, which have boosted his career earnings by $34,550 to $239,472, the Malaysian poker player stated:
“Even if it was a small field, it feels really good to win the main event again. I’ve had some issues that kept me away from poker for a while and it feels good to be back. I put in many hours to be better that I am so comfortable playing against anyone at the table.”
The first of Aik Chuan’s triumphs took place at the $1,100 APT Southeast Asia Main Event in Cambodia on the 7th of July, where he managed to overcome a field of 50 players to take home a first place prize worth $14,790. In the tournament, Aik Chuan carried his huge Day 2 chip lead over to the final table, where he continued to dominate his opponents, including Japan’s Mitsuru Sano heads-up, to close out the win.
A couple of weeks later, Aik Chuan subsequently entered the APT Philippines held at the Winford Hotel and Casino in Manila, eventually taking down the event on the 27th to claim a first place prize of $19,760, and complete his record-breaking feat. At the final table, Aik Chuan eliminated Iori Yogo in 4th, and Sang Jun Lee in 3rd to go heads-up against Macau’s Masato Nikawadori for the title.
At this stage, Chuan held a 3:1 chip advantage over his final opponent, and on the deciding hand his pocket aces overcame the pocket jacks of Nikawadori to seal the victory, and collect his second APT Championship Ring of the month.
“I took a break from poker for two years and it made me stronger, more mature, and way tougher. My mental conditioning is really good right now,” commented Chuan.
Next stop on the APT calendar is Paradise City in Korea, which will host the nine-day tournament series from August 12th to 20th.