WPT Phl kicks off at Solaire Resort

The first-ever World Poker Tour (WPT) National Philippines kicked off yesterday with a charity tourney featuring “Poker Barbie” Lacey Jones and a battle for national pride pitting Pinoy cards aces led by Wally “the Dream” Sombero against foreign rivals at Solaire Resort and Casino.

Jones, a model and poker pro, added glamor to the $150 NLHE Solaire Cares Charity RebuyAddon, a fund-raising game also participated in by local celebrities that served as one of the highlight opening activities in the 11-day event.

“It’s really important for the poker community to give back. I was in Tacloban six weeks ago with (NBA star) Shawn Marion for the groundbreaking of a housing project we’re doing there and I can see that they still need help a year after (the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda). We shouldn’t forget and there’s still a lot we can help them with,” she said during yesterday’s press conference.

“I hope we can raise a lot of money,” added the beauteous Jones, who was joined in the table by young poker millionaire Daniel “Jungleman” Cates.

Sombero, regarded as the godfather of Asian poker, skippers the contingent tasked with carrying the home country’s flag in the inaugural Nations Challenge presented by Solar Sports, a unique team event pitting country versus country with a Stanley Cup-like trophy at stake.

Joining him are former billiards pro turned poker phenom Mike Takayama, renowned international campaigner Gerardo “Jay” Lubas, Mark Benasa, the most successful Filipino in online poker, 2012 Philippine Poker Tour (PPT) Player of the Year Martin Corpus, APT Head-Hunter titlist Jay Tolon, APT Cebu Heads-Up king Stephen Gaw and brothers Czardy, Marc and Euryd Rivera.

“All are very good players, a good mix,” said Sombero of his team.

Award-winning actor Philip Salvador completed the roster.