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Tom Alner is our champion! (HK$2,509,000)
Tom Alner just became the second-ever two-time Red Dragon champion after overcoming this record 1,145-player field.
He takes home HK$2,509,000 (including a HK$100,000 2016 ACOP Main Event seat) and the celebrated Red Dragon trophy.
Congratulations to Tom! We'll have a whole wrap of today's proceedings soon here at the PokerStars Blog!
3:20am: Wenxiang Chen eliminated in 2nd place (HK$1,487,000)Level 33: Blinds - 150,000/300,000 (50,000)
After a tense 3 hour heads up battle Wenxiang Chen has fallen one in need of lifting the Red Dragon trophy.
Chen tried to put a trap for Alner but it surely backfired when the Englishman flopped a straight.
Chen limped in at the button and after Alner checked, the flop fell 3♣6♣5♠. Alner checked his option before Chen fired for 300,000. Alner popped it as much as 1.5 million but Chen desired to play for more, raising again as much as 4 million.
Alner paused momentarily before moving all in with enough to hide Chen's 2.85 million behind. Chen looked defeated but ended up calling it off to peer he was drawing very thing to stick alive.
Chen: K♣K♦Alner: 7♠4♠
Chen had the overpair but needed running cards to circumvent elimination. He couldn't do it because the Q♠ turn and 6♥ river signaled the tip of the tournament.
3am: Alner reclaims the leadLevel 33: Blinds - 150,000/300,000 (50,000)
With a flurry of small pots Tom Alner has managed to reclaim the chip lead.
While not one of the pots was of substantial size the sheer collection of them Alner has taken down recently means he has pushed his stack as much as 9.2 million.
Subsequently Wenxiang Chen now has only 7.9 million to play with.
2:40am: Play resumesLevel 33: Blinds - 150,000/300,000 (50,000)
Wenxiang Chen and Tom Alner are back of their seats and playing for the Red Dragon title. Here's how they stack up,
Wenxiang Chen - 9.39 millionTom Alner - 7.79 million
2:25am: Scheduled break
Play have been halted for a brief break. Play will resume in 10 minutes.
2:05am: Alner seizes the leadLevel 32: Blinds - 120,000/240,000 (40,000)
Both Tom Alner and Wenxiang Chen was jostling for the highest spot on this contentious battle but now Alner has emerged because the frontrunner after the hand just gone.
Alner raised to 500,000 at the button and when Chen called they saw a flop of 8♥J♦Q♠. The action went check check and the dealer turned the 7♥.
Chen led at it for 350,000 and Alner called before the 5♥ landed at the river. After another 550,000 from Chen, Alner popped it as much as a good 2 million to go.
Chen tossed it within the muck and Alner stacked up 8.8 million.
1:50am: The battle rages onLevel 32: Blinds - 120,000/240,000 (40,000)
Things are neck and neck now and it sees Wenxiang Chen has adopted a brand new strategy. Despite having over 35 big blinds Chen has begun to transport all in during the last few opens from Alner.
It appears to be working with Alner apparently unwilling to gamble for that much, no less than with the hands he was opening with.
Chen still maintains the chip lead with roughly 9.4 million to Alner's 7.7 million.
Wenxiang Chen
1:30am: Alner turning it aroundLevel 32: Blinds - 120,000/240,000 (40,000)
Tom Alner was struggling not way back but it surely seems like momentum is shifting here after he picked up a couple of smaller pots and just took down a large one.
On a monochrome 4♦8♦9♦ flop Wenxiang Chen led at it for 250,000 from the small blind and Alner called to take them to the 8♠ turn.
Chen fired again, this time for 550,000, and again Alner called. The 3♣ river prompted a 3rd barrel from Chen for 750,000. Alner counted out a choice and slid it into the center before Chen mucked his hand.
With that Alner closes the gap, now with 7.1 million to ten million.
1:10am: Chen chops Alner downLevel 31: Blinds - 100,000/200,000 (30,000)
Tom Alner just took a large hit and now has only 3 million in chips to Wenxiang Chen's 14 million.
Alner limped the button and Chen checked his option before flop of 2♥4♥7♦.
Chen checked first to behave and Alner barreled for 350,000. After a choice from Chen the dealer turned the Q♠. Chen check-called again, this time for 550,000, and the 9♠ rolled off at the end.
This time Chen was the aggressor, reaching into his stack and firing for 850,000. Alner didn't take long to name before seeing the bad news. Chen tabled 9♥7♠ for a rivered two pair and Alner promptly mucked.
12:55am: Alner fighting backLevel 31: Blinds - 100,000/200,000 (30,000)
Tom Alner is edging out of his chip disadvantage after taking a pot of Wenxiang Chen.
Alner raised to 450,000 at the button and Chen defended his big unaware of see a flop of T♦5♥K♠. Chen checked and Alner continued for one more 450,000.
Chen called again and the A♥ arrived at the turn. After another check from Chen Alner barreled for 875,000 which was ok to scoop the pot.
12:40am: Heads up beginsLevel 31: Blinds - 100,000/200,000 (30,000)
Heads up play is now underway. Tom Alner goes for his second Red Dragon title but might want to overcome almost exactly a 2:1 chip deficit against opponent Wenxiang Chen.
Here are their exact stacks.
Wenxiang Chen - 11,455,000Tom Alner - 5,725,000
12:30am: Jack Salter eliminated in 3rd place (HK$892,000)Level 31: Blinds - 100,000/200,000 (30,000)
After a marathon four hours of three-handed play we now have finally lost Jack Salter to take us to heads up play.
After Wenxiang Chen raised to 450,000 at the button Salter moved all in for 2.435 million from the small blind. Chen got a count before calling it off to peer he was in front.
"I'm not fit am I?" Salter asked Chen before they tabled their cards.
Salter: A♦6♣Chen: 6♠6♥
Salter was right and couldn't find an ace or a chop at the 7♠8♣T♥K♠K♣ runout.
With his elimination there'll be a brief break before heads up play between Chen and Tom Alner.
12:10am: Salter survives after a chop with ChenLevel 31: Blinds - 100,000/200,000 (30,000)
Jack Salter moved all in for 1.82 million at the button and upon getting a count within the big blind, Wenxiang Chen called it off to place Salter at risk.
Salter: A♥K♣Chen: 8♣8♦
It was an even fight before the flop landed 4♣6♠5♠.
"Three! Three! We'll take a chop" Salter cried and his wish was granted when the 3♥ rolled off at the turn.
"Deuce!" Salter begged and miraculously he called running cards because the 2♠ fell at the river to position a straight on board and notice the 2 players chop it up.
11:45pm: Salter lets it goLevel 31: Blinds - 100,000/200,000 (30,000)
Wenxiang Chen limped the small blind before Jack Salter raised it to 675,000 from the large blind. Chen reached deep into his stack and came back excessive for 1.805 million.
"Will you show me this one if I DO NOT continue?" Salter asked after a minute within the tank.
Chen gave no response and Salter let loose a deep exhale before spending several more minutes within the tank. Finally he tapped the table with a nod and folded his hand.
Salter now has 2.5 million while Chen extends his lead further to 7.6 million.
11:25pm: Alner scoops a bloated potLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
The board was a double paired A♠A♣4♥4♦7♥ and after Jack Salter checked within the small blind, Tom Alner moved all in for 2.475 million.
"We should've just played small ball, man" Salter said as he considered his options.
"I'm literally sweating it" he continued, setting out his jacket.
"A baby ace for Baby Tom" Salter kept talking as Alner sat in silence.
After a pair minutes within the tank Salter gave it up and dropped backpedal to 4.3 million.
11:10pm: Salter still standing after lucky catchLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
Jack Salter just caught a lucky break to maintain his tournament alive after running into the pocket jacks of Tom Alner.
Alner brought it in for a raise to 375,000 at the button and when it folded to Salter within the big blind he pushed all in for 2.795 million. Alner called it off to position him in danger and so they tabled their hands.
Alner: J♣J♣Salter: Q♥8♥
"Hearts, hearts, hearts" Salter chanted but instead it was a queen he present in the window of the 5♥T♣Q♠.
The crowd set free a communal moan on the sight of the 3 outer as Salter took the lead. The 7♣ turn and 7♥ river presented no danger to Salter and he secured the double up through Alner.
Salter now has 5.6 million in chips while Alner drops to the table short stack on 4.1 million.
11pm: Four-bet jam from AlnerLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
Tom Alner brought it in for an additional button raise and after Wenxiang Chen called from the small blind, Jack Salter made it 1.1 million within the big blind.
Alner announced all in with enough to hide Salter's 2.6 million behind and both Chen and Salter quickly folded. With that hand Alner moves as much as 6.7 million.
10:50pm: Salter squeeze shovesLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
Tom Alner raised to 375,000 at the button and Wenxiang Chen called from the small blind. With the verdict on Jack Salter within the big blind he pushed all in for 2,765,000.
"You can fold bro" Salter said to Alner who was within the tank.
Alner did exactly that before Chen followed suit and Salter raked within the pot.
"It would've been a flip" Alner added after Salter tabled 9♥9♦.
10:40pm: Play resumesLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
Players are back of their seats and cards within the air.
9:50pm: Dinner break
Our final three players have begun a 45-minute dinner break.
Here's how they'll stack up once they recommence play.
Wenxiang Chen - 8,660,000Tom Alner - 5,380,000Jack Salter - 3,140,000
9:35pm: Alner takes from SalterLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
Tom Alner brought it in for a button raise to 375,000 and Jack Salter called from the massive unaware of see a flop of 7♥Q♥3♣.
The action was checked through and the dealer turned the K♣. Salter checked again but Alner put out a delayed continuation bet of 400,000. Salter made the decision and the 5♦ appeared at the river.
After a last check from Salter, Alner made it 900,000 to move. Salter first looked back at his cards, then at Alner, then on the tournament clock.
He took about 30 seconds before tapping the table and throwing his hand away. With that Salter drops to 3.25 million.
9:35pm: Alner takes from SalterLevel 30: Blinds - 80,000/160,000 (20,000)
Tom Alner brought it in for a button raise to 375,000 and Jack Salter called from the massive unaware of see a flop of 7♥Q♥3♣.
The action was checked through and the dealer turned the K♣. Salter checked again but Alner put out a delayed continuation bet of 400,000. Salter made the decision and the 5♦ appeared at the river.
After a last check from Salter, Alner made it 900,000 to move. Salter first looked back at his cards, then at Alner, then on the tournament clock.
He took about 30 seconds before tapping the table and throwing his hand away. With that Salter drops to 3.25 million.
9:15pm: Back and forwardLevel 29: Blinds - 60,000/120,000 (20,000)
Our three remaining players have quite deep stacks now with the typical at 47.5 big blinds. As such we are not seeing any all-ins or huge amounts of action.
In a up to date hand Wenxiang Chen did extend his commanding chip lead slightly, winning a small pot from Tom Alner.
Alner limped the small blind for 120,000 before Chen bumped it as much as 295,000 from the massive blind. Alner called and the flop landed 8♦3♦Q♠. After a check from Alner Chen fired for 315,000 and took down the pot.
8:55pm: Three-handed chip countsLevel 29: Blinds - 60,000/120,000 (20,000)
Wenxiang Chen - 7,840,000Jack Salter - 5,120,000Tom Alner - 4,220,000
8:40pm: Benjamin Hamnet eliminated in 4th place (HK$650,000)Level 29: Blinds - 60,000/120,000 (20,000)
After two hours of four-handed play we're now right down to three after Benjamin Hamnet lost a flip to Tom Alner.
It folded to Hamnet within the small blind and he moved all in for his last 1.75 million. Alner stood as much as assess the location before slamming in a decision for many of his chips.
Hamnet: 4♥4♣Alner: Q♦J♥
Alner refused to watch, walking off because the flop landed 9♦J♣5♠. He returned when he was told he'd taken the lead and watched the K♦ turn and T♦ river arrive to signal the tip for Hamnet.
Hamnet collects HK$650,000 for his efforts here this week.
8:20pm: Action slowing dramaticallyLevel 29: Blinds - 60,000/120,000 (20,000)
Play is noticeably slower since we got to four-handed play.
Not only are we seeing less aggressive action but players also are taking longer with each decision, often going into the tank despite the relatively small bet sizes.
Nothing much has changed because the last chip count update.
8:05pm: Salter applies pressureLevel 28: Blinds - 50,000/100,000 (10,000)
Jack Salter just won another pot, this time taking from Benjamin Hamnet.
Salter opened to 215,000 from the cutoff before Hamnet made it 535,000 to move at the button. Salter took his time before announcing he was all in with enough to hide Hamnet.
Hamnet flashed the A♣ and threw his hand into the muck and again Salter reassured a fellow tablemate, telling Hamnet it was a fair fold and revealing the A♣.
Jack Salter
7:45pm: Play resumes, chip count updateLevel 28: Blinds - 50,000/100,000 (10,000)
The final four are back on the table and cards are within the air. Here's how they stack up.
Wenxiang Chen - 6,900,000Jack Salter - 4,160,000Tom Alner - 3,205,000Benjamin Hamnet - 2,195,000
7:25pm: Scheduled breakLevel 28: Blinds - 50,000/100,000 (10,000)
Our final four players have stepped clear of the table for a 10-minute break.
7:15pm: Cold four-bet from SalterLevel 28: Blinds - 50,000/100,000 (10,000)
Jack Salter just scooped another pot after a preflop four-bet on this four-handed game.
Benjamin Hamnet opened the action from under the gun with a raise to 235,000 before Tom Alner played back at him from the button for 600,000.
Salter desired to play for more, however, setting up the cold four-bet to 1.25 million from the massive blind. Hamnet let it go before the verdict was back to Alner.
Alner sat within the tank studying Salter for approximately two minutes before deciding to fold.
"Pocket rocket" Salter claimed as he flashed the cards for the railbirds to see.
Salter moved as much as 4.3 million while Alner dipped to three million.
7pm: Salter ships on AlnerLevel 28: Blinds - 50,000/100,000 (10,000)
Jack Salter limped at the button before Tom Alner decided to bump it as much as 300,000 from the large blind. Salter then announced an enormous raise to a few million for many of his chips.
From Alner's expression it was clear he had a large decision on his hands.
"What do you have got? Sevens?" Salter asked him.
"Exactly" Alner replied.
"Wow, I'm the most efficient" Salter responded with a laugh.
Alner continued to think about his options before eventually tossing the hand away.
"Good fold" Salter reassured him, tabling the very best 8♣8♦.
6:40pm: Daniel Lee eliminated in 5th place (HK$440,000)Level 27: Blinds - 40,000/80,000 (10,000)
Daniel Lee is our 5th place finisher after a nasty beat from Benjamin Hamnet.
Hamnet opened to 165,000 under the gun and when the action got to Lee within the small blind he moved all in for around 850,000. After pausing momentarily Hamnet opted to name and the cards went on their backs.
Lee: 7♣7♦Hamnet: 6♠6♣
Lee had the most productive of it until the turn when the board came down 9♠Q♥T♠6♥. Needing a seven for a better set or an eight for a straight Lee couldn't catch one with the J♣ river offering no help.
He must be content with HK$440,000.
6:25pm: Alner at the up and upLevel 27: Blinds - 40,000/80,000 (10,000)
Tom Alner continues to climb after taking some chips from table frontrunner Wenxiang Chen.
Chen made an under the gun raise to 175,000 and collected Jack Salter and Alner who called from the button and large blind respectively.
On the T♥8♥2♥ flop it was checked to Chen and he continued for 200,000. Salter got out of ways but Alner stuck around to peer the J♦ turn card. The action went check check and the 4♠ arrived at the end.
Alner led at it for 550,000 and put Chen to a call. Chen shook his head while loading up a choice and finally decided to decide to it. Alner tabled J♥T♣ for a turned two pair and Chen nodded before mucking.
"I had a foul feeling bud I had an excessively strong hand" said Chen as Alner raked the pot and moved as much as 3.9 million.
Enjoying himself - Tom Alner
6:05pm: The wealthy get richerLevel 27: Blinds - 40,000/80,000 (10,000)
Wenxiang Chen has extended his chip lead after an outstanding call against Jack Salter.
Chen opened to 180,000 at the button and Salter called from the large blind. The flop fell 9♦5♦7♦ and Salter led at it for 185,000. Chen called and the dealer turned the K♠. Salter fired again, this time for 220,000, and Chen called again before the J♣ river.
Salter then reached deep and bombed it for 1,065,000, sending Chen into the tank. While Chen considered his options for a few minutes Salter smiled at Team PokerStars Pro Yaxi Zhu who stood behind him at the rail.
Chen counted out a decision and slid it into the center with just T♠T♥ which was good against Salter's 7♥6♣.
"Nice call" Salter conceded after tapping the table. He fell to under 3.5 million while Chen moved as much as over 7.2 million in chips.
Chip leader - Wenxiang Chen
5:50pm: Hamnet buildingLevel 27: Blinds - 40,000/80,000 (10,000)
Benjamin Hamnet is stacking chips after scooping a pot from Daniel Lee.
Lee button raised to 170,000 and Hamnet defended his big unaware of see a flop of Q♦8♣K♣. Hamnet check-called 135,000 before the J♥ arrived at the turn. Hamnet check-called again, this time for 245,000, and the 7♥ river completed the board.
Hamnet snap-checked at the end and Lee checked behind. Tabling K♥4♠ for high pair Hamnet's hand was best and he climbed to 2.6 million in chips.
5:35pm: Play resumes, chip count updateLevel 27: Blinds - 40,000/80,000 (10,000)
Our final five are back of their seats and able to go. Here's how they stack up.
Wenxiang Chen - 5,430,000Jack Salter - 5,095,000Tom Alner - 2,885,000Benjamin Hamnet - 2,305,000Daniel Lee - 1,465,000
5:20pm: First break
Our final five players have just commenced a 10-minute break.
5:15pm: Liang Song eliminated in 6th place (HK$321,000)Level 26: Blinds - 30,000/60,000 (5,000)
Liang Song has left us now after calling it off with a straight draw against Jack Salter.
Salter opened to 135,000 at the button and Song defended his big ignorant of see a flop of 2♠6♥8♣. The action went check check and at the 4♣ turn Song checked again. This time Salter fired for an additional 135,000 but Song decided to check-raise for 300,000.
Salter raised to a fair 1 million with enough to hide Song who called it off to position himself at risk.
Song: 9♦7♥Salter: 8♥6♦
Salter had flopped two pair against Song's open ended straight draw and held because the A♥ river bricked off. With that Song departs in 6th place.
5pm: Alner collecting chipsLevel 26: Blinds - 30,000/60,000 (5,000)
Tom Alner is at the rise after taking down a good pot in a up to date hand.
After Wenxiang Chen raised to 130,000 from under the gun, Benjamin Hamnet called at the button but Alner squeezed to 425,000 from the massive blind. He was called in two spots and the flop landed 2♣5♣T♠.
Alner continued the aggression with of venture of 400,000 and that was ok to get the job done as Chen and Hamnet both folded. With that pot Alner climbs to 3.2 million in chips.
4:45pm: Jingxuan Zhu eliminated in 7th place (HK$274,000)Level 26: Blinds - 30,000/60,000 (5,000)
We're all the way down to six players now after JingXuan Zhu has fallen by the hands of chip leader Wenxiang Chen.
When it folded around to Zhu he shoved all in from the cutoff for 960,000 before being called by Chen within the small blind. Zhu held 9♠9♦ but was behind Chen's T♣T♦.
Zhu couldn't improve when the cards fell 3♠8♥K♣8♣3♣ and he leaves us in 7th place. Meanwhile Chen builds to 5.3 million in chips.
4:35pm: Xiao Bo Zhou eliminated in 8th place (HK$237,970)Level 26: Blinds - 30,000/60,000 (5,000)
Xiao Bo Zhou was the following to go away us here after he fell into the trap of Jack Salter.
Zhou raised from under the gun to 135,000 and after Salter smooth-called from the hijack seat, Tom Alner also came along from the large blind.
The flop landed 9♣3♠Q♠ and after a check from Alner, Zhou continued for 215,000. With the action back to Salter he raised to 620,000. Alner quickly folded but Zhou gave it some thought before calling off for his tournament life.
Zhou: A♦Q♣Salter: K♥K♣
Zhou had run into Salter's overpair and had to find an ace or queen to maintain his Red Dragon hopes alive. The 9♥ turn and 8♥ river proved no help and Zhou was eliminated in 8th place.
4:15pm: Hamnet helps his stackLevel 26: Blinds - 30,000/60,000 (5,000)
The action has slowed again since Qiu's departure but we did just see another three-bet at the final table. Tom Alner opened to 130,000 from under the gun before the action folded around to Benjamin Hamnet within the small blind.
Hamnet reached into his stack and made it 330,000, a move that send Alner into the tank. Alner studied his opponent as he deliberated for around two minutes but after all he decided to relinquish his hand.
3:55pm: Shuaiyang Qiu eliminated in 9th place (HK$202,000)Level 25: Blinds - 20,000/40,000 (5,000)
In a shock finish our first final table casualty is none instead of start-of-day chip leader Shuaiyang Qiu. He lost a large pot recently to Wenxiang Chen before the latter finished him off within the cooler that just transpired.
Chen was within the cutoff and had a raising war with Qiu at the button. Ultimatley Qiu five-bet jammed and Chen snapped it off with the very best hand.
Qiu: K♠K♣Chen: A♠A♥
Qiu was chasing a king to bypass being eliminated first today but it surely wouldn't come because the board ran out Q♠8♥Q♥T♣5♣. The dealer reduce both the stacks and Qiu left his seat and shook his tablemate's hands when he realized Chen had him covered.
3:50pm: Chen chips up in first big potLevel 25: Blinds - 20,000/40,000 (5,000)
Wenxiang Chen has taken down the primary sizable pot of this final table. He took around 600,000 in chips from start-of-day chip leader Shuaiyang Qiu.
On a flop of 4♥5♦8♣ Qiu led out from the small blind for 165,000 and Chen made the decision from the button. The A♦ arrived at the turn and Qiu loaded up again, this time firing an excellent 400,000. Chen called and the 8♠ completed the board.
The action went check check and Qiu tabled 6♠5♠ before seeing he was beaten by Chen's 9♦8♦. With that pot Chen moved as much as over 2 million in chips.
3:35pm: Salter three-betsLevel 25: Blinds - 20,000/40,000 (5,000)
It's been slow going here to this point with players either still warming as much as the general table or just not picking up big hands. We did, however, just witness a three-bet from Jack Salter.
Daniel Lee opened the betting to 85,000 from early position before Salter next-to-act installed a reraise to 235,000. The action folded back around to Lee and after eyeing Salter's stack he opted to offer it up.
3:15pm: And we're off!Level 25: Blinds - 20,000/40,000 (5,000)
The final nine have all been introduced and play is now underway at the final table. As per the MPC 40-big blind average guarantee starting all final tables, the blinds was wound back to Level 25.
MPC25 Red Dragon final table begins soon
It's almost time to kick off the Red Dragon Main Event!
At 3pm local time our nine remaining players will battle it out to look who turns into the brand new Red Dragon champion and take home HK$2,509,000.
Leading the way in which is Shuiayang Qiu on 2,840,000 but only 40,000 in chips behind him is back-to-back final tablist and former Red Dragon champion Tom Alner. He'll be hunting a second title today.
Play starts shortly so you'll want to join us here for the exciting conclusion of another MPC Red Dragon Main Event! You will see that how the overall table stacks up below.
| 1 | Qiu | Shuai Yang | China | 2,840,000 | |
| 2 | Lee | Daniel Hyongin | USA | 1,780,000 | |
| 3 | Salter | Jack Zi Yang | UK | PokerStars Qualifier | 1,755,000 |
| 4 | Hamnet | Benjamin | USA | 2,225,000 | |
| 5 | Song | Liang | China | 1,220,000 | |
| 6 | Zhu | Jingxuan | China | 885,000 | |
| 7 | Alner | Tom | UK | PokerStars Player | 2,800,000 |
| 8 | Zhou | Xiao Bo | China | 2,405,000 | |
| 9 | Chen | Wenxiang | China | 1,270,000 |
PokerStars Blog reporting in Macau delivered to you by Brad Kain. Photos by Kenneth Lim Photography courtesy of PokerStars LIVE Macau.
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