By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

TINIAN — Poker aficionados from the Northern Marianas, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea engaged in four hours of competition on Saturday to secure three seats worth $1,500 each in the soon to be held Asia Pacific Poker Championship which has a $100,000 prize pool.
A South Korean, who has been playing poker for 20 years, emerged as the top winner in the first of the three super satellites for the championship and the chance to compete in the 2007 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas in July.
The top winner on Saturday, who declined to be identified, said he prefers playing poker with people rather than with machines.
“It’s a mind game,” he said.
He said he has won major poker competitions in the past.
The Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino is hosting the Asia Pacific Poker Championship scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend from May 25-27.
About 200 poker players are expected to compete in the $100,000 prize pool.
The entry fee is $1,500 but includes accommodations at Tinian Dynasty, ground transportation, a welcome reception and $5,000 in tournament play chips.
Organizers say, although players must provide their own airfare, special rates will be available for them.
In the past weeks, poker satellite games have been held at Tinian Dynasty every Friday and Saturday night for an entry fee of $11 to allow players to gain free entry in the super satellite.
The first super satellite was held on Saturday and two more are scheduled for April 28 and May 12. The entry fee for the super satellite is $110.
Kiri Jackson, casino marketing and promotions coordinator of the Tinian Dynasty, said the satellite games allow players a chance to win seats for the championship.
For more than four hours on Saturday, 27 poker players sat at three casino tables shuffling cards, carefully watching their opponents’ facial expressions before making decisions on whether to fold or stay in the game.
Tony Jackson, tournament manager, said they are happy with the crowd turnout.
He said they are excited about the prospect of sending someone to compete in the 2007 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
The next super satellites are scheduled for April 28 and May 12.
On Guam, inquiries can be made at 671-649-2894, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by calling Kiri Jackson at 670-328-2233 ext. 2205, or by visiting the Web site www.asiapacific pokerchampionship.net.