CASINO GRAND LISBOA, MACAU, May 23, 2010 :: PokerStars qualifier
Victorino Torres just gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, “V for Victory.” The 33-year-old attorney from the Northern Mariana Islands won the 4th annual PokerStars.net APPT Macau Main Event, turning a victory in a $22 rebuy satellite on PokerStars into more than **$3.2 million HKD** (approx. $416,000 USD).
Torres entered the final table as its second-shortest chip stack and quietly worked his way up the leaderboard as other players hit the rail. Torres stole the chip lead from runner-up Chong Wing Cheong once play became four-handed and from there, he never looked back.
“My whole experience here in Macau has been exceptional to say the least,” Torres said. “PokerStars ran this tournament beyond belief. To every player, if you have the opportunity, come out here and play.”
A trial lawyer by trade, a jubilant Torres said he expects to spend a little more time enjoying one of his other hobbies – farming – upon returning home: “I think I’ll spend a little more time on the farm now that I won. I love farming. I find it soothing, it’s relaxing, and it’s beneficial. I love it.”
Cheong’s runner-up finish is notable, as it makes him the **highest-placing Chinese player in the event’s four-year history**. Cheong earned HKD $2,088,000 (approx. $267,600 USD) in prize money for his efforts.
Photo used with permission of PokerStars.net
