World Team Poker Underdog China Proud of Win

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With the inaugural World Team Poker event etched into the history books, the victorious Chinese team is savoring their accomplishment. Team China held off Team Brazil to become the only WTP title-holder to date.

Eight teams participated in the $50,000 buy-in event, which took place on May 19 at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. For its efforts, the Chinese team earned $300,000, and the Brazilian contingent picked up $100,000 for their second place finish.

Led by legendary player and ten-time WSOP bracelet winner Johnny Chan, the Chinese team was considered an underdog to the US team which featured Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Erik Seidel, Chris Ferguson, Jennifer Harman, Howard Lederer and Mike Matusow. In addition to Chan, Team China featured David Chiu, Chau Giang, Winfred Yu, Rich Zhu, Derek Cheung and Maria Ho.

China entered the final showdown with Brazil holding a 3:1 advantage on chips, and eager to show the country’s growing prowess in the game. “Chinese people like to gamble and…a lot of them are very good at math, so that helps as well,” said Yu, who manages the Poker King Club at the StarWorld Hotel and Casino.

The Chinese prevailed with steady play throughout, mixed together with the right amount of luck. “Just like in any poker tournament, there were times that luck was on our side,” said a jubilant David Chiu. “However, we really had a lot of great teamwork and I think that’s one of the main things that helped us get to the top. It’s the first World Team Poker event and Team China is the champion!”