Tuesday, March 6, 2007

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Dane wins India's first-ever pro poker tournament

By Sarah Polson

India may have been hosting its first-ever professional poker tournament last week, but it was Denmark's Carl Hostrup who walked away with the top prize. He toppled a 143-person playing field to claim his share of the $1 million prize pool at the Asian Poker Classic.

The Asian Poker Classic ended up being a truly international tournament as more than 15 countries were represented. The final table alone included players from Denmark, Great Britain, India, Poland, Sweden and Vietnam.

In the end it was Hostrup taking the lion's share of the prize followed by another Scandinavian, Samuel Lehtonen from Sweden, in second. Representing for the host nation, Pranav Bathija from India claimed third place.

"This is my biggest tournament win, and I still cannot believe that I am the champion," Hostrup said. "I came up with a strategy on how to play the final table, and combined with my positive attitude, played my way to first place."

Several well-known poker players also headed to Goa to take in the inaugural Asian Poker Classic. The main event brought in Ross Boatman, Mark Goodwin, Mel Judah, Lee Nelson, Surinder Sunar and Willie Tann.

It's no surprise some big names were willing to take a chance at the new tournament as it had a $1 million minimum prize pool guarantee plus a $250,000 overlay.

"Poker is a global sport with players from almost every country around the globe and now India has taken its place as a viable poker destination," said Imran Hassan, Asian Poker Classic director of operations.

He continued saying, "We are extremely proud of the success of this year's Asian Poker Classic and hope that it provides the platform for the future growth and development of the game in India."

Related Articles:

Poker Big Guns Sign Up for Asian Poker Classic
Record Prize Pool Expected for Asian Poker Classic
Goa to Host India's First Major Pro Event

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