Takayama, Lubas lead final roster of PH team WPT-Solar Sports Nations Challenge

MANILA, Philippines – Former billiards pro turned poker phenom Mike Takayama and renowned international campaigner Gerardo “Jay” Lubas lead a versatile selection that will represent team Philippines in the upcoming inaugural Nations Challenge presented by Solar Sports; the opening event in the first ever World Poker Tour (WPT) National Philippines starting Saturday at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

Contingents from Korea, Malaysia, Japan, China and quite possibly Vietnam, Australia and even the United States will be competing in this unique team event that pits country versus country. A trophy akin to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Stanley Cup will be up for grabs and the home team is hell bent on defending its turf.

Takayama, who learned the sport only five years ago, is now the reigning champion of the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and has also won the 2014 APT Macau Six-Max tourney as well as collecting several triumphs and cashes in local tilts. Takayama is easily the hottest tournament player in the country today and his unpredictable style makes him one of the main weapons for the locals.

Lubas is best known for being the two-day overall chip leader in the 2012 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in Las Vegas, Nevada and finished second to Takayama in this year’s APT Manila Main Event. Known for his imposing figure and aggressive demeanor at the table, the Laguna native could serve as the team’s rock as the two-day event unfolds.

Others on the squad are Mark Benasa—considered as the most successful Filipino in online poker, Martin Corpus—the 2012 Philippine Poker Tour (PPT) Player of the Year, APT Head-Hunter titlist Jay Tolon, APT Cebu Heads-Up king Stephen Gaw and the intrepid brothers Rivera consisting of Czardy, Marc and Euryd who have been making noise in the local and international scene.

National skipper Wally “The Dream” Sombero is pleased with the composition.

“It’s a good mix,” the 58-year-old former Chief Superintendent of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Team Philippines will be clad in the national colors and will even have a special entrance as the host country.

Original considerations such as former Asian and national champions Neil Arce and Vic de Guzman begged off from the squad due to commitment issues with De Guzman being part of the organizing committee of the WPT endeavor and chose to forego his slot to better service the whole experience.

Day 1 of the WPT-Solar Sports Nations Challenge coincides with the Solaire Cares charity tournament wherein a phalanx of local celebrities and international pros lock horns with kind-hearted aficionados to raise funds for the various programs of that foundation.