TD Danny McDonagh made the player introductions, then turned the mic over to the APPT Manila hostess, who uttered the magic words and kicked off play. The button has started in Seat 6 with Hyoung Jin Nam. As is typical of APPT tournaments, the clock has been wound back to Level 17, with blinds of 3000 and 6000 and an ante of 500, in order to allow for more play at the final table.