i was referring more to savers than whacking up the final payout. Like for instance, the chamat - hohmann match. in past events, guys on the bubble would make say a 10% deal going to the player who does not advance, coming from the winners final payout. Granted, that could be 35k if the guy eventually wins, but i would be surprised if many savers were created. (although i am NOT implying thorsten and chamat made one). As far as the philipinos are concerned, i know for a fact they regularly do business. There is one philipino (who shall remain nameless) who is perceived as an "outsider" and they do not inlcude him.
Since all the 6 finalists are not us residents, it is important to note that if a player does not have a social security number, 30% is withheld for taxes at time of payout. seems kind of steep since pool players would be considered independent contractors, with an opportunity to claim significant deductions, resulting in payments to the government that i suspect would be less than 30% on average.
