An assembly line worker from the Greater Toronto Area was overwhelmed \u201cin the best way possible\u201d when he learned he won $1 million. <\/p>\n
Han Zeng Chen, of Holland Landing, Ont., matched all seven Encore numbers in the Nov. 22 Lotto 6\/49 draw. <\/p>\n
The 47-year-old says he has been playing the lottery for the last three decades and always picks numbers based on the birthdays of his family members. <\/p>\n
Chen recalled sipping on some coffee at home when he was checking his tickets. <\/p>\n
\u201cI realized the winning numbers looked familiar. I checked my ticket three times because I didn\u2019t believe it,\u201d Chen told OLG, while collecting his winnings. \u201cIt felt too good to be true.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Chen shared the news with his wife and two children, he said they were in disbelief, as his wife kept asking him if he was certain he had won the lottery. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe kids were just staring at me\u2014they thought I was joking,\u201d Chen recounted. \u201cOnce it sank in, they were so happy. They were smiling, laughing, and even tearing up a bit. I didn\u2019t want anyone else knowing until I knew for sure it was real.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his million-dollar prize, Chen says he doesn\u2019t want to go \u201ctoo crazy,\u201d focusing on squaring away some bills and buying a new coat and shoes for the winter. <\/p>\n
\u201cI want to buy some gifts for my family too. I\u2019d also love to travel to China to visit family,\u201d Chen said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve seen them, and now I finally have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Chen was asked about what it felt like to win big for the first time, he said he couldn\u2019t quite put the feeling into words. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s overwhelming in the best way possible. It\u2019s like getting the best news of your life and not knowing whether to laugh, cry, or sit down before you fall over,\u201d Chen said. \u201cThis is such a great surprise, and I\u2019m so thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chen bought his winning ticket from a Petro-Canada on Centre Street in Thornhill. <\/p>\n