2009 Aussie Millions

One Down, Two to Go

With the tournament clock paused at five minutes and each table having played out the last three hands for the night, Day 1a has come to an end. It kicked off in spectacular fashion with opening ceremonies that rivaled those of the World Series of Poker Main Event. Someone who knows something about the WSOP Main Event, 2005 champion Joe Hachem, issued a challenge to his fellow Aussie poker players at the conclusion of the ceremonies.

"I think it's about time an Aussie took home the title," said Hachem. "Get your acts together!" Homegrown Melbourne player Chris Chronis took up the gauntlet that Hachem threw down, emerging as the Day 1a chip leader late in the day with 175,375 chips. He was followed closely by Noah Schwartz, Derek Cheung and late arrival Patrik Antonius, who didn't seem at all hampered by arriving two hours after the start of play.

Seventy-six others Day 1a starters made it through to Day 2. They'll all have to wait two full days to find out how many others will be joining them as there are still two Day 1 flights to come. The second of those flights will take place in the Crown Poker Room tomorrow at 12:30pm local time. Set your televisions to catch the second half of the Baltimore Ravens - Pittsburgh Steelers NFL playoff game and set your browers to the live reporting on PokerNews.com.

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