Welcome to the Main Event Part Deux

Day 1b of the WSOPC Hammond Main Event is set to start after a record setting field from Day 1a. The first of two starting flights already drew a record 912 entrants, surpassing the 872 entrants from the 2010 Main Event, and just 184 players survived. Any player that went bust yesterday is able to re-enter today and try their luck again.

The Circuit stop has already seen a 3,000 player field in Event 1 ($340 No Limit Hold'em) that generated a prizepool of $873,291. 2008 November Niner Dennis Phillips won his first WSOP jewelry and $55,000 winning the event just one day prior to the Main Event. Unfortunately, Phillips had to be rushed to the hospital shortly after claiming his ring with a burst appendix. He underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Paul Bianchi ended Day 1a as the chipleader with a staggering 358,000 - almost a full 100,000 more than Tom Luce in second place with 263,500. Notables Eric Crain, Dwyte Pilgrim, Chad Brown, Josh Brikis, Mohsin Charania and Kenny Nguyen also remain in the field.

We expect to see another large field today and be sure to follow all the WSOPC action live on Pokernews.com.