Day 1 Concludes

With the elimination of our bubble boy, we have reached the money and the conclusion of Day 1. Play began some 13 hours ago with 866 hopefuls shooting it out in the opening event of this 2009 World Series of Poker. Play progressed at a lightning-fast clip, with more than half of the field sent packing in the first 4 hours.

Amidst the sea of relative unknowns, there were a few notable faces who stuck out from the crowd. Pat Poels came and went quickly, exiting within the first 90 minutes of play. Legendary Tournament Director Jack McClelland would do a bit better, but he too would bow out just after the dinner break. Marsha Waggoner and Kyle Morris were among the others who failed to reach the money.

After a late charge, Cesar Chavez will take the overnight chip lead, bagging up 107,700 chips. It appears that there is only one other player above the century mark; Casey Kuhn was at 101,300 just before play ended. These two men have set themselves ahead of the field, but there is a big group chasing them. About two dozen players will start Day 2 in the 80,000-chip range.

That wraps up Day 1 from the World Series of Poker. Only 48 more to go. Until tomorrow, goodnight from Las Vegas!

Tags: Cesar Chavez