$6300 APPT Sydney Main Event Day 1a | 2007 PokerStars.net Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) - Sydney

12-12-2007 12:00 UTC+11

Chips and a Chair, but No Moneymaker

Seat number three on table nine has been reserved for 2003 WSOP Champion Chris Moneymaker. He's lost about 400 or 500 chips to the blinds without having played a single hand.

We'll let you know if and when Chris makes his Hellmuth-esque arrival.

Tags: Chris Moneymaker

12-12-2007 11:55 UTC+11

Always One Better

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After Eric Assadourian and Martin Comer exchanged raises pre-flop, the pair check the board out. Martin reveals A-Q and asks Eric to better him, which he does, tabling A-K. Eric then says to his defeated opponent, "there is always one better."

Tags: Eric Assadourian

Level: 2

Blinds: 100/200

Ante: 0

12-12-2007 11:34 UTC+11

First Casualty of the Day

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Pang Leng Ang has just earned the unwanted distinction of being the first player eliminated from the APPT Sydney Main Event.

On a board showing {K-Hearts}

, Pang moved all in for his tournament life holding {K-Spades}

but was called by an opponent who tabled {A-Hearts}

, good for top pair, top kicker.

Tags: Pang Leng Ang

12-12-2007 11:32 UTC+11

Raymond Rahme Wins a Nice Pot

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Raymond Rahme has fought back to 12,000 in chips after winning a nice pot. Holding {Q-Spades}

Rahme hit his flush when the flop came {9-Spades}

. The turn was the {3-Diamonds}

and the river the {4-Clubs}

. Rahme's flush was plenty against his opponents pair of kings.

12-12-2007 11:15 UTC+11

"Fossilman" Takes an Early Hit

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Greg Raymer just lost a big pot after being raised on a board of {6-Clubs}

by Uzziah Thomas. Raymer went into the tank and eventually folded, leaving him with 11,000 in chips.

Tags: Greg Raymer

12-12-2007 10:48 UTC+11

Shuffle Up and Deal!

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After a brief opening ceremony performed by a trio of Aboriginals, including one young man who showcased his didgeridoo skills, the cards are in the air!

Tags: Aborigine

Level: 1

Blinds: 50/100

Ante: 0

12-12-2007 10:08 UTC+11

2007 PokerStars.net APPT Grand Final - Sydney

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PokerNews is on site here at the Star City Hotel and Casino in beautiful Sydney, Australia getting set to bring you live coverage of the 2007 PokerStars.net APPT Grand Final. The poker room is beginning to fill with players, media and spectators alike, all anxiously awaiting the scheduled 10:30 a.m. start.

Some of the big names expected to grace the felt here on Day 1a include WSOP Main Event Champs Greg "Fossilman" Raymer (2004) and Chris Moneymaker (2003) along with 2007 WSOP Main Event Finalist Raymond Rahme. Some of the Australian pros in attendance today include WSOP bracelet winners Mark "PokerBok" Vos, Mel Judah and newly crowned APPT champ Eric Assadourian, who took down the 2007 APPT Macau $15,000 High Rollers Event less than a month ago.

The tournament staff is making their final preparations and we're just moments away from getting started. Stay with us!