We approached the table to find Nick Guagenti flush with chips. They're fresh, according to Guagenti, who let us know that he had just coolered an opponent with pocket aces versus ace-king.
Guagenti earlier mentioned that today was his only shot to advance, as he had no plans to enter Saturday's flight. He is making the most of his shot with well-timed hands here late on Day 1a.
Day 1a of the Hollywood Poker Open Season 4 Lawrenceburg Regional Main Event has been completed and the 81 entries for the flight were pared down to just 13.
After 14 levels of play, Josh Lowing bagged the most chips, with a massive 326,500. Nick Guagenti finished in second place, having bagged a healthy 257,500, and then Brad Rhodes finished in third with 126,500.
Other notables to advance to Sunday's Day 2 were Mike McGreevy (122,500) and Mike Scarborough (119,500).
McGreevy was the beneficiary of a triple up during Level 13 with the blinds at 1,000/2,000/300. He was all in with the against the for one opponent and the for Rhodes. The flop, turn, and river produced the , and McGreevy scooped the pot.
Notable entrants that fired entries, but failed to make it through the day, included Doug Holland, Ken Moore, and Brandon Wetzel.
Chris Moneymaker is expected to join the fray on Saturday for the second flight and it is looking likely that the prize pool will swell up over the $200,000 guarantee.
Join PokerNews on Saturday as we will bring you all of the Day 1b action, starting at 11:15 a.m. local time.