The first ever RunGood Poker Series event in Central Pennsylvania saw 54 entries for the opening flight of the RGPS Grand Prix $800 Main Event. Day 1a wrapped up with just six players earning a spot in the money on Sunday, while two more opening flights remain.
Sitting atop the counts is Tyler Giles, who steadily climbed up the leaderboard and set the pace on the opening day with 413,000. Giles was helped by some timely hands, including a full house to score a key knockout on the final table.
Giles holds a slim lead over Richard Wilburn, who bagged up 404,000. Rounding out the top three is Brian Morrow, who claimed a good portion of his chips on a double elimination with with pocket queens.
End of Day 1a Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Giles | United States | 413,000 |
| 2 | Richard Wilburn | United States | 404,000 |
| 3 | Brian Morrow | United States | 391,000 |
| 4 | Zachary Gruneberg | United States | 153,000 |
| 5 | Michael Jouaneh | United States | 151,000 |
| 6 | Dennis Firestone | United States | 108,000 |
There is a sizeable gap from the top three to the remaining survivors, as two-time WSOP bracelet winner Zachary Gruneberg is next on the leaderboard with 153,000.
Fifth place belongs to Michael Jouaneh, who survived a roller coaster final few levels to finish with 151,000 chips. The final player to bag is Dennis Firestone, who was among the first group of entrants to begin the opening flight.
Among the notable names to take a shot on Day 1a was PokerNews Ambassador Keith Becker, who was knocked out shortly before the end of late registration after three-betting his ace into a pair of nines.
RunGood Ambassador Nicholas Rigby jumped in as registration closed, chipping up quickly before hitting the rail soon after.
Saturday brings two more opening flights, starting with Day 1b at 12:00 p.m. local time. That will be followed by Day 1c at 5:00 p.m. as the last chance to find a bag for Day 2.
Both remaining flights feature unlimited reentry, with a shot at the $50,000 guaranteed prize pool at stake.
RGPS Grand Prix Pennsylvania Main Event Schedule
| Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20 | 1b | 12:00 p.m. |
| Sept. 20 | 1c | 5:00 p.m. |
| Sept. 21 | 2 | 12:00 p.m. |
It is expected to be a busy day of action on Saturday, so be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for full coverage as the RGPS Grand Prix series continues in Grantville, Pennsylvania.
