Main Event Day 1A Recap

The collective heart of the poker world beat in one place Friday, the Rio's Amazon room. Day 1A of the World Series of Poker main event kicked off with high hopes and expectations, not only for players, but the whole poker industry. The main event has become the de facto indicator of health for the poker industry, and predictions of this year's field size have been all across the board. Today's 1,287 players show what most people expected, the UIGEA has limited online qualifiers, cutting the size of the field. However it is clear there are still plenty of poker players willing to pony up the $10,000 to take a shot at history.

Matt Jansen made the kind of history no player wishes; he was the first out of the 2007 main event. He got all his money in with A A on a J 7 5 board. Unfortunately for him George Dolofam held K Q for the flush. The turn and river bricked for Jansen when they came 6 3, and he took the inaugural walk of shame.

Jeff Madsen also took a walk of shame, of a different sort. He was on the losing end of a three-way bet with Gavin Smith and Joe Sebok. Whoever won the most points in selected preliminary events at this year's WSOP would be carried on a throne by the other two for his day one flight. In addition the two losers would wear jester outfits while playing. Sebok won the bet, and Madsen arrived wearing a red and black court jester outfit. He was all smiles at the beginning of the day; however, it was clear the costume began to wear on him as the tournament progressed. The hat sagged over his eyes, and he was constantly fidgeting with the costume. It did not seem to negatively affect his play, however, because he put on a display of poker skill. In one hand, Madsen raised to $2,000 from late position and was called by a player in the big blind. The flop came 10 10 4, the big blind checked, and Madsen bet $2,000. After pondering his move for a second, the big blind check-raised to $6,000, Madsen made the call, and the turn brought the 6. The big blind led $8,000 and again Madsen made the call. The river surfaced the Q and the big blind fired his third bullet, this time for $12,000. Madsen tanked then called. Upon being looked up, the big blind fired his hand into the muck, and Madsen tabled A 4 for the pot. He survived day one with around $68,000 in chips.

Two-time main event winners Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan were both eliminated, ensuring that Phil Hellmuth will remain the only 11-time WSOP bracelet winner at least one more year. Chan was eliminated when an opponent in seat No. 3 raised to $1,200 preflop, and both Chan and the big blind called. The flop came 10 6 3, and seat three bet out another $1,200. Johnny Chan reraised all in for another $600 and the big blind came over the top $3,000 more. Seat No. 3 ,folded and Chan tabled A K. He was behind the big blind's K 10, and got no help when the turn and river brought the 7 and the 10.

There were plenty of stars on hand as well including a number of English soccer players, Tobey Maguire, and the stars of Everybody Loves Raymond. When Nolan Dalla announced Ray Romano to the crowd his costar, Brad Garrett, begin booing him from a few tables away. Later in the day, Garrett was involved in a hand when Ray Romano walked over. Garrett had exposed the 8 7 for a flush draw before the river of a hand and Romano asked, "Why did you show your hand? You just cost yourself a bet." Garrett replied, "Why are you even over here?" Romano responded, "'Cause you're my ride home." The river brought the K and Garrett hit his flush draw. He then went off in a display of triumphant celebration that included a barrage of kisses for the dealer and "a round of rubs" for everyone at the table. He bought everyone at his table a 10-minute massage, then joked with Romano, "You have a show; go back to your table and move all in." Romano replied, "Now you know why I ended the show." Romano's main event was ended a short time later when he was eliminated by pocket aces. Garrett survived to advance to day two with almost $75,000.

Here is how the leader board stacked up at the end of day 1A:

Tinten Olivier: $270,500
John Dutchak: $209,600
Stephen Austin: $205,000
Michael Tureniec: $203,900
Aurelio Arcano: $166,000
Kitai Davidi: $164,700
Scott Yeates: $163,200
Dane Lomas: $161,800
Andrius Tapinas: $159,100
Alex Michaels: $155,500

In the end, 445 players had survived to day 1A, and advanced to day two. Day 1B begins Saturday at noon. Stay tuned to Cardplayer.com for all of your live coverage from the event.

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