Hour One
Jul 08, '07
Day 1C of the World Series of Poker main event boasts the largest starting field thus far with 1,706. Many big name professionals and celebrities were in the mix as players took their seats. It took a mere 23 minutes for the first bustout to be announced, which rustled cheers from the crowd. Cheers were also heard when some of the past WSOP champions were introduced. There was an intermingling of cheers and boos for the declaration of Jose Conseco’s participation. Light heavyweight champion of the world, Antonio Tarver, announced to the crowd, “Just so you know, this is the only chance you have to knock me out.” Music star Nelly was one of the day one contestants as well; it appeared that the diamond-encrusted watch he was wearing could have paid for every single player in the room’s buy-in. Poker regular, Jason Alexander, was another one of the stars to add an additional level of excitement to the room.
Those were just the celebrities playing, the cast of professional player was even more impressive. Five former world champions started their quest for another title today. Among them was team www.pokerstars.com member, Greg Raymer, as well as Brad Daugherty, Robert Varkonyi, Chris Ferguson, and the poker boom catalyst himself, Chris Moneymaker.
Top professionals in the game were also in the hunt for their first world title. Phil Ivey was seated at a table with Joe Cassidy. Here is a how things have played out on Ivey’s table every couple of hands: Ivey raised preflop and everyone at the table folded their hand. To quote the words of Ali G, “Respect.” J.C. Tran was also in the field and he picked up an early pot when he raised $300 on a flop of 9
3
2
with seven players involved in the hand. That bet induced all but one of them to fold, and then both Tran and his opponent checked down the 4 on the turn, and the 2
on the river. J.C. turned over J 9, while his opponent showed pocket sevens. J.C. picked up the pot and was crusining early.
A couple of couples were playing today as well, Phil Laak and Jennifer Tilly started their main event voyage today, as did Allen Cunningham and Melissa Hayden. Laak picked up an early pot with a well-timed bet of $1,275 on the river of a board that read 8 7 4 5 K. His opponent folded and Laak picked up a $2,000 pot.
Also playing today are (take a deep breath), Todd Bruson, Phil Gordon, Mike Matusow, Bill Edler, Chad Brown, Toto Leonidas, Shannon Shorr, Bradley Berman, Tim Phan, Jon Friedberg, Vanessa Rousso, Rene Angelil, J.C. Alvarado, Men “The Master” Nguyen, Nick Schulman, Chau Giang, Steve Dannenman, Kristy Gazes, Erik Cajelais, Darrell Dicken, Burt Boutin, Rafe Furst, Humberto Brenes, “Gentleman” John Gale, Gavin Griffin, Tex Barch, Ted Lawson, Jim Pechac, Ciaran O’Leary, Bill Gazes, Joe Pelton, Steve Brecher, Katja Thater, Amir Vahedi, Daniel Alaei, and Mark Gregorich. Most of these professionals sit by their lonesome, with nine of their new, amateur best friends in tow. Two professional players who have managed to be seated at the same table are Amnon Filippi and Kenna James. Great table draw.
Keep your browser locked on CardPlayer.com for all the day 1C action.
Player Tags: J.C. Tran, Chris Ferguson, Phil Laak, Chris Moneymaker, Phil Ivey, Brad Daugherty, Greg Raymer, Robert Varkonyi, Jason Alexander
