Wsop Event 54: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em


Monday July 4, 2011 : Event 54: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em kicked off Saturday with the first flight of the first day pulling in 1,932 entrants – somewhat less than last year but still an impressive sight.
 
Seen taking their places on day 1a were recognisable faces belonging to David Pham, Kenny Nguyen, Randy Lew, Hoyt Corkins, Antonio Esfandiari, Eric Baldwin, Dan Heimiller, Dario Minieri, Paul Magriel, Neil Channing, Fatima Moreira De Melo, Barny Boatman, Ricky Fohrenbach, Andy Black and former WSOP champ Dennis Phillips.
 
Before midnight Saturday day 1a was in the books at level 9, with 302 survivors ready to go into day 2 once the next flight of day 1 completes on Sunday.
 
Day 1a's chipleader is Paul Volpe who finished the day on 124,500 – well ahead of Alexander Salabuschew on 72,400.
 
Casualties on the day included Antonio Esfandiari, Tony Dunst, Dan Heimiller, Andy Black, Men Nguyen, and Hoyt Corkins.