Chon Leads Quick Opening Day of ANZPT Queenstown
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The chip bags are sealed and the surviving players here on Day 1a of the ANZPT Queenstown Main Event have made their way out of the SKYCITY Casino and into the cool night breeze of snowy Queenstown.
The day began with 40 players and the plan was to play just six 60-minute levels. However, halfway through the day the players were told they would only be playing five levels. By the time some quick poker action was in the record books, 26 had survived and it was Michael Chon who had bagged up the chip lead with a stack of 59,375.
Joining Chon with plenty of chips include players such as Oliver Gill, Matt Wakeman, Ali Ghezelbash, Tobin Ryall and Raj Ramakrishan, while Ben Richardson, Dean Francis, Brett Chalhoub and Stevan Chew are also still in contention for the title.
One of the big talking points of the day was the announcement that Tom Grigg, Liam O’Rourke and Jonathan Karamalikis were made Full Tilt Poker Ambassadors for the ANZPT. Karamalikis is expected to take to the felt either tomorrow or on Day 1c, while Grigg and O’Rourke both played today. Unfortunately O’Rourke was eliminated early in the action, leaving Grigg to fly the Full Tilt flag on Day 1a. Grigg had a characteristically swingy day at the felt, amassing a high of 60,000 in chips before eventually finishing the day with 24,100.
All of the surviving players now have a couple of days off before returning to the felt on Friday. Us on the other hand, we will be back at the felt tomorrow from 12.30 p.m. local time, so be sure to return for more Queenstown Snowfest action!