Day 1 Concludes
Sixty-seven players showed up this morning for the big dance, and just over half of them have been sent packing. Among the notables who've already come and gone are Bernard Lee, Mclean Karr, Scott Buller, Jeremy Byrum, Bob Slezak, Tim Begley, and David Dicken.
Also eliminated were the wife halves of the two husband-wife duos: Michelle Hiers and Donna Bryan. The good news for the ladies is that their men are both still alive and kicking. David Hiers has been up and down today, and he bagged up 26,700 chips at the close of play. That's not bad, but Jeffrey Bryan can do better. After a nice rush late in the day, Bryan finished up with 108,200, and will carry the torch for the Bryans the rest of the way.
Official chip counts are still pending, but it appears that Jeff Banghart has locked up the overnight chip lead. The last count had him at 117,000, and that should put him at the top of the heap; there are a few guys clawing at his heels though, and the final numbers are still being tallied.
Action will pick back up with our 30 remaining runners tomorrow at noon. Until then, goodnight from Council Bluffs!