The World Poker Tour Doyle Brunson Classic Championship has started at the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas. Play began on Monday December 14 with about 200 players initially signing up, but the number had risen to 329 by the end of the second day. As is often the case on the first day, there were a few notable casualties as well as a few unexpected success stories.

Daniel Negreanu made an appearance but was unlucky enough to go out early. Last year’s champion Chino Rheem was also present to defend his title, but after a positive start he was also sent crashing out. At the end of the first day, the leader board had Daryll Fish in first place with 236,625 chips, followed by Jon Turner with 227,325, David Woo with 205,000, and Billy Kopp with 201,325.

After the second day of play it was Toto Leonidas who had made his mark on the tournament, storming ahead of the challengers to a chip lead of 355,000. However, Sorel Mizzi was not far behind with 340,000. Doyle Brunson found himself in tenth position with 247,000, so is still very much in contention to take the title that bears his own name and could win the $1,428,430 first prize.