“This was probably the worst, most boring day ever. I think I had a pair once all day,” Moneymaker told PokerListings.com after the day was over.
“The old Chris Moneymaker would have spewed somewhere so I’m happy I was able to maintain some discipline and make it through the day,” he said.
While Moneymaker finished with just 24,000, Nick Yunis was able to stack 191,700 which is good for the overall chip lead heading into Day 2.
Also finishing Day 1B well-stacked was Italy’s Alessio Isaia, France’s Ilan Boujenah, American Tom Marchese and former EPT winner Vladamir Geshkenbein.
Here are the top 10 chip counts overall going into Day 2.
1. Nick Yunis (Chile) - 191,700 2. Ivan Kudriavtcev (Russia) – 186,200 3. Andoni Larrabe Sanchez (UK) – 181,300 4. Martin Kabrhel (Czech Republic) – 167,800 5. Franck Blanc (France) – 160,800 6. David Sands (United States) – 160,300 7. John Eames (UK) – 157,200 8. Alessio Isaia (Italy) – 139,600 9. Malte Moennig (Germany) – 136,900 10. Andres Artinano (Austria) – 125,000394 players turned up for the second Day 1 heat at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel which, combined with the players from Day 1A, makes for a grand total of 665 for this year’s Grand Final.
With a prize pool of €6,650,000 this event will be awarding €1.5 million for first, and paying out a total of 96 places.
The winner will also take a bracelet from Shamballa Jewels valued at €25,000.
229 players made it through the day, meaning 394 players will be returning for Day 2. And with only 96 spots getting paid, the majority of the players still in will be walking away with nothing but memories to show for their time in Monte Carlo.
Moneymaker Loves the Grand Final, Hates Monte Carlo
It’s getting close to a decade since Chris Moneymaker won the Main Event and although the former champ is playing less, there are still a few must-attend events on his schedule.
“All the PokerStars events are different and this is probably the most prestigious as far as ones you want to win,” said Moneymaker.
“There are three events I mark on my calendar every year which is this, the PCA and the Main Event,” he added.
And Moneymaker has had success at all three. In addition to his 2003 Main Event victory he scored an 11th place finish at the 2011 PCA main event for $130,000 and cashed in the Grand Final here
But despite being a big fan of the Grand Final, Moneymaker doesn’t look forward to visiting the city.
“Even though I love this event, I’m not the biggest fan of Monte Carlo,” he said.
“I don’t love the $50 cheeseburger.”
Action continues on Day 2 tomorrow from the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel. Check our Poker News Section for the update.
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