Bodog Beat

Poker pro Daniel Negreanu is the chip leader after Day 4 of the World Poker Tour Doyle Brunson Classic. (Bodog Beat Image)

It would appear that the Bellagio Five Diamond World Poker Classic's WPT Doyle Brunson Classic Championship (BFDWPCWPTDBCC) is going to become as long as its unwieldy name. There are still 18 players left standing and we are now onto Day 5, which begins later today.

There are still some notable players left out of the 44 who started yesterday afternoon but not nearly as many as one would have expected with the loaded field that started out the event. That being said, the big names who are left are some serious poker heavyweights. The current chip leader is Daniel Negreanu, who is one of the most popular players on the circuit with fans and fellow players alike and could break the $10 million barrier for career poker tournament earnings with a win here.

A couple of spots behind him is WSOP bracelet winner David "Devilfish" Ulliott, one of the most successful poker pros to come out of the UK. Just one place behind Ulliott is Erick Lindgren, an interesting figure in the poker world. He has become known more recently for backing players than actually playing himself, even though he is an accomplished player with two WPT titles to his name. Looks like he may be ready to step back into the limelight and has plenty of chips to challenge good friend Negreanu today.

Todd Brunson is not too far behind him and while carrying his father's name recognition, especially at a tournament that bears his last name, has become a successful poker player in his own right with a WSOP bracelet and over $3 million in career winnings. There are now four previous WPT title-holders in the field. Negreanu and Lindgren both have multiple victories while Ulliott and Ryan Daut, who won the WPT Caribbean Adventure back in January, will be working toward WPT title number two.

Play resumes at noon today when the 18 will become six no matter how long it takes. However, with that kind of talent still left in the field, it could take a while. PokerListings.com and CardPlayer.com will have all your live blogging and chip counts as usual and the Beat will continue to bring you updates. If you want a chance to become the next WPT millionaire yourself, then head over to Bodog and play for the chance to win a $12,000 Bodog "Player's Choice" package.

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