Bodog Beat

Poker pro Phil Ivey sits atop the leaderboard at the 2008 Aussie Millions after Day 1B. (Bodog Beat Image)

Just as predicted by us yesterday, Day 1B drew more players and even more poker pros to the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, for Day 1B of the 2008 Aussie Millions. All told, 291 players forked over the $10,500 to play today, giving us a total of 506 entrants so far. If tomorrow draws 241 or more, then this year's version of this popular poker tournament will have set a new attendance record. We are predicting that will happen and given our prognosticatorial abilities, you can take that to the bank.

Notable players making it out of today/yesterday's – depending on your feelings about time zones – field include Day 1B chip leader Phil Ivey, who is the only person so far to have broken the 200k in chips mark, Max Pescatori, Joe Hachem, Jeff Lisandro, Kevin "BeL0WaB0Ve" Saul, Jonathan "FieryJustice" Little, Peter "Nordberg" Feldman, Terrence Chan, Nenad Medic and Clonie Gowen.

Team Bodog's own Ari "BodogAri" Engel also maneuvered his way through the field to make it to Day 2 and is sitting just above average with about 52k in chips. He is followed by Bodog Poker Aussie Millions qualifier Paul Lim, who has about 45k.

As it's summer in Australia and Melbourne has some beautiful beaches surrounding it, we can only assume that these poker pros decided to pack it in early and take in the sun and sand: Rafe Furst, Paul Wasicka, Shane "Shaniac" Schleger, Phil Laak, Sorel "imper1um" Mizzi, Jeff Madsen, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Joe Sebok, Annie Duke and Jennifer Tilly.

Playing tennis until the end of the second level did not work out well for last year's Aussie Millions champ Gus Hansen and his double's partner, Patrik Antonius. They both busted out in the four rounds of poker that they did show up for, and you are free to infer whatever you want from our use of the term "double's partner." We're currently giggling.

Play resumes at 12.30pm local time tomorrow/yesterday, so stay tuned to the Beat for more updates on the 2008 Aussie Millions.

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