Poker pros battle it out at the 2007 WPT Legends of Poker

The 2007 Legends of Poker is off to a good start, with a larger field and prize pool than last year. 485 players registered yesterday for a shot at a $1.6 million top prize and a minimum of $16,000 for players who make it to the money.

The field was studded with big names, including two Brunsons (Doyle and daughter Pam, who just won the WPT Ladies Night), World Champions  Phil Hellmuth, Jamie Gold, Scotty Nguyen and Jerry Yang as well as Tom Schneider, Men 'The Master' Nguyen, Barry Greenstein, Joe Sebok and Vinny Vinh. Many of them went out on the first day.

There was a lot of interest surrounding Jerry Yang, this year’s WSOP Champion, who busted out early in the first day. The games were merciless, and many other pros left on the first day including Phil Hellmuth Cyndi Violette, John Juanda, Kristy Gazes and Maria Ho. Both Doyle and Pam Brunson survived to see day 2, and may yet face each other.

The top 10 players at end of day are:

1. Francois Safieddine - $165,400
2. Jordan Morgan - $153,900
3. Alfred Megrabyan - $136,100
4. Tom Schneider - $128,300
5. Kevin O'Donnell - $127,000
6. Ali Sarkeshar - $123,700
7. Thu Nguyen - $116,400
8. Tuan Le - $116,400
9. Kia Hamadani - $108,800
10. Theo Tran - $102,400