Bringing the Payne for Day 2
Welcome back for Day 2 of the 2013 Aussie Millions Main Event. Today, the greatest tournament in the Southern Hemisphere will combine all survivors from the three starting days into one big party on the felt. Just about half of the field remains with 312 players, and Day 1a's Brian Payne holds the big lead with 299,900 in chips.
Payne is a local from Melbourne, and all five of his live tournament cashes come from right here at Crown. In 2010, Payne earned his best result by finishing sixth in the AU$1,650 No-Limit Hold'em Bounty Event at the Aussie Millions for AU$21,340. Earlier in this series, Payne took 23rd in the AU$ 1,100 No-Limit Hold'em Six Max for AU$5,200. With over 90,000 in chips separating him from second-place Phillip Willcocks, things are looking good for Payne to have a breakout event.
A few big notables are scattered amoungst top 10 moving into today's play. Patrik Antonius had a great end to Day 1c last night and bagged up 204,800. Frank Rusnak finished at the Day 1b chip leader with 165,100, and then James Obst and Ayaz Mahmood round out the top 10 with 156,700 and 154,700, respectively.
Other notable faces still in the field are Joe Hachem, Jason Mercier, Phil Ivey, Sam Trickett, Gary Benson, Jan Collado, Stephen Chidwick, Sam Holden, Jesse Sylvia, Tyron Krost, Tony Bloom, Dan Shak and Kenny Wong.
Another seven 90-minute levels are slated for action on Day 2 with 15-minute breaks following each level. After Level 11, a 75-minute dinner break will be had. Play is scheduled to recommence at 12:30 p.m. local time here at Crown Casino in sunny Melbourne, so be sure to stick with the PokerNews team all day long for live updates hot off the tables.