David Sonelin Finishes the EPT Grand Final Day 1a at the Top
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The first flight here in Madrid has taken wing, circled around the room as the field dropped from 302 to 132, and finally come to roost for a day until the survivors of Day 1b can be determined.
Leading the field is David Sonelin, who rose to chip dominance around Level 6, and stayed there until end of play was called. He has 275,900 chips - a formidable stack with which to return. Also well-off are Canadian EPT Berlin 2011 champion Ben Wilinofsky (233,400) and American Brian England (238,300). England steadily progressed through the day, while Wilinofsky's 100,000 suddenly became near double that when he eliminated Fabrice Soulier after many a battle with this particular tablemate. Joining Soulier on the rail include Barry Greenstein, Andre Coimbra, Jan Skampa and Team PokerStars Pros Vanessa Selbst and JP Kelly, just to mention a few.
In fact, the bustout list would itself make a tough tournament - the field here, as always, for this €10,000 buy-in Main Event is packed with pros from the live and online worlds and every table has an interesting story to tell from today's play.
The field is expected to be even larger for tomorrow's starting flight, which kicks off at midday local time. Join PokerNews for live coverage throughout the day, and throughout the tournament.