The first-ever MSPT stop in Ohio kicked off Thursday with the first of three starting flights in the $1,100 buy-in, $200K GTD Cleveland Poker Open. Day 1A attracted 111 entries to JACK Cleveland Casino, but after 16 levels of play only 15 remained with Canton, Ohio’s Frank Lagodich and his stack of 364,500 leading the way. Lagodich is seeking his first MSPT cash.

Others to bag healthy stacks were Lance Oliveri (300,000), Jerad Klick (235,500), and Brian Fyffe (211,500). They were joined by players like Joseph Michael (155,500), Mike Ross (103,500), Anthony Carbone (86,000), and Karen Dinunzio (85,500).

The field was a healthy mix of local players and MSPT regulars. Among those to try and fall on 1A were 2016 MSPT Michigan State Poker Champ Brett Blackwood, 2016 MSPT Wisconsin State Poker Champ Andy Rubinberg, Milwaukee’s Michael Miller, and Michigan’s Alex Barill. Likewise, Ohio pro Nick Guagenti and local satellite winner Mike Kennedy failed to find a bag.

The good news is those players still have opportunities to jump back in action. Day 1B will kick off at Noon local time on Friday, while the third and final flight, Day 1C, will take place at the same time on Saturday. The surviving players from each flight will then return at 11 a.m. on Sunday to play down to a winner.

Join us tomorrow as we continue to bring you all the action and eliminations straight from the tournament floor of the JACK Cleveland Casino.