Play in the first flight of the Sycuan MSPT $1,110 main event came to a close with 31:15 left in level 15. The starting field of 143 entrants was whittled down to just 17, who all put their names on their bags and went off to rest up for a few days. They will return on Sunday the 16th at 11 o'clock in the morning.

Leading the way was California resident Sandor Molnar who ended the day personally by knocking out Darryl Geris in the final hand of the night when his pocket kings held against Geris’ suited ace-five in a 200,000 chip pot. That pot pushed his stack to 583,000 and he holds a significant chip lead over the rest of the field. Molnar has played tournaments for well over a decade, and boasts a career total of $121,172 in lifetime earnings. He looks to chase his first MSPT title with this large leg up on the field.

Three other players in the flight bagged over 300,000. Rudy Cervantes(375,000), Chris Smith (345,000), and Ryan Stiner (342,000) each finished the day with massive chip stacks. A pair of colorful characters that advanced to the second day were well known poker vlogger Johnnie “Vibes” Moreno (162,000) and the two-time Poker Players Championship winner, Dan “Jungleman” Cates. Cates for the entirety of the day was dressed as a new colorful persona, Dan Diego, complete with surfer outfit and sunscreen on the face. They join eleven other players in making the second day of the main event.

Not all were as fortunate though. Players like Adam Friedman, Rich Alsup, Angela Jordison, Camille Brown, and defending champion Ken Baime all found themselves on the wrong end of the chip counts. They will all have ample opportunity Friday and Saturday for the following two flights to make a deep run in this event, and join others expected to play this event. Tomorrow’s flight begins at 3 pm and is expected to be a bigger turnout.

Be sure to check back in with us tomorrow at MSPT.com to see the following two flights.