The PokerStars.net European Poker Tour is underway once again with their first Season 5 event, the EPT Barcelona Open. Day 1a in Barcelona saw 292 players pony up EUR8,000 + 250 each (about $11,500) to compete for a first prize that last year was worth EUR1.1 million. The day attracted many internationally recognized poker pros including Annette Obrestad, Greg Raymer, Robert and Michael Mizrachi, David Williams, Chad Brown, and two of the "November Nine" - Scott Montgomery and David "Chino" Rheem.

Both Montgomery and Rheem survived Day 1a as did Chad Brown, who finished the day with a top ten chip stack. Joining them on Day 2 will be two past EPT Champions, Jason Mercier and Glen Chorny, as well as one Mizrachi brother, Robert, who will sadly not be joined by "The Grinder" due to his top set eventually getting beaten by a flush. Other unfortunate players who will not be seeing Day 2 include Annette Obrestad, Vicky Coren, David Williams and Greg Raymer.

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