Day 1a of the PokerStars.net Asia Pacific Poker Tour Aukland Main Event began yesterday with 164 players doing their part to create the biggest prize pool ever for a New Zealand poker tournament. This $3,000 NZD ($2,400 USD) event did have a few big name pros playing Day 1a including Tony Hachem, Greg Raymer, and Celina Lin.

By the end of Day 1a, the 164 person field had shrunk down to 59 lucky players, each of whom will reconvene to play Day 2 on Saturday. In that field of 59, fans can look forward to seeing both Celina Lin and Joe Hachem's brother Tony, still going strong and hopefully on their way to another deep tournament run.

Story by Mark Anderson