Former NBA player Earl Barron and Ante Up Poker Cruise regular Joe Villhauer led their respective flights as the Ante Up Spring Poker Classic at Gila River Hotels & Casinos Vee Quiva kicked off.
Barron bagged 535,000 units in Day 1B, while Villhauer bagged 461,000 in Day 1A. A total of 23 players advanced to Day 2 from the first two flights.
Day 1C is at 11 a.m. today and Day 1D is at 6 p.m. today, with all advancing players returning at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Sandra Barbour is live reporting the Main Event for PokerNews.Com.
DAY 1A ADVANCERS
Joe Villhauer 461,000
Steven Howard 226,000
James Propes 217,000
Jonah Coe 183,000
Cameron McGovern 160,000
Gregory Melson 147,000
Frank Armas 139,000
Gabriel Felipe 120,000
Rob Copeland 87,000
Peter Wood 74,000
Adam Veselinovic 48,000
Brady Perry 7,200
DAY 1B ADVANCERS
Earl Barron 535,000
Mantas Stikelis 312,000
Mikal Smith 266,000
Johnny Large 140,000
Greg Brewo 116,000
Jonathan Shaw 115,000
Justin Gochoco 111,000
Brad Nessar 72,000
Chris Andreylca 61,000
Marcela Hinojos 34,000
Tom Uwanawich 13,000
