FLORIDA
On Saturday, Day 1B of the 2015/16 World Series of Poker Circuit Palm Beach Kennel Club Main Event drew to a close. By the time the final hand of the day was dealt, it was Robert Kirsch who bagged the Day 1B chip lead with 324,000. Kirsch will hold the overall chip lead heading into Day 2, besting Day 1A leader Andrew Denik’s 207,500.

Over the course of the two starting flights, the field drew a grand total of 393 entries. This number bested last year’s attendance of this very event with an increase in attendance of nearly 30 percent. After two full days of play, just 68 players remain in contention heading into Day 2.

This stellar turnout allowed for a total prize pool of $589,500. The top 45 players are guaranteed a payout and will take home at least $2,665. An appearance at the ever-elusive final table will guarantee a payday of at least $12,262. From there on out, each player will have their eyes set on the first place prize of $129,685 as well as the championship Circuit ring and a seat to the season-ending National Championship.

Day 1A of the Palm Beach Kennel Club Main Event drew a total 172 entries. By the end of the day, just 30 players remained with WSOP newcomer Denik leading the field. Other notable players to advance from the opening flight include Jerry Wong (204,000), three-time Circuit ring winner John Holley (197,000), Ryan Dunn (195,500), Robert Hodson (194,500), Chad Eveslage (175,000), and former November Niner John Dolan ( 35,000).

Day 1B saw an increase in overall turnout with 221 total entries. End-of-day chip leader Kirsch skyrocketed toward the top of the chip counts during the final levels of the day and sits in the best position moving forward into Day 2. Familiar faces advancing from the second starting flight include Stewart Newman (192,500), Circuit ring winner Ralph Massey (177,000), Javier Zarco (165,000), and David Diaz (108,000).

While each of the aforementioned players found success on the felt during the opening flights, others were not as fortunate. Some of those to fall over the course of the two starting days include Jessica Dawley, Rex Clinscales, Brandon Newsome, Darryll Fish, Ronit Chamani, and current Casino Championship points leader John Vale.

Defending champion Tristan Wade also returned to the felt in South Florida with the hopes of defending his title. Despite firing multiple bullets, he was unable to gain any momentum and failed to advance onto Day 2. Current November Niner Joshua Beckley was also in attendance for Day 1B. Although Beckley found success earlier in the series with his victory in Event #1: $365 No-Limit Hold’em Monster Stack, he was unable to build a stack in either of his two bullets.

Play will resume on Sunday at 12 p.m. local time. As always, be sure to return to WSOP.com for the latest updates from the tournament felt.

Here’s a look at the top 10 chip stacks heading into Day 2:

1. Robert Kirsch - 324,000
2. Andrew Denik - 207,500
3. Jerry Wong - 204,000
4. Rob LeBeau - 201,500
5. John Holley - 197,000
6. Ryan Dunn - 195,500
7. Robert Hodson - 194,500
8. Stewart Newman - 192,500
9. Johnny Brissault - 179,000
10. Ralph Masey 177,000

Full chips counts are available on WSOP.com.