A total of 305 players made up the starting field for Day 1a of the 2008 Irish Poker Open and by day's end only 116 remained in the game.

 

Leading the way is Jay Renehan with 82,250 chips. Just behind him is Alexander Fitzgerald (78,700) and Carsten Joh (72,375).

 

Some of the notable names still left include Sorel Mizzi, who sits in 8th with 56,225 and Doyle Brunson who sits 10th with 53,800. Home field advantage could also be coming into play as Irishmen Ciaran O'Leary and Padraig Parkinson are both still alive.

 

O'Leary, who captured his first World Series of Poker bracelet last summer,  is sitting with 29,050 while Parkinson is not far behind with 28,025.

 

The prize pool for the Irish Poker Open was guaranteed at €3 Million. Day 1b action gets underway Friday.