Paul Alterman first out on the day against Team PokerStars Pro Dario Minieri in a typically fuel injected start, kings against queens. Ville Nyman on one of the tables not under TV lights has also gone having started the day with 61k.

Ezio Guagliata was sent to the rail by Norway’s William Thorson. William had asked Ezio “do you want to gamble?” to which Ezio said nothing. “I know I’m behind but I call... let’s gamble.” Whilst Ezio turned over A-J William tabled Q-9, a gamble that paid off with a nine on the flop.

PokerStars qualifier Marcus Bower had his tournament life strapped on the line, all-in with pocket sixes, called by Jonas Klausen with A-K. “You called so fast!” said Marcus after the board made him a set on the flop, a welcome double up for the American, back up to 290k.

Eric Koskas saw to it that Julian Parmann would play no further part in the action. Julian was all-in with A-9 to Koskas’ pocket eights on a board that came 2-6-J-4-5.

“I wish I’d been on tilt!” said Irishman Peter Roche. “I had a nine and a three! I wish I’d pushed!”

To cap off these early stages it was back to Team PokerStars Pro Dario Minieri. With Terje Augdal moving in with K-T Dario called, showing his A-J. The flop hit them both, an ace and a king, leaving Dario ahead. It was good bye to Terje but another step forward for the young Italian.