The chips are in the bags and 89 survivors have ordered their first beverage for the evening after an enthralling opening day at the PokerStars.net ANZPT Sydney Main Event.

Once again, players turned out in force to support a PokerStars.net sponsored event at Star City. Packed fields have filled the casino poker room for the past two editions of the APPT Grand Final, and there's been barely a spare seat all week for the first ANZPT Sydney tournament.

A total of 233 signed up for day 1A, with 144 sent to the rail during the nine one-hour levels. With similar numbers expected tomorrow, the total field should surpass 470 - an excellent result given this event (and tour) is in its first year.

The man in the box seat heading into day two is Aussie Joseph Moussa with 151,900. He leads from Swedish PokerStars qualifier Ola Jernberg (147,200) and local trio Xin Zhao (138,200), Thorsten Schafer (130,800) and Joey Lawrence (130,000).

Other notables to survive day 1A were PokerStars.net Team Australia pro Eric Assadourian), 2008 APPT Macau High Roller runner-up Andrew Scott, Billy "The Croc" Argyros, Jeff Lisandro, Soren Eriksen, "Toothpick Tony" Kambouroglou, Rob Galluzzo and the master of the value fold, Max Veenhuyzen.

Players eliminated included 2008 APPT Grand Final winner Martin Rowe, Graeme "Kiwi G" Putt, Steve "The Big Show" Topakas, Michael Guzzardi, Martin Comer, ANZPT Adelaide winner Karl Krautschneider and Saidal Wardak.

We'll be back from 12.30pm AEST (3.30am GMT) for day 1B in the PokerStars.net ANZPT Sydney Main Event.