WSOP Main Event Down to 1200 Players

More than 7000 players began the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas last week, but that has been trimmed down to just 1203 following an action-packed first three days that saw many former champions knocked out.

This year's event has seen the second-largest number of entrants ever, which means the remaining players are facing off for a first prize of almost $9 million.

10-time WSOP bracelet winner Johnny Chan is ninth overall in the chips stakes, with 636,000. Other notables amongst the chip leaders are Eric Baldwin and two-time bracelet winner Jesper Hougaard.

On the flip side, 19 past champions have been eliminated from the tournament, including nine of the last 10 winners. The only name on that list, 2008 Main Event winner Peter Eastgate, is not competing after announcing a break from professional poker.

As usual, a host of celebrities have competed at this year's event, including funny man Ray Romano, actress Shannon Elizabeth, Seinfeld star Jason Alexander and Australian cricket legend and 888 identity Shane Warne.

The field at the 2010 Main Event will be narrowed down to nine players by July 17. The final table will then be delayed until the grand finale beginning November 6.