Runners from around the country and even the odd (very odd) Australian made the trip to Christchurch for one of this years largest poker events. The devastating Earthquake in February earlier this year delayed New Zealand’s longest running poker event for just under 5 months, but once play got under way, it was business as usual for many of the country’s top poker players.

Notable players to gather chips over the 12.5 hour day one included Wellington’s Jimal Dia (119,100), regular Auckland-based deep runners Steve Smith (166,300), Kevin Clark (176,600) & Martin Cardno (Chip Lead @ 199,400); as well as 2010 Women’s Champ Vicky Beatson (99,500). But the big story of the day is back to back defending champ Soren Ericson, who, after waiting for what must have seemed an eternity, returns to the field today still in the hunt at just under chip average ($74,500).

Play will resume at 1pm today (Sunday), with around 12 minutes remaining on the 1000/2000 blind level (level 12). With around $100,000 in prize money on the table, those remaining shall be battling it out for the title and a 1st place prize of $35,000.  Below is a summary of the chip counts:

Three Aucklanders lead the 2011 National Poker Champs, but defending back-to-back champ Soren Ericson is still well in the hunt.