Poker legend Brunson exits WSOP

Legendary poker pro Doyle Brunson was eliminated Saturday to highlight day two of the first round of the main event at the 40th World Series of Poker at the Rio.

The 75-year-old Brunson, who won the main event in 1976 and 1977, cashed twice in this year's series. A seventh-place finish in the $10,000 buy-in seven card stud high/low eight event in mid-June was his best showing since 2007.

Brunson was among 873 entries Saturday, which is expected to be the fewest entries for the first round of seating for the $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas hold 'em world championship. Event officials say the low numbers were expected due to the Fourth of July holiday.

Saturday brought the total number of entries to 1,989 with more "first day" tables for the main event being seated Sunday and today. After today, the number of tables will begin to be cut back for the remaining players. Play continues until July 15 when a final table of nine players will be determined. Those players return Nov. 7 to play until a champion is crowned.

Last year's main event drew 6,844 entries with $64,431,779 in prize money.

Brunson was not the only former winner who struggled Saturday. Chris Moneymaker, who won in 2003, was also eliminated on his first day.

One notable player who will be returning Tuesday is 96-year-old Jack Ury from Indiana, the oldest player to enter a series event. He finished the day with 23,075 in chips.

Contact reporter Arnold Knightly at aknightly @reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893.