Matusow, ex-Rebel Marion among first-day eliminations

Day 1A of the World Series of Poker’s Main Event is in the books and of the 1,125 entries, 819 players survived.

The $10,000 buy-in No-limit Hold’em World Championship will have four days of "first day" tables through Thursday. Remaining players will start returning Friday and play through July 17 when a final table of nine players is determined.

Those players will return in November to play until a new champion is crowned.

Britain’s James Mitchell was the first day leader with almost 242,000 in tournament chips.

2003 world champion Chris Moneymaker survived the day and was in 25th place with more than 107,000 in tournament chips.

Sent to the rail, however, were noted professionals Isaac Haxton, Andy Black, Chris Moorman, and Mike Matusow. 2004 world champion Greg Raymer was also eliminated. Along with “Everyone Love’s Raymond” star Ray Romano.

Former UNLV and current Dallas Mavericks basketball standout Shawn Marion was eliminated Monday with just 30 minutes left in the competition.

Marion wrote on his Twitter page, “Well it lasted (un)til last 30 minutes. I need to play in tournaments more when (be)cause it's not the same as cash games.”

The basketball star said he plans to play next year.