Gianluca Bucchino Runaway Chip Leader After WPTDeepStacks Brussels Day 1a

Looking at the chip stacks of the players advancing from Day 1a of the WPTDeepStacks Brussels Main Event, there is one name (and one chip count!) that rises above the 30 who remain. Step forward Gianluca Bucchino with an eye-watering 360,000.

Bucchino was boosted by a late surge in chips, including the elimination of WPT Champions Club member Davidi Kitai, to bag the chip lead. The Italian explained that he was down to just 4,000 in chips at blind of 400/800. He explained that he doubled up twice through Paul Berende, won some small pots, and the elimination of Kitai sent him rocketing skywards.

Other big stacks advancing to Day 2 include Patrik Prijot (200,000), Vincent Gabel (196,400) Yotam Bar-Yosef (167,000), Bart Lybaert (156,000) and Gregor Prizmic-Martini (150,000).

Also through to Day 2 is Kenny Hallaert, who is still searching for his first ever cash in Belgium.

“I ended with 99,000,” said Hallaert, Which is good. It was a short day because I bought in during Level 8 but I can’t complain. Three starting stacks is good. Tomorrow I’m having the day off; family lunch. Just taking it easy.”

Hallaert will be joined by former WPTDeepStacks champion Ioannis Angelou-Konstas (139,400) as well as WPTDeepStacks Portugal final tablist Gregory Janin (73,400) and Belgian Arne Coulier (147,800).

Tomorrow there are two more chances for players to make it through to Day 2. At 2pm there is Day 1b with a normal 40-minute blind structure. Then, later at 10pm there is the special ‘Fast Chance’ Day 1c which gives players a final opportunity to make it through to Day 2.

Stay tuned to WPT.com for all the updates from the Grand Casino Viage as we crown another WPTDS winner here in Brussels.