Seidel Leads, Ivey Lurks at WPT London

Playing in his record 101st World Poker Tour event, Erik Seidel took the lead on Day 1a of the inaugural WPT London Poker Classic Monday.

Seidel sits atop 31 survivors from a starting field of 72 at The Palm Beach Casino in London, although the list of names in the hunt is a rather daunting one.

2009 November Niner Phil Ivey worked his way up to fourth in chips by the time play wrapped, while names like Luke “FullFlush” Schwartz, Praz Bansi and Huck Seed sit within striking distance.

Seidel has $10,350,014 in career tournament earnings, including eight WSOP bracelets and a WPT title.

He and Kathy Liebert are the only players to have entered 100 WPT main events.

Day 1b at the London Poker Classic is expected to draw an even larger field Tuesday, with British pros Chris Moorman and Neil Channing registered to play.

The final table will play out this Saturday.