It was an outstanding start to the MSPT Main Event 158 at The Venetian here in Las Vegas and after the final cards were dealt, Jason Gooch managed to stand tall above the rest of the Day 1A field to lead the flight.

Gooch bagged 413,500 for the top total of the evening. Michael Ermie came in second just behind Gooch with 385,000. Rounding out the top five were Andre Butler (253,500), Jim Agate (218,500) and Smith Collins (216,000). Also advancing were two-time WSOP bracelet winner Barry Shulman (205,000), Katie Lindsay (92,000) and Bob Shao (87,500)

Notables missing out on reaching Day 2 included John Morgan, Ben Ector, Gerald Cunniff and Jason Seitz.

For the flight, 149 entries were recorded and 16 players managed to make their way to Day 2. There will be one more starting flight Saturday starting at 12:10 PM Pacific. Everyone who advances will be back in action on Sunday at 12 PM Pacific to play for the Main Event title.

We’ll be back here tomorrow from The Venetian in Las Vegas for Day 1B covering all the action on msptpoker.com. Congratulations to everyone who advanced to Day 2 and we’ll see you here tomorrow morning!