Cards hit air at World Series of Poker main event

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LAS VEGAS (The Associated Press) - By OSKAR GARCIA

Cardplayers, celebrities and amateurs with deep pockets are back in Las Vegas and hoping for a handsome score as the World Series of Poker main event begins.

More than 1,100 players packed a conference room at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino at the start of the $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament, with the richest prize in poker.

Among those hitting the felt was former big-league pitcher Orel Hershiser, who regaled his table with tales from his days on the mound.

Actor Jason Alexander and rapper Nelly attracted gawkers as they sat side by side, while actress Jennifer Tilly and actor Brad Garrett focused on working their tables across the room.

Raphael Zimmerman, 27, was the first player eliminated Friday.

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