Kili Madrid still in contention at World Series of Poker

LAS VEGAS --- Kili Madrid remained in contention after Friday's first round of the World Series of Poker main event, finishing the day with $44,225.

''I was all the way up to $97,000,'' said Madrid, a 1996 Baldwin High School graduate and former professional boxer who now lives in Los Angeles.

Madrid, like all competitors, began with $30,000 in chips, which have no monetary value, and are used only to keep score in the tournament. The event had a $10,000 buy-in.

The no-limit Texas hold 'em championship allows players to pick one of four opening days --- Friday was the first, meaning Madrid will not resume competition at the Rio Hotel and Casino until Tuesday.

Madrid began the day at the same table as Gus Hansen, who has won three events and more than $4 million on the World Poker Tour.

''He was to my left,'' Madrid said. ''We were shooting the breeze. We were talking about golf, poker, tennis. He's a big tennis fan. We were talking about Wimbledon.''

Madrid said the tournament was unlike any he's been in before.

''I thought it was going to be normal, but honestly, I had butterflies,'' he said.

Eric Cloutier of Canada was the chip leader after the first day with $150,750. Redmond Lee of England was second with $134,275.

The round began with 1,116 players, and 821 remained at the end of the day.

Madrid said he will go home before returning to Las Vegas to resume play.

''I'm not playing no poker,'' he said. ''I'm going to go play golf, do whatever it takes to get my mind off poker.''