Hachem, Gold, Brunson and Hellmuth out of Main Event at WSOP 2007

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- As reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal: "As the World Series of Poker's main event moved into the elimination rounds Tuesday at the Rio, many of the game's more recognizable
Past champion Jamie Gold was eliminated in an early round of the 2007 World Series of Poker.  names had joined the rail birds, poker fans who watch the action from behind the tables.

"Two of the past four world poker champions busted out following the four-day opening round of the $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas hold 'em event. Last year's winner, Hollywood producer Jamie Gold, was eliminated Monday evening. Also gone from the action are 11-time World Series of Poker event winner Phil Hellmuth and two-time world poker champion Doyle Brunson.

"Joe Hachem, the 2005 world poker champion and one of just a handful of ex-champions still in the field, entered play Tuesday with $35,500 in tournament chips. But Hachem was gone from the field within 90 minutes. Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 champion, plays today.

"Several Hollywood celebrities, however, survived the opening round and drew the fans interest Tuesday.

"Brad Garrett, co-star of the television series "Everybody Loves Raymond," began play with $69,600. By midafternoon, he was up to more than $80,000 in chips but he was eliminated by 3 p.m. "Spiderman" star Tobey Maguire began the day with $24,200 and was slowly building his stack. By midafternoon, he had more than $90,000 in chips.

"Three former world champions still remained in the hunt Tuesday: Scotty Nguyen (1998), Tom McEvoy (1983), and MGM Mirage executive Bobby Baldwin (1978)...."