by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Feb 27, 2012 | Updated on Feb 27, 2012The World Poker Tour’s L.A. Poker Classic is one of the biggest poker events of the year, attracting many of the world’s top players to the Commerce Casino to battle for what is almost always a million dollar first prize. The 2012 edition has been no exception, featuring some of the biggest names in poker at the top of the leaderboard – and one that just missed out on making the money.Starting at the top, though, it’s the relatively unknown Tuan Phan who has taken the lead with just 54 players remaining in contention. Phan, who hails from the United States, bagged 1.14 million in chips after Sunday’s session, giving him a big lead over the field. Phan may not be a household name, but he did win a World Series of Poker Circuit event in Atlantic City just two months ago.But just behind Phan are two big names that are looking to chase him down. New York poker pro Jason Somerville has risen to second place in the chip standings, while Joe Tehan is just behind him in third. Both pros have over 800,000 chips, giving them a great chance to make a run to the final table over the next two days. Other notable leaders include Noah Schwartz, Tom Marchese and WSOP Main Event final table member Badih Bounahra.Not every star in the field was able to make it into the money, though. One player who wasn’t able to push past the bubble was the legendary Phil Ivey, who had the unfortunate distinction of becoming the bubble boy, becoming the last player eliminated before the money bubble broke. Ivey got the last of his chips in with pocket sixes, only to run into kings and end his run.The remaining 54 players will be back on Monday to continue their quest to win the $1,370,240 first prize. All players remaining in the field are guaranteed to take home at least $21,080.
