Phil Hellmuth leads a field of 27 remaining players at a World Poker Tour tournament.

Phil Hellmuth is the chip leader at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Bay 101 Shooting Star tournament, ahead of 26 other remaining players.

The 11-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner did not have the day all his own way though, surviving an early scare when he went all-in against JC Tran, doubling up with a pair of aces on the turn.

Hellmuth will be desperate to take the title as a WPT tournament is just about the only accolade he is yet to win in the game.

Along with his armful of bracelets, he has made it to the final table at three separate WPT events.

Hellmuth told hostess Jacque Williams that he had been in a running battle with Faraz Jaka throughout the day.

"He's a great young player and has so much talent. He moves his chips so well and the only way I could beat him was to try to play tight," he commented.

Jaka is in second place behind Hellmuth going into the third day of action, which will whittle the competitors down to a final table of six.

This comes after Andras Koroknai took the LA Poker Classic title last week, scooping the C$1.84 million top prize by triumphing over players such as Raymond Dolan on the final table of play.