In round one, 45 players won their games. They joined nine seeded players of which two moved on with sixteen others. Now they face each other in six more games, as they move closer and closer to the two semifinal matches and a dream quiz date with Jeopardy!'s reigning king of quiz, Ken Jennings for a three-day final. The winner of those games wins $2 million. Second place is guaranteed $500,000, while third place is guaranteed $250,000.

No wild cards, no second chances. It's (my favorite words when it comes to Jeopardy! tourneys) win or go home.

JEROME VERED Writer Los Angeles Won $57,601	DAN MELIA College professor Berkeley, CA Won $57,200	MICHAEL DAUNT Accountant Oakville, ON Won $47,602

Jeopardy! categories: Islands, Olive Me, Barriers, The Ulti-"Mate", Tournament, of Champions.

Daily Double: $800 Islands. Jerome ($2800 over Dan's $1200 and Michael's $200) bets $1600. The clue: more than 150 islands make up this country, the last remaining kingdom in Polynesia. Jerome's guess: "What is Tonga?" Correct for $4400.

End of Round:
Jerome - $6200
Dan - $6000
Michael - $4400

Double Jeopardy! categories: Thank You, Dr. Paré; Classic Sitcom Episodes, 19th Century America, Orlando Blooms, Pen Names, Before & After

Daily Double #1: $2000 19th Century America. Jerome ($14,200 over Michael's $8400 and Dan's $5200) is in for $2500. Clue: in 1875, this Republican was elected Governor of Ohio; 17 months later, he took the oath of office as President. Jerome's guess: "Who is Hayes?" Jerome goes to $16,700.

Daily Double #2: $2000 Pen Names. Jerome ($20,300 to Michael's $10,800 and Dan's $7200) goes $3500. Clue: HH Munro published his stories under this potent potable name. Jerome's guess: "What is Saki?" Correct for $23,800.

End of Round:
Jerome - $26,200
Dan - $9200
Michael - $9200

Jerome didn't even make it look HARD! Based on wagering alone, he could take in excess of the $30,000 guarantee, while Dan and Michael, tied, may take home the $15,000.

Final Jeopardy! Category: Biblical Cities. Answer: Of the 10 most populous US cities, the one that shares its name with a city mentioned in Revelation. Correct response: What is Philadelphia?

Michael's question: What is Philadelphia? (RIGHT) Wager: $9200. Final score: $18,400.
Dan's question: What is Philadelphia? (RIGHT) Wager: $9200. Final score: $18,400.
Jerome's question: What is Philadelphia? (RIGHT) Wager: $6000. Final score: $32,200.

That's what you get for calling the Classic Sitcoms low-brow, Michael! But seriously, even if Jerome didn't get this one right, he knew better than to blow the wad on it and thus, takes $89,801 into his semi-final match. He joins the other members of the Super Six: Brad Rutter, Pam Mueller, Frank Spangenberg, John Cuthbertson, and Chris Miller.

Tomorrow we begin the semifinal phase to see which two players will go on to make that mad quiz money up against Ken Jennings. It should be noted that whoever wins that final will not only be crowned the best damn Jeopardy! player period, but will be the new King of Quiz (or in Pam's case, Queen).