LaiBin (left) & Juha Helppi
An incredible day of intense heads-up action saw four of PKR's super six progress through to Round 2. However the day started out in less-than-ideal fashion, with a defeat for our own LaiBin at the hands of fellow countryman Juha Helppi.
Jonas "LaiBin" v Juha Helppi - 10:15 GMT
In a virtually silent match where both players donned shades and deliberated carefully over every decison, online qualifier and community member LaiBin settled quickly to take an early lead. As is so often the case with these matches, it came down to one key hand, our man shoving the flop with bottom pair and the OESD to a snap-call from Juha's flopped straight. All the crossed fingers and toes from the rail, including those of a nervous girlfriend, could not summon the required outdraw and the first PKR qualifier hit the felt. The softly-spoken Fin was understandably disappointed and left the match with regrets over the key hand, yet none of us would have played it any different, and the assembled throng was dure he had aquitted himself admirably.
Andreas 'ltsplypkr' Johansson v Antonio Esfandiari - 13:00 GMT
The serious young Swedish pro, every inch the professional online player, looked the part opposite his flamboyant opponent Antonio Esfandiari. The usually garrulous American was subdued throughout another tense match, which hinged on one crucial hand. Andreas' stack and prospects were crippled with JJ v K7 all-in pre flop. Of course a king appeared on the flop to all but end the qualifier's journey. An awesome hour-long exposition of short-stack skills ended with another beat to send the impressive Swede back to his hotel with feelings of injustice lasting long into the night.
Massimo 'thekabalist' Mele v Ivan Demidov - 15:35 GMT
The stylish, upbeat Italian arrived in relaxed mood, eagerly anticipating his matchup with Main Event runner up Demidov. As the match drew closer and his opponent ambled through the studio, yawning as if it were an everday occurrence (which I suppose it may be), you could sense that nerves were jangling. In a rollercoaster match, Massimo hung on while short stacked to stage a magnificent comeback and claim victory, taking a memorable scalp. After the match, the Italian couldn't hide his joy with a beaming smile spread across his face.
Vladimir " Beyne" Geshkenbein v Alex Keating - 15:45 GMT
The most vocal encounter of Day 1's sixteen matches saw Beyne prevail over the entertaining young American, both enjoying the attention of a packed rail. With james666 and Phil Laak's match starting just yards away, the choice of match to rail was no easy decision for the assorted community members (chivalrousgent, rocafella and NexusWR to name but a few). A match which threw up plenty of great chat and creative play, you can expect this one to receive it's deserved TV time when the show airs later in the year. In the end, the irrepressible Beyne vanquished his opponent to book a place in the second round and an encounter with PKR qualifier Brahim.
James 'james666' Sudworth v Phil Laak - 16:05 GMT
Another pulsating encounter saw Team PKR Pro and self-proclaimed "painted hair virgin" James Sudworth progress past Phil Laak, the American unable to win a hand all day it seemed. James' proud father stood and watched as his son played good poker to beat out the fellow pro in a thoroughly enjoyable two hours.
Brahim "Brahimh" v Neil Channing - 18:15 GMT
The final online qualifier, Brahim was slated to face David Williams, though with the American's late withdrawal, in stepped Irish Open champion and accomplished all-rounder Neil Channing. The match took several twists and turns, with Brahim having his opponent all-in, covered and needing a ten and a ten only, to survive. A ten on the river brought howls of anguish from the crowd, and the determined young qualifier stormed from the table, disgusted by his luck. In a moment of karmic balance however, Brahim had the last laugh, when on the final hand he hit runner runner diamonds to shock the room and progress to the second round. The win was a fine gift for his girlfriend, who celebrated her birthday on the same evening. The victory set up a thrilling encounter with wildman Beyne, ensuring at least one PKR man reaches the money!