Tags:
Events/live poker, Player profiles, Satellites, Tournaments
Phil Laak v James 'james666' Sudworth
Laak, the eccentric Californian WPT champion draws PKR's youngest Team Pro. Both are known for their gregarious table personas so we can expect increased noise levels, plenty of entertainment and some quality, creative poker.
My pick to win: James666, obviously!
Praz Bansi v JC Tran
In a battle of the bracelet winners, London-based Hitsquad member Bansi faces Premier League champ JC Tran in what is sure to be an absorbing encounter. Bansi, a WSOP and dual GUKPT winner, made another final table at this year's WSOP, while Tran picked up his second bracelet, boosting his lifetime winnings to nearly $8m. In another eagerly-awaited USA v GB matchup, expect some tricky smallball play from the two softly-spoken stars.
To win: JC Tran, in a close call.
Tom "durrrr" Dwan v John Duthie
Another transatlantic pairing likely to raise eyebrows, with EPT supremo and inaugural Poker Million champion Duthie set against legendary cash game star Dwan. An old school legend himself, Duthie has buckets of experience, not least in the heads up arena, with a recent runner up finish in the 2009 WSOP $10K World Championship Heads Up event (worth $386K) boosting his chances. Dwan is known for his lunatic aggression and may not be able to take his foot off the gas.
To win: Duthie's heads up record and wisdom should see him through
Tony G v Jennifer Tilly
Another eagerly-anticipated match with a full rail predicted, Australia's (larger than) larger-than-life 'amateur poker player' Tony G faces Phil Laak's glamourous girlfriend Jennifer Tilly. Tilly is no pushover, having won her bracelet at the 2005 WSOP, though missteps in the televised Poker Superstars series have brought into question her credentials against the world's best. Tony G has all the experience and many titles under his belt, along with a bionic mouth which often gives him an additional edge. Expect Tony to progress on his return to London after his runner up finish in last year's Premier League.
To win: Tony G
Other key matches...
PKR superstar and APPT High Roller champion Beyne plays USA's Alex Keating, while Luke "Full Flush" Schwartz faces WPT champ Yevgeniy Timoshenko. Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott is drawn against WSOPE runner up John Tabataba, and Vicky 'Tea Cup' Coren plays 2008 World Champion Peter Eastgate.
Qualify for the $10,000 buy-in Heads Up Grand Slam on PKR.com!