PKR Heads-Up Grand Slam ready to roll - 08/10/2009

The inaugural PKR Heads Up Grand Slam kicks off on Thursday in London with a stellar line-up in Europe's premier heads up tournament - with live reporting at uk.pokernews.com.

Hanson Races Into An Early Lead In Scotland

The invitational event, held at 3 Mills Studios, will see 32 of the world's best players battling it out for the $100,000 first prize from a prize pool of $350,000 - with PKR adding $30,000 to the pot.

The draw has thrown up some mouth-watering first round clashes and the event gets under way with recent WCOOP winner "JovialGent" Yevgeniy Timoshenko taking on controversial Brit Luke "_FullFlush1_" Schwartz. Tom "Durrrr" Dwan will take on WSOP Heads Up runner up John Duthie, while an all-British clash sees poker legend Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott battle it out with young gun John Tabatabai.

"Europe has been waiting for a major heads up tournament and the PKR Heads Up Grand Slam is a groundbreaking format with a stunning line-up," said Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn.

"There are some electric first round matches and, as the tournament progresses, the possible quarter-final and semi-final clashes may bring together some much-anticipated clashes.

"Among the 32 will be four lucky online qualifiers, who will come head-to-head with some of their heroes as they look to make a name for themselves in the poker world."

The PKR Heads Up Grand Slam will be filmed in front of a live audience and will be presented by Kara Scott, while Jess May will lead the way in the commentary booth.

PKR Heads Up Grand Slam 1st Round Matches

1st Session

Luke Schwartz v Yevgeniy Timoshenko
Sandra Naujoks v Sammy George
Juha Helppi v Jonas Vesterback (O/Q)
Annette Obrestad V Ian Frazer

2nd Session

Tom Dwan v John Duthie
Antonio Esfandiari v Andreas Johansson (O/Q)
Nam Le v Lex Velduis
Peter Eastgate v Vicky Coren

3rd Session

John Tabatabai v Devilfish
Alex Keating v Vladimir Geshkenbein
Ivan Demidov v Massimo Mele (O/Q)
Alec Torreli v Ilari Sahamies

4th Session

Jennifer Tilly v Tony G
Phil Laak v James Sudworth
Neil Channing v Brahim Hajji (O/Q)
JC Tran v David Steicke