The NBC National Heads-Up Championship got under way at Caesars Palace Poker Room at 1:30 PM on Friday for the Hearts Bracket and eliminations from the 64 player field begin immediately. First out was Allen Cunningham to Sam Farha, then John Phan sent Erik Seidel packing and moments later WSOP 2008 Champion, Peter Eastgate, sent my pre-race favorite, Andy Bloch to the rail. In rapid succession Eric Lindgren defeated Howard Lederer, Eli Elezra eliminated Johnny Chan, Jerry Yang stopped Clonie Gowan's rush, Scott Fischman takes Jamie's Gold, and David Williams breaks JC Tran.
Diamonds bracket began with 16 hopefuls taking a seat. Jonathan Little was the first to leave the party after WSOP Champion Huck Seed took charge and all of Little chips. He was quickly followed by Mr. Poker, Doyle Brunson, being eliminated by Vanessa Russo. Chad Brown left the stage after he couldn't overcome the cards of Glen Chorny and Layne Flack replacement, David Oppenheim, made short work of killing Vanessa Selbst's winning dream. Gus Hansen sent David Benyamine away and Jennifer Harman gave WSOP Champion, Greg "Fossilman" Raymer, the boot. Kenny Tran did hs magic trick and made magician Antonio Esfandiari disappear. Movie Star Brad Garret fired Annie Duke form the heads-up. The final match was decided when Phil "Unabomber" Laak finally overcame the constant chatter and slow play of senior qualifer, Kenny Yeh.
The 16 players making up the Clubs Bracket took the stage and began the elimination round. Jennifer Tilly was the first to go from after losing to Phil Ivey. Poker Godfather, Doyle Brunson, took an early out after Vanessa Russo showed him the door. 2003 WSOP Champion Chris Moneymaker went down under the play of Daniel Negreanu while baseball great, Orel Hershiser, struck out against Ted Forrest. WSOP champion Scotty Nguyen eliminated wildman Hevad "Rain" Khan and Nicolas Joy showed former heads-up champion, Paul Wasicka, the short way home. Movie star Don Cheadle eliminated David Pham and Mike "the Mouth" Matusow lost to Dario Minieri.
The 16 players making up the Spades Bracket took the stage for the final elimination round of the night. 2005 WSOP Champion, Joseph Hachem, was the first spade player to hit the rail after John Juanda prevailed. Poker Brat, Phil Hellmuth, eliminated poker ambassador, Mike Sexton, at the feature table. Barry Greenstein will come back tomorrow after he eliminated Blandino Gines and Caesars Palace satellite winner, Jeffrey Ishbia, shut down Leon Yanovski. Tom "durrrr" Dwan will play tomorrow after giving the heave ho to Gavin Griffin while Gavin Smith will not play tomorrow after Ilari Salamies was victorius in their match.
A complete list of Saturday's match-ups follow after the jump. Actions begins Saturday at 1:15 PM in tournament room at Caesars palace Poker Room.
Hearts Bracket
Eli Elezra vs. Erick Lindgren
David Williams vs. Scott Fischman
John Phan vs. Jerry Yang
Sam Farha vs. Peter Eastgate
Diamonds Bracket
Kenny Tran vs. Jennifer Harman
Phil Laak vs. David Oppenheim
Gus Hansen vs. Huck Seed
Glen Chorny vs. Brad Garrett
Clubs Bracket
Don Cheadle v. Paul Wasicka
Phil Ivey v. Vanessa Rousso
Scotty Nguyen v. Ted Forrest
Daniel Negreanu v. Dario Minieri
Spades Bracket
Gabe Kaplan vs. John Juanda
Ilari Sahamies vs. Bertrand Grospellier
Jeffrey Ishbia vs. Phil Hellmuth
Tom Dwan vs. Barry Greenstein
