Welcome to the 2011 Aussie Millions for coverage of the Event #13: Australia Heads-Up Championship!
Let us start by letting everyone know that it is Australia Day and as such is a time for a patriotic celebration of all things Australia. Unfortunately for Aussies this event has an extremely poor history of home soil success, but what better time than on this day to change all of that.
It was last in 2007 that an Australian was able to take down this event and since then it has been all internationals everywhere. Last year it was all top 8 paying spots that went to those from abroad with Canada’s Kyle McMurphy taking down the title.
The event has changed a little this year in that it is now a $10,500 event as opposed to a $5,300. Hopefully this new change will spur a change in local luck as Australia try to keep the championship on home soil.
Make sure you stay tuned as the PokerNews Live Reporting Team brings you all the action of the Heads-Up Championship, but also be sure to tune into the other events on the card today as we bring you a jam packed Australia Day with the Event #12: Pot-Limit Omaha kicking off today and of course continuing coverage of the Event #9: Aussie Millions Main Event.
They are about to start the draw to determine heads up matches. So far, only Daniel Alaei and Annette Obrestad are in the vicinity and ready to go, but chips are set up for eight matches.
Three tables have started already and several more are setting up. We'll bring you a full table draw in moments.
Looks like there will be eight matches today with another flight tomorrow. Each match is best of three. Players start with 5,000 chips in the first round. Blinds start at 25/50 and go up every 20 minutes. Since each match is keeping track of the blinds on their own clocks, we won't be updating levels.
David Paul Steicke has arrived and taken his seat opposite Jonathan "xMONSTERxDONGx" Karamalikis. That means all of the matches have begun. Terrence Chan had been hoping to get Steicke's seat in today's heat, but looks like he's out of luck.
Dan "King Dan" Smith is feeling very unking-like today. He's got a hot tea and an orange juice in front of him and looks like he'd much rather be in bed. But he's fighting through the sickness for the chance to win the Australia Heads-Up crown.
Daniel Nielson raised to 200, and Smith moved all in. Nielson called with to flip with Dan's . The flop had something for both Dans, putting Smith way out in front. After the board, Smith collected his double up and they are back to even.
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, and Kelly doubled back to life in the first match. Evdakov still has an 8:5 chip lead.
to flip with Dan's 
. The flop had something for both Dans, putting Smith way out in front. After the 
board, Smith collected his double up and they are back to even.