GPI Stars Sign with Ivey, NBC Heads-Up Begins

IveyPoker.com Signs Smith and Lichtenberger

As Phil Ivey continues to put together a solid team of poker pros for his instructional website, IveyPoker.com, the two most recent signees are familiar to GPI. Dan Smith (#1) and Andrew Lichtenberger (#5) were announced on January 24, both of whom have stellar tournament results and are proven aggressive players.

Smith and Lichtenberger are also currently competing in the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship in Las Vegas, as is Phil Ivey.

NBC National Heads-Up Round 1 Begins

One name that was not on the original list of participants for the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship in Las Vegas was Thomas Marchese. However, Jennifer Harman backed out of her seat, and Marchese was the next on the list of alternates.

The Spades bracket was the first to play out on Thursday, January 24. The first match ended quickly when John Hennigan defeated David Williams. John Monnette doubled through Greg Raymer, and the former eventually won the match. Mike Matusow defeated Michael Mizrachi, and Phil Ivey took out Phil Laak. Justin Bonomo eliminated friend Isaac Haxton, and Sam Simon took out cash game specialist David Oppenheim. Barry Greenstein sent Ben Lamb to the rail, and Andrew Lichtenberger doubled but couldn’t fade Viktor Blom, as the latter moved on.

Round 2 Spades Bracket:

John Monnette v. Barry Greenstein

Viktor Blom v. Mike Matusow

Sam Simon v. John Hennigan

Justin Bonomo v. Phil Ivey

The Hearts bracket played next, about 30 minutes behind schedule. The first match to finish found Justin Smith sending Bertrand Grospellier to the rail. Quickly after, Joseph Cheong took out Olivier Busquet and Phil Hellmuth defeated Mike Sexton. Eugene Katchalov eliminated Faraz Jaka, and WSOP.com qualifier Bruce (BJ) Miller eliminated Jean-Robert Bellande. Rob Salaburu doubled through David Sands to stay alive but failed in his second attempt as Sands won the round. Chris Moneymaker sent Jason Somerville out of the tournament, and the final match went on for about another 30 minutes before Phil Galfond took out Maria Ho. The second round of this bracket will play on Friday.

Round 2 Hearts Bracket:

Joseph Cheong v. BJ Miller

Eugene Katchalov v. Phil Galfond

Justin Smith v. Phil Hellmuth

Chris Moneymaker v. David Sands

Stay tuned for more results.