Online Qualifier Faces Top Pros on Poker After Dark

BY: STEPHEN A. MURPHY | steve.murphy@cardplayer.com
PUBLISHED: Monday Mar 23, 2009 03:16 PM
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Matusow, Negreanu, Chan, Laak, and Tilly Will Be His Opponents

This Week's Poker After Dark LineupArnold Thimons will try to do what no online qualifier has done before — actually go the distance and win on Poker After Dark.

Starting tonight, the popular NBC poker show will begin broadcasting its third edition of “Dream Table,” where it deviates a little from its normal six-handed tourney structure of big-name pros by putting in one online qualifier and letting him select his pro opponents.

This season, the 44-year-old Pennsylvanian overcame the odds to win a seat at the prestigious late-night table. Thimons selected two-time main event champ Johnny Chan and four-time bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu, along with Mike Matusow, Phil Laak, and Jennifer Tilly as the pros he wanted to face in the tournament. The winner will receive $120,000.

NBC put two online qualifiers into the show in previous seasons, but neither was able to take down the six-handed tournament.

All five of the big names Thimons selected are regulars on the show, although a number of them will likely be anxious to notch another win onto their record. Matusow has a record of 1-10 on PAD, while Negreanu (1-6) and Laak (1-4) haven’t won a PAD since the first season. Tilly has never won, despite two previous appearances.

Chan, on the other hand, has been very successful on the show — winning three of the five tournaments he has entered.