The third annual PartyPoker.com European Open takes place between the 4-11 December at Maidstone Studios in Kent, with a $360,000 prize pool up for grabs. All the action will be shown exclusively on Five in the UK early in the new year. The tournament starts with a celebrity table, but with a twist: evergreen West Ham United footballer Teddy Sheringham, 40, and girlfriend Danielle Lloyd, 22, will be squaring up over the felt. Lloyd, who made a stir in 'that dress' at the recent Casino Royale premiere in London is famous for having the title of Miss Great Britain taken away from her after it emerged that Teddy was amongst the judges. Danielle, however, is keen to show what she is made of, "I'll forget my Teddy when I get to the poker table," she said, "I play to win. The Miss Great Britain scandal meant that organizers thought long and hard about placing Teddy and Danielle on the same table. A PartyPoker.com spokesman said, "Questions were raised but Danielle was so keen to batter her Teddy at poker that we let it go ahead. There is a match referee on hand at all times to ensure no skullduggery takes place and that there are no loving and knowing glances over the table." "The real tension could come from the battle of the babes, however, as the new presenter of poker on Five is Roxanne Siordia, Maxim's current girl of the year in the US. Danielle is used to being the biggest draw wherever she goes but it is going to be a close run thing this time!"
Last year, Surrey poker pro Ian Frazer won the PartyPoker.com European Open with hyper-aggressive play and he is back to defend his title. Another top pro taking part is John Magill, who finished 12th in the WSOP Main Event this year. Amongst others confirmed as runners in the tournament are snooker legend Steve Davis, Ibiza warhorse Brandon Block, DJ Spoony and Layer Cake actor Jamie Foreman.
The winner of the Open will scoop a cool $125,000 for their efforts.
Filmed by Matchroom Sport, the show will be aired exclusively in the UK on Five, with commentary from 'the voice of poker' Jesse May. Roxanne Siordia will present. The PartyPoker.com European Open is amongst the most popular tournaments in the world and the European Open I and II has been snapped up by over 23 separate broadcasters from various countries.