Striking Viking ready to mow down men in big boys' challenge

World pool champion Ewa Mataya Laurance warns challengers not to be fooled by her good looks at the Big Boys' Toys event next month. Photo / Supplied

World pool champion Ewa Mataya Laurance warns challengers not to be fooled by her good looks at the Big Boys' Toys event next month.

Glamorous pool superstar Ewa Mataya Laurance hopes to mow down Kiwi challengers on a giant pool table made to look like a garden lawn.

The 6m x 3m grass-like table, similar to one featured in television commercials for energy drink Mother, will be brought to life at the Big Boys' Toys event at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds from November 9-11.

Former world pool champ Laurance, known as The Striking Viking, will jet in from the United States to take on anyone who fancies their chances against her.

The Sweden-born blonde will headline The Mother-Fuelled Backyard Pool Challenge, where she'll be joined by sporting heroes Shaun Johnson and Manu Vatuvei, as well as New Zealand snooker legend Dene O'Kane.

Laurance, the current World Cup and International Trick Shot champion, told the Herald on Sunday she couldn't wait to make her first trip here.

"New Zealand has been on my bucket list for years, so I'm thrilled to be coming to take part in such a fun event," she said.

"I've never played on a pool table as big before, never mind one that looks like a lawn."

Laurance also warned any Kiwi male challengers not to be fooled by her glamorous looks.

When asked what happens when men see her when they walk into the room to play pool, she replied: "They lose!"

russell.blackstock@hos.co.nz