Tucson, Arizona resident Deb Blair beat out a field of 400 entrants
in the inaugural Arizona Ladies State Poker Championship this week
to win a champion's trophy, a $7 000 diamond pendant and a $40 000
grand prize.
Held at the Casino Arizona over the weekend, the tournament launched
at 9 a.m. with a starting field of 400 ladies, 80 percent of whom
were from Arizona and the rest from across the USA. 13 hours later,
Blair was crowned the winner.
"I am ecstatic and proud to have won first place,"
Blair said. "I left my house at 6 a.m. and drove all the
way from Tucson to get here, and I am sure glad I did."
Arizona players also took the second and third place spots in the
tournament. Jennifer Grey, of Gilbert, placed second and won $20 000
plus a trophy, and Kate Erbe, from Anthem, came in third for $11 000
and a trophy.
"Casino Arizona's inaugural Ladies State Poker Championship
event was so successful that we are already planning for next year,"
said Kent Odekirk, Casino Arizona card room manager. "We
expect it to be bigger and better, potentially drawing more than 500
ladies."