blonde poker

The Ladbrokes Poker European Ladies Championship enjoyed its biggest field ever this weekend with 52 runners. The women's only tournament was a veritable list of who's who in European ladies poker. Runners included a number of top European female players including Annette Obrestad, Bev Pace, Michelle Orpe, Katherine Hartree, Liv Boeree and poker journalist Shelley Rubenstein to name but a few. All were playing for a first prize of $30,000 and a WSOP Main Event package, having either qualified online at Ladbrokes for $5 or 'buying-in' to the event for $2,000.

As fifty-two was whittled down to ten, Ladbrokes increased the prize pool payout to ten rather than eight, as the field increased at the last minute exceeding the 50 seats originally allocated.  Ladbrokes is now seriously considering increasing the number of places for the 2009 event to fulfil the surge in demand and hopes to see many new faces playing in next year's live tournament.

After two days of poker play, the tournament, was won by Liv Boeree of Absolute Poker. In a matter of what seemed like minutes, she put paid to Dane Lena Martyak's efforts to secure first place.

Liv said: "I'm over the moon with my win. We've all been treated really well by Ladbrokes Poker and the final table was fantastic. Coincidentally, I was recently in a debate about female only tournaments and although I did say I thought they were unnecessary this tourney has exceeded my expectations.  The standard of play, the sense of camaraderie, community over the last couple of days has made this an event to remember!"

Lucy Sergides, Ladbrokes Poker Events Manager said: "The ELC is now firmly established as one of the most prestigious women only tournaments in Europe and we couldn't have wished for a better field. At the last count there were three top sponsored players from rival sites in the field and they all agree that the standard of play was excellent. It only goes to show that there is space on the poker circuit for well run women only tournaments such as The Ladbrokes Poker ELC."

Lucy continued: "The original concept of the ELC was to introduce women to live play. The tourney was created to act as a stepping-stone for ladies going on to play in mixed tournaments. I think we've succeeded in creating an environment where women can try on live play for size to see if it fits.  The majority of the women have said that they enjoyed the experience so much they'll be back next year and all feel ready to play in live tournaments in general".  

1st  Liv Boeree -- $30,000
2nd  Lena Martyak -- $20,000
3rd  Shelley Rubenstein -- $16,000
4th  Lise Moller -- $12,000
5th  Jacqui Terry -- $10,000
6th  Karen Muir -- $6,000
7th  Bev Pace -- $4,0000
8th  Karen Holland -- $2,000
9th  Cheryl Holden -- $2,000
10th  Michelle Orpe -- $2,000