TUCSON WOMAN TAKES ARIZONA STATE LADIES POKER TITLE

(502) (22-September-2006)

$40 000, a trophy and a $7 000 diamond pendantmake it all worthwhile

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."