Women's Poker Spotlight, August 10, 2007
So many events and not enough time to play in them all! We had several ladies' events going on in different parts of the country this past week. Cherokee Casino in Tulsa, Okalahoma and the LPA Tour (Ladies Poker Association) played hosts to an all-ladies event structured to send the winner to the WPT LA Legends ladies event. The winner of that event then gets to play at the televised final table on WPT Ladies Night at the Bike. The winner of the LPA Tour event was none other than professional poker player and writer Jan Fisher. Jan hoisted herself from near extinction to win the event's first prize of $11,662 and a seat at the WPT Ladies Night qualifier event. Jan is an employee of the WPT, and therefore relinquished the seat to runner-up Cheryl Baugus, who won $6,683. Congratulations to Jan Fisher and good luck to Cheryl Baugus at the WPT Ladies Night qualifier!
LIPS in L.A.
In another part of the country a LIPS (Ladies International Poker Series) Tour event was happening at the LA Poker Legends. With encouraging words from poker pro Annie Duke, 152 players hit the felt to make their way to the final table and a first prize of $17,087. Diana Korkis, from Los Angeles, emerged from among the players to take first place, with notable pros Marsha Waggoner and Karina Jett among those falling short of the money. LIPS Tour Tournament Director Lupe Soto was quoted as saying, "This event was a monumental step towards taking women to higher buy-ins where the rewards are greater." LIPS Tour events span the country, bringing amateur and professional poker players together for events throughout the year. Check out lipstour.com for coming events in your area.
Women's Poker Hall of Fame to Bow
A new development in the organization of a Women's Poker Hall of Fame has drawn the support from Binion's and poker professionals Allyn Shulman, Karina Jett, Lupe Soto, Maureen Feduniak, Suzanne Carter and Jacqueline Britton. The founding committee will convene annually to review potential women's achievements in the poker industry for consideration and induction into the Women's Poker Hall of Fame. This no doubt is a response to the July, 2007 induction of Barbara Enright into the Poker Hall of Fame, along with Phil Hellmuth. More information and membership in this organization can be found at womenspokerhalloffame.com.
Ranking System Established
A new national ranking system for women poker players is being constructed and is rumored to be getting picked up by a national poker publication. Any cashes and wins in events with a minimum buy-in of $300 will qualify you as a player to be ranked in two categories of amateur and professional poker players. More information on this ranking system will be available as the current data of 2007 is compiled. Already, a national and international poker ranking system that includes men and women poker players lists these outstanding women, in order of their appearances within the list:
1st: Kathy Liebert
2nd: Annie Duke
3rd: Jennifer Harman Traniello
4th: Cindy Violette
5th: Thithi "Mimi" Tran
6th: Joanne Liu
7th: Melissa Hayden
8th: Marsha Waggoner
9th: Kristy Gazes
10th: Barbara Enright
Join us next week for a take on the 'Women's WSOP Event – to play, or not to play' issue that has been heating up the message boards lately.
