Borgata Poker Open Wraps Day 2

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey – (PRESS RELEASE) -- The action was fast and furious yesterday during the second day of the 2006 Borgata Poker Open. The day began at 11 a.m. with more than 500 players arriving to compete in the $750 buy-in event. Wednesday also featured Day 2 of the $500 buy-in No Limit event. The field that started with more than 1,000 players was down to 27 players, and those weary poker warriors arrived eager to capture the first place prize and their piece of poker immortality.

Spectators and players alike were surprised to learn the Day 1 event was dominated by amateurs. Sixth place finisher Scott Clemmensen, who has spent most of his life in the spotlight as a professional hockey player for the New Jersey Devils, enjoyed his role as an unknown poker rookie. Clemmensen commented, "I am thrilled to take home the $28,000 sixth place prize money, but it is the spirited competition and camaraderie among the poker players at Borgata that means the most to me."

Another amateur, Alberto Orellana, stole the spotlight yesterday and dominated the $500 buy-in No Limit event, capturing the first place prize pool of $115,335 and a Rolex watch from Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry. An elated, but spent Orellana commented after the event: "This was my first time playing at Borgata and my first big tournament win. It was an amazing experience to be a part of and win the Borgata Open. This is my first visit to Borgata, but it won't be my last!"

Orellana and second place finisher Mohamed Elkerdawy battled back and forth during the duration of the two-day event featuring nearly perfect play from both players. Elkerdawy, a seasoned poker player who considers the new, 85-table poker room at Borgata to be "home court," was satisfied with the outcome taking home $72,310. Poker veteran Elkerdawy commented, "It was exciting to be in the hunt for first place, but I am also proud of young Alberto taking the first place prize and establishing himself as one of most promising young poker players."