Ladies Battle at Borgata

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Another day down, another champion rises to the challenge at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City. Event six of the 2006 Borgata Poker Open came to a conclusion late last night on the second day of the Ladies Only Tournament. Jessica Desantis of Garden City, NY captured the first place title, winning her first Borgata championship, a Rolex watch and a prize purse of $27,000.

Desantis, who started playing poker three years ago, considers Borgata her "home turf." She has been developing a name for herself locally and last night proved to be a premier poker player. After taking photos with her new Rolex watch and prize money she said, "The competition was good, especially at the final table but it was nothing like playing with the 'big boys' downstairs in the Borgata poker room. My experience playing with top amateurs and pros prepared me to win the Ladies event."

Desantis' game was in top form as she outplayed Baltimore, MD's Amy Atkins for the title. Atkins was a valiant warrior strategically battling back and forth with Desantis. Third place finisher, Janet Burak was the chip leader after the first day of competition and fought hard before succumbing to the seasoned Desantis and Atkins.

Atkins, whose beaming smile was glued to her face at the tournament, was obviously pleased with finishing second. "I would have liked to win but Jessica played well and deserved to take the championship. I love playing at Borgata. It feels like home here and it is great to finish second in my first big tournament at the Borgata Poker Open."

Desantis was enjoying her time in the spotlight after the event but was anxious to get to her room to prepare for a night out at Borgata's new nightclub, mur.mur. "I have never been to mur.mur so I am excited to go tonight -- it seems like the perfect time to go celebrate; drinks on me!"

The action is heating up and the intensity is reaching a new high as countless pros arrive at Borgata to compete in the upcoming high stakes events at the 2006 Borgata Poker Open. On Thursday, September 14 the public is invited to attend the World Poker Tour Kickoff Party at MIXX nightclub hosted by poker pros Phil Laak and Antonio Esfandiari.