London has landed another major tournament and will be hosting the PartyPoker Women’s World Open

Tuesday 7th August 2007

The PartyPoker Women’s World Open will kick off in London today, and run until Friday 10th. The exclusive field of 36 runners has a fantastic line-up. Sadly for spectators, it will be played out at the Maidstone Studios, but the good news is that it will be on general release later in the year.

Major runners include Liz Lieu, who although she has no bracelets, is a formidable player. Until 2005, Lieu did not take her poker skills all that seriously, however, that year she had three cashes at the World Series, with her best being 5th in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event. Backed by Poker Stars, Lieu has focused on marketing more than playing of late, but is still odds on favourite at 6/1.

Surprisingly Shannon Elizabeth will be both playing and commentating. The actress, best known for her American Pie roles, is no flaky player. She busted Barry Greenstein and Jeff Madsen for third place at the 2007 NBC National Heads-Up Championship.

Outside the World Series, this is probably the biggest women only event prize package going. A spokesperson from the organisers, online poker room PartyPoker, said that they were “... hugely encouraged by the positive interest we have already received from broadcasters all over the world before a card has been dealt.”

While all-women events do have the air of publicity stunts, and as such are spurned by players such as World Series Bracelet holder Annie Duke, it is worth remembering that this Tournament has a $3,000 buy-in and a $50,000 top prize.

Other odds from PartyBets are: Katherine Hartree and Pippa Flanders 7/1, Lucy Rokach 8/1, Jennifer Tilly 9/1 and Shannon Elizabeth 33/1.

Source: OnlineCasinoNews