Joanne “JJ” Liu took the winner’s prize in this weeks World Poker Tour Ladies Night IV tournament held at the Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, California, earning herself a $25,000 seat into the WPT’s Championship Event and a WPT ring.
Defending Ladies Night champion, actress/player Jennifer Tilly was the first player out, eliminated by amateur Kelli Griggs. Vanessa Rousso also fell to Griggs’ aggressive play when she pushed all-in from the big blind on a flop of T-T-6, thinking her K6 was good, but ran right into Griggs’ flopped trip tens.
Liu then eliminated Erica Schoenberg and Anahit Galajian, leaving the heads up confrontation between Lui and Griggs after only three hours of final table play. The final act was in the same style, Liu despatching Griggs in just over 20 minutes.
“JJ” Liu’s latest big tournament victory brings to forty-five the money finishes she has achieved in major tournaments, grossing more than three quarters of a million dollars in the process. Her Asian antedents will probably enhance her opportunities to earn more big money through endorsements and sponsorships, well deserved rewards for a controlled and professional player of great talent.