The day started at 4:00pm with 66 entries generating a prize pool of $6,402, with the top 9 players being paid. When the final table was finally formed, the players decided to make a bubble deal so that all 10 finalists would get paid, with the 10th place finisher receiving $110, which essentially paid back the buy-in. Play was mainly passive, with no explosions taking place.  One by one each player was sent to the rail and to the cage to collect their payout.

At 3-handed play, the players asked to have the clock stopped so that they could discuss making a possible deal. The tournament director crunched the numbers and returned to the table to let the 3 players know what the ICM chip chop payouts would be, keeping in mind that 2% of the prize pool had to be left for the eventual winner, and that the tournament must play down to a winner. After giving it some thought, the 3 players decided to continue playing without any deal. Melanie Frisoli was the short stack of the three and eventually exited in 3rd place, collecting $970.

When the heads up action started, Ziva Zagury had a massive chip lead over Lori Sanderson. Ziva asked Lori if she wanted to make a deal, and Lori replied “it’s up to you, since you have most of the chips, why don’t you make a suggestion as to how to make the deal”.  In the end, the 2 players couldn’t figure out what would make sense, and, they decided to just play it out.

Although it seemed like it should be a “slam-dunk” for Ziva to win the tournament since she had most of the chips, every time there was an all-in, Lori came out ahead. The play was mostly passive between the 2 players, with most hands being limped pre-flop and only light action post flop, and it ended up being a long lasting affair, taking the better part of 45 minutes to come to a conclusion. Ziva was tired and was hoping that it would end, but Lori just wouldn’t go away and she kept chipping up.

Finally, Ziva decided to start shoving some hands pre-flop, and Lori kept calling, and, winning. On the final hand of play, Ziva picked up a premium hand and shoved. Lori looked at her cards and called instantly.

The hands were tabled.
Ziva: 
Lori: 

Board:

Lori’s pocket pair held and after the dealer did the counts, Lori had Ziva covered by just a few chips, and just like that, the Ladies Event champion was crowned.

Event #5 (Women’s Event) Champion: Lori Sanderson

The final of hand of play