Newly-turned pro wins Nguyen Challenge event

When Dena Leath recently decided to become a professional poker player, she made the right choice. Proof of that is her win in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em event of the Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenge over the weekend.

The event was Leath's third final table appearance out of nine tournament events since she going pro. This one paid out big for her as she won $58,918.

"I'm thrilled," Leath said. "This victory is a real confidence builder."

The 185-person playing field was not an easy one to get through either. It was filled with pros such as Men "The Master" Nguyen, Scotty Nguyen, Todd Brunson, Mike Matusow, Clonie Gowen and Linda Johnson.

The pros that have turned out for the event and help draw in other players have helped the tournament series set new records for participation and prize money at the Cherokee Casino in Oklahoma.

"The third annual Scotty Nguyen Challenge, May 17-30, has been an unequivocal success," said Tony Armstrong, Cherokee Casino senior manager of poker.

courtesy of Sarah Polson

News Added: 28 May, 2007

Number of views : 858