Media release for immediate use: Saturday 21 April 2007

University lecturer makes final field of NZ Poker Champs

The field for the New Zealand Poker Championships has been cut from 100 players down to just 27, and includes University of Canterbury Lecturer of American History, Professor Peter Field.

Day two saw 38 players eliminated, and the twelve survivors will join 15 players from Thursday’s first heat to contest the title of New Zealand Poker Champion today from 1pm at Christchurch Casino.

Mr Field says his chosen profession is a great way to prepare for poker tournaments, although it can prevent him from competing.

“One of the main aspects of my job contains a lot of public lecturing, this is great when you come to a poker table because you don’t feel nervous,” he says.

“The downside to the job is that I usually can’t take part in these sorts of tournaments because University is usually in session.”

Christchurch Casino Poker Manager Mick Ryan says finals day is going to be a huge at Christchurch Casino.

“We now have 27 players left, and they will be fighting it out for the biggest prize in New Zealand Poker history, $381,000. First place will receive $100,000 and a seat at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

“Lee Nelson is going to be tough to beat. Others to look out for include Jovan Sckeric, who is playing some great poker at the moment, Dennis Huntley, Eric Assadourian and the dark horse would have to be David ‘The Doctor’ Bradford.”

Results and chip stacks from day two of the NZ Poker Champs:

DAVID BRADFORD $78,600

HELEN JURGENS $76,200

IVAR RIVERNAES $73,300

MARK ERICKSON $54,600

LEE NELSON $52,300

MATT DAVIDOW $48,000

CHOON WON $28,600

GREG THOMAS $26,100

MIKE BALTAZAR $25,600

PETER FIELD $23,200

BILL POTTS $21,100

NICK WRIGHT $12,600

ENDS