Women’s Tour result

Lynne Beaumont proved herself the ‘Queen of Poker’ after a thrilling victory in the Betfred Women’s Poker Tour final.

In a nail-biting final held at the Broadway Casino in Birmingham on Saturday, 8 December, she showed terrific skill and patience to fight back and clinch first prize in the eight-seated final of the UK’s first ever female poker tour.

Lynne, from Newcastle, was crowned ‘Betfred Women’s Poker Tour Champion 2007’ after beating local girl Dawn Allen in the early hours of Sunday morning to scoop the £1,000 first prize plus a £20,000 sponsorship package from Betfred boss Fred Done.

A delighted Lynne, who has only been playing poker for a year, said

: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won and it still hasn’t all sunk in. It was a great final and the atmosphere was terrific. “It was a fantastic battle on the night and I had to claw my way back into action after being short stacked at one stage."

“My partner James Browning is a professional poker player, and has supported me throughout the competition. He kept telling me not to panic and be patient, and his advice paid off. He has been my rock, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better at my side.”

Lynne put her celebrations on hold after the final presentations at 4am, and drove back home to Newcastle – to take part in another tournament in her local casino!

“I was on cloud nine and wide awake. I couldn’t believe that I had won the first ever women’s poker tour held in the UK and sang and laughed my head off all through the drive home,” said a delighted Lynne.

“It really is a great prize and a dream come true. I can’t thank Betfred enough for putting on such a great tour, and all the women who took part really loved it.”

“I will certainly be back to defend my title next year, and I am sure that the competition will be even bigger and better than this year’s. I would urge as many women players as possible to get involved and take part in the event, as it really is a fantastic opportunity,” added Lynne.

Betfred boss Fred said: “I am absolutely delighted for Lynne, who was a worthy winner of what was a truly memorable final. I wanted to find the best female poker player in the UK and have done just that. I am sure that Lynne will prove a formidable force in all her chosen events for 2008."

“The tour, which was held over six heats throughout the country, proved a roaring success, and I am proud to announce that Betfred will be renewing its sponsorship in 2008 and staging another tour which promises to be even bigger and better.”