
2007-04-24 16:57:05
Poker professional Eric Assadourian has won the New Zealand Poker Championship after he saw off New Zealand national Richard Grace in the heads-up finale.
Assadourian took home $100,000 for his troubles as well as a seat at the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event, while Grace secured the $60,000 second place prize.
The stakes were somewhat uneven in the final battle, with pro Assadourian contending with househusband Grace and eventually triumphing.
"I used all my experience to win the tournament, but I was made to really work for it. When I made it to the final table, I only had one thing on my mind and that was to win the tournament. People kept folding around me and I was able to build up a decent amount of chips," Assadourian commented.
"There were people trying to knock each other out right from the start, it was great to see a Kiwi there at the end, but Eric 'The Voice' Assadourian has shown throughout the tournament he is a very shrewd player and knows when to take a risk," added Mick Ryan of Christchurch Casino, which hosted the event.
Stars to have competed in the championships in the past include Australian Joe Hachem.
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