Male Takes Part In Ladies Only Tournament, Wins

Poker News - September 17th, 2009 - Written by Glen

Anti-discrimination laws apparently apply to poker. A man entered what was supposed to be a ladies only tournament in the Borgata, and ended up taking down the victory.

Abraham Korotki took down the $20,892 prize pool after a heads up competition with the leading lady, Nicole Rowe. Korotki's actions angered the ladies, though the Borgata staff explained that, legally, they had to allow him entrance in the tournament. When it came to heads up play, Rowe proffered Korotki to split the pot, giving each half of the combined first and second place prize. Korotki refused.

It was later reported by sources at the tournament that Rowe has been fighting with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer, and must under go surgery. She was in the tournament to win the money she would need to subsist post-operation. Rowe failed to out play Korotki, and ended up going home with $11,889.

The prospect has been an issue before, as male players have actually initiated law suits over the matter. Some argue that the basic principle behind ladies only tournaments, to develop friendship and welcome new players to the game, is violated by the entrance of Y chromosomes into what should otherwise be a series of X's.

The real debate lies within poker's status as a game. One side of the table claims poker is a sport, while others claim that it is a game of chance, like a slot machine. Women do not compete in the NBA, so it is questionable why that is not considered discrimination - if it is discrimination in poker, some suggest that it should also be discrimination in other sports.

To add insult to injury, Kortoki was reportedly claiming that he will be donating the prize money to three charities - including one to breast cancer.

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