PRETTY IN PINK (LADIES EVENT)

Poker Helping Rowe Cope

Players are at the poker tables for a myriad of reasons. Some play to make a living, others enjoy the camaraderie and social setting, while others enjoy the complexity of the competition. But for Nicole Rowe, the Poker Open's Ladies Event is strictly a diversion.

"If I wasn't here, I'd be home on my couch crying," said the New Windsor, NY resident, "which is what I did all day yesterday (Friday)."

Rowe recently got the devastating news that she has breast cancer and will have a double mastectomy in two weeks. "I'm not here for the money. I'm here as a distraction in my life right now."

Saturday's therapeutic session almost didn't happen, but because of one Borgata employee's extra effort, she made the tournament.

"I didn't have enough play for a (free) room and because I'll be out of work for six weeks, I couldn't afford to pay top dollar. But when I told my story to the casino host, he was able to help me out. I'm extremely grateful, because without him I wouldn't be here."

It's been a long day for Rowe, but it's been worth it. After 10 hours of play, she's 1 of 34 players remaining in the tournament and has taken the chip lead.

"It's karma," she says after her pocket jacks takes down a 100k pot to put her at nearly 200k for the tournament.

Rowe is definitely a serious contender, as she finished second in the 2007 Borgata Winter Open's Ladies Event. She hasn't missed a ladies event since, and is glad she's hear now.

"If I win, I'm donating $1,000 to breast cancer research," she says.

The bubble is about to break, as the top 27 players cash. Level 16 is underway (4000/8000/500 ante).