Poker ace ready to take on best

4:28pm Wednesday 5th December 2007

POKER ace Carla Goddard is hoping that her presence in the grand final of the Betfred Women's Poker Tour will send a shiver down her opponents' spines.

Carla, from Bromsgrove, is one of eight women who will battle it out at the Broadway Casino in Birmingham on Saturday, in a bid to win £1,000 and special sponsorship package to launch her career on the world stage.

Betfred boss Fred Done is offering £20,000 of his own money to enable the winner to develop their skills further and hopefully take on the world's best.

The £20k sponsorship package covers costs of all travel, accommodation and tournament entries for the winner of the 2007 Betfred Women's Poker Tournament for the 2008 season.

Medical representative Carla says she "can't wait" for the final and is confident that nerves will not play a factor on the big night.

Carla added: "It will be a terrific night, but I will not be fazed by anything.

"I have the ability to remain calm and read people and that will hopefully make me hard to beat."

The 34-year-old only became interested in poker 12 months ago, but has certainly come a long way since losing her first game to her neighbour.

If Carla does emerge successful in Birmingham, she hopes that with the help of Fred she will be able to fulfill her dream of playing in the World Series.

"That would be a dream come true and this is a tremendous chance that we are being given.

"To play against the best would be amazing, and would hold no fears for me," said Carla.

Fred Done can't wait to see who emerges victorious in the prestigious event adding; "I wanted to find the best female poker player in the UK and back her with my own cash to give her career a push," he said.

"The final promises to be a terrific close run event and it will be interesting to see who comes out holding all the aces.

"Whoever wins will have my support to hopefully take their game to a new level and compete on the world stage."