Lee's big win Rewards Fred's Faith

MANCHESTER, England, September 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Fred Done is to continue sponsoring a poker-playing employee of his company Betfred who vindicated the shrewd bookie's faith by winning a prestigious GUKPT Summer Series title.

Software tester Lee Atherton, who works at Betfred's head office in Warrington, collected GBP7,000 for his victory at Manchester's G Casino and goes forward to the Champion of Champions event in Coventry on December 4.

The success justified Fred's decision to support Lee who, apart from being bought into three GUKPT tournaments, had also received the backing of his boss to enter the WPT London Poker Classic and the World Open before his Manchester triumph.

Now, in addition to the Champion of Champions, 37-year-old Lee will also represent Betfred in two other high-profile GUKPT events - GBP1,070 buy-in tournaments in Brighton on October 8 and Blackpool on November 12.

"I had a feeling Lee was worth backing and I'm chuffed he has proved me right," said Fred. "It's obvious he's a very talented poker player and I'm sure this is just the start of big things for him."

Lee is delighted to have rewarded the faith Fred has put in him and eager to build upon what he has accomplished so far.

"The Manchester win was a real confidence booster and I was proud to tell Fred what I had achieved," said Lee, from Cheshire.

"I can't wait to take my place in the GUKPT events in Brighton and Blackpool and, of course, the Champion of Champions. They have great structures and I have an excellent record in GUKPT events, so hopefully there will be more good results ahead."

BETFRED, The Spectrum, 56-58 Benson Road, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 7PQ

SOURCE Betfred