When last we reported on Deb Blair and her exploits at the World Series, the Vail residents was pocketing more than $50,000 as the top-finishing woman in last year’s Main Event.

Back in Vegas, Blair is potentially on the verge of an even bigger cash.

Blair is one of 17 players remaining in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold’Em event at the World Series. The tournament began Saturday with 2,706 entrants, and play on the second day ran until after 2 a.m. Monday.

The final 17 return at 2 p.m. today — hey, what do you know, right about the time I’ll be getting to Vegas! — to play down to a champion, which will win $628,417 and one of those snazzy gold bracelets.

Blair, who is currently eighth in chips, is assured of winning at least $21,792.

That’s all for now, poker lovers! The next series of reports will be coming straght from Vegas … whenever I get a chance to break away from the tables — BJP