MUMBAI: Asian Poker Classic, sponsored by MaharajahClub.com, are set to capitalise on Shilpa Shetty’s success on the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) by inviting the actress and reality TV star to present the Asian Poker Classic, taking place in Goa from 1 – 5 March, 2007.

The poker tournament is set to be the biggest ever staged in India – and Shetty’s newfound success on the small screen in the UK has made her the ideal face for the event.

Bollywood actress Shetty has shot to fame with her high profile role on Celebrity Big Brother in the past few weeks, with controversial activities in the house creating headlines and debate around the world. Her appearance on the show has made her a global star of the classiest proportions and therefore a perfect candidate to host the $1 million Asian Poker Classic, which is set to attract an international audience to Goa in early March.

Asian Poker Classic director of events Minaxshi Shah says, “We don’t yet know how much longer she’ll be in the Big Brother house but she’s already become the star of the series. We’ll be contacting her as soon as she comes out to ask if she’ll be involved in the Asian Poker Classic.”

Sachin Pawa, CEO of tournament sponsors Maharajah Gaming, adds, “Shilpa has the perfect poker face along with strength under pressure, grace and class. She is already hugely popular in India and now has a strong following in the UK. She would be the ideal ambassador for the Asian Poker Classic.”

Arguments, fall-outs and claims of racial divides have provoked unprecedented coverage of Celebrity Big Brother, with Shetty widely admired for her dignity in handling a barrage of verbal attacks from other contestants. The 31-year-old actress went head-to-head on Friday in an eviction battle with nemesis Jade Goody, and managed to stay unevicted.

The Asian Poker Classic is the first major professional poker tournament to be held in India and will include players who have won $7,500 prize packages via satellite tournaments held at www.maharajahclub.com.

More than 200 players are expected to take part in the event, which will boast a $1 million prize pool. As well as a host of leading players, a number of Bollywood celebrities are expected to attend, led by MaharajahClub ambassador, Gulshan Grover.