Britney will host opening of LAX

Britney Spears will return to Las Vegas on Aug. 31 to host the opening of LAX Las Vegas nightclub at the Luxor, it was learned Friday.

The former pop princess appeared in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve, when she made headlines by passing out early into an appearance for which she was paid a reported $250,000.

Spears spent about a month in rehab in February and attempted a mini-comeback when she toured several cities, including Las Vegas, but only lip-synched and danced.

Spears entered rehab after some bizarre behavior that included having her head shaved bald.

LAX is owned by Pure Management Group, the same company that owns PURE nightclub at Caesars Palace, site of her New Year's Eve debacle.

POKER STUNNER

Hal Lebarsky made history in the World Series of Poker on Friday as the first blind player to cash in the main event.

In one of the more remarkable stories in the event's almost 40-year history, Lebarsky finished in the top 200, outlasting more than 6,000 players, and won $51,000.

When he busted out of the tournament about 4:30 p.m., play stopped long enough for the remaining players and a large crowd to give Lebarsky, 46, a standing ovation.

Lebarsky's accomplishment was achieved with the help of two card readers, which was an issue at first because players are not supposed to be aided. But Lebarsky raised the ante for tournament organizers when he suggested he might sue, claiming discrimination against the blind.

The readers, one of them a Las Vegas bartender, would whisper the hole cards to Lebarsky, an elite cash player before his sight faded.

"The dealer then announces the flop," explained WSOP spokesman Nolan Dalla. "He (Lebarsky) had to assimilate all the information. It's one of the most amazing stories we've ever had."

Lebarsky suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, the same genetic disorder that slowly robbed much of the vision of casino mogul Steve Wynn.

"It's like looking through a straw," he told MSNBC.com.

The last three celebrities in the tournament headed for the sidelines: "Spider Man" Tobey Maguire, Godsmack lead singer Sully Erna and TV producer Sam Simon ("Taxi," "Cheers" and "The Simpsons").

HOT SPOTS, COOL STUFF

Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash will be honored with a memorabilia case dedication at 9:30 p.m. today at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Renowned rock 'n' roll photographer Robert Knight will be honored with a private showcase inside Simon Kitchen & Bar at 11:30 p.m. The guest list includes Tommy Lee, Jimi Hendrix's sister Janie, Marilyn Manson, Scott Ian, Billy Morrison, Jeff Baxter and "Rock Doc" filmmaker John Chester. ...

The opening weekend of Asia Nightlife Dining continues tonight, with DJ Adam 12 of She Wants Revenge spinning from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. He's in the VIP section from 10 p.m. to midnight. Asia is in the former Crustacean space, with the entrance off Harmon Avenue at Planet Hollywood Resort.

SIGHTINGS

Pamela Anderson and illusionist Hans Klok, poolside at Hooters Casino Hotel on Friday as guests on "The Best Damn Sports Show, Period."... Adult entertainment star Jenna Jameson, on a rhinestone shopping spree at Love Jones boutique Thursday at the Hard Rock Hotel. Her beau, former UFC champion Tito Ortiz, waited patiently for her as she shopped throughout the boutique ... Actor Steve Schirripa ("The Sopranos"), checking out the Metal Skool rock show Thursday at Body English nightclub (Hard Rock Hotel). ... Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, dining with friends Thursday at Social House inside Treasure Island. ... Comedian Howie Mandel, dining Friday with a friend at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (MGM Grand). Mandel is performing at MGM Grand until Tuesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Ryan Seacrest attended Eva Longoria's wedding. He said he cried during the ceremony because it was so moving. Meanwhile, Paula Abdul cried because it was a cash bar." -- Conan O'Brien

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.