Balanza Wins Huge Pot to Take Chip Lead
Level 16
: Blinds 5,000/10,000, 10,000 ante
Armando Mesina opened in early position to 21,000 and Ivan Balanza called behind. Taylor Howard then three-bet to 85,000 and action folded back to Mesina who then ripped it all in for around 350,000. Balanza paused for a few seconds before also moving all in, putting himself at risk while Howard quickly got out of the way.
Ivan Balanza: 
Armando Mesina: 
Balanza was a big favorite in this matchup, and the flop of 
put him lightyears ahead with his top set of kings. The runout of 
improved him to a full house and he was shipped the massive pot to put him into the chip lead with almost 700,000.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
695,000
546,000
|
546,000 |
|
370,000
-88,000
|
-88,000 |
|
80,000
-342,000
|
-342,000 |