Matthew Smith Eliminated in 18th Place ($11,512)

[user66118]

In early position, Matthew Smith raised to open the pot, and Jamil Wakil three-bet to 80,000 next door. Smith wanted to play for 188,000, though, but his reraise was answered with another Wakil raise to 298,000. That drew the shove from Smith for about 760,000 total. Wakil made the call with a chance at the knockout, and it was a big coin flip for his opponent's tournament life.

Showdown
Smith: {A-Hearts} {Q-Hearts}
Wakil: {J-Hearts} {J-Clubs}

The {9-Spades} {K-Hearts} {Q-Clubs} flop was just what Dr. Smith ordered, and his pair of queens pulled him into a big lead with two to come. The turn {A-Spades} gave him two pair but changed nothing, and he needed to dodge a six-outer on the river. But he could not.

The {10-Spades} ripped off the deck, and Smith was gunned down on Broadway. He's out in 18th place, receiving a pay bump up into five figures with $11,512.

This huge chip boost for Wakil came exactly one hand after his monster double, and he's suddenly closing in on the 3-million chip mark and into a commanding lead.