Steve Sanders Eliminated in 54th Place ($138,568)

[user75032]

We wouldn't fault Steve Sanders if he has nightmares about pocket aces for the next few nights. Sanders was on the button for a hand in which Dennis Phillips opened preflop to 160,000. Sanders put in a small re-raise to 325,000 that only Phillips called.

The flop came with an ace and three clubs, {2-Clubs}

. Phillips checked to Sanders, who fired out for 300,000. Phillips then check-raised all in for about 1.5 million total. Sanders barely had Phillips covered and made the call.

Sanders: {A-Spades}

Phillips:

Sanders had flopped a set of aces but needed to fade clubs if he wanted to avoid doubling Phillips up. Of course, if you've ever played poker against me, you know that clubs always get there. They didn't come on he {4-Spades}

turn, but they did come on the {J-Clubs}

river. Phillips hit his flush to double to about 3.9 million, leaving Sanders with just 300,000.

"I got lucky," said Phillips. "I just got lucky."

Sanders' 300,000 chips were in on the next hand with {A-Spades}