Jean Malherbe Eliminated in 48th Place ($156,293)

Chad Holloway

Jean Malherbe opened for 160,000 under the gun and received a call from Greg Merson. Russell Thomas came along for the ride, as did Jacob Balsiger in the big blind, and it was four-way action to the {2-Clubs} {A-Diamonds} {9-Clubs} flop.

Balsiger was first to act and checked, opening the door for Malherbe to bet 280,000. Merson was the only player to make the call, and it was heads-up to the {7-Hearts} turn. This time Malherbe slowed down with a check, but check-raised all in for 1.155 million after Merson had bet 425,000. The latter made the call and the hands were tabled:

Showdown
Malherbe: {A-Clubs} {Q-Spades}
Merson: {J-Clubs} {10-Clubs}

Malherbe was ahead with his pair of aces, but he needed to dodge the straight and flush draws of Merson. The dealer burned and revealed the {7-Clubs} . Malherbe just looked up at the ceiling upon discovering Merson had made his flush. He then walked around the table, shook hands with the victor, and exited through the ESPN walkway on the way to the payout desk in 48th place.