The Bubble has Burst

Matt O'Halloran

Level 17 : 5,000/10,000, 10,000 ante

With 537 players remaining and 536 spots getting paid, the tournament had entered the hand-for-hand portion of play. On the same hand, two different players got knocked out on adjacent tables.

The first to fall shoved for 134,000 from late position, and got called by Anthony Newman in the big blind.

Opponent:
Anthony Newman:

Newman was still behind after the flop, but paired his ace on the turn to pull ahead. The river completed the board, and ensure the elimination of Newman's opponent.

One table over, Dan Matsuzuki found himself all in from the hijack for around 120,000. Kunal Shah called from middle position with Matsuzuki covered.

Dan Matsuzuki:
Kunal Shah:

Matsuzuki was ahead, but would need his queens to hold in the classic race. He was okay through the turn on the runout, but the river gave Shah the better pair, and Matsuzuki was eliminated.

Following these hands, the tournament director shared with the field that they had lost two players, who would be splitting the minimum payout, and all remaining players are officially in the money.