River Keeps French Hopes Alive
Antonio Esfandiari opened for 33,000 on the button only to have Remi Bollengier moved all in for 338,000 from the big blind. Esfandiari seemed interested and asked for a count. "I really think I have the best hand," Esfandiari said upon learning it'd cost him 305,000 more.
He thought about it for about a minute before counting out the chips and asking his opponent, "Do you want it?" A few seconds later, Esfandiari spiked in the call.
Showdown
Bollengier: 
Esfandiari: 
Esfandiari was wrong in that he didn't have the best hand, but he did when the flop fell 
. Esfandiari turned to his supporters on the rail and said, "Blank out one time?"
The 
turn brought him one step closer to his third bracelet, but the 
river snatched it away as Bollengier hit his straight to stay alive. Esfandiari threw his arms up to his head and bolted to his rail. He was showered with reassurances before heading back to the table to continue the action.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
1,100,000
-375,000
|
-375,000 |
|
||
|
700,000
300,000
|
300,000 |