Anthony Merrill Eliminated in 16th Place ($3,280)
Level 18
: Blinds 8,000/16,000, 16,000 ante
Anthony Merrill raised to 40,000 under the gun and Steven Buckner three-bet to 130,000 in the hijack. Sergio Giha then four-bet to 275,000 on the button and Merrill called for his last 140,000, while Buckner also called.
Giha and Buckner saw the J♦6♣5♥ flop, where Giha got in his last 569,000.
Anthony Merrill: Q♣J♣
Sergio Giha: A♠A♥
Steven Buckner: A♣J♥
Both Buckner and Merrill had flopped top pair, but Giha turned over two aces. The rest of the board ran out 7♦9♦, and Giha scooped the massive pot to double up off Buckner, while Merrill was sent to the rail.