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October Nine Update – Three-handed Action Rolls On
Posted by: James Carter. - Wed, 2012-10-31 07:03
The last three survivors of the October Nine race returned to the table today, but they have thus far failed to play down to the heads-up stage. The three contestants are Greg Merson, Jake Balsinger and Jesse Sylvia, and the action has thus far mainly been back and forth between Sylvia and Balsinger, with occasional flashes of Merson tossed in for seasoning.
Balsinger and Sylvia have traded massive pots as Merson chipped up quietly in the beginning of the renewed three-handed action. At one point though, Merson pulled off a massive bluff which has remained the highlight of the day thus far.
Sitting on the button, Merson chose to limp at first, prompting a call from Sylvia and a raise from Balsinger. Merson then called as Sylvia got out of the way.
The flop fell 9,8,3 rainbow, and Balsinger fired out a 4.5 million bet. Merson called yet again, seeing the 4h hit the turn. Balsinger thought about it for a while, he then continued to pile on the pressure by firing out a 7.5 million bet. Merson stood his ground and made yet another call. The 6s hit the board on the river and Balsinger put 13 million more chips into the middle. Merson only took about a minute to shove all-in in response. It took Balsinger even less to toss his cards into the muck, surrendering the pot. It turned out Merson had nothing but a Qh,Jh for the 4-card heart flush and the Q-high.
In the wake of this hand, Balsinger and Sylvia traded some heavy blows on their way to hand #349, which saw Balsinger sail into the lead.
The hand was a classic K,K vs K,9 match-up, in which the better starting hand held up. At this point, the
2012 WSOP Main Event is still as undecided as ever.
