Level 16 (3,000/6,000/1,000)
Total Entrants: 472
Players Remaining: 54
Chip Average: 172,000
Before hand-for-hand play could even get started, a player was eliminated to bring the field down to 54. All players have locked up at least $847 with the run to the final table underway.
Ray Henson (pictured) eliminated Keith Smith on the bubble to bring his stack up to 300,000.
Smith limped under the gun and Henson raised to 20,000 in middle position. Smith called and checked the Q♦6♣6♦ flop. Henson bet 15,000 and faced a raise to 32,000. Henson called and Smith bet 20,000 more on the 5♣ turn.
Henson called again and Smith checked the 6♠ river. Smith's 140,000 was put at risk by Henson and Smith called for the huge pot. Henson showed K♣K♠ and Smith exposed a queen before departing.
Play is back underway with action continuing until the three table redraw with 27 left.