Level 10: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 281/574

Table 17 was given the honor of being the first table from which I caught a hand today. Upon my arrival, Merel Merdzhanov opened to 3,000 from the Lo-jack. The somewhat short-stacked Romeo Leonardo decided to defend his Big Blind.

First to act, Leonardo checked the Q♦T♣2♦ flop. Merdzhanov did a visual count of his opponent’s stack before checking back. Leonardo checked again on the 9♥ turn; perhaps Merdzhanov sensed his opponent was weak, as he forced Leonardo all in. Leonardo pondered for perhaps one minute before making the call.

Merel Merdzhanov: Q♣6♣
Romeo Leonardo: K♦9♠

It was unfortunate for Leonardo to hit a nine on the turn. The 8♥ river didn’t help him, and all his chips went the way of Merdzhanov.

Merel Merdzhanov: 72,000
Romeo Leonardo: 0