APT Main Event (60,000 PHP)

Victor Dai was staring elimination in the face, but like a true secret agent, he had one last trick up his sleeve.

He moved all in from the cutoff for just over 14,100, and Chayathon Wongpipatchai wasted no time three-betting to 30,000 from the button to isolate. The blinds stepped aside, leaving the two players to battle for survival.

Victor Dai: A♥ 9♦

Chayathon Wongpipatchai: A♠ Q♥

With Wongpipatchai holding the dominant ace, Dai’s tournament life was hanging by a thread. Things only got worse on the 2♠ 5♠ 4♠ flop, which gave Wongpipatchai the nut flush draw. The 6♠ turn seemed to seal the deal, completing his flush and prompting Dai to stand up, ready to make his exit — his poker license to thrill about to be revoked.

But just when it looked like his mission was over, the dealer burned and turned the 3♠ , putting a straight flush on the board in the most dramatic way possible.

Nobody saw it coming, but in poker — just like in espionage — you should never count out a man with one last card to play. Against all odds, Dai lives to fight another hand.