WARM-UP ($565)

David Erquiaga limp-called Neng Zhao’s all-in shove from the big blind. With his tournament life on the line, Erquiaga revealed his hand and awaited the dealer’s verdict.

David Erquiaga: Q♦ Q♥

Neng Zhao: A♣ 9♠

Board: A♦ 5♦ 2♥ K♠ 3♦

Zhao wasted no time, spiking an ace right on the flop to take the lead and leave Erquiaga on the ropes. The turn and river brought no help, sealing Erquiaga’s fate and sending him to the rail — heartbreakingly close to the money.

David Erquiaga raised to 12,000 from under the gun and was called by Neng Zhao on the button.

On the 9♣ 5♥ K♠ flop, Zhao led out for 10,000, only to be check-raised by Erquiaga. Zhao called, and both players checked down the Q♥ turn and 6♥ river.

Erquiaga tabled A♥ 7♦ for ace-high, but Zhao revealed T♥ 6♥ for a rivered pair to take down the pot.

ong Jongbae shoved all-in for his tournament life after David Erquiaga raised from the cutoff. Erquiaga called without hesitation. Jongbae, now at risk, tabled his hand.

Jong Jongbae: K♥ Q♠

David Erquiaga: A♣ A♠

The moment Erquiaga revealed his aces, a cloud of quiet resignation seemed to settle over Jongbae’s face. He watched intently as the dealer spread the J♦ 8♣ 5♣ flop — no help yet, but not the end. Then, a flicker of hope danced in his eyes as the T♥ landed on the turn, giving him a gutshot to salvation.

But fate had already chosen its path. The river 5♣ sealed his doom, a final blow that pommeled Jongbae into the felt, his tournament life extinguished just like that.