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.

Tan Lining went all-in from the small blind after Neng Zhao raised to 8,000 from the button. Zhao called, putting Lining at risk.

Tan Lining: A♦ 8♣

Neng Zhao: A♠ T♥

Zhao was ahead preflop and improved further when the flop fell Q♥ Q♦ K♦, giving him a gutshot straight draw. The J♣ on the turn completed Zhao’s Broadway straight. With both players holding an ace, Lining still had a chance to chop — but the river 9♣ sealed his fate, eliminating him and giving Zhao a healthy chip boost.