The Bubble Bursteth

We join the action as a throng of spectators begins pushing in around Table 6. Picking our way through the madness, we can see that there is a flop on board showing {2-Diamonds}

. Joakim Hall and Fabio Zappietro both have all their chips in the center of the table, with Hall being the all-in player at risk of elimination.

After more than a minute of suspense, the two hands were turned up. Hall confidently tabled {K-Diamonds}

, drawing a forlorn look from his opponent. Rather sheepishly, Zappietro turned over {A-Hearts}

, miles behind.

With the two players standing to await the final two cards, the dealer ran off a safe turn card, the {5-Hearts}

. As necks craned in closer and closer to the table, Hall leaned in as well to watch what would unfortunately be his final river card of the day. Like a bolt of lightning, the {A-Diamonds}

ripped off the deck, drawing a huge reaction from all in attendance. Gutshot, Hall lowered his head and pushed his way slowly out of the room.

There was still hope for the eliminated player to make the money though. Across the room, one hand involving a short-stack all in was yet to be played. By virtue of his chip advantage, Hall would earn his payday should the short-staked player bust from the other table. That player was Pierre Neuville, and he had tabled {10-Hearts}

after moving all in for his last 14,300. Working against him was Marco Vailati, racing with his {A-Hearts}

. The board ran down {5-Clubs}

, safe for the all-in player. Neuville earned a crucial double up in the eleventh hour, earning him a spot in the money.

With that, Joakim Hall becomes our bubble boy, knocked out in 113th place.