Simon Doubles Before Donchev Departs

Gilles Simon opened to 2,000 from early position and was called by Ekrem Sanioglu who was two seats over. Boris Tabiyev also called from the small blind before Vladislav Donchev jammed for 19,300 from the big blind. Simon, who had 18,300, called for his tournament life and the remaining players folded.

Gilles Simon: 9♥9♠
Vladislav Donchev: A♣10♠

Simon's pair held out to stay in front following the J♥7♥3♦K♦6♠ runout.

The following hand, Tabiyev limped in on the button and Donchev put in his last chip from the small blind. Andrei Cherkashin checked from the big blind.

Cherkashin bet the 10♣9♣8♣ flop and Tabiyev folded.

Vladislav Donchev: 5♥4♠
Andrei Cherkashin: J♣6♦

Cherkashin's jack-high was best and it remained that way after the 3♥ turn and 2♣ river, which marked Donchev's exit.

A few hands later, Sanioglu was also eliminated.