Mandara Leaves Malec with Dust

In the first hand of heads-up play, Sebastian Malec opened to 350,000 and Ryan Mandara defended the big blind.

On the A♥8♥6♦ flop, Mandara check-called a bet of 250,000 from Malec.

The 10♥ turn was checked through, as was the K♠ river. Mandara showed K♦5♥ for the rivered pair of kings, and took the pot.

In the next hand, Mandara opened to 300,000, and Malec three-bet to 1,400,000. After some thought, Mandara called.

On the K♥Q♦2♠ flop, Malec continued with a bet of 600,000. Mandara called.

The 5♦ rolled off on the turn, and Malec slowed down, checking to his opponent. Mandara fired out a bet of 1,150,000, and Malec called.

The 5♠ river completed the board. Malec check-jammed to 7,425,000 over Mandara's bet of 1,850,000, and Mandara made a relatively quick call.

Mandara tabled K♠7♠ for top pair kings, which was good versus Malec's A♦Q♥ for second pair queens. Mandara now has one hand on the trophy.