Josh Brikis Eliminated in 2nd Place ($54,272)
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After running his stack back up from the brink - turning less than 400,000 into more than 2 million through a series of doubles - Josh Brikis nearly took the chip lead away from Matt Affleck. Unfortunately for Brikis, however, he came out on the wrong end of a coin flip confrontation and the comeback attempt was thwarted.
The action started when Brikis limped into the pot, inviting Affleck to make a standard raise to test the waters. Brikis then shoved all in for about 1.72 million - or 43 big blinds - and Affleck snapped him off to force the tournament's final showdown.
Showdown:
Brikis: 
Affleck: 
Both players had found hands worthy of going to war with, and the two were off to the races with a title on the line.
Flop: 
Affleck picked up nine additional outs with his nut flush draw, and now any ace, king or spade would ship the pot - and the tournament. Brikis was left to sweat it out while trying to fade fifteen outs twice.
Turn: 
Half of the work was done for Brikis as he survived one burn and turn. Fourth street changed nothing and it would be the river card that decided it all.
River: 
The fifth spade on board completed Affleck's flush and his romp through the final table, as Brikis was forced to remain content with a runner-up finish after sprinting out to a huge chip lead throughout this second day of play. Brikis took home $54,272 for nearly winning his first tournament of the Borgata Winter Poker Open, and he is clearly playing well heading into tomorrow's World Poker Tour Borgata Poker Open Main Event.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
Busted |