All the raising happened preflop, with Phil Gordon getting in with and being called by J.C. Tran, who had . Phil hit a jack on the flop, but Tran spiked an ace on the turn to eliminate Phil Gordon.
After Corey outdrew him the previous hand, Rene's short stack was all in against our chip leader. A straight on the board saved the day for Rene, who was more than happy with the chop.
Prior to the restart of this round, Phil Gordon approached us and told us that in three double-ups, he'd be chip leader.
Raising preflop, and only leaving himself 5,000 in chips, Phil was hoping for a call. He got one from the big blind, who pushed Phil all in. Phil turned over K-Q and Christoph Niesert turned over 9-8. Both players missed the board and Phil's wish was granted: First double-up accomplished!