Nalbandyan's Top Pair Enought to Secure Pot

The start of Level 9 saw Joe Nalbandyan involved in a pot that quickly grew after the flop.

After players in early position folded, a player to Nalbandyan’s immediate right open-raised in middle position. Nalbandyan, who was in the hijack position, flatted and the remaining players, including the two blinds, folded.

The dealer placed 9♠10♥K♠ on the flop, which led to the original raiser to check. Nalbandyan made a bet and his out-of-position opponent quickly called. The turn produced 5♣, which saw identical action from the flop with a check, bet and call from the players.

The river saw 7♣ hit the board, and for a third time, the original raiser checked and Nalbandyan put out a third bet of the hand. His opponent paused for a moment while studying the board before deciding to make the call.

Nalbandyan tabled K♣Q♣ for top pair, which proved the winner as his opponent mucked his hand.