Howard Lederer Eliminated in 3rd Place (£30,250)

Stud 8:

With just 27,000 in chips, I lurked over the shoulder of Howard Lederer, notepad poised as I awaited his exit like a bloodthirsty vulture.

The first hand he survived, whipping up the antes early doors by making it 12,000 with the {8-Spades}

showing. Ivo Donev seemed tempted with the {8-Diamonds}

, but ultimately conceded his hand.

On the next hand, Lederer made the same move, bumping it up to 12,000 with the {8-Diamonds}

showing. This time, however, his opponents were less accommodating.

Howard Lederer = {8-Diamonds}

Sherkhan Farnood = {K-Clubs}

Ivo Donev = {2-Clubs}

After Lederer had made it 12,000, Farnood reraised to 24,000, Donev called, Lederer pushed for 9,000 more, Farnood raised again (he sought permission first), and Donev called.

"Good luck, my friend," said Farnood as Lederer sat back in his seat.

Fourth street: Farnood bet 12,000, Donev called.
Fifth street: Both players checked.
Sixth street: Farnood led for 24,000, and Donev called.
Seventh street: Check, check.

With Lederer's sweet nothings to the Poker Gods falling on deaf ears, the remaining two players chopped the pot, with Farnood showing {K-Spades}