Ponomarev Eats into Break with Big Decision
With 620,000 in the middle, two players were still at the table when most others had gone for a short break – Nikolay Ponomarev and Philipp Zukernik.
The board was out: [3h4h2s7s9h], the nine of hearts the river card. Zukernik bet 1,100,000 – more than Ponomarev’s remaining 600,000. Ponomarev, who’s had a great time at the MILLIONS already this week having taken down the $1,000 Mini for $150,000, went deep into the tank.
He stood up, played with some chips, stared at the board and generally ran the clock down with what was clearly a tough decision for his tournament life. Finally, he made the call.
Ponomarev: [Ad9c]
Zukernik: [6s8h], his eight-high bluff unsuccessful.
“Ahh, Jesus,” said Zukernik as he counted out the call.
| Player | Chips | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nikolay Ponomarev | 1,900,000 |
900,000  |
