Chernikov Leaps into the Lead
Level 25
: Blinds 30,000/60,000, 60,000 ante
Aleksandr Chernikov limped in from the small blind and Simone Andrian made it 210,000 from the big blind. Chernikov then shoved for 2,330,000, and after getting the count, Andrian called..
Aleksandr Chernikov: 8♣8♥ 
Simone Andrian: A♦8♦
Chernikov held the lead but was at risk, needing to fade Andrian’s outs to survive. A win for Andrian would give him a massive chip advantage heading into heads-up play.
The 6♠9♣7♠ flop brought drama as both players picked up open-ended straight draws, though Chernikov's pocket eights remained in front. The Q♥ on the turn and the 6♦ on the river changed nothing, and Chernikov’s pair held up to secure a crucial double. He vaulted into the chip lead, shifting the momentum in his favor.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
4,700,000
3,100,000
|
3,100,000 |
|
2,500,000
-3,000,000
|
-3,000,000 |
|
||