Varnaev Bubbles the $2,200 Warm Up Event
Level 23
: Blinds 15,000/30,000, 30,000 ante
With Sergei Varnaev forced all-in in the big blind for his last 30,000, Sofia Merkulova opened the button with a raise to 60,000. The player in the small blind folded, and once the floor staff arrived at the table to announce the action the cards were revealed.
Sergei Varnaev: 4♦4♣ 
Sofia Merkulova: Q♦6♥
Varnaev had found a pair and was in a flip which he had to win to keep the tournament on the direct bubble. However, the Q♥3♥5♣ flop propelled Merkulova firmly into the lead with top pair. The K♥ came on the turn, which meant only a river four would keep the tournament on the bubble. But when the 7♠ came, Varnaev was sent to the rail, and the remaining 63 players had all guaranteed themselves a payday.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
590,000
90,000
|
90,000 |
|
Busted |