Willerson Connects on River; Jumps Into Slight Lead

Vladimir Mefodichev had the button. He raised to 250,000 only to have Neil Willerson three-bet to 525,000. Mefodichev peered at his cards once again then announced that he was all in. Willerson quickly said "call" and the hands were shown:

Mefodichev: {8-Spades} {7-Hearts}
Willerson: {A-Hearts} {k-Hearts}

Mefodichev took the lead with the {4-Diamonds} {7-Clubs} {3-Hearts} flop. Willerson was in need of either an ace or a king to double up but did not find it on the {J-Clubs} turn. The tension loomed int he air as Mefodichev was one card away from a World Series of Poker championship. The dealer produced the river card:

The {A-Spades} .

Willerson was able to connect with the final card and scored a double up that put him in a slight chip advantage while a crushed Mefodichev took his seat to resume play.