Fabrizio Baldassari Eliminated in 6th Place ($68,151)

Once he got his man down on the mat, it wasn't long before Joseph Cheong sealed the deal.

The action began with Cheong raising to 12,000 and Fabrizio Baldassari matching the bet to see the flop. It came {8-Clubs} {3-Hearts} {A-Spades} , and Baldassari check-called 15,000. This hand would take very much the same line as the crippling hand; Baldassari check-raised the {6-Clubs} turn again from 35,500 up to 85,000. The {J-Hearts} filled out the board, and Baldassari bet another 115,000. Just like the last time, Cheong made his river raise, and this one was enough to cover his opponent.

Baldassari seemed to know he was likely in bad shape, but he had little choice by that point. He stuck his last ~140,000 into the middle with {8-Diamonds} {6-Hearts} , but his two pair were no good. Cheong's {A-Diamonds} {J-Spades} had rivered the better two pair, and with it comes the rest of Baldassari's chips.

It was a valiant effort for the Italian, but his run has come to an end here in the Round of 8. His efforts are worth $68,151, and he's just notched his first cash on American soil.

Former November Niner Joseph Cheong is on to the Final Four!