Thad Smith Eliminated in 9th Place ($59,074)

Hand #11: Thad Smith raised to 200,000 from under the gun, and Gary Friedlander called from the small blind after he intended to raise to 160,000 after not seeing Smith's initial raise. Bill Bennett folded in the big blind, and the players were heads-up to a flop.

Friedlander checked to Smith who bet 250,000. Friedlander quickly announced all in, and Smith sat back to think over his decision. It took him close to two minutes, but he did make the call and put his tournament life on the line.

Thad Smith:
Gary Friedlander:

Turn:
River:

Friedlander had flopped two pair and Smith had a pair of fives with an up-and-down straight draw, but the turn brought the six-of-hearts to give Friedlander a full house and cement the pot. Smith even hit a straight on the river to rub salt into the wound before he exited in 9th place and won $59,074.