At the start of the Main Event Day 2, 432 bags were on the tables. However, many players had registered directly into Day 2, and many more did that during the first four levels of play. At the start of level 13, registration was closed, and the final number of entries for the Main Event was 1,109, including the 101 that played Online Day 1 & 2.

From level 13 on, play was lively and very few players were playing overly tight. Even with the bubble in sight and the Action Clocks on the tables, eliminations were coming in at a regular pace, as if all players had one thing in mind: the $500,000 first prize. When it got to just three players from the end of day, however, things changed. Short stacks were using their time extension chips, while most pots were fought by players with a lot of ammunition. Mike Leah, in particular, took advantage of this period. Approaching the bubble and during hand-for-hand play, it seemed like every time we walked by his table he was 3-betting someone. He was sitting on over a million chips and fighting every battle as if it was the last, which made it very unappealing for others to get involved.

Meanwhile, the few pots that had a player fully invested at showdown ended in a double-up. We counted at least five such instances. In by far the most flamboyant one, ultra short stack Ruben Perceval put it in with and was facing . The flop came !! There were three rows of players from other tables watching as the flop came out, and a giant roar filled the room, then everybody went back to their seat with a story to tell.

In the end, it was Nadir Lalji who busted last with . He could not spike a jack and stood tall. When the dust settled, Mike Leah was bagging the largest stack, the only player sending seven figures to Day 3. Kelly Minkin follows with just under a million. The full chip counts and seating draw will be published in the morning.

Day 3 resumes play at 12:00pm sharp. Don’t be late!