Level 24 (20,000/40,000/5,000)
Total RG Main Event Entries: 379
Players Remaining: 2
Chip Average: 3,790,000
It looked nearly impossible for Michael Lech (pictured) to overcome the huge chip lead of Thanh Bui once heads up play but in two hands, Lech has managed to pull even as we settle in for a full battle.
The first hand was a pure double up for Lech to put the first crack in Bui's armor. Bui opened for 145,000 and Lech three-bet to 375,000. Bui shoved all-in for 1,250,000 effective and Lech couldn't get his chips in fast enough with K♣K♠.
Bui's A♥5♥ was partially live but the Q♣9♥6♣J♦10♣ board locked up the double for Lech.
A few hands later, Lech called correctly on the river in a tight spot. Lech raised to 100,000 and Bui called. Bui checked the Q♥J♥2♥ flop and Lech bet 100,000. Bui called and the K♦ hit the turn. Bui checked and Lech bet 100,000 again.
Bui raised to 450,000 and Lech called to the 7♦ river. Bui bet 1,000,000 and after a few minutes in the tank, Lech called for most of his chips with A♥A♣. The two players are now dead even in chips as the blinds are ready to increase.