$175 NLH $100,000 GTD (Day 2): John Marinacci Doubles Through Valera, As Action Slows Down Close To The Bubble

$200 No Limit Hold'em
$100,000 Guaranteed
Level 17 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Total Entries: 650
Players Remaining: 67

John Marinacci had one foot out the door just moments ago, but found a fortunate turn (and river) to secure a critical double up.

With the field just seven eliminations from the money, and stacks pretty deep (since the levels were backed up), the action has slowed down across the tournament area.  Two players at Table 10 didn't get the notice though, as Steve Valera and John Marinacci just played a 210,000 pot (all-in pre-flop).  Marinacci was the player at risk, but his Q♠ Q♥ was well ahead of Valera's 4♦ 4♥, until the 8♠ 2♠ 4♠ flop.  Marinacci may have lost the lead in the hand, but he did have extra outs to a flush, which came on the turn (3♠).  He now needed to fade the board pairing on the river, and after the A♦ hit the felt, he secured a "bubble double."

John Marinacci - 215,000 (43bb)

Engelberth "Steve" Valera - 165,000 (33bb)