Unlike the first seven rounds, this one will be played as a best-of-three match.
A lot of chips on the table between these two. Each is starting with 3.84 million. As happened in the semis, they'll be playing 40-minute levels in the final.
The blinds will start at 15,000-30,000, so that means the stacks begin at 128 big blinds. The blinds will then rise as follows: 20,000-40,000, 25,000-50,000, 30,000-60,000,40,000-80,000, 50,000-100,000, 60,000-120,000, 80,000-160,000, 100,000-200,000, 120,000-240,000.
The tournament director has announced that the best-of-three finals match between Ernst Schmejkal and Ayaz Mahmood will begin at 10:45 p.m. local time -- just about a half-hour from now. See you back here then.
Jason Somerville opened to 75,000 on the button only to have Ayaz Mahmood three-bet to 275,000 from the big blind.
Somerville went deep into the tank for nearly two minutes before raising to 600,000 total. Mahmood quickly moved all in and Somerville made the call for his last 1,550,000.
Mahmood:
Somerville:
As Somerville's friends rushed the stage, the dealer spread the to put Mahmood out in front.
The on the turn changed little, and after the landed on the river, Somerville exited the tournament in equal third place for a $214,289 payday as Mahmood progresses through to the final two.
Jason Somerville raised to 75,000 from the button, and Ayaz Mahmood called. The flop came , and both checked. The turn was the . Mahmood checked, Somerville bet 50,000, and Mahmood called.
The river was the . Mahmood checked again, Somerville bet 200,000 this time, and Mahmood got out.
Mahmood still leads with 2.16 million to Somerville's 1.68 million.
Jason Somerville just got a walk, and with a wide grin showed one card to Ayaz Mahmood before folding.
"Look at that smile!" yelled a Somerville supporter from the bleachers. Somerville explained the reason for the smile.
"Every time I get a walk I have an ace," he explained. "100 percent!"
Mahmood's good timing in that regard has helped him keep the chip lead for the last good while. He sits with 2.32 million to Somerville's 1.54 million.
Jason Somerville limped from the button, and Ayaz Mahmood raised to 80,000. Somerville made the call.
The flop came . Mahmood bet 80,000 once again, and Somerville took his time making the call. The turn was the , and Mahmood very quickly gathered chips and set out a bet of 175,000.
Again, Somerville took his time before responding. He took a quick look out from beneath the brim of his dark gray Nike cap, then looked down at the table for two minutes while riffling chips. Finally, looking at Mahmood once again, he made the call.
The river was the , putting a couple of pairs on the board. This time Mahmood immediately checked. Somerville went through a similar routine as on the previous street, then set out a bet of 300,000. Mahmood quickly let it go.
Somerville now has 1.68 million, but is still behind Mahmood's 2.16 million.