John Phan had chipped away at Amit “Amak316″ Makhija after the two went back and forth around even for a few hands. After taking a small lead, Phan was able to win a couple of pots to get up to around 9.5 million while Makhija was left with less than 1.5 million.

In a pot where Amit had limped in and John checked the flop came A43 and Makhija called a 270k bet from Phan. The K on the turn brought a 500k bet from Phan which was again called. The A hit on the river and John bet 950k. Amit again called and Phan turned over the J9 for a flush. After Makhija mucked John raked in the pot to take a 2 million chip lead over Amit.

A few hands later he extended his lead even more in another limped pot. The J32. This time Phan checked to Amit (left) who bet 250k. Phan called to see the 5 on the turn and this time John led out for 500k. Amit made the call and the players went to the river. The J completed the board and Phan led for 1.5 million chips. Amit make the call with 8-5, but his pair of fives was no good against Phan’s Q-J for three jacks. After that hand Amit was down to the 1.5 million range in chips.

After dropping to the critical stage in chips with the blinds at 100k / 200k and a 30k ante Makhija was able to double up again. He had moved in for 1.3 million and Phan made the call with the A2. Amit had a dominating hand with the A8 but the KKT flop gave Phan a decent chance at a chop. The 8 turn paired Makhija but also gave Phan a flush draw. The river was the 4 though and Makhija was able to stay alive with another double up.

After this double Amit is still short though, with only around 2.5 million chips while John Phan still has 8.5 million to work with.

• August 29, 2008 -- Phan Wins! Amit Makhija Left With 2nd
• August 29, 2008 -- Riding The River, Amit Takes Chip Lead
• August 29, 2008 -- Caught, Phan Calls Makhijas Bluff
• August 29, 2008 -- Makhija Pulls Even