Balsiger takes over second place from Sylvia

During the first 90 minutes of three-handed play, Greg Merson seemed intent on increasing his chip lead.

After 161 hands Merson had 104.675 million in chips, double his nearest competitor, who was now Jake Balsiger.

The 21-year-old Arizona State student moved into the No. 2 spot when he doubled up on Jesse Sylvia.

On the 156th hand, Balsiger countered a 7 million pre-flop bet by Sylvia with an all-in wager. Sylvia called and turned over a pair of nines. However, Balsiger showed a pair of jacks, which held through five community cards.

Balsiger had 59.675 million in chips and Sylvia was short-stacked with 33.625 million.