Final table of three set; Thomas out in fourth place at WSOP Main Event

LAS VEGAS -- Russell Thomas of Hartford, Conn., was eliminated in fourth place in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker and earned $2,851,537.

The action on the 136th hand early Tuesday morning sealed the final three players in the $10,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em World Championship.

Greg Merson of Laurel, Md., is the chip leader with 88.35 million, Jesse Sylvia of Las Vegas is second with 62.75 million and Jake Balsiger of Tempe, Ariz., is third with 46.875 million.

Balsiger eliminated Thomas when his ace-king held against ace-nine.

The action will begin at the Rio’s Penn & Teller Theater at 6 p.m.

The winner collects more than $8.53 million; second place earns $5.29 million; third place wins $3.799 million.