Maimone and Lefrancois in Chip Lead Pot

A huge pot had developed before we arrived at the table hosting Nick Maimone and Pascal Lefrancois' battle for the chip lead. All afternoon, they have been getting involved with each in hand after hand in a struggle for supremacy here on Day 3 of the PokerStars Championship Bahamas. We may now have the momentum-shifting hand.

With the board already complete and showing , Lefrancois was checked to by Maimone and the Frenchman made a big bet of 250,000 into a pot worth 170,000. Maimone took his time coming to a decision.

"If you have me beat, I'm down to 600,000." he groaned. With the requisite chips to make the call in his hand the whole time, Maimone eyeballed Lefrancois for all he was worth, while the French pro sat motionless, his headphones in and his features immovable.

"Pascal, can you beat Ace-Jack?" asked Maimone. No reply. Not a flicker.

Eventually, Maimone put in the call, and Lefrancois showed . Maimone turned over his and took a huge pot, giving him the lead in the tournament.