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Piano Competition Participant Nearly Passes Out During San Jose Performance

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A piano competition participant in San Jose had to be helped off stage after nearly passing out during a performance.

Italian competitor Sebastian Di Bin was performing Saturday in the San Jose International Piano Competition when he suddenly stopped, turned to the audience, and said he could not continue.

Di Bin was apparently suffering from heat exhaustion as temperatures outside reached 90 degrees, and no air conditioning inside.

"He was sweating profusely; his eyes were rolling up into his head a little bit. He did not lose consciousness, but I could say that he was wavering," witness Scott Ellner said.

After about an hour, Di Bin rallied to not only finish his hour long set, but win the competition, and a $5 thousand prize.

"To return to the stage and complete his performance, and not only that, to play out of his mind. It was extraordinarily inspirational," Ellner said.

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