STRATTON, VT – Marking a historical day for both individuals and Nations, USA’s Shaun White won his first ever US Open Men’s Halfpipe title with Australia’s Torah Bright winning the Women’s title, giving Australia their first ever win at a US Open.
White, fresh from his victory at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics put distance between him and his rivals from the first moment he dropped in. With runs deemed more technical than his winning sequences in Turin, White yet again proved why today he is the most advanced rider ever. His win at the 24th Burton US Open is his 11th consecutive win in 2006. He is unbeaten and clearly stands favorite for tomorrows Slopestyle Competition.
Bright’s performance was no less impressive as technical performances and solid amplitude took her up and out of reach from a heavy list of international female contenders.
The results have given Shaun his second result on the TTR Rankings with Bright now also registering on the Championships board as this was her first appearance at a TTR Tour event. Both riders pocketed 1000 and 500 Championships points respectively for their wins.
Further stand out was USA’s Danny Davis. The young compact ripper secured a 6th at the 5(five) Star Arctic Challenge in Olso, Norway two weeks ago and was the only true danger to Shaun lead throughout the Halfpipe finals. Deservedly placed second after sick runs Davis will surely be a rider to watch both in tomorrows Slopestyle and future TTR World Tour events.
Big movers on the tour rankings came from Antti Autti(FIN) who finished 10th today and moved rapidly to 3rd on the World Rankings only 64.88 points behind team partner and current Tour leader Risto Matilla(FIN).
As tomorrow will be the last option to gather higher points than already logged by the riders the Championships race has come down to a three man battle. All in exceptional form and all holding exceptional records in tomorrows format, the eyes will be on France, Finland and again, Finland.
If Matilla’s results are lower than 2nd Autti would need to win to take the crown, Crepel will requre a result 5th or better. The heat is on!
As the clock ticks the riders rest. Tomorrow someone will become the first event TTR World Tour Champion and with it a new era is born giving light and direction to thousands or riders worldwide aspiring to become Champions.
Stay tuned to find out who will be that honoured flag bearer!
Slopestyle program (Sunday March 19th 2006)
Halfpipe - Qualifiers (Men and Women)
0800 – 1245 Slopestyle semifinals men & women
1315 – 1600 Slopestyle finals men & women
1630 Slopestyle Awards & Men’s TTR WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONS AWARD
More info on event and qualification results at opensnowboarding.com