After a fantastic first round on competition inside the Infinite Energy Arena there was a lot to look forward to as the second and final day of the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series made its way to Duluth, Georgia for the Duluth Invitational. Last night the fans in attendance were treated to a heart pounding performance where the cowboys stepped up to new levels to come as close as they have all season to matching up with the bovine athletes they faced.
As today’s round was set to begin there were a few exciting story lines that were shaping up after the three way split of the win just hours ago. Two of the three contestants who would manage to outlast the others came into Duluth needed a huge event to make sure they stayed on the elite Built Ford Tough Series. Heading into today’s round that is exactly what all the anticipation was all about as Ben Jones and Stormy Wing started the day off as co-leaders of the event at hand!
Cooper Davis Takes Top Spot In Round Two
Photo Credit: PBRLive.com
Once round two began it was apparent that this round would not go the way yesterday’s did in any way, shape or form. Although the rides would be very few and far between it would be those that needed to ride to stay on tour and the new up and coming young guns that would steal the show on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. With only seven qualified rides in round two each and every point would be crucial to making it back to the Championship Round later in the afternoon.
One man that came into this weekend under the weather while trying to battle the lingering flu virus that has been circulating around was a man that has gotten a lot of attention as of late. Cooper Davis has taken his training to the next level while loosing some weight and focusing on core body training. This weekend all of that hard work and dedication paid off as he managed to claim victory in round two moving him on to the Championship Round and gaining 100 championship points.
Paulo Ferreira Lima Wins Championship Round
Photo Credit: PBRLive.com
Once the dismal round two was completed and the doctor outs were processed the top fifteen bull riders were finalized for the Championship Round earlier this afternoon. The top tier riders from this weekend did not fair much better than they did moments ago as only three out of the fifteen riders that competed were able to make the much elusive eight second buzzer. The excitement and anticipation came down to the very last ride as an official review was called on Ben Jones. All he had to do was ride his bull to win the event. That being said, after a careful review it was determined even though the clock said 8 it was overturned and ultimately he did not receive a qualified ride.
As I said earlier there were three riders that did manage to make the buzzer and garner a huge payday and their share of the much needed championship points that were up for grabs. Two of these lucky competitors were Canadian Tanner Bryne and young gun Derek Kolbaba. Even though these two rides electrified the crowd there was one man that no one could beat. Paulo Ferreira Lima would outlast all others and earn a 87.75 point ride atop Rebel yell II!
Canadian Tanner Bryne Wins The Duluth Invitational
Photo Credit: PBRLive.com
After a fierce two days and three rounds of competition the lights would go dim and the arena would be loaded with many of the top 35 bull riders in the world hanging their heads and were left trying to figure out how to turn their seasons around. The low number of rides were put in the rear view mirror as one man was able to put it all together and give the loyal PBR fans something that they will remember until they return once again in 2017! This weekend was a special one for two brothers that travel together and support each other with everything that they have.
Canadian Tanner Bryne came into this weekend’s Duluth Invitational feeling healthy and confident and ready to make a go at an event title. That is just what happened as the red headed cowboy would be the only one to go a perfect 3-for-3 as he claimed his first event win of the 2016 PBR Built Ford Tough Series season. Bryne capped off a great weekend after riding Cracker Jack for a solid 87.50 score. The celebration and mutual admiration between himself and his brother Jesse, a PBR bull fighter, was something that folks will remember for quite some time.
While we focus on getting rested up from this great event we must begin to turn our attention to next week as one of the most notable events of the season is set to take place in New Mexico. The Ty Murray Invitational presented by Sandia Resort and Casino makes its way back to The Pit in Albuquerque. This is a very different feel as The Pit is just that, a small arena where the cowboys have to literally walk up and down the steps from the main concourse to get to the arena floor. As always it should be a very fun event for everyone involved.
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