Prior to the Columbus event, Robinson was in 47th place in the qualifier standings; only the top 45 men in 2007 PBR season earnings will compete in Las Vegas for the prestigious $1 million PBR World Champion title. If Robinson continues his winning ways in Columbus, he confirms his position among the best 45 men in the world headed to Las Vegas to vie for their share of the $3.2 million PBR World Finals total purse.
The only man to qualify for every PBR World Finals competition to date, PBR's "Ironman" J.W. Hart (Overbrook, Okla.), was unable to cover his bull Flash owned by Frontier Rodeo Company. Hart only has one more chance tomorrow night to win enough prize money to boost him into the top 45 cowboys in the world, which would send him on his 14th consecutive trip to Las Vegas. Hart will need to place in the top three of the Rocky Boots Invitational in order to secure a spot in the PBR World Finals competition.
Brian "Pee-Wee" Herman (Victoria, Texas) also hangs in the balance of qualifying for the PBR World Finals. Herman didn't ride the required 8 seconds aboard Full Circle owned by Hicks/Hale/McCraken this evening. So far, hope for Pee Wee Herman making this year's PBR World Finals is not looking optimistic. Herman must win the Rocky Boots Invitational in order to have any hope of qualifying this year.
As the race for the 2007 PBR World Championship moves into the most essential part of the season, Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) continues to hold on to the number one position. Going for the Rocky Boots Invitational event championship, McBride took his option for a re-ride when his first bull failed to perform to its highest standard. Justin's re-ride bull, Crooked Tooth owned by Frontier Rodeo Company tossed him off nearly two jumps out of the bucking chutes. Young gun, J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) is still looking for an opportunity to take the number one spot away from McBride and become the PBR's youngest world champion. However, Mauney also received a no score tonight aboard Ricky West's Genex Stormy.
Of the top three cowboys in the world, only Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) received a score during the first round of the Rocky Boots Invitational. The judges scored him 87 points on Fire-Flame owned by Frontier Rodeo Company. "Hollywood" Guilherme Marchi continues to trail McBride and Mauney in the chase for the PBR World Championship, but a strong performance this weekend and at the PBR World Finals could earn him his first world title.
The first round of the Rocky Boots Invitational will air on VERSUS Saturday, October 13 at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Sunday, October 14th on FOX fans can witness PBR history when Justin McBride attempts to win $200,000 when he rides Frontier, Teague, and comedian Ron White's bull Scene of the Crash. As the AlphaTrade National Champion - the #1 rider in Built Ford Tough Series points after the regular season - McBride has the opportunity to own the richest ride in PBR history. The ride will occur at the conclusion of the Rocky Boots Invitational. Please check your local listings for FOX broadcast times in your area so you won't miss one exhilarating second.
Injury Report:
Mike White (DeKalb, Texas)-White suffered a bruised right forearm. He is questionable to compete on Saturday.
Steven Shelley (Natural Dam, Ark.)-Shelley sustained a broken jaw but will compete on Saturday.
Rocky Boots Invitational Event Results:
ROUND ONE: 1) Billy Robinson (Galax, Va.) 88.5 points on Frontier Rodeo Company's Skywalker, $2,730; 2/3) Cody Hart (Gainesville, Texas) 88 points on Frontier/Teague Bucking Bulls' Dodgin Calls, $1,560; 2/3) Kasey Hayes (Liberal, Kan.) 88 points on Frontier/Teague Bucking Bulls' Chain Reaction, $1,560; 4) Cory Melton (Keithville, La.) 87.25 points on Shad Smith's Blue Duck, $780; 5) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 87 points on Frontier Rodeo Company's Fire-Flame, $468.
About PBR:
More than 100 million viewers tune in each year to the PBR on FOX, NBC, VERSUS and on a host of foreign networks across the globe. With approximately 500 hours of prime time programming annually PBR ranks among the most prolific sports on air, in addition to attracting over one and one half million live event attendees each year with its multi-tiered event structure which includes the marquee Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler, the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company Challenger Tour, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tour, and the Discovery Tour, designed specifically for entry level contestants. The PBR's governing board of directors is comprised of renowned bull riders who have developed the event into a stand alone sport which is experiencing unprecedented growth in global popularity. The PBR is headquartered in Pueblo, Colo., and has over 1,200 PBR bull riders compete in more than 300 PBR sanctioned competitions in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico.
For more information about the PBR, please visit http://www.pbrnow.com/ or call the PBR World Headquarters at 719 242 2800.