CANADIANS RULE IN WEST 49 CANADIAN OPEN PRESENTED BY XBOX QUALIFYING ACTION...Meanwhile Jake Brown Beats Out Skateboarding Legend For 'Highest Air' Title
Day two of the West 49 Canadian Open presented by Xbox at Hamilton's Copps Coliseum saw high-flying Jake Brown take first place in the KD Quarter Pipe Invitational 'Highest Air' competition while Canadians swept first place in their respective heats in qualifying in the Billabong Street Course competition.
Jake Brown took first place over 43-year old Tony Magnuson and Buster Halterman who finished tied for second. Copps Coliseum was buzzing during the competition, which also featured fan favourite Shaun White, as the professional skateboarders battled for every inch of air high above the KD Quarter Pipe.
Meanwhile, Eric Mercier of Montreal and Chris Haslam, Ryan Decenzo and Paul Machnau, all from British Columbia, each finished first in their respective heats to advance to tomorrow's Billabong Street Course Semi Final action.
"Hamilton fans, along with the great field of pro skateboarders, have made today one of the most exciting days in the five-year history of the West 49 Canadian Open," said Mark Taylor, Vice President of Event Properties for IMG Canada. "Jake Brown fought hard and won the Highest Air contest over some very tough competitors, and the fans were thrilled to see the Canadians do so well in the street competition. We're looking forward to the fans coming out tomorrow to cheer the Canadian men on in the street finals."
The West 49 Canadian Open continues tomorrow with women's finals in the Billabong Street competition kicking the day off at 10:30 a.m. before the Canadians attempt to advance to tomorrow's men's finals at 3:30 p.m. The Canadian men will be facing stiff competition from defending West 49 Champion Greg Lutzka as well as top pro Chad Bartie. Fans are also reminded to be in their seats at 2:30 p.m. when the 'Best Trick' contest takes place at 2:30 on the KD Quarter Pipe.
Fans at home are also reminded that they are able to tune in to the event via the West 49 Canadian Open live webcast on Sympatico MSN at www.CanadianOpenSkateboard.com
