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10th March 2010

From Shay Williams @ freeskier.com

Culling 16 of the worlds best pipe skiers down to 8 is no easy task and today, the challenge proved to be almost insurmountable. Windy and icy and cold conditions prevailed tonight, making things even harder for the skiers.

Justin Dorey took the big win in quals today with a double flip, and a switch 900 to switch right 720. Bam. Domination. Coming in 2nd was Xavier Bertoni, whose large and smooth and technical hits, right and left, were on point tonight. Xaviers French companion Kevin Rolland, who was on the danger of not qualifying after the first run, used the French crowds energy to stomp his run, which included a first hit double, right and left 900s and a big 1260 at the bottom.

Jossi and Byron Wells who took the 4th and 5th spots respectively, looked like they were having the most fun. Jossi dropped into his first run, after dancing to his Lil Wayne drop in song for 2 minutes, dropping a smooth flair and 900, switch 720 and a grip of rightside spins. Jossi opted for a 2nd run full of flares and straight airs, to keep his body safe for tomorrow. Byron started things off with a switch 720 into a flatpsin to right and left 900s to a massive 540, which pumped the crowd up.

If tonights showing of safety runs (which were ridiculous) were and indication of anything, then tomorrow nights finals will be out of this world. Stay tuned.

Mens qualification results:
1) Justin Dorey
2) Xavier Bertoni
3) Kevin Rolland
4) Jossi Wells
5) Byron Wells
6) Tucker Perkins
7) Mike Riddle
8) AJ Kemppainen