Harri Simonen won this weekend's Finnish Open strongman competition, which qualified him for the prestigious IFSA European Strongest Man competition.

Simonen finished with 45 points; second place was Heinonen, with 41.5 points, and third was Odd Haugen, with 39.5 points. Remaining places and points were: 4) Hohtaro, 37 points; 5) Rasanen, 36 points; 6) Turenen, 33 points; 7) Karlsson, 27.5 points; 8) Holte, 22 points; 9) Vilkko, 18 points; 9) Pattero, 18 points; 11) Wennberg, 11.5 points.

Referee Ilkka Kinnunen, said, "Harri has been at a top level for years, but once again he showed that he's in top shape." And once again it was proven that age need not be a barrier to excellence, as 51-year old Odd Haugen turned in an impressive performance. "Odd looked really good - I was amazed," said Kinnunen, "and there were a few new young guys who did really well, like Karlsson, who's two meters tall and only 19 years old."