WSM Qualifiers: Day 3 and Things are Rocking in China
by Randall J. Strossen, IronMind Enterprises, Inc. © 2005
The qualifying round of the 2005 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest continued today, with some big changes in the point positions; and in more than one group, making the finals is going to come down to the very last point tomorrow.
Here are the top two competitors in each group through today.
Group One: The top two positions remained unchanged today, as Jarek Dymek retained his lead and Raivis Vidzis held onto second place, but Dominic Filiou and Josh Thigpen are close behind
Group Two: Ralf Ber has been strong all through the qualifiers, so strong in fact that he not only has held onto his first-place position in Group Two after three days of competition, but he is also the only competitor who has already guaranteed himself of being in the finals - he cannot be eliminated tomorrow. Elbrus Nigamutalin has moved into second place.
Group Three: Yes, Mariusz Pudzianowski is still number one in this group, but Don Pope is now back in second place, and Mikael Starow and Steve Bourgeois are pushing hard.
Things are also running extremely tight in Group Four, as Jessen Paulen has moved into first place, but Janne Virtanen and Dave Ostlund, who are tied, are only one point behind.
Group Five: The Jesse Marunde show continues in Chengdu, as he has stayed in first place, and his performance on the Fingal Fingers today is leading to predictions that he might well break the world record in the event in the finals. Although not yet guaranteed a slot, Marunde should lock up a position in the finals tomorrow. Terry Hollands is in second place, and Tarmo Mitt is close behind.
Unfortunately, Mark Philippi, one of only two competitors to make it through all the weights in the squat yesterday, tore both quads in the process, and even though he gamely gave it a shot today, he had to retire from the competition.
Tomorrow is the final day of the qualifying round for the 2005 MET-Rx World's Strongest Man contest. Groups One, Three and Four face off in the Overhead Log Lift for reps, and then all five groups have at it in the Atlas Stones.
