Wind was high on the day of qualification, but that didn't keep the riders from pulling out their best tricks. With a lot at stake, including competing on an international stage, a piece of $25,000 and prestigious TTR points, the pressure was as intense as the icy temperatures that were ripping through Nanshan today....Brrrrr...
Just as predicted, Wang Lei (Burton, Anon) took the unanimous top spot with a huge BS Rodeo 5, FS 5, BS Tail to 270 off among other tasty maneuvers and got the crowd amped. The other two spots went out to Andrew Wilde (Quiksilver, Deeluxe Forum, Kagen) and Zhang Wei (Forum, Special Blend). Andrew pulled out a fair sized Switch FS 3 and the smoothest switch tail press to 360 out on the butter box. The rail ninja lived up to his reputation for his spot on the big day. Zhang Wei was a shoe in with a Front 5 and some stylish FS Boards on the boxes. He just keeps getting better and better by the day!
A special shoutout goes to all those who came from far away including Lu Tiexin who drove for over 30 hours and was trapped in a snowstorm with his girlfriend. We are glad you guys made it safe and sound! Also all the Hong Kong guys who came out and are staying for the main event next weekend!
The 6th Red Bull Nanshan Open is a TTR 4 star and 15 of the 16 invited international pros will arrive next week. Marco Smolla is out due to an injury, but the three locals will join the ranks among some of the best snowboard talent out there. For the complete details of the The 6th Red Bull Nanshan Open please visit www.mellowparks.cn.