Photos by Phil Erickson courtesy of Burton

The first few days of any of the Burton Global Open Series stops are brutal. They have to whittle fields of hundreds of riders down to just 10 men and 5 women. They do this for the men with a pre-qualifier (25 men get in) and then a qualifier (the 25 dudes compete against each other for the 10 spots.) The 45 women vying to even make it in the even don't get a pre-qualifier. They cut them down from 45 to 5 in one foul swoop. Harsh.

They do this in two days. One day for Slopestyle, and one for Halfpipe. They are long-ass days. Take it from me, I've been at plenty of them- including a couple in New Zealand.

They are even longer when the weather is crappy. And insider reports claim that the weather was not only crappy on the first day during the Slopestyle knock-out rounds at Cardrona Resort, but that it was downright shitty. And, as fate would have it, the shitty weather got shittier after the men finished competing, just as the girls stepped up to the plate. Poor darlings really got the blunt end of the stick this day.

The girls took their first run and the weather got so bad that they postponed the second run until the next day, a rare occurrence at any snowboard competition. The girls are slated to battle out the final run on Friday morning. The top five will go straight into Finals that afternoon.

Here are the Men's results from Slopestyle Qualifications. These lucky few will go on to compete against the riders that are previously qualified from last year's BGOS rankings for Semi-Finals (Semi-Finals and Finals happen this weekend), and the fields are STACKED. The mens start list is boasting riders like Torstein Horgmo, Chas Guldemond, Antti Autti, Danny Davis, Peetu Piiroinen, and Tim Humphreys. On the Women's side slopestyle slayers like Chanelle Sladics, Jamie Anderson, Silvia Mittermuller, and Spencer O'Brien. It's gonna be a good one.

Slopestyle Qualification Results

MEN
1 Atsushi Ishikawa JPN Flow
2 Sergey Tarasov RUS Burton
3 Christian "Hitch" Haller SUI Burton
4 Tore Holvik NOR Sweet
5 Arthur Longo FRA Volcom
6 Sage Kotsenburg USA Quiksilver
7 Eric Beauchemin USA DC
8 Gjermund Braaten NOR DC Shoe Co USA
9 Johann Baisamy FRA Billabong
10 Jye Kearney AUS Burton


Check back for more results and other random crap from the 2009 Burton New Zealand Open.

That's right, 100k each! I see Chas at Northstar-at-Tahoe all the time -- who thinks he should loan me some dolla bills? Just kidding Chas, every penny is WELL deserved, congratulations on the largest single payout in snowboarding history.

Chas Guldemond and Kjersti Buaas Win US Open Slopestyle Competition
Chas Guldemond and Jamie Anderson Claim $100,000 BGOS Championship Titles

STRATTON, VT (March 22, 2009) - The last day of the US Open proved to be the busiest with junior jam finals, men's and women's slopestyle finals and three major titles being awarded. Chas Guldemond (USA) and Kjersti Oestgaard Buaas (NOR) won slopestyle finals and $20,000 each. Chas Guldemond and Jamie Anderson (USA) are the new Burton Global Open Series Champions, each taking home $100,000, currently the largest single payout in the sport. Scotty Lago (USA) and Kjersti Buaas will be driving new Volvo XC60s after winning the Volvo Most Valuable Rider Awards. And last but not least, Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) was crowned the new Men's Swatch TTR World Tour Champion, claiming $50,000 for his amazing efforts throughout the 2008/2009 TTR season.

Chas rode home with $145,000 today, he had this to say of his win, "I really wanted to do good on the Global Open Series, but I never planned on this. I really appreciate the people above that took care of me, and everyone along the way. This is such a great day." At the beginning of slopestyle finals, the variable weather conditions constantly switched between sun, clouds, snow and wind. The women got caught in a snow squall during their first runs, but after about 20 minutes, the clouds magically parted and the sun came out. After a sticky snowfall, riders struggled to make it through the course. Jenny Jones put together a solid run, holding on to first place for a while. But it was Kjersti Buaas who took the top spot on the US Open podium for the second time this weekend with a run that included a nosepress on the box, 50/50 to frontside 180, cab 540 indy, backside 360 indy, frontside 360 stalefish ending with a frontside 720 mute. Kjersti had a very successful weekend at the US Open, earning $13,000 for a win and Amp Best Trick in the quarterpipe competition, $2,000 in the halfpipe competition, $20,000 for winning slopestyle and scoring keys to her second Volvo XC60 of the year after winning the Volvo Most Valuable Rider award at both the Burton European Open and the US Open. Chanelle Sladics earned third place and the Emergen-C Best Trick award for her front boardslide 270 out on the down rail. "Being the best overall rider meant a lot to me because I strive to be good in the pipe and slope," said Kjersti. "I was trying all season to be good in both disciplines, it makes me so excited. Now people can't just define me as a pipe rider, and that means the most to me."

In the men's finals, the slow course didn't bother Chas Guldemond, who dropped in knowing that he had the $100,000 BGOS title in the bag. While the other riders struggled to gain enough speed to make it through the entire course, Chas won the competition with his first run. His winning run included a frontside boardslide 270 out to a 50-50 backside 180 followed by a switch backside 900, backside 1260, Cab 900 ending with a backside rodeo on the jumps. Sebastien Toutant (CAN) put together a solid run earning second place. And Scotty Lago, who won the US Open quarterpipe competition, earned third place and clinched the keys to a new Volvo XC60. Peetu Piiroinen earned the Emergen-C Best Trick award for his backside rodeo 720. Chas had the biggest payday of any US Open competitor this weekend, earning $100,000 for the BGOS title, $20,000 for the slopestyle title and $25,000 for earning the Swatch TTR World No. 2 position. Scotty Lago was at a loss for words when he learned of winning his Volvo, "Words can't describe how I'm feeling. I am so pumped being the best overall rider at a contest with so much history. Today is the best day I've ever had in snowboarding for sure."

Earlier in the day, snowboarding's up-and-coming groms competed in the annual US Open junior jam halfpipe competition. Thirteen-year-old Arielle Gold took the title for the girls with her technical spin combinations and her impressive amplitude. Tanner Barrett emerged from a field of 83 boys to take the title with his massive frontside 900 tail grab to McTwist mute followed by back-to-back 540s and a tail to slob air.

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The time has come to crown the men's Swatch TTR Tour Champion at the prestigious 6Star Burton US Open. After a highly charged season, Shaun White (USA) and Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) have emerged as the two Title contenders, but only one can walk away victorious. Saturday's Halfpipe finals, which offer up the first of two batches of 1000 Swatch TTR points, will set the stage for the ultimate Slopestyle showdown. On Sunday, March 22nd, 2009, ten months of competition, dedication and hard work will culminate when a victor is crowned and the Tour defining contest decides the TTR Top 5.

Riders will descend upon freestyle snowboarding's holy ground where they will chase Halfpipe and Slopestyle glory in search of the final 2000 crucial ranking points. Now in its 27th year, the Burton US Open will give riders a chance to etch their name into Swatch TTR history and earn part of the $200,000 USD prize money.
Piiroinen has been defending the World No.1 position since the 6Star Billabong Air&Style; in Austria and Shaun White will need to perform strongly in both formats in order to knock him off and claim his second Swatch TTR Title. Both riders have what it takes in Halfpipe and Slopestyle contests, ensuring this year's finale is too close to call.

The leading TTR ranked riders are fighting to secure a position in the coveted Swatch TTR Top 5, which brings with it huge cash prizes and invites to major events next season. World No.2, Chas Guldemond (USA) has had a dream-like tour and will be fighting to defend his position at the US Open. He is going into the race with confidence from his first Halfpipe win at the recent 5Star Asian Open. Last year's Tour Champion, Vermont native, Kevin Pearce (USA), comes into the contest with the hometown advantage and has the ability to improve on his World No.4 ranking, especially after winning one of the most prestigious 6Star Halfpipe contests of the season, the 6Star Burton European Open. Further down the ranks in World No.8, sits Kevin's FRIEND, Mason Aguirre (USA), who recently has been charging up the ranking. The American contingent will be locked in a battle for the TTR Top 5 with World No.3 Risto Mattila (FIN) and World No.6 Antti Autti (FIN). Both these riders have won competitions with their technical smooth style and are hungry for a Finnish finish on the podium.

The women's race is also hurtling toward a climatic end and with 2000 ranking points available at the Burton US Open the gaps between contenders will close further. It is the rider's last chance to move up the ranks before the Women's Tour Champion is crowned at 6Star Roxy Chicken Jam US. Current World No.1, Jamie Anderson (USA) has a good leeway and remains in her spot on the rankings; however, after the US Open it will be possible for a number of riders to take her down. World No.2, Silvia Mittermueller (GER), World No.4, Sarka Pancochova (CZE) and World No.5, Lisa Wiik (NOR) are going head to head for the No.2 ranking in the Halfpipe ' " all of them viable threats. In what is a truly international race, World No.7, Sina Candrian (SUI), World No.9, Spencer O'Brien (CAN) and World No.12, Cheryl Maas (NED) are all vying to earn points in both formats in an attempt to make a play for the Swatch TTR Tour Champion Title one week later. Kjersti Buaas (NOR), who is currently sitting in World No.15, can with four strong results also remain in the title race. America's favorite Queen of the Halfpipe, Kelly Clark has won her last two major Halfpipe events and will be going for the hat-trick in front of the home crowd. A win here will bolster her position in the TTR Top 10 so expect to see some serious amplitude.

Log on to www.ttrworldtour.com and read the news, watch videos and get the low down before the Tour draws to a close this weekend. Live coverage begins March 20th on www.go211.com so tune in and brace yourself for a showdown packed finale.

Towering airtime, technical tricks and fearless snowboarding were the order of the night at the 6Star O' (TM)Neill Evolution Quarterpipe stomp fest. After two nights of thrilling excitement, Chas Guldemond (USA) has narrowly managed to defend his Tour lead spot with a 81.98 point lead in front of Janne Korpi (FIN). At the end of the night though, it was Finland' (TM)s Peetu Piiroinen who finished on top of the podium and in World No. 5. He was followed by his fellow Finn, Risto Mattila in second and Steve Krijbolder (NED) in third.

The brightly illuminated 10.2 m Quarterpipe proved to be the ultimate location for the world' (TM)s best snowboarders to amaze the awestruck crowd. A new judging format for 2009 was in place and served to ensure that the snowboarders demonstrated a variety of tricks. ' It creates variation and pushes the riders to show us their bag of tricks. It lifts the level of snowboarding and makes a better show for the crowd' , said Dani ' Kiwi' Meier, Head Judge of the competition.

Riders such as Arthur Longo (FRA), Janne Korpi (FIN) and Antti Autti (FIN) launched mega McTwists, Rodeos and huge Backside Airs, proving their dominance on the Swatch TTR Tour. Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) snatched first place in a climatic finale by pulling off a 5.9 m BS 5 that was smooth as smooth can be. With the first ever 6Star title of his career, he earned himself 1000 TTR rankings points and took home the $15 000. ' Fifth, woah! That' (TM)s really great! This was only my third TTR result this season, so it doesn' (TM)t mean too much as you need to have 7 results. So, you don' (TM)t quite know yet until the US Open, but it is great to be in the Top10 at this point!'

His close friend and countryman, Risto Mattila took out second place with a slightly lower BS 540, however, took out the Swatch Highest Air with a 7 m BS Air. ' Second place feels awesome, and to be able to improve on my riding each run. I' (TM)m super stoked about winning highest air, too!!'

Third place finisher, Steve Krijbolder (NED) was the most surprising rider of the night standing strong against the Finns with a stylish BS 5 and 6.9 m lofty BS Air. Current World No. 2 Janne Korpi (FIN) performed consistently all night but had to finish the competition due to an injury to his knee during the Quarterfinals.

As always, the 6Star O' (TM)Neill Evolution double dosage of TTR Ranking points has caused some serious moves on the Swatch TTR World Ranking list. Peetu' (TM)s win has put him into World No.5 and he will have the chance to move into Swatch TTR World Nr. 3 at the upcoming 6Star competition across the valley. Seb Toots (CAN) sits right behind him in World No.6 and will also be heading to Laax. Risto' (TM)s efforts have moved him up into the TTR Top 20 with Arthur Longo (FRA) in World No. 25 and Antti Autti (FIN) in World No. 23 ready to strike.

In case you missed any of the action from 6Star O' (TM)Neill Evolution you can log onto on www.ttrworldtour.com, www.mpora.com, and www.freecaster.tv to catch all the action replays. The race for the Swatch TTR Title is getting tighter at every contest. The battleground now shifts to Laax, Switzerland for the 6Star Burton European Open, where a double shot of 1000 ranking points in Halfpipe and Slopestyle will increase the excitement. With a total prize money payout of over $2 million USD including event prize money available this season you know the race will intensify, so stay tuned to www.ttrworldtour.com

An incredible night of action has taken place on the 5Star Slopestyle course at the O' (TM)Neill Evolution. The Swatch TTR Top 10 saw a wide range of changes as uprising rookies and established riders fought for their chance to rise to the top and claim valuable 850 TTR rankings points as well as a big piece of the $100,000 USD. It was Janne Korpi (FIN) who won the Slopestyle title and now sits right behind Chas Guldemond (USA) in World No. 2 on the Swatch TTR World Ranking List. Guldemond was able to defend his Tour lead with a fourth place finish.


After two grueling rounds of competition that started in a Round of 32, only 8 Riders stood tall in the Quarterfinals, all ready to advance to the Semis. However, Janne Korpi walked away with the win, his calculated style and extensive trick selection of styled out BS Rodeo 7s, FS 10s and Cab 9s and more powering him into first place. ' It' (TM)s sweet to be TTR No.2, but I' (TM)m not really thinking too much about it yet, it' (TM)s the final result at the end of season that means the most. You know you had a good season when you are in the top 5' , he stated.


Upcoming Belgian rookie, Seppe Smits took out second place and was touted as the giant killer of the night when he came up against Swatch TTR World No.1 Chas Guldemond (USA) in a true David Vs Goliath showdown. Seppe' (TM)s controlled Cab 9s and stylish BS 7' (TM)s were enough to get him over the line and move him into Swatch TTR No.16. Chas finished the night in fourth position, still managing to hold onto his World No. 1 spot and already focusing on tomorrow' (TM)s 6Star contest, ' I' (TM)m just trying to hold my spot, cause I know there' (TM)s a bunch of guys biting at my heals. Just trying to keep up the consistency and try my best. ' However, it was definitely a night for the rookies to announce themselves on the Swatch TTR Tour as Kevin Backstrom (SWE), another up and coming rider, claimed third position, nailing a series of BS 7' (TM)s, a Cab 10 and a FS 10 Shifty.


Tomorrow night the riders will reconvene and attempt to tackle the 10.2meter Quarterpipe that is lurking ominously next to the Slopestyle course. Tonight' (TM)s action in the Slopestyle format has set up more possible ranking changes for tomorrow when we are expect to see the Swatch TTR Top 10 to be shaken up yet again. Both Seb Toots (CAN) and Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) can potentially jump into the TTR Top 5, whilst Risto Mattila (FIN) and Tim Humphreys could find themselves in the TTR Top 10.


With the 5Star component of the contest now wrapped up, all attention turns to the 6Star Quarterpipe finals tomorrow, where once again we will see a host of new Swatch TTR ranking changes. If the spectacular show that was tonight is anything to go by, then tomorrow' (TM)s Quarterpipe action is going to one hell of a show.


The nail biting action from tomorrow' (TM)s 6Star Quarterpipe format will be broadcasted on www.ttrworldtour.com , www.oneilltv.com, and www.freecaster.tv from 15.45 ' " 22.30 h CET. For the latest video updates, news and ranking changes from the events going down around the world make sure you check out www.ttrworldtour.com.


Best 10 riders of the day:

1 Korpi Janne FIN Nummela 1986 Kissmark
2 Smits Seppe BEL Westmalle 1991 Burton
3 Backstrom Kevin SWE Geilo 1992 Burton
4 Guldemond Chas USA Truckee 1987 DC
5 Piiroinen Peetu FIN Hyvink 1988 Burton
6 Elhardt Elias GER Oberstaufen 1988 Rossignol
7 Hansen Kim Rune NOR Hamar 1988 Burton
8 Toutant Sebastien CAN L assomption 1992 O'Neill
9 Braaten Gjermund NOR Torpo 1990 DC Shoe Co USA
10 Gimpl Stefan AUT Leogang 1979 Ftwo 16