CLOSE
Sign up to get news on contests, pro events, new products and special offers.
Risto
Results from the first round of the Ski Paradise Invitational in Acapulco, Mexico are in and Andy Mapple leads the first round with a score of 3 at 41 off. Will Asher (2 at 41 off), Nate Smith (1 1/2 at 41 off), Chris Parrish (1 1/2 at 41 off), and Thomas Degasperi (4 1/2 at 39 1/2 off) follow close behind in what promises to be an exciting final day of competition. The event is Mapple’s first 36 mph pro event since competing in the WATERSKI Magazine Pro Slalom Shootout in 2007, where he tied for 20th place. Although the 14-time Masters champion retired from pro skiing in 2004, he’s intermittently returned to competitive skiing at various events like the Diablo Shores Pro Am, the IWSF Senior World Championships, and the Nautique Big Dawg World Tour. Nearly two weeks ago Mapple won the Big Dawg event in San Bernardo, Chile at 34 mph, and now he’s stepping up to 36 mph against the world’s best. What’s on the line? Over $27,000 and counting. One of the largest cash prize slalom events ever, and the purse will be split among only five competitors.
After Mapple’s victorious first round yesterday he tweeted, “I think these guys are setting me up for an ass whipping.” Time will tell. The second qualifying round for a true head-to-head final is taking place today. The top two scores from either round will match up in Rathbun’s side-by-side slalom courses, and will ski each pass at the same time until a winner prevails. A portion of the prize money will also be paid to the athletes with the highest accumulative score from the two qualifying rounds.
To hear Mapple’s first hand experience of the first round of the Ski Paradaise Invitational, CLICK HERE.
More info to follow soon!
