Prejudging for the 2009 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Tampa, Florida, Saturday, August 8, has just concluded and Dennis James appears to be in good position heading into tonight’s finals. James, the 2009 IFBB New York Po runner-up, brought crisp condition to go along with his trademark mass – though he could have been a little harder throughout the back and lower extremities. But James is in for a fight tonight as Fouad Abiad, who got fifth here last year, is pushing him hard with a complete, ripped physique along with good lines and proportions.
The biggest surprise of prejudging was the pro debut of Ben Pakulski, 2008 super-heavyweight and overall winner of the Canadian Championships. Pakulski had the best wheels onstage and while his upper body still needs more thickness to match his lower body, his condition will probably net the rookie an Olympia qualification. Bill Wilmore, Tarek El Setouhi and Ben White look to be in the mix to round out the top six.
In 202-under action, David “The Giant Killer” Henry, 2008’s Tampa Pro 202 champ and Olympia 202 Showdown winner, brought a physique that, while not the driest of the lineup, had the most round, full muscle. John Hodgson, who placed twelfth at the 2007 New York Pro, is battling Henry for the top spot on the strength of his proportions and bone-dry condition. Richard “Tricky” Jackson, Lee Powell and Steve Namat also seem to be in position for a top five finish.
In women’s bodybuilding, the race for number one will probably come down to last year’s Tampa Pro defending champion, Nicole Ball and 2009 New York Pro runner-up, Betty Pariso. Tina Chandler and Gale Frankie are locked in a tight battle for third and a qualifying spot for the 2009 Miss Olympia.
Check back with flexonline.com for a complete report on the finals of the 2009 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships, from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, in Tampa, Florida.
