Prejudging for the 2011 IFBB New York Pro Championships is over and based on the callouts, Kai Greene seems to be a strong candidate for top honors. Greene, who won this contest in 2008, is competing for the first time since his disappointing seventh-place finish at last year’s Mr. Olympia. Sporting an improved upper chest and more detail and density than he’s shown since he won his first Arnold Classic in 2009 (Greene won again in 2010), a win here will once again put him in contention for the Mr. Olympia later this September.
The fight for second and third is brewing between Ronnie Rockel and New Jersey’s Craig Richardson. Rockel, who won the Mr. Europe Grand Prix and finished second at the FIBO Power Pro in Germany earlier this year, came out with his customary proportions and symmetry. Richardson, who competed at the Olympia four times – with his best being 13th in 2008 – showed a high level of condition.
France’s Lionel Beyeke and Robert Burneika (in his pro debut) are in contention for the fourth and fifth spots. Both men have plenty of size (second only to Greene) with Beyeke showing better proportion and Burneika getting the edge in condition. The top five qualify for the 2011 Mr.Olympia, September 15-18 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 202 action, it’s a two-man race between Jose Raymond and Flex Lewis. With Raymond’s size and condition matching up well against Lewis’ shape and lines, the decision could go either way. The top three qualify for the Olympia 202 Showdown.
In figure, defending champ Cheryl Brown, Larissa Reis, Heather Dees and Alea Suarez are vying for the top spot while in bikini, its between defending champion Missy Coles, Abbie Burrows, Juliana Daniels and Ali Rosen. The top three in each division qualify for the Figure and Bikini Olympia, respectively.
Check back tonight for the final results from the 2011 IFBB New York Pro Championships.
