First go round action of the Reno-Tahoe Invitational , part of the Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS), shook Reno Downtown Events Center on Friday night as the first of three performances concluded. The final two performances of the three day event will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The 2006 Reno-Tahoe Invitational is the 10th tour stop that the PBR has made in Reno in the organization's 14 year history.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Dickies DuraBullfighter and five-time World Champion Rob Smets (Shamrock, Texas) was injured and transported to an area hospital where an MRI was taken. While all reports were unofficial as of press time, Smets suffered an injury to his neck and will wear a brace for 6-8 weeks, however the outlook is miraculously positive. Smets, who earlier this season announced that he plans to retire at the PBR World Finals, has suffered serious neck injuries twice during his career spanning 27 years.
Stop no. 14 on the Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS) is pivotal in the battle for the most coveted award in professional bull riding ' the million-dollar PBR world championship. The tour makes consecutive stops each weekend from now through the end of April and promises bull riding fans one of the most intense and action packed races in sports. Sunday's action culminates with an electrifying championship round for the top 15 qualifiers who will be chasing a shot at the prestigious event title, and ultimately gunning for the 2006 million dollar Built Ford Tough World Championship.
The Reno-Tahoe Invitational will air live on OLN on Saturday, Mar. 4 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, Mar. 5 at 8 p.m. (All Times EST). Please visit http://www.pbrnow.com/media/tv/ for the complete broadcast schedule.
Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) took top honors in round one with 90.75 points aboard Davis/White/PMS's Smiley, while Colby Yates (Ft. Worth) finished second with 88.75 points on Bad Company, owned by Bad Company Rodeo.
Shivers was eligible to compete in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out by virtue of his first round victory. Shivers cashed in for $25,000 when he conquered Paradise Farms Rodeo Genetics' Bo Kat to earn the Mossy Oak Shoot Out reward. The available bonus on Saturday night in Reno is $5,000. According to PBR statistics, Bo Kat was previously unridden in tour action.
As the winner of the Portland BFTS event, Dustin Hall was eligible for the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ride With The Best bonus money in Reno. Hall earned $5,000 in bonus money after making a qualified ride on Saturday night.
Injury Report:
Rob Smets (Shamrock, Texas) ' Transported to an area hospital immediately following the Friday night performance where an MRI was taken. Possible C7 fracture was reported and Smets will wear a brace for 6-8 weeks but the outlook is positive. All information is unofficial at this time.
Reno-Tahoe Invitational Results:
FIRST ROUND: 1) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 90.75 points on Davis/White/PMS's Smiley, $2,730; 2) Colby Yates (Ft. Worth, Texas) 88.75 points on Bad Company Rodeo's Bad Company, $1,950; 3) Sevi Torturo (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 88.5 points on Davis/White/PMS's Chief, $1,170; 4/5) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 87 points on Russell Rodeo Company's Money Maker, $624; 4/5) Shawn Waite (Redmond, Ore.) 87 points on Mike Solomon's Ditto, $624.