25 July 2003

The start list for this weekend's inaugural Burton NZ Open at Cardrona Alpine Resort confirms an outstanding line up of snowboarding talent. Joining Olympic gold medallists Kelly Clark and Ross Powers in Cardrona's Monster Superpipe are the crème de la crème of Kiwi riders. These include current national champions Aaron Jamieson from Queenstown and Wanaka's Juliane Bray as well as respected riders Dylan Butt, Deni Bevan and Will Jackways.

Compete against the best
Former national champion Dylan Butt said the NZ Open provided a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand snowboarding. "It's a rad opportunity to get to ride with Ross and Kelly in a small format competition such as the Burton NZ Open," he said. "The whole level of New Zealand snowboarding can only improve after riding alongside them and seeing first hand the level of commitment and skill it takes to achieve such success. Both are internationally recognised as the world's best halfpipe riders - they've won so much and it's a real privilege to compete with them."

The Burton NZ Open three-hour practise session starts at 10.00am at Cardrona Alpine Resort today (weather permitting) with the competition kicking into action on 26 July at 10.10am.

Judging Format
This event will utilise a Jam format: as one rider finishes their run, the next will be dropping in. Riders can take as many runs as they want during the allotted time. Every run is judged, although two or more crashes = no score. Riders must cross finish line, or that run will not be scored. Two judge panels (of 2 judges each) will score out of 20 points maximum per run. Top two high scores for each rider are combined for rider total. Any ties will be broken by looking at third highest scores.

Rules of Rider-Voted 'Superhit' Jam
Open only to the 16 finalists. All competitors from the Burton NZ Open (40 total) may cast one vote for best single hit witnessed during this 30 minute pipe session. Votes will be taken as competitors return their contest bib to the Registration Desk. All bibs/votes must be received by 3.45pm.

Start list

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