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 Greg Badal Wins 2007 Big Dawg Championship! October 02, 2007 Winter Garden, Florida: Team Mastercraft Skier - Greg Badal dominated in winning the 2nd Annual Big Dawg Championships. Greg ran 3@39-1/2 off in the final to best Chad Scott who had scored 2-1/2@39. Badal, of Brentwood, Cailfornia also hosts the annual Diablo Shores Pro-Am.
There were 4 qualifying events throughout the US. Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and California each hosted and event. The top 8 from each event plus the next best 18 made up the field of 50 for the finals in Florida. Badal had already put on a huge performance at the event in Cali. He ran 39 five out of six rounds in taking the Title.
He also tied the Masters Men Pro record of 3@41 in the Cali qualifier.
The Big Dawgs are defined as being at least 35 years or older and whom have not placed in the top 10 in a pro tourney in the last 3 years. The top 50 got 2 chances of qualifying in very windy conditions. The top 16 would move on to the head to head. Ben Favret, a former pro water skier, led the way after 2 rounds with 2-1/2@41 off with Badal a close 2nd with 2@41 off.
In the bracket finale Badal faced Marco Bettosini of Switzerland in the first round and got by easily. In the quarterfinals Badal faced Scott Larson. This was the match of the tourney with both skiers running a full pass at 39. Badal outscored Larson 1-1/2@41 to 1@41. In the semis Badal won his match against Don Beaman, which put him into the final with Scott. These two had just faced off last year at the US Nationals with Badal winning in a runoff with 2@41. This time Greg didn’t need the overtime!
MasterCraft Congratulates Greg on his Big Dawg Championship!   |
