LAS VEGAS (October 22, 2010) - Leading the Built Ford Tough World Finals after two rounds is like a hockey team leading a game at the first intermission. It’s a good position to be in, but it doesn’t guarantee you’re going to win.
Ned Cross finds himself atop the leader board with 178.75 points. He has a three-quarter-point lead over World Champion contender Renato Nunes, and is one of only five cowboys to cover both of his bulls.
“It feels good to be in the lead, but it doesn’t really count until the end,” Cross said. “That’s when they pay the real money.”
Cross, 25, of Midland, Ore., is enjoying his finest PBR season. He’s won a career-high $152,752, including $18,000 in Las Vegas. He’s making his second World Finals appearance (2007) and qualified 11th. His best finish was a second-place performance in Billings, Mont. In the season-opening Challenger Tour Championship, he placed third and earned a personal-best $40,000.
Cross drew a re-ride in Round 1 on Wednesday and turned it into an 87.75 on Myspace (Dakota Rodeo / Berger & Struve). He followed that up with a 91-point gem on Black Pearl (Ravenscroft / Boyd-Floyd Bull Co.) last night. He said his first two rides have increased his confidence.
“Confidence is a big deal in bull riding,” Cross said, “so any time you ride your first two, especially here, it’s got to boost your confidence and give you momentum.”
Cross’s effort on Black Pearl looked for a long time like it would be the $25,000 round-winner. But Valdiron de Oliveira slipped by him when heteamed with Spit Fire (Boyd-Floyd) for 91.5 points. Cross witnessed de Oliveira’s ride.
“That’s the thing about the Finals, there are so many great riders, so I’m not surprised someone passed me,” Cross said.
Cross selected Kool-N-Sexy for his third-round bull tonight. He knows “he’s a pretty good bull,” but other than that is not familiar with the D&H Cattle Co. animal.
So, Ned, what can we look forward to for the remaining four rounds?
“I don’t know,” he said. “Stay tuned.”
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