Valderon de Oliveira wins PBR LiftMaster Chute Out

Photo Credit: Tri Le  &  PBR

Anaheim, Calif. -- Southern California sports fans were treated to a thrilling spectacle of man-versus-beast this weekend, when Brazilian bull rider Valderon de Oliveira won the Professional Bull Riders LiftMaster Chute Out at the Honda Center with a victory-clinching final ride of 90.75 on C Note.  After going 4-for-4 on his rides in Anaheim, de Oliveira currently ranks sixth in the season standings.

For those local fans unfamiliar with bull riding, a PBR event provides excitement and entertainment in an eye-opening competitive format that offers several surprises.

First, the bulls are just as much of an attraction as the riders themselves.  In fact, this weekend's event featured the best riders in the world, and was attended by celebrity rock star Gene Simmons of KISS, but nobody turned more heads than the ultra-athletic and soon-to-be-retired bull, Bushwacker.

Second, the riders, without question, are tough, agile, and talented extreme athletes.  In order to score points, riders must stay on a violent bull for 8 seconds all while holding onto a rope with only one hand.  They are judged on their ability to match the bull's moves and to maintain control, as well as for their riding style.  No small feat, to say the least.

Third, the PBR is truly international in flavor, with many of the riders originating from Brazil and Canada, in addition to the U.S.

Photo Credit: Tri Le & PBR

As for the competition itself, Brazil was definitely in the house, as four of the top five finishers were Brazilian.

The 34-year-old Valderon de Oliveira totaled 351.75 points to lead the way, earning rides of 86.75, 88.5, and 85.75 in rounds one, two, and three, respectively, prior to his high-scoring final ride.

Emilio Resende (344.50) finished second and Claudio Crisostomo (329.75) came in third.

Photo Credit: Tri Le & PBR

In addition to the LiftMasters Chute Out competition, fans also were treated to the 15/15 Bucking Battle in which the top 15 riders took on the top 15 bulls.

Among those bulls was the legendary Bushwacker, who has only been ridden once for 8 seconds since becoming the premiere bull in the sport.

On Saturday night, Nathan Schaper dared to take on the unpredictable Bushwacker and paid the price, sustaining fractures in a brief and scary ride when the bull stepped on his leg.  He has undergone surgery and will be out several months.

After several years at the top, Bushwacker's owners have decided to make this year his last with the PBR.  Bushwacker will finish the season with a final battle October 22-26 in Las Vegas.

Anaheim was the sixth stop out of 27 on the tour, with the next event taking place in St. Louis on February 14-16.

Big Tex "Rocks" was named the event's top bull.

By Christine Rogers
Contributing Writer for The Daily Sports Herald