After the dust settled, four IFBB pros were crowned victors tonight: Troy Alves, Michael Anderson, Courtney King and Patrica Mello. All walked off the stage with a first place trophy in hand for their respective divisions as well as a coveted qualification for the 2013 Mr Olympia Weekend.
Troy Alves strategically dropped down to the 212 and Under Class for the first time, which proved to be a wise move for the 46 year old. Always aesthetic and ripped, Alves has already proven he can compete in – and win – the open class. In fact, he won the open division at this very show in 2009. However, Alves simply did not possess the muscularity to compete against and beat his opponents at larger shows. Since Alves is a little taller than most who compete in the 212 and Under Class, he is upsetting the playing field because he brings a new aesthetic to this division. His X frame really stands out amongst his oppenents of equal weight. Alves will most likely look bigger once he goes head to head with the rest of the field this fall in the 2013 Mr Olympia 212 Showdown.
Men's Physique Pro Michael Anderson earned his pro card at the 2012 NPC Masters Nationals. He must have done something right because he went from 7th place last week at the 2013 Pro Grand Prix to 1st place this week. Sadik Hadzovic took second place again. Always conditioned, Hadzovic has placed in the top 5 in every pro contest in which he's competed.
This is a very big win for Bikini Pro Courtney King. King turned pro at the 2012 NPC USA Championships and is the youngest IFBB Pro at 19 years of age. King placed second at the 2013 IFBB Battle on the Beach. By securing a first place win tonight, King is establishing herself as the 'girl' to watch come this 2013 Bikini Olympia.
Women's Physique Pro Patricia Mello made it two for two as I predicted. Mikaila Soto came close but just couldn't catch up to the physique Mellow carried both this evening and at last week's 2013 Pro Grand Prix. I also predicted Amanda Dunbar would place well and she proved me right by taking third in of a very deep class. This was not only Dunbar's physique debut, but also her pro debut. It took Amanda Dunbar 8 years to finally compete as a pro after earning her pro card in the 2005 NPC USAs Light Heavyweight and Overall Women's Bodybuilding.
