Flexonline.com
The 2006 New York Pro prejudging is over, but the battle has yet to be decided. Phil Heath, who won his pro debut at the Colorado Pro last week, has lost some of his sharpness - but the gifted one may still have enough muscle,
symmetry, proportion and cuts to hold off Darrem Charles yet again.
Charles was drier than during his second-place showing in Denver, and his muscle maturity and quality yet again beg the question, how is it that this guy doesn't get his due in the Olympia and Arnold? Meanwhile, Heath has "potential" written all over him; his slightly off physique is still incredible, and with a few more modifications to bring his muscularity on par with his 5'9" height, possibly unbeatable. Keep in mind, his next loss on a bodybuilding stage will be his first at any level of the game.
Jostling for third are David Henry, who's flawlessly shaped physique is hindered by his lack of height and overall size, and big man Dennis James, who has trimmed down a bit but isn't as detailed as he needs to be. Based on the callouts, James is probably third at this point, Henry fourth. Other contenders making their case for the top 10 include Bill Wilmore, Rodney St. Cloud, George Farah, Pavol Jablonicky, and Jaroslav Horvath.
Meanwhile, there were some notable names with not-so-notable showings. King Kamali brought a number of supporters with him in the crowd, all wearing yellow T-shirts proclaiming "The King Back With a Vengeance." The first part of that statement was true, as he was back on stage after last competing at the 2005 San Francisco Pro. However, the second part wasn't quite realistic. He'll likely make the top 10, but his performance is more memorable for his poor attitude in trying to start a scuffle with Farah and Horvath during callouts rather than anything remarkable about his physique.
Other well-known names who didn't bring their A-game include Russian Alexander Fedorov, who is huge but lacks proportion and definition; Eryk Bui, who is flat and not nearly as impressive as he was at the Ironman in February; and Norway's Tommi Thorvildsen, who has yet to recapture the shredded condition that earned him major kudos (and sixth place) at the 2001 Night of Champions.
The Finals take place tonight at 7:30 at the TriBeCa Performing Arts Center in New York City. Check flexonline tonight after the show for a full report.
