Knoxville, Tenn. – Fans packed the shores of Volunteer Landing in Knoxville, Tenn. today, as the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour rolled into town for its first day of action this weekend, June 27 & 28.

The top 40 pro riders from around the world hit the water today for the opening rounds of the two-day-long contest, competing in ten heats of four, with only the top two riders in each heat advancing onto tomorrow’s quarterfinals.

Among the 20 riders to advance today was defending Pro Tour titlist Phillip Soven, who posted the only perfect score of the day with 100-points. Canadian ripper Chad Sharpe also made an impact today, ending a recent cold streak by leading his heat.

Both Soven and Sharpe will hit the water tomorrow, along with 18 other riders for the quarterfinals.

In the Jr. Pro Men’s division, 20 amateur rippers hit the water today for their quarterfinals, competing in five heats of four. With only the top two riders in each heat advancing, half the competition was cut from the contest to set up tomorrow’s 10-man semifinal. Among the ten riders to advance past the opening round was Aussie Mitch Langfield, who posted the highest score of the day with 98.50.

Riders will hit the water again tomorrow, June 28 (9:30am to 3:30pm) for the final day of the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).