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).

Athletes competing in Knoxville are not only vying for a cash purse, but also for points toward the Pro Tour standings; points are awarded based on final placement in the event. The highest total points-earner at the end of the five-event season will claim the coveted Pro Tour title and a cash bonus.

Canadian ripper Aaron Rathy sits at the top of the Pro Tour standings list and enters the Knoxville stop as the top-seeded rider, after topping the contest podium in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. last weekend. Rathy will look to capture the win in Knoxville and increase his lead in the standings, but faces a tough field of competitors along the way, including Aussie rookie phenom Harley Clifford and two-time wakeboard world champion Andrew Adkison.

Head to Volunteer Landing in Knoxville this weekend to see if Rathy can pull off another win or will be left in the wake of another rider.

In addition to all the action on the water, on land, spectators will enjoy great food and music; athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.

The event will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Saturday, June 27; 9:30am to 3:30pm on Sunday, June 28.

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

For daily schedules, results, standings, photos, videos, athlete bios and more, please visit www.allisports.com