Tyson Durfey, Shane Proctor place sixth at NFR midpoint

LAS VEGAS – As the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo reached the midway point in Las Vegas on Monday night at the Thomas and Mack Center, area cowboys – as well as the local stock – picked up a little money.

Tyson Durfey, a former Colbert resident, finished sixth in tie-down roping with a time of 8.9 seconds, winning $4,240.77. Durfey, who has moved to Texas, tied for first in the third round of the 10-round rodeo on Saturday.

Corey Solomon won the round with a 7.4-second run.

Former World Champion bull rider Shane Proctor of Grand Coulee, Washington, tied for sixth after a 77 on Mr. Buddy and earned $2,115. It is also the second check for the North Carolina resident after he placed second on Thursday when the rodeo opened.

Wesley Silcock capture the bull riding, but by the slimest of margins. He rode Broken Arrow to an 86 to beat Ty Wallace by one point. Wallace was on Celebration, belonging to the Flying Five Rodeo Co. out of Ritzville.

A win is worth $26,230.77 while second pays $20,730.77.

Wade Sundell matched up Spring Fling, a former Saddle Bronc of the Year for Flying Five Rodeo Co., to place third at 87.50, paying $15,653.

The winning score was 90.

Sunday night, Rusty Wright, son of two-time World Champion Cody Wright, won his first round, thanks to an 85.5 on Flying Five saddle bronc Sundance.

Team ropers Riley and Brady Minor of Ellensburg failed to place after breaking the barrier for a 10-second penalty and finishing at 14.6 seconds.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association championship event concludes on Saturday.