Bull riding champ withdraws

LAS VEGAS – Matt Austin withdrew from the National Finals Rodeo on Sunday, giving up a shot at a second straight world bull riding title because of injuries that made it impossible to compete.

Austin, from Wills Point, Texas, tore abdominal and groin muscles during a ride in Liberty, Texas, in October. He had a successful ride Thursday, then was bucked off his second-round bull Friday and had to be helped from the arena.

Austin’s departure put NFR aggregate leader B.J. Schumacher of Hillsboro, Wis., in good position in the world standings, which Austin leads with $157,716. Schumacher, who was bucked off Sunday in the fourth round, was second with $150,142.

Wesley Silcox of Payson, Utah, moved into third place in the world standings with $134,598, winning the fourth round with a 90.5 on Golden Ghost. Silcox and J.C. Bean of Goldendale, Wash., who had an 85.5, were the round’s only successful riders.

In bareback riding, defending world champion and world standings leader Will Lowe of Canyon, Texas, placed first on Parlor Game with 84.5 points for his second consecutive win. Lowe increased his world lead to just over $65,000 over Andy Martinez of Pavillion, Wyo., who placed sixth with an 81 on a re-ride.

Cheney cowboy Ryan Gray placed fourth, scoring an 82 on Korkow Rodoe’s Boogers Pet to win $6,718.75.

With his second placing ride of the 10-round NFR, Gray moved into 10th place in the average with 307.5 points through four rounds.

“I feel good and feel like the week’s going good so far,” Lowe said. “But you just take it one at a time. We’ve got the fifth round tomorrow, and we’re not even halfway through this son-of-a-gun yet. There’s a lot of rodeo left.”

In all-around, Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas, continues to lead by over $100,000 in total winnings. Brazile has earned $299,948, while Beaver is second with $183,309 after four rounds.