Vlad Sukhoruchko becomes the Italian Yamamoto Cup King for 2022 | Report

Within Jim Manion's IFBB professional league there are a number of prestigious competitions leading up to the imaginary Mecca of bodybuilding - Mr. Olympia, which will take place this year in early December in Las Vegas. Sunday, August 11, was marked for bodybuilding fans by the Italian Yamamoto Cup, which in the past has been dominated by the likes of Roelly Winklaar and Nathan de Asha. This year's edition was marked by 4 professional categories - Open, Classic Physique, Men's Physique and Women's Bikini Fitness.

What were the predictions for the open category?

The open category offered quite an interesting spectacle that was full of expectations. For the first time ever (by the way, more than a year after earning his pro card) pro Anton Bippus was supposed to make an appearance, but the hot favourites were rather Ukrainian heavyweight Vladislav Sukhoruchko, Mohamed El Eman or the ambitious nearly two-metre tall British Jamie Christian Johal, who just a few days ago declared that he was definitely not just in Italy to participate. And there is a lot at stake - the winner of each category will qualify for the prestigious Mr. Olympia, the competitors in second to fifth place will get the appropriate number of points in the qualification system of the most prestigious bodybuilding competition. In addition, the winner of the open category will receive a cash prize worth $20,000. The starting list for the entire competition was as follows:

• Anton Bippus
• Jamie Christian-Johal
• Pasquale d'Angelo
• Mohamed El Eman
• Roman Fritz
• Adnan Gosto
• Harry Harris
• Andrea Muzi
• Fabio Romagnolo
• Vladislav Sukhoruchko
• Mustafa Yildiz

Jamie Christian Johal in pre-contest form

Vladislav Sukhoruchko in pre-competition form

Free lineups did not bring any surprises

The free routines featuring the performances of 11 giants did not bring any extreme surprises, largely dominated by Vladimir Sukhoruchko, who was in top form - unlike in July's Mr. Big Evolution PRO competition, where his preparedness gave a very underwhelming impression, for which he was only awarded 5th place. Thus, after his first performance, some had no doubt that he would earn his invitation to the Olympia in Padua, Italy.

The first call-up only confirmed the assumptions

The aforementioned favourites of the Italian event were invited to the first call-up - Sukhoruchko, El Eman and Jamie Christian had a clear place, and theywere complemented by Roman Fritz and Andrea Muzi, who has always been in the top quartet during the four races this year. Muzi, the home rider, enjoyed great support and it was clear that he would be the best of his compatriots. Both Romagnolo and d'Angelo finished quite deep in the starting field.

But all of the elite five riders were perfectly prepared and as there was also a lot of healthy rivalry between them, it was definitely something to watch. Apart from Sukhoruchko's readiness, the massive yet sculpted quadriceps of El Eman, whose lower half of his body looked incredible, also attracted a lot of attention. Probably that is why Mohamed El Eman took the second place, although he will have to wait for the possible qualification for Mr. Olympia. In theory, he will have time until the second half of November, when the last qualifying races are held. The third place from the Italian Yamamoto Cup went to local Andrea Muzi, who is currently among the three bodybuilders who would qualify for Olympia additionally thanks to the points gained from the competitions.

Fourth place was then earned by Jamie Christian Johal, who at 195 cm certainly did not have it easy. Although he looked very powerful himself, his height started to show more in comparison with his rivals, which was rather a disadvantage in certain poses. Fifth place then belonged to German pro Roman Fritz, who got his pro card in 2014, but since then he has made only 5 starts. Although he hasn't been seen on the podium since 2018 before this season, he has definitely worked on his posing and improved his musculature.

Results of the open category

So to recap, here are the results of the top 5 riders from the open category:

1. Wladimir Sukhoruchko - $20,000 prize money and direct entry to Mr. Olympia, which will take place before the Christmas holidays in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2. Mohamed El Eman - gets 4 points in the qualification system for Mr. Olympia
3. Andrea Muzi - adds another 3 points to the qualification system for Mr. Olympia, where he is currently among the top three athletes advancing.
4. Jamie Christian Johal - earns 2 points in the qualification system for Mr. Olympia
5. Roman Fritz - earns 1 point in the qualification system for Mr. Olympia

Zobrazit příspěvek na Instagramu

Příspěvek sdílený Fitness Volt (@fitnessvoltnetwork)

How did the athletes do in the other categories?

As the Italian Yamamoto Cup was held without a category up to 212 pounds, the following categories attracted the eyes of the fans in addition to the open category:

Classic Physique

This category was primarily marked by a very even battle between Christian Zagarella and Valery Enchev. However, Zagarella was in incredible form, dominated by a well-developed chest and a sufficiently developed lower half of the body, and Valeri Enchev had to settle for second place despite his very solid preparation, incredible abdominal muscles and impressive biceps, which attracted all the attention on stage. Thus, Zagarella earned an invitation to the Winter Olympics, Enchev took second place and these fighters were joined by Siem Goossens from third, Abdullah Al Sairafi from fourth and Richard Gyula Nagy from fifth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jonathan Moriau (@moriauphoto)

Men's Physique

This category was dominated by British bodybuilder Jeffrey Darko, who, due to his good fitness and more than sufficient musculature, secured his ticket to Mr. Olympia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jonathan Moriau (@moriauphoto)

Bikini

Turkish athlete Rukiye Solak, who until recently was a rather unremarkable athlete with her 5 points in the qualification ranking for Mr. Olympia, dominated there quite surprisingly. The second place went to the local Francesca Stoica.

Zobrazit příspěvek na Instagramu

Příspěvek sdílený Fitness Volt (@fitnessvoltnetwork)

Well, that would be it for this race. But don't despair, in just two weeks the prestigious Arnold Classic in Birmingham, UK, awaits bodybuilding fans and you can expect more coverage from it.