The recent Orlando Pro bodybuilding competition showcased an intense battle between Hassan and Phil Klahar, resulting in a closely contested event. However, once again, Hassan fell short of victory, as Phil Klahar emerged as the winner. With Phil securing an Olympia placing and qualification at the age of 50, his triumph is undoubtedly an impressive feat. Nevertheless, Hassan must be feeling disappointed after losing two consecutive shows that he arguably should have won. In this article, we will delve into the scorecard controversy and discuss the future prospects of both Phil and Hassan.
The Orlando Pro witnessed a rare occurrence, as the judges’ scorecard displayed a tie between Hassan and Phil Klahar. The baffling part is how the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) judges determine the winner in such cases. The head judge, Bill, noted a tiebreaker on the scorecard, leaving fans and enthusiasts wondering about the criteria used to break the tie. While the score was evenly split, it remains unclear how the decision-making process unfolds in these situations. The term “tie broken by relative placing” appears on the scorecard, leaving fans craving a deeper understanding of this scoring methodology.
Although Phil Klahar secured the victory, some observers argue that he has looked better in the past. One standout performance was at the Texas Pro, where Phil, Ian, and Steve claimed the top three positions. Phil appeared exceptionally impressive in that event, and it could be argued that he deserved the win more there than at the Orlando Pro. While Phil’s physique remains exceptional at the age of 50, it is unlikely that he will make a significant impact at the upcoming Olympia. The same can be said for Ian Vailliere, who also competed at the Orlando Pro.
In contrast, Hassan’s future looks promising if he manages to secure a spot at the Olympia. His bodybuilding journey has shown consistent improvement, and he possesses the necessary attributes to make a mark on the Olympia stage. The judging criteria at the Olympia differ from those at smaller shows, favoring the “freak factor,” muscularity, and size. Hassan’s well-rounded physique, combined with his exceptional conditioning, suggests that he can outshine many of his competitors. While his midsection might be a point of contention, his overall package, including massive arms, a well-developed chest, and impressive leg development, positions him as a formidable contender. If Hassan manages to qualify, he is highly likely to crack the top 10 at the Olympia.
Unfortunately for Hassan, securing a spot at the Olympia has proven to be a difficult task. With limited remaining opportunities, he may need to consider competing overseas to increase his chances of winning a qualifying event. Shows in Spain and Italy, for example, could provide him with the necessary platform to secure his Olympia qualification. Time is of the essence as the competition calendar winds down, and Hassan’s determination to succeed will be put to the test. However, with his dedication and continuous improvement, it is hard to imagine him being denied the opportunity to compete on bodybuilding’s grandest stage.
Despite falling short at the Orlando Pro, Hassan’s potential in the bodybuilding world remains undiminished. His remarkable conditioning, well-rounded physique, and consistent progress suggest that he will eventually secure his place at the Olympia. While Phil Klahar emerged as the winner, many observers believe that Hassan deserved the victory, further fueling his motivation to succeed. As the qualification process continues, fans eagerly await Hassan’s next competitive endeavor, hoping that he will earn his rightful place among the top bodybuilders in the world.
