Indianapolis, Ind. – Nearly 50 of the best professional riders on the planet hit the waters of The Precedent today in northern Indianapolis for their respective division’s preliminary rounds at the 18th annual Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra. But only one rider was there to begin competing for his fifth consecutive world title.

Since 2007, Reed Hansen has been the world champion of the Pro Wakeskate division – a title that the 21-year-old shredder heavily covets.

“It’s the most important title there is and I love having it,” said Hansen. “I don’t want to see anyone else win it.”

For four years, the Groveland, Fla. native has taken on the best in the world and won, but this weekend he’ll have to do it with a lingering injury.

“On the last day before I flew to Indy for the Worlds, I ended up injuring my shoulder,” said the defending world titlist. “I was practicing for this contest and on my last trick I landed with the rope in my front hand, so I could pull myself up. And when I did that, it put too much pressure on my shoulder.”

Hansen explained that he had a preexisting shoulder injury – a torn labrum – which was never surgically repaired. The recent pressure put on his shoulder has caused Hansen to be cautious this weekend, as to not further his injury.

The defending titlist started his semifinal run today, as a true champion would, with a stand-up pass, landing three 360 variations, a Toe-side Back-side 180 and a Heel-side Late Shove-it. But on his second pass, Hansen had two uncharacteristic falls and left out a heat-winning trick.

“I was going to try a 360 Big Spin on the way back to the dock, but I didn’t want to chance anything,” Hansen said referring to his injury.”

Hansen’s run earned him a second-place finish in his heat – good enough to advance to tomorrow’s four-man final, where the 2011 world title awaits the division winner.

While Hansen is still in contention for the title, he no longer has the benefit of being the top seed, forcing him to take big risks in finals in order to win.

“Being the top seed means that you have the benefit of being last off the dock and seeing what everyone else does,” said Hansen. “But when you go first, you have to put the pressure on the competition rather than being able to handle the pressure.”

Hansen and the three other Pro Wakeskate finalists will face off in the deciding round tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.

The WWA Worlds will conclude tomorrow Sunday, Aug. 21. Tomorrow’s competition will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Precedent. The Precedent is located at 9229 Delegates Row Indianapolis, IN 46240.

The 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).

In addition to all the action on the water — on land, the WWA Worlds features great food and music; pro 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.

For those who cannot attend the event in person, just “like” the King of Wake’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/kingofwake to watch all the live streaming footage.

The 2011 WWA Worlds will also air on the VERSUS television network at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Supra boats, WWA, Overton’s, Indmar, Peavey, Mona Vie, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, Sayiwon’t and YOUR MOM.

About Rockstar Energy Drink

ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eighteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, Recovery Lemonade, Recovery Orange, Recovery Grape, Pink, and 2X. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Mexico, the Philippines and throughout the United Kingdom.  Go to www.rockstar69.com or www.facebook.com/rockstar for athlete and event updates, videos, profiles, and product information.

About Supra

Supra is the official tow boat of the ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Celebrating more than 30 years of excellence in the marine industry, Supra pioneered rider-friendly boats that feature innovative hull designs, adjustable wakes and versatile seating with sleek and sexy styling.

About WWA

The WWA Wakeboard World Championships is the solely owned property of the World Wakeboard Association (WWA). The WWA also owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard Nationals, WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown and WWA Wake Park Nationals. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is the global leader in the sport of wake. The WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out  www.thewwa.com.

About VERSUS

VERSUS, part of the NBC Sports Group, prides itself on super-serving passionate sports fans across all platforms.  Now in more than 76 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the National Hockey League (NHL), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and Professional Bull Riders (PBR).  VERSUS also airs NASCAR, NBA, UFC, college football, college basketball and Triple Crown horse racing coverage. The network is also home to the best outdoor programming on television. VERSUS is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About King of Wake

The King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from across the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The 2011 series consists of the Wake Games, the WWA National Championships, the WWA World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing — the leading wake-events producer since 1988.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 – DAY 3 RESULTS:

Adaptive Standing – Final #1

1. Billy Tonis               USA    75.00

2. Mike Krohn              USA    21.67

Pro Wakeskate – Semifinal #1

1. Brian Grubb             USA    88.33

2. Stu Shinn                 USA    78.33

3. James Balzer             CAN    55.00

4. Matt Hayden             USA    30.00

Pro Wakeskate – Semifinal #2

1. Grant Roberts         USA     70.00

2. Reed Hansen           USA    66.67

3. Danny Hampson        USA     53.33

Pro Women Wakeskate – Semifinal #1

1. Jen Gilanfarr           USA    68.33

2. Amanda Gagnon      CAN    43.33

3. Setsuko Ito             JPN     10.00

Masters – Semifinal #1

1. Mike Vanpatten      USA     70.00

2. Steve Jones             USA    58.33

3. Kevin Michael         USA     51.67

4. Brent Anderson       USA     41.67

5. Andres Rozo              COL    35.00

Pro Women – Semifinal #1

1. Melissa Marquardt USA    75.00

2. Miku Asai               JPN     65.00

3. Emily Durham            USA    53.33

4. Alexa Score              USA    43.33

Pro Women – Semifinal #2

1. Nicola Butler          GBR    81.67

2. Raimi Merritt          USA     73.33

3. Hayley Smith             AUS     60.00

4. Shawna Hoffman        USA     50.00

Pro Women – Semifinal #3

1. Amber Wing            AUS     81.67

2. Anna Hajek             USA    68.33

3. Tarah Mikacich          USA    61.67

4. Meagan Ethell            USA    51.67

5. Christy Hutchins         USA     31.67

Pro Men – Quarterfinal #1

1. Olivier Derome        CAN    85.00

2. Jimmy LaRiche       USA     78.33

3. Kyle Rattray           CAN    68.33

4. Adam Wensink        USA     58.33

5. Aaron Rathy             CAN    56.67

6. Clay Fraley               USA    41.67

Pro Men – Quarterfinal #2

1. JD Webb                 USA    71.67

2. Rusty Malinoski      CAN    66.67

3. Steel Lafferty          USA    56.67

4. Scotty Broome        AUS     48.33

5. Kirby Liesmann          USA    36.67

Pro Men – Quarterfinal #3

1. Adam Errington       USA     76.67

2. Dean Smith             AUS     70.00

3. Bob Soven               USA    61.67

4. Danny Thollander    USA    56.67

5. Clayton Underwood   USA    45.00

Pro Men – Quarterfinal #4

1. Phillip Soven            USA    71.67

2. Shaun Murray         USA     63.33

3. Andrew Shearer       USA     50.00

4. Joey Bradley           USA    41.67

5. Tony Carroll             USA    33.33

Pro Men – Quarterfinal #5

1. Harley Clifford        AUS    85.00

2. Austin Hair             USA    78.33

3. Andrew Adkison      USA     71.67

4. Shawn Watson         USA     56.67

5. Jimmy Trask             USA    50.00