Wildfires Cause Suspension of 2023 PDGA Am and Junior Worlds

The 2023 PDGA Amateur and Junior Disc Golf World Championships in Peoria, Illinois took an unexpected turn when a blanket of smoke from nearby wildfires rolled into the area on Tuesday. The Air Quality Index skyrocketed to over 200, prompting the suspension of play for several pools and the entire event on Wednesday.

Despite the challenging conditions, many competitors showed impressive skills as they were able to complete their opening-day rounds before play was suspended. In the MA1 division at the Amateur Worlds, Axel Olson, Chuck Hoffman, and Carson Smith (-8) found themselves tied at the top of the leaderboard after a thrilling first round at Wildlife Disc Golf Course.

The three leaders held a two-stroke advantage over Will Parris and Tanner Young, who were right on their heels. Meanwhile, in the FA1 division, Hannah Lengel had been making waves with an impressive performance before play was suspended on Tuesday.

In the Junior Worlds action, Judah Kooistra took center stage as he jumped to the top of the leaderboard in MJ18 with two scorching hot rounds at Sunset Hills and McNaughton. The young player finished 21-under, leaving Patrick Yu and New Zealand's Levi Stout in his wake by three strokes.

In another thrilling division, Eliezra Midtylng from FJ18 proved to be a force to be reckoned with as she built a significant lead after two rounds at Bradley Park. Her impressive driving skills left opponents in her dust, earning her an 11-stroke advantage over Trinity Bryant and the rest of the field.

In MJ15 E Pool, Jasper Wirth took an early lead after completing his rounds at Sunset Hills and McNaughton, but Dominik Connors was hot on his heels. The F Pool also saw some intense competition as Sylus Williams, Asher Weideman, and Josiah Davenport tied for the top spot after shattering Eureka Permanent with 9-under rounds.

Therese Cuevas from FJ15 proved to be a dark horse, dropping an impressive 968-rated second round at Bradley Park to take control of the leaderboard. Her average score left opponents struggling in her wake, and she currently holds a six-stroke lead over Kayla Hess.

In other divisions, Taaniel Mahine from Estonia took the top spot in MJ12 with a -10 performance at Washington Park. The field is tight behind him, with Luke Sindall and Finland's Eino Kymäläinen vying for second place by one stroke.

Play was suspended for FJ12 and MJ10, but Wisconsin's Genevieve Davis continues to hold onto her three-stroke lead in FJ10. Hayden Harper trails by two strokes, while Norean Woodhead is a further two strokes back.

In the MJ8 division, Rylan Haag leads Vejas Mikuzis by one stroke, setting up an exciting showdown for the top spot. Meanwhile, Sarah Wadsworth holds a commanding three-stroke lead in FJ8 over Hanniel Midtlyng.

The competition may be suspended due to poor air quality, but it's clear that these talented players have been making waves and pushing each other to new heights despite the challenging conditions.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/play-suspended-peoria