Bo Nordahl of Helena and Mike Strong of Livingston tied for first place on Friday during the opening performance of the Rocky Mountain Extreme Bull Riding Challenge 2010 at Majestic Valley Arena.

Both cowboys turned in scores of 82 during the first round.

Ross Lewis of Beulah, N.D., scored an 81 on his bull, which was good for third place. Lewis is a two-time champion of the Badlands Professional Bull Riders Association.

JC Big Knife of Rocky Boy wound up fourth with a 79, followed by Matt Triplett of Columbia Falls with a 78, Jason Colclough of Libby with a 73, and Cody Four Colors of Rocky Boy with a 71.

Triplett is a two-time Montana high school state bull riding champ.

All total, seven bull riders out of 30 posted scores during the first round. There were no scoring rides during the short go.

The Bull Riding Challenge continues tonight with a 7 p.m. performance. Gates open at 6.