posted Oct 31st, 2012 - It's time to turn full attention to the 8way competition at the USPA Nationals 2012. Three rounds were completed on Tuesday after the 4way competition was concluded, the remaining seven rounds will most likely be completed today.

One of the main topics for the NSL News is the question whether the Golden Knights will be able or not to finally erase the still standing 22.4 record average that the US Army lineup of 1997 posted at the World Meet 1997 in Turkey. It looks promising after Round 5, even though the competition draw does not include any outstanding fast sequences. It will most likely be a close call.

There is no doubt that the 31-pointer world record for a single round will still be alive tonight. The Golden Knights lineup of 1997 had the advantage of two fast sequences, including the 31-pointer and another 30-pointer, which supported the 22.4 average heavily.

There are also many other interesting aspects in the 8way field, which includes six national 8way teams who will also compete at the Mondial 2012 in Dubai: USA (Golden Knights), Russia (Sky Panthers Barkli), Canada (Maximum Ride), Netherlands (M8Trix), Dubai (Asaar 8), Qatar (Falcons 8).

The NSL News will try to introduce the visitors from the other countries, while keeping a big eye on the progression of the Golden Knights towards the 22.4 benchmark. The competition between the US Army team and the Russian Sky Panthers is also a big part of the 8way showdown at Skydive Arizona.

USA and Russia fought many 8way battles in the past. The last one left the Golden Knights in 2nd place at the World Meet 2010 in Menzelinsk and Sky Panthers Barkli in the bronze medal position. France Aerodyne Maubeuge won the 8way gold medals two years ago, and the French 8way competitors will follow and evaluate this week's results very carefully.