Tom Stoltman in second place of World Strongest Man final at half way point. Luke Stoltman in seventh place. Oleksii Novikov of Ukraine leads with three events to go in Sacramento

Tom Stoltman will need to come from behind to retain his World Strongest Man title as he lies in second place in the final at the half way point.

The Invergordon athlete is 1.5 points behind day one leader Oleksii Novikov of Ukraine as the final has almost become a two-horse race in Sacramento, United States.

Novikov has 28 points with Stoltman on 26.5 points with third place Martins Licis of the United States third on 20 points.

Luke Stoltman is in seventh on 15 points as he targets a place on the podium.

The contest started with the Knaack's Giant Medley when Tom claimed second place and nine points with Novikov third with eight points.

The opening event was won by Mitchell Hooper of Canada who claimed all 10 points. Luke claimed fourth place and seven points.

Novikov claimed victory in the next two events winning the deadlift and Flintstone Barbell to pick up a maximum 20 points.

Tom was joint second in the deadlift and second overall in the Flintstone Barbell to pick up 17.5 points.

Luke was eighth in the deadlift and joint fifth in the Flintstone Barbell.

The final three events take place today with the Bus Pull, Total Body Fuel Stairs and the Atlas Stones.

For the latest results visit The World Strongest Man website.

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