Choreographic competition favouritism

At a choreographic competition for professional choreographers, the rules were changed when the male favourite for the major prize (the chance to make a work on a major international ballet company outside of the country of the competition) was beaten in his area heat by a woman. The rules originally stated that the winner of each of the four heats would go on to compete in the final for the major prize and the opportunity to choreograph for minor companies or secondments. After the man in question was beaten, the rules were changed to first place getters and selected second place getters. He was the only second place getter to get to move to the final. He then went on to get the major prize. The majority of the choreographers in the competition were women. Two made it to the finals. One was married to a man who was friends with the judging panel. The other was probably the rightful winner.