Choi Gaon of Korea competes throughout the ladies’s halfpipe last on the Worldwide Ski and Snowboard Federation Snowboard World Cup in Laax, Switzerland, Saturday. AP-Yonhap
Teen snowboarder Choi Gaon has claimed her third World Cup victory of the season, additional solidifying her standing as a medal contender on the Winter Olympics in Italy subsequent month.
Choi gained the ladies’s halfpipe title on the newest Worldwide Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) World Cup occasion in Laax, Switzerland, on Saturday (native time), with a rating of 92.50 factors.
Rise Kudo of Japan completed second with 82.75 factors, and Cai Xuetong of China took third place with 75.25 factors.
Choi, 17, had earlier gained World Cup crowns in China and america in December.
Within the last, the boarders every had two runs down the halfpipe, and the higher rating of these two runs decided the ultimate standings. They have been judged on levels of issue, top and execution of their strikes.
Choi took a heavy fall within the first run and solely scored 21.25 factors however brushed it off to put up the very best rating within the last with a collection of well-executed methods within the second run.
Choi began her profitable efficiency with a change bottom 720 stalefish — taking off whereas driving in an reverse stance and finishing two spins — after which adopted up with a bottom 900 stalefish — 2 1/2 spins — and a frontside 1080 melon — three full rotations — amongst others.
“I’m so pleased to win three straight World Cup titles. The primary run was a troublesome one, and I’m proud of the success of my second run,” Choi stated in a message relayed by her Seoul-based company, All That Sports activities. “With the Olympics nearing, my confidence retains rising as properly. I wish to work even more durable.”
Korea has by no means gained an Olympic gold in snowboard, and now Choi represents its finest hope. She shall be up towards the two-time defending champion Chloe Kim, who’s at the moment sidelined with a shoulder harm.
Kim, a Korean American star, will attempt to turn into the primary snowboarder in Olympic historical past to drag of a three-peat.
