CHONGLI, China, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan swept the men's halfpipe podium at the FIS Snowboard World Cup here on Friday, while China's veteran rider Cai Xuetong claimed bronze in the women's event.
Led by Beijing 2022 Olympic champion Ayumu Hirano, seven Japanese competitors advanced to the 14-man final. Hirano secured gold with a first-run score of 93.50 points, followed by 2010 world champion Yuto Totsuka, who scored 90.25 for silver.
Ruka Hirano staged a remarkable comeback in the final run, climbing from 12th place to 89.00 points to clinch bronze, edging out Brazil's Patrick Burgener. China's Wang Ziyang finished eighth.
On the women's side, South Korea's 17-year-old Choi Ga-on delivered a stunning last run, scoring 92.75 to claim gold and overtake Japan's 16-year-old Youth Olympic champion Rise Kudo, who took silver with 90.25.
Cai, aiming for a fifth Winter Olympics, recovered from a first-run score of 20.00 to secure bronze with 80.50 in her second run.
"I really didn't expect to make it onto the podium today," said 32-year-old Cai. "The level of women's competition keeps rising so much. I'm really proud of myself for still having my place among such a high-level field."
"So I'll keep pushing for Milan, compete steadily in each event, build up my confidence, and save my best form for Milan," she added.
Compatriots Wu Shaotong and Liu Jiayu finished fourth and tenth, respectively.
"At each Winter Olympics, I've always set a goal for myself," said Liu, who's also a four-time Olympian. "This time I really want to focus on enjoying myself and to savor the happiness this sport brings me."
"Next, I'll first receive treatment on my injury. After that, I plan to compete in two World Cup events as a warm-up. I believe I can make it to Milan," Liu added. ■
