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2019.12.23 09:57 GMT+8

Liu Jiayu wins Halfpipe World Cup in Chongli

Updated 2019.12.23 09:57 GMT+8
CGTN

China's Liu Jiayu (C), Cai Xuetong (L) and American Maddie Mastro celebrate on the podium after the FIS Snowboard World Cup women's halfpipe event in Chongli, Zhangjiakou City, north China, December 22, 2019.

China's Liu Jiayu took first place in the women's halfpipe at the 2019-20 International Ski Federation (FIS) Snowboard World Cup on Sunday, with Australia's Scotty James winning the men's competition in Chongli, Zhangjiakou City, north China.

Beijing and its neighboring city Zhangjiakou will co-host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. 

During the FIS competition on Sunday, second-placed Cai Xuetong ensured a one-two finish for China in the women's event, despite strong winds and snowfall making things difficult for the participants.

"I'm always lucky in snowy weather," said Liu, who took the lead after the first run with a score of 85.60 before increasing her advantage with a 90.80 in the second run to go 17.20 points clear at the top of the leader board.

Cai took second place after a final run of 89.20, but the Chinese team was denied a clean sweep of the medal positions when American Maddie Mastro edged ahead of Wu Shaotong.

In the men's competition, James took victory with 97.80, but was pushed all the way by the Japanese duo of Yuto Totsuka and Ruka Hirano, who took second and third places with 95.80 and 92.60 respectively.

Zhang Yiwei, the only Chinese snowboarder in the men's finals, retired hurt after making contact with the edge of the halfpipe, though coach Pekka Koskela said Zhang was not seriously injured and would return to competition soon.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
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