Gu Ailing defends women's halfpipe title at FIS Freeski World Cup on home snow in Zhangjiakou

China's two-time Olympic champion Gu Ailing laid down a dazzling second run on Saturday to win the women's halfpipe final on home snow at the Secret Garden Resort for the third time in a row at the FIS Freeski World Cup in Zhangjiakou.

Only the top 10 qualifiers advanced to the final, and competing in front of a cheering home crowd amid flying snowflakes, Gu posted a score of 85.25 points on her first run. That left the 22-year-old behind Great Britain's reigning world champion Zoe Atkin, who took the early lead with 90.25 points.

But Gu raised the difficulty level on her second run and nailed the routine for the highest score of the day, 91.75 points, to seal the victory. Gu topped the podium in Chongli District for the third straight edition of this event, while compatriot Zhang Kexin placed fifth with 78.25 points and Li Fanghui finished ninth.

"I'm so happy because I had tough situation here," said Gu. "I changed up my tricks during training, so I think the main focus for me this time was psychological and that was a new challenge. I feel like I believe in myself more."