Chinese Liu Jiayu wins snowboard half-pipe World Cup title at home

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Chinese athlete Liu Jiayu claimed a home victory on a future Olympic course at the International Ski Federation snowboard half-pipe World Cup title in Beijing on Thursday, her first title of the season and the ninth of her career.

This is the first time that China hosts Freeski and Snowboard half-pipe World Cup. The events are also part of the qualification for 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.

Liu, the 2009 world champion finished with 92.75 points in taking victory on the Secret Garden super-pipe in Hebei Province. Sena Tomita of Japan scored 87.00 to take the second place. Another Chinese athlete Cai Xuetong took the bronze medal with 82.25 points.

Athletes pose for photography. /Guoan Sport Photo

Both Liu and Cai have won World Cup and World Championships in their career, but have not won any medal in Winter Olympic Games so far. The Chinese athletes are aiming at medals in the up-coming Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

“I think becoming an Olympic champion is always a dream for all athletes. We will try to make our dreams come true. Our performances decide the results, we absolutely hope to get the best, and I wish my dream could come true,” said Liu.

The Chinese team will now head to Switzerland for training and the competition next month, before heading to Pyeongchang for the upcoming Winter Olympics in February.