Mitsuki Ono wins first halfpipe gold of World Cup season

Japan’s Mitsuki Ono claimed her first gold medal of the season in the third round of the snowboarding halfpipe World Cup on Saturday.

Last season’s overall champion in the discipline logged 81.75 points with the first of her two finals runs in Laax, Switzerland, to beat second-placed Bea Kim (77.50) of the United States and compatriot Ruki Tomita (60.50) in third.

“I feel I’ve really gotten stronger performing in real competition,” the 19-year-old Ono said.

“I’ve boarded my way through and it’s a satisfying result, but I’m aware I’ve still got some way to go. I’ll keep working to improve my skills.”

Ono won her maiden World Cup gold in Laax a year ago, when the final was canceled due to bad weather and the standings decided by results from the qualification round.

“It’s a special feeling, different from last year. There’s no other event that draws this many people,” Ono said.

The 2022 Winter Olympian energized the crowd with solid tricks after three other finalists were forced to withdraw due to injury.

The occasion also marked a return to competition for the two-time reigning Olympic gold medalist, Chloe Kim of the United States, who was unable to complete a clean run on either attempt.

“This is a season for taking on challenges. I want to know how far I can go when Chloe and other rivals are out there,” Ono said. “It’s a good opportunity to step up both mentally and technically.”

Japan’s Ruka Hirano came third in the men’s competition after scoring 90.00, with Beijing Olympic silver medalist Scotty James (94.00) and Valentino Guseli (92.25) earning a 1-2 finish for Australia.