Shaun White must wait at the very least per week to sneak a peek on a visit to his fifth Olympics after ending eighth in Saturday’s first qualifying occasion of the season.
The three-time gold medalist was unable to run a completely flawless run in any of his three runs within the halfpipe on the US Grand Prix. He did not take the rostrum, which might put him in the most effective place for the journey to Beijing.
Ruka Hirano of Japan received the competition with a run of 89.25 that included 5 double cork tips in a row. Jan Scherrer from Switzerland got here in second and Yuto Totsuka from Japan got here in third, half a degree forward of two-time Olympic runner-up Ayumu Hirano, who can also be from Japan.
“I’ve the sensation that all of them have an analogous driving fashion,” stated Scherrer of the Japanese. “And by some means it is simply higher than the Europeans and the People. In the long run, it all the time appears to be like like they’re much less afraid of doing issues than I’m, for instance. “
Raibu Katayama of Japan was hauled out of the halfpipe on a sled after hitting his head towards the deck on his second run. He might be seen shifting when he was taken off beam and he went to the hospital for statement.
The People Taylor Gold and Chase Josey completed fifth and sixth, which signifies that they are going to be heading to the Dew Tour with White for the subsequent week seeking a prime end, which they’ll do within the race for 3 men- Would advance locations on the US Olympic group.
White flew as excessive out of the half pipe as any of the ten finalists, however all three of his runs struggled. On his final try, he fell on the primary bounce, then fell off beam – simply stopped for a fast picture with a fan on the base of the hill earlier than heading to the parking zone.
“It is all the time very tough,” stated Gold about being on the Olympic squad. “The US group is tremendous deep and there are plenty of younger individuals on it proper now. So forming the group is a good achievement. “
Cai Xuetong from China received the ladies’s closing. There have been no People within the eight-women discipline. Reigning Olympic Champion Chloe Kim and one other prime US rider, Maddie Mastro, are each in fine condition to qualify and are anticipated to compete on the Dew Tour subsequent week.
The ultimate qualification will happen in January at Mammoth Mountain.
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AP Sports activities Author Pat Graham contributed to this report.
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