Competition format was a straight three run final with the best run counting as an athlete’s final score. Snowboarders dropped in to the course alternatively and were judged by two separate panels, a format which competitors and judges both enjoyed and which led to a faster flowing competition.

First and second place in men’s snowboard was a close call but Freeman Andrews (Tauranga) nailed the win with impressive amplitude and clean execution of tricks, coming in right off the bat with a huge cab 720 with a mute grab as his first trick of his first run.

“I’ve had a late start to the season and today was only my fourth day back,” explained Freeman. “I was hoping for a podium but I wasn’t really expecting it. I went big on my first hit so I was pleased with that but I was disappointed not to get any 900s into my runs.”

Tiarn Collins (Queenstown) finished second off the back of his win in yesterday’s slopestyle.

His first run also included a good variety of tricks but lacked the amplitude of Freeman’s winning run. Fletcher Craig (Te Awamutu) finished third in today’s halfpipe, having just missed the podium in the slopestyle and finishing fourth yesterday.

The women’s snowboard podium had an international flavour with Australia’s Emily Arthur first, USA’s Julianne O’Neill second and Finland’s Anni Halonen third.

Once again, greater amplitude and superior execution of tricks made the difference in the podium placings.

“I thought all the girls rode really well and I’m really stoked to win today,” commented Emily who is training in New Zealand in preparation for next month’s Audi quattro Winter Games NZ world cup.

Several NZ athletes have experienced FIS level competition for the first time this weekend and may now look to compete at the World Cup events being staged as part of next month’s Audi quattro Winter Games NZ.

The Continental Cup event has been supported by the Winter Games NZ Leverage and Legacy Programme which alongside Snow Sports NZ and Sport NZ aims to grow participation and achievement in snow sports.

Source: fis-ski.com