The second and the final day of moguls World Cup in Tazawako saw Deborah Scanzio (SUI) and Mikael Kingsbury (CAN) claiming big wins in dual moguls competition.
In the ladies event it was the Swiss veteran Deborah Scanzio who scored her career's first ever World Cup win, in her 106th start. It was a special day for Scanzio, as the last time we saw Swiss rider on the podium was back in 2008, when she finished second in Mont Gabriel (CAN).
"It feel amazing to have finally won a World Cup competition. I've been waiting for this moment many years, almost too many. I though this moment would never happen and today I had probably a little bit of luck but I worked hard and started to ski better and faster in every next heat and ended up on top. I'm very happy now."
After finishing third yesterday, Audrey Robichaud (CAN) scored second place on the day, proving yet again that Japanese stops are probably her most lucky, as five of her 9 World Cup podiums have come in the land of the rising sun.
Chloe Dufour-Lapointe (CAN) rounded up the women's podium in third, taking the lead in the moguls World Cup standings over her sister Justine by a margin of just 9 points, with only one final competition left in the season.
“I really pushed myself today and am proud of my performance. It was a really nice day out there with great snow conditions. I think that helped us out a lot,” said Chloé Dufour-Lapointe. “I also gained the yellow bib jersey as the overall leader of the World Cup. That’s a huge accomplishment since I have been fighting a cold all weekend. I had to push through it. I’m proud of myself.”
In the men's competition Mikael Kingsbury (CAN) won the 32nd FIS World Cup event of his career, defeating US athlete Thomas Rowley in the final heat by a score of 20-15 to capture the title. Frenchman Benjamin Cavet finished third after defeating Dmitriy Reiherd of Kazakhstan 22-13.
It has been an impressive weekend for the 23-year-old Kingsbury who also finished second yesterday in the single moguls event. The victory is Kingsbury’s fourth of the season in eight attempts and his seventh time on the podium overall this season. Dating back to last season, Kingsbury has won 11 of his last 15 World Cups.
“I’m thrilled to be back on top of a World Cup. It wasn’t an easy day for me with the draw I had,” said Kingsbury. “There were a few challenges with the course and I had to beat some really good competitors along the way. I really wanted to win yesterday and I didn’t, so I was extra motivated. My confidence kept going up after each dual. I’m happy with the way I dealt with things and that I’ve basically locked up the Freestyle overall crystal globe.”
Rowley, who was named World Cup Rookie of the Year last season, won some difficult duals on his way to the finals, including one against teammate Dylan Walczyk (USA). Rowley skied a strong middle section throughout the competition, losing only in the final, hard-fought dual. After consistently finishing in the top 10 and top 20 this season, Rowley was happy to find the podium.
“I’ve been close at a couple of events, but it hasn’t really worked out,” said Rowley. “It feels good to finally put a couple down and get on the podium.”
In the men's standing Kingsbury once again locked up an moguls World Cup title as well as the FIS Freestyle Skiing overall crystal globe, with one competition still to go. It's been just another dominant season for Kingsbury, and the records and accolades just keep coming for the incredible 23-year-old.
The World Cup continues on to Moscow for World Cup finals on March 5. The Moscow event will take place on scaffolding, which will be a unique venue for the mogul skiers.
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Source: fis-ski.com
