In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Chinese freestyle aerialist Wang Xindi ended a three-year World Cup victory drought by securing first place in Almaty, Kazakhstan on Sunday.
The 29-year-old executed a back double full-full-double full, the most challenging trick of the day, earning an impressive 127.50 points on his final leap. This victory marks Wang's first World Cup win since Deer Valley in 2022.
\"I think I performed well today and it was not easy for me to win this gold. And I think all my compatriots performed great today. You can always believe in team China,\" Wang commented after his successful run.
Switzerland's Noe Roth claimed second place with 126.70 points, while reigning Olympic champion Qi Guangpu of China took third with 122.62 points. Despite the podium finish, Qi maintains the yellow World Cup overall leaders bib and remains poised to win the season title at the final circuit stop in Livigno, Italy later this month.
In the women's competition, Australian Laura Peel clinched victory with 115.91 points. China's Xu Mengtao secured second place with 101.74 points, followed by Aussie Danielle Scott in third with 87.06 points. Peel is currently leading the standings by 78 points ahead of Xu, positioning herself strongly to wrap up the season in Livigno.
The Freestyle Skiing World Cup circuit will conclude its 2026 Olympic test event in Livigno, Italy from March 11th to 13th, promising an exciting finale to the season.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
