SNOWBOARD BIG AIR WORLD CUP. Janne Korpi (FIN) crowned himself today king of the season's first big air contest of the running 2012 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup season. In front of 17,000 spectators right next to the four iconic towers of Battersea Power Station, the Finnish rider, who had already won the first halfpipe World Cup at the season's opening in New Zealand, secured his career's fifth big air triumph with 184 out of possible 200 points.

The 25-years-old thus edged off last year's third ranked rider Seppe Smits (BEL, 182.2) with the tiny lead of 1.8 points to the runner-up position. Joris Ouwerkerk (NED) rounded out the podium as surprising third (152.8). The Dutch rider had only entered two World Cup contests before the London Freeze Fetsival.

Janna Korpi from Finland takes first place followed by Seppe Smits (BEL) and Joris Ouwerkerk (NED) respectively

With winning the second freestyle event of the season, thus clinching his career's ninth triumph, Korpi also extended his lead in the battle for the overall World Cup title for the best freestyle snowboarder of this winter. According to this, the Vihti born was all smiles in the finish area.

“I'm so stoked, I can't believe it. Yesterday, it didn't went well for me. But after the last training session right before the finals, when I landed all of my tricks, I felt pretty comfortable and knew that I would have a chance to win.”

High class riding in the finals

The Finn successfully competed by nailing a frontside 1080 double cork melon as well as a switch backside 1260 mute whilst his rivals also used the massive ramp to throw in several 1080 double corks and 12s.

“The level was insane”, said Seppe Smits, who was able to better his last year's result by one spot. “I'm super stoked that I was able to stick my cab 1260 mute inverted and my backside 1260 mute. That feels great.”

Other than Korpi, the Belgium rider won't compete in the second halfpipe contest of the season which will take place in Saas-Fee in just a few days (Nov 2nd and 3rd). “I'm concentrating on slopestyle and big air”, said the 20-years-old.

So does Joris Ouwerkerk, who surprised himself the most today. “I never thought I would have a chance to make it on the podium. I couldn't be any happier”, the 19-years-old stated in the finish area. The talent from the Netherlands earned his top-3 and thus champagne shower spot by bringing down a cab 900 double cork as well as a backside 1080 double cork mute.

FISsnowboard.com
Saturday 29 October 2011

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