China's Gu Ailing wins FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup women's gold

Beijing Winter Olympics champion Gu Ailing won the women’s final at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Freeski Halfpipe World Cup in Chongli of Zhangjiakou City, north China’s Hebei Province on Saturday.

Gu scored 90.00 points in her second run to collect her 16th World Cup win, matching French skier Tess Ledeux for the all-time record. Gu’s compatriot Li Fanghui finished as the runner-up with 82.75 points in her first run.

Both Chinese skiers eased through the single heat qualification round. Gu earned 89.50 points from her first run, leading all 15 competitors and becoming the only contender to surpass 85.00 points. Amy Fraser of Canada ranked second with 84.00 points, followed by Zoe Atkin with 80.25 points. Li took fourth place with 78.00 points from her second run.

Last season Gu took wins in four out of five World Cup starts. She finished second at Mammoth Mountain where qualification results ended up standing as final results due to weather issues. Fraser secured the win at the event.