Clark and Hirano crowned WST Halfpipe Champions!
nder perfect conditions in Vail, Colorado today, last year’s Champion Kelly Clark (USA) and 14-year-old sensation Ayumu Hirano (JAP) won the World Snowboard Tour Halfpipe Championship titles.
Kelly and Ayumu have been the most consistent Halfpipe riders of the 2012-2013 season, both landing on the podium at every 6Star contest they entered. Ayumu Hirano is the youngest rider ever to win the World Snowboard Tour title. Ayumu shyly commented on his win. ‘’I am very happy, to win this, but hope to ride many more World Snowboard Tour contests to come.’’
Ayumu won the Burton European Open in Laax, and came in second at X Games and at the Burton US Open today. His best run today consisted of a huge Method Air, Frontside 1080 Tail grab, Cab 1080 Nose grab, Frontside 900 Tail Grab, Backside 540 Mute, Frontside 1080 Double Cork Indy Grab.
Kelly dominated today’s contest right from the start, grabbing the win with her first run; A Frontside 1080 Indy Grab into a Cab 720 Mute followed by a Lien Air, Backside 540 Mute Fronside 720 Stalefish grab, working every inch of the Halfpipe.
This was Kelly’s 61st win in a Halfpipe contest, an absolute world record. It is her 3rd World Snowboard Tour title, and her second consecutive in the Halfpipe category.
"It is always a great feeling to be awarded, even if it is the 61st time… All the girls riding pipe, like Hannah and Arielle and I today, will continue to push the sport. It's great to be the Halfpipe champion, I didn't win all the contests this year but I won the right ones and it was enough to get me the title."
14 year old Ayumu will get to pick up his trophy next week at the Arctic Challenge in Oslo, Norway on the final 6Star Men’s Halfpipe contest of the season, but he was invited to the join the other Champions on the podium today and celebrate.
Sarka Pancochova (CZE) takes World Snowboard Tour Overall and Slopestyle trophies home
"I have been working really hard this season, training and competing, it’s the best reward to be the World’s top woman overall snowboarder, then all the hard work pays off!"
Sarka showed consistency throughout her season in both Slopestyle and Halfpipe, coming second at the X Games Slopestyle contest in Aspen. Though not many female riders compete in both Slopestyle and Halfpipe regularly, Sarka did beat competitors like second placed Enni Rukajärvi (FIN), third placed Silvia Mittermüller (GER) and last year’s Champion Cilka Sadar (SLO), who came in fourth this year.
Mark McMorris (CAN) is the World Snowboard Tour Slopestyle Champion
Dominating all season on the 6Star level, winning both X Games and the Burton US Open, Mark McMorris is the strongest Slopestyle rider on the planet. At the Burton US Open in Vail, Mark finally beat Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) and Torstein Horgmo (NOR) for the Slopestyle Title. ''I didn't know that I won the Tour Championship until I was told in the interview straight after the final, but it's a real honor to get this award, it means you're consistent over the season and that gives confidence. I am happy!''
The final chapter - World Snowboard Tour Overall Men’s title battle between current champion Stale Sandbech and 5 time winner Peetu Piiroinen
After his Burton US Open results, Peetu is currently ranked number one on the World Snowboard Tour Overall rankings. But with one more Halfpipe contest to go, it will be an exciting battle between Peetu and Stale Sandbech in Norway next week, as the current Champion is not willing to give up his title so easily.’’I was one point short of winning the Big Air Championship this season, which was a pity. I have been working really hard and I want to get the Overall title, it’s a great honor.’’ Said Stale Sandbech.
For more information go to www.worldsnowboardtour.com