Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott's quest for a second Winter Olympic Games gold medal is off to a smooth start.
Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in action at the Beijing Winter Olypmics Photo: AFP
Sadowski-Synnott has qualified in top spot for today's Big Air final in Beijing.
The 20-year-old left her best until last, recording a score of 91 on her third qualifying run on Monday.
Cool Wakushima was to join Sadowski-Synnott in the Big Air qualifying but withdrew due to injury.
Sadowski-Synnott is the favourite in this discipline after she claimed bronze at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and says she will refine her approach ahead of today's final.
"I'll come up with a different game plan because it's a whole different competition, I'll do the best tricks that I can and hope for the best."
"I had a good reset and time to chill, three solid practise days coming into this, I'm stoked to qualify."
Sadowski-Synnott says she was looking forward to her second final at this Winter Olympic Games, and hopes to give New Zealand something to cheer about.
"I've got a trick I've been working on and I hope to put it down tomorrow."
Two-time champion Jamie Anderson of the United States failed to qualify for the finals.
Beijing hasn't been as easy for Anderson, who failed to land her signature trick, cab double underflip, in her first two runs in the qualifier.
"Oh gosh, honestly heartbroken," Anderson said after the competition.
One of the most decorated snowboarders in the world, her third Olympics has been a disappointing one.
At 31, Anderson said she is not retiring right now but wanted to take some time off for herself after the Olympics.
"It's been a long journey for me. I'm gonna definitely just take a little time and go free ride somehow. And then reset and see what I feel," said Anderson.
Freeskier Margaux Hackett has failed to advance to the Slopestyle final after finishing 16th in qualification.
- RNZ/Reuters