Dale Begg-Smith is back at the top of the freestyle skiing world after winning a dual moguls World Cup in La Plagne, France, overnight. It capped an impressive two days for the Olympic champion, who had won bronze in the single moguls at the same venue on Monday.
Dale Begg-Smith is back at the top of the freestyle skiing world after winning a dual moguls World Cup in La Plagne, France, overnight.
It capped an impressive two days for the Olympic champion, who had won bronze in the single moguls at the same venue on Monday.
The result means Australia's standing across a range of winter sports disciplines has never been higher, with Jacqui Cooper ranked number one in aerial skiing, and Holly Crawford holding down the number two spot on the snowboard halfpipe World Cup standings.
Skiing the dual format event rather than his preferred single moguls, Begg-Smith did not have a strong qualifying run, finishing in tenth place after earning the best points for his turns, but ranking near the bottom of the 16 qualifiers for his jumps and speed down the course.
But the 21-year-old Perisher Blue skier fought his way through the head to head final rounds in brilliant style.
He accounted for world number three Nathan Roberts of the United States 22 points to 13 in the quarter finals, and early season leader Guilbaut Colas of France, 20 points to 15 in the semis.
In the final he defeated Canadian Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau 20 points to 15, collecting the first dual moguls victory of his career and his second win for the season.
Colas defeated Canadian Alexandre Bilodeau in the small final to take the bronze medal.
Begg-Smith moves to the top of the World Cup points table on 334 points, 17 clear of Colas on 317. Rousseau's silver has elevated him to third place in the title chase, on 228 points.
Olympic Winter Institute team member Ramone Cooper continued his promising form in his first full season on World Cup, finishing in 21st place.
Nick Fisher placed 24th with Michael Robertson four places further back.
The team now travels to Japan for two events in Inawashiro on February 17 and 18.
It capped an impressive two days for the Olympic champion, who had won bronze in the single moguls at the same venue on Monday.
The result means Australia's standing across a range of winter sports disciplines has never been higher, with Jacqui Cooper ranked number one in aerial skiing, and Holly Crawford holding down the number two spot on the snowboard halfpipe World Cup standings.
Skiing the dual format event rather than his preferred single moguls, Begg-Smith did not have a strong qualifying run, finishing in tenth place after earning the best points for his turns, but ranking near the bottom of the 16 qualifiers for his jumps and speed down the course.
But the 21-year-old Perisher Blue skier fought his way through the head to head final rounds in brilliant style.
He accounted for world number three Nathan Roberts of the United States 22 points to 13 in the quarter finals, and early season leader Guilbaut Colas of France, 20 points to 15 in the semis.
In the final he defeated Canadian Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau 20 points to 15, collecting the first dual moguls victory of his career and his second win for the season.
Colas defeated Canadian Alexandre Bilodeau in the small final to take the bronze medal.
Begg-Smith moves to the top of the World Cup points table on 334 points, 17 clear of Colas on 317. Rousseau's silver has elevated him to third place in the title chase, on 228 points.
Olympic Winter Institute team member Ramone Cooper continued his promising form in his first full season on World Cup, finishing in 21st place.
Nick Fisher placed 24th with Michael Robertson four places further back.
The team now travels to Japan for two events in Inawashiro on February 17 and 18.
