Australian mogul skier Dale Begg-Smith has moved to the world number two ranking after winning bronze in a World Cup event in La Plagne, France.
 
Begg-Smith all but ruled out any chance of a victory by qualifying in last position for the 12-man final after receiving a low score from the judges for his second jump in the elimination round.
 
In the final the 22-year-old Olympic champion had no problem with his jumps, and his turns were their usual high standard, with one judge awarding a perfect 5.0 score.
 
Even with the disadvantage of being the first skier down the course, his score of 26.69 points was enough to leapfrog all but two of his competitors and secure a podium place.
 
The gold medal went to 2002 World Cup champion Sami Mustonen of Finland with a massive 27.11 points, with Canada's Alexandre Bilodeau taking the silver on 26.75 points.
 
Olympic Winter Institute team member Ramone Cooper finished in 18th place on 24.58 points, while Nick Fisher placed 27th on 23.33 points and Michael Robertson was 39th on 16.39.
 
The bronze medal result put Begg-Smith into second place on the World Cup standings on 234 points, 23 behind French skier Guilbaut Colas.
 
Nathan Roberts of the United States is in third place on 185 points.
 
A dual moguls event is scheduled for La Plagne tonight, Australian Eastern Summer time.