Australian halfpipe snowboarder Holly Crawford has confirmed her status as one of the sport's leading contenders with a fifth placing in the prestigious Chevrolet US Snowboard Grand Prix in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Competing against a field containing most of the world's best riders - Australian team-mate Torah Bright and Torino gold medallist Hannah Teter two of the exceptions - Crawford finished ahead of Torino silver medallist Gretchen Bleiler and Torino snowboard cross silver medallist Lindsey Jacobellis.

The event was won by Salt Lake 2002 gold medallist Kelly Clark on 44.2 points from fellow US rider Elena Hight on 44.0 and Japan's Soko Yamaoka, the 2004 World Cup champion, on 41.6 points.

Reigning 2006 World Cup champion Manuela Pesko of Switzerland took fourth place with 39,5 points, just one tenth of a point ahead of Crawford.

Crawford's performance represents another step forward after the disappointment of her Torino Games experience, where injury robbed her of a chance to perform at her best.

She had also placed fifth in the opening World Cup of the season in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, last month.

After qualifying in eighth place in the 43-woman field, the Sydney 22-year-old was lying in second place after the first run of the final, ultimately slipping three places as the leading Americans unveiled their most technical manoeuvres in the second run.

"Holly was very impressive today," said Olympic Winter Institute halfpipe coach Ben Wordsworth. "She put down some very consistent and very stylish runs in the qualification, then some of the biggest airs of the day in the first run of the final."

"The riders this year are taking the sport to a whole new level, and for Holly to be up there with the best of them is a great achievement."

The Australian team will now take a two week break for Christmas before heading to Laax, Switzerland, to prepare for the Snowboard World Championships on January 20.

OWIA