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China's freestyle skiing hope Zhang Kexin has secured a berth in women's halfpipe final through Monday's qualification at PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games.
Fifteen-year-old Zhang posted 80.60 points in her first run, before improving by 0.40 points in the followed-up attempt. She was ranked eighth among 24 skiers, as the top 12 competitors in qualification are entitled a berth in Tuesday's final.
Zhang finished third in World Cup series in Copper Mountain, United States, before claiming her first World Cup title in Chongli, China's Hebei province last December.
"I felt quite nervous. My coach told me to take a deep breath, relax and concentrate on my run.
"Winter Olympic Games and World Cup are totally different, especially on atmosphere and crowds," said Zhang, adding that she has no clear goal in the final.
China has sent three young skiers to PyeongChang with a target of gaining experience for the upcoming Winter Olympics on home soil in 2022.
China's Chai Hong finished 19th with 63.60 points, followed by teammate Wu Meng, who was born on October 2, 2002, and is the youngest competitor in PyeongChang.
Chai injured her right knee last year, but chose to postpone her surgery until the end of Winter Olympics.
"For me, the injury is OK. Just two runs in the qualification, if I cannot give it a try, I may feel quite disappointed," said Chai.
Looking forward to the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chai said, "I hope to make into the final in 2022. Otherwise, my effort in preparation will not pay off. I don't want to let myself down then."
Cassie Sharpe of Canada sat atop qualification with 93.40 points.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
