Gu Ailing seizes victory with last-run comeback at home World Cup

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2025-12-13 15:13:45

Gold medalist Gu Ailing of China reacts during the awarding ceremony for the women's freeski halfpipe of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

CHONGLI, China, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Olympic champion Gu Ailing claimed the women's halfpipe gold with a stunning last run at the FIS Freeski World Cup here on Saturday, while Finley Melville Ives of New Zealand took the men's title.

Competing in front of a cheering home crowd amid flying snowflakes, Gu posted a score of 85.25 points in her first run, initially sitting behind Britain's reigning world champion Zoe Atkin, who led with 90.25. While Atkin did not improve her score in the second run, Gu, skiing last, delivered a 91.75 run to seal the victory.

"I changed up my tricks during training. So I think the main focus for me today was psychological," said Gu, who claimed her third consecutive World Cup title in Chongli. "It was a new challenge. I feel like I believe in myself more and have managed to overcome some difficulties,"

"The wind was really strong today, which affected me quite a bit, but there was nothing I could do about it. I felt quite scared, so I had to rely on mental toughness. Confidence is something you build through practice," she added.

Chinese teammates Zhang Kexin and Li Fanghui finished fifth and ninth, respectively.

"I'm still in a recovery phase and approached these competitions with that mindset," said Zhang who underwent knee surgery in July. "The goal is to progress step by step, building back from this first World Cup event and gradually improving all the way until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics."

"Mentally, I feel more mature compared to the previous two Games," added Zhang, who is targeting a third Olympic appearance. "This Olympic cycle I've been battling significant challenges, especially injuries, which initially shook my confidence. This competition has helped me start to regain some of that belief."

In the men's event, world champion Melville Ives was consistent across both runs, scoring 90.00 each time to secure the gold. Qualification leader Luke Harrold improved from 88.00 to 89.00 in his final attempt but could not surpass his compatriot, taking silver. American skier Hunter Hess earned the bronze. ■

Gu Ailing of China celebrates after the women's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Gu Ailing of China competes during the women's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Gu Ailing of China celebrates after the women's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Gold medalist Gu Ailing (C) of China, silver medalist Zoe Atkin (L) of Britain and bronze medalist Indra Brown pose during the awarding ceremony for the women's freeski halfpipe of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Gu Ailing of China celebrates after the women's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Gold medalist of women's freeski halfpipe Gu Ailing (L) of China and gold medalist of men's freeski halfpipe Melville Ives Finley of New Zealand react during the awarding ceremony for the men's freeski halfpipe of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Gold medalist Melville Ives Finley (C) of New Zealand, silver medalist Harrold Luke (L) of New Zealand and bronze medalist Hess Hunter of the United States celebrate during the awarding ceremony for the men's freeski halfpipe of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Melville Ives Finley of New Zealand competes during the men's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Melville Ives Finley of New Zealand celebrates during the men's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Harrold Luke of New Zealand competes during the men's freeski halfpipe final of FIS Freeski World Cup 2025 in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)