USA’s David Wise defends halfpipe title after 97.20 final run

ByMichael Hincks

Updated 22/02/2018 at 03:58 GMT

America’s David Wise scored 97.20 with his final run to topple compatriot Alex Ferreira and successfully defend his Olympic halfpipe title on Thursday.

Wise failed to land jumps in his first two runs – scoring 17.00 and 6.40 – but the 27-year-old reigning champion delivered when it mattered to take gold at Phoenix Park.

Ferreira’s third-run score of 96.40 was not enough to oust Wise, but ultimately helped him secure silver, while New Zealand’s Nico Porteous posted 94.80 in his second run to take bronze in Pyeongchang.

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The 12-man event was cut down to 11 before the first run, as a leg injury in practice ruled New Zealander Byron Wells out of contention, having qualified for the final in fourth place.

David Wise

Image credit: Getty Images

When the event got under way, it was Ferreira who set the pace with a first-run 92.60, while Noah Bowman of Canada also impressed with an 89.40.

It was Porteous who then moved into first with his best score of 94.80, but Ferreira responded in style to score 96.00 as Wise crashed out once more.

However, Wise saved his best for last, posting a mega 97.20 after Porteous’ 30.00, and it was then all eyes on Ferreira to see if he could steal gold at the death.

It was not meant to be for Ferreira, who was forced to settle for silver after his 96.40 could not knock Wise from top-spot.