China's Zhang Xiaonan, Yang Wenlong, Jiang Xinjie, and Xiong Shirui (from left to right) celebrate after the women's and men's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
HARBIN - Chinese snowboarders won big on Monday, sweeping the men's and women's Big Air golds, as Yang Wenlong and Xiong Shirui triumphed in their respective categories at the Harbin Asian Winter Games.
Yang, who had faced disappointment in the slopestyle event just days earlier, returned to form with a dazzling performance in the men's Big Air. His first round featured a breathtaking trick executed with precision, earning a top score of 95.50 points.
Xiong Shirui of China competes during the women's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
But it was in the third round that he truly stunned the crowd, landing a backside 1800 with impressive height and speed. The judges rewarded him with 97.75 points, securing his victory with a total of 193.25 points, giving him a 33-point margin over compatriot Jiang Xinjie in second place.
"I knew I had to give it my all today," said Yang after his victory. "The team environment is excellent, and the support from everyone really helped me perform at my best. I feel like I'm on an upward trajectory this season, and this gold medal feels like a confirmation of that."
Zhang Xiaonan of China competes during the women's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
Behind Jiang, South Korea's Kang Donghun claimed the bronze medal with 158.76 points.
In the women's event, Xiong took center stage, clinching her second medal in Harbin after taking silver in slopestyle. Xiong's execution was flawless throughout, but it was her second-round frontside 720 that stole the show, earning the event's highest score of 88.25.
Ishimoto Suzuka of Japan competes during the women's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
Her consistency in the first two rounds allowed her to secure gold with a total score of 164.00 points, ahead of fellow Chinese Zhang Xiaonan, who had won gold in the slopestyle. Japan's Suzuka Ishimoto took the bronze.
"I made adjustments after the slopestyle competition," said Xiong. "The training and mindset were key to my success today. The weather was perfect, and I was able to execute my plan without hesitation. I'm thrilled with the result."
XINHUA
Yang Wenlong of China competes during the men's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
Jiang Xinjie of China competes during the men's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
Kang Donghun of South Korea competes during the men's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
Liu Haoyu of China competes during the men's snowboard big air final match at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 10, 2025. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]
