White cruises through halfpipe qualifying

Posted February 11, 2014 12:01 am

Associated Press

KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia - Shaun White had no problem with the Olympic halfpipe and took the first step toward his third straight gold medal Tuesday, scoring a 95.75 on his first run to lead all qualifiers and advance to the final.

A number of riders said the halfpipe was running slow due to warm temperatures, but that some of the problems they faced with the shape of the pipe in training had been improved.

White didn't have any problem, executing back-to-back double flipping jumps on his first run.

One of his main competitors, Danny Davis, scored a 92 to advance to the final.

Others advancing: Ayumu Hirano and Taku Hiraoka of Japan, and Christian Haller and David Habluetzel of Switzerland.

Iouri Podladtchikov and Greg Bretz are among the 12 riders who will try to qualify in semifinals.

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