China’s Jia Zongyang claims gold at Freestyle Ski Aerial World Cup

China's aerial skier Jia Zongyang claimed his first Freestyle Ski Aerial World Cup title on Saturday at Freestyle Ski Aerial World Cup in Chongli district of north China's Zhangjiakou.

China’s Jia Zongyang competes during the men's singles freestyle final match of FIS Men Ski Cross World Cup in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, on Dec. 16, 2017. Jia claimed the title with 127.88. [Photo: Xinhua/Wang Haofei]

The 26-year-old, bronze medalist of the men's freestyle skiing aerial at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, laid down a back, full-double full, full (bFdFF) and produced a solid landing to earn 127.88 points in his last jump.

"It's been three or four years before I could stand on the podium again, which will certainly help to build my self-confidence." said Jia.

"This is a good opening for me and I'll try my best in this season. All I want most is to show my best in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games." he added.

China’s Jia Zongyang competes during the men's singles freestyle final match of FIS Men Ski Cross World Cup in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, on Dec. 16, 2017. Jia claimed the title with 127.88. [Photo: Xinhua/Wang Haofei]

Jia's teammate Qi Guangpu, the top qualifier, finished the first final round with a back, full-double, full, full (bFdFF) that earned him a score of 126.99 points, but he fell on his back in the last jump and finished the fourth place.

Maxim Gustik from Belarus took the second place with 117.26 points and the bronze medal went to the Canadian aerial skier Lewis Irving, who scored 103.68 points.