China's Gong Naiying wins women's parallel slalom title at FIS Snowboard World Cup

Chinese snowboarder Gong Naiying made a breakthrough in women's parallel slalom as she pocketed a gold at 2018/19 FIS Snowboard Parallel World Cup at Secret Garden ski resorts here on Sunday.

This is the very first time a Chinese skier claimed the title at the FIS Snowboard Parallel World Cup.

Gong told Xinhua that she was thrilled. "Many thanks to my coaches, and the strong team behind me. I am looking forward to making more progress in parallel giant slalom, maybe entering top four in 2022," she said.

Gong Naiying of China is in action during the Women's Snowboard Parallel Slalom World Cup at the Chongli Snow Park in Zhangjiakouon 24th of February 2019. [Photo: VCG]

Gong beat Swiss Julie Zogg by 0.35 seconds in women's big final, and the bronze went to Selina Joerg of Germany.

In the men's parallel slalom, China's Zhang Xuan finished fourth after being edged by Italian Roland Fischnaller by 0.07 seconds in small final. Fischnaller's compatriot Daniele Bagozza clinched the gold while Russian Dmitry Loginov won a silver.

"The snow is beautiful. I think today is for sure one of the most beautiful days of my life. This is my first World Cup win, it is amazing," Bagozza said.

China sent 17 skiers to join parallel slalom World Cup, Zang Ruxin ended up 14th in women's competition.