Photo: Chip Kalback
Danny Davis fell short today.After yesterday's mind blowing qualifiers, riders were greeted by overcast skies and flurries - and high expectations.

Right from the get go riders had difficulty with their first runs. Clair Bidez, Holly Crawford, and Gretchen Bleiler had uncharacteristic crashes. Kelly Clark on the other hand had no problems putting together a clean run complete with the frontside 900 that eluded her in Torino. Through her run, Rob Kingwill, the former US Open Halfpipe and Grand Prix champ freestyle-rap-announced with surprising skill.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Gretchen Bleiler was favored after yesterday's
strong qualifying round.

In a way, the men were anti-climactic. Although a few riders delivered - half didn't pull off either run. Elijah Teter, Tore Holvik, Freddy Austubo, Danny Davis, Scotty Lago, Dustin Craven took themselves out. Japanese rider Ryo Aono got the worst of it, coming down from a spectacular double corkscrew attempt only to ass check the lip. HARD.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Louie Vito in the midst of one of his double-corks.

The pre crash riding that did go down was amazing. Elijah Teter's switch backside spins and method were on a level all their own only to crash a hit or two later. Scotty Lago has the most interesting double corkscrew variatio a true triple rotating, double flip. It is really crazy. In contrast, most others doubles, like Louie and Shaun, are more like a 360 double flip.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Shaun White going huge.

Louie Vito and Shaun White did not disappoint. Both riders brought back-to-back double corks in their first runs. Finishing with a combo of 10s. At the top of their game, these two riders are looking like the ones to beat, not just to make the Olympic team but at the Olympics.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Friendly rivals - the first battle is over, but the
war continues.

Gretchen Bleiler ended up putting together a solid second run good enough for second place not the same kind of explosive run that had her winning the qualifier.

While Breck local Zach Black surprised everyone with his podium finish, it was Danny Davis's second run going for two double corkscrews that had the crowd gasping as he capsized in the flat bottom.

Women's Podium - Kelly Clark, Gretchen Bleiler, Soko
Yamaoko

This season is shaping up o be the most interesting series in years, with multiple players vying to represent the US in Vancouver - all with legitimate shots at making the team. With three weeks to practice before the next event, look for more and more riders trying to step up to the new bar.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Men's Podium - Shaun White, Louie Vito, Zak Black.

By Mark Sullivan/MediaKnieval.com

CLICK FOR FINALS GALLERY

ALSO VIEW FRIDAY MEN'S QUALIFIER ANALYSIS AND THURSDAY WOMEN'S QUALIFIERS GALLERY

Women's Results:

1. Kelly Clark, USA, 44.5
2. Gretchen Bleiler, USA, 42.6
3. Soko Yamaoko, Japan, 40.2
4. Queralt Castellet, Spain, 39.5
5. Ellery Hollingsworth, USA, 35.8
6. Madeline Schaffrick, USA, 35.5
7. Holly Crawford, AUS, 24.0
8. Clair Bidez, USA, 13.6

Men's Results:

1. Shaun White, USA, 47,0
2. Louie Vito, USA, 45.6
3. Zach Black, USA, 44.1
4. Frederik Austbo, Norway, 41.2
5. JJ Thomas, USA, 41.1
6. Greg Bretz, USA, 40.0
7. Steven Fisher, USA, 39.4
8. Tore-V Holvik, Norway, 34.8
9. Ryoh Aono, Japan, 34.0
10. Jack Mitrani, USA, 28.8
11. Elijah Teter, USA, 22.1
12. Charles Reid, Canada, 18.8
13. Danny Davis, USA, 18.8
14. Scotty Lago, USA, 16.0
15. Dustin Craven, Canada, 9.0
16. Nathaniel Johnstone, 8.6