Kimura leads Japan one-two in Olympic snowboard big air

Kimura Kira won Olympic men’s snowboard big air in Livigno, leading Japan’s first one-two in the event. His total of 179.50 points put him ahead of teammate Kimata Ryoma on 171.50, with defending champion Su Yiming taking bronze on 168.50.

Kimura moved into the lead with a switch backside 1980 on his final attempt, which scored 90.50 points. Kimata, leading after the second round, fell on his last landing and could not regain first place.

The two Japanese riders won their country’s first Olympic men’s big air medals. American Oliver Martin finished fourth and Italy’s Ian Matteoli fifth, while top qualifier Hiroto Ogiwara ended twelfth after falling on all three attempts.