Chloe Kim and Maddie Mastro became the first women to land a double cork 1080 in snowboard halfpipe competition during a US one-two finish at the Laax Open on Saturday in Switzerland.
Kim, the first woman to win two Olympic golds in halfpipe, secured her fifth Laax Open title with a standout performance, earning a score of 96.50 on her first run that included a cab double cork 1080.
Mastro followed with an impressive score of 94.50 for a second-place finish, landing a frontside double cork 1080 to join Kim in the record books.
South Korea’s Choi Gaon claimed third place with a 93.25.
“I really wanted to show you guys my cab double, and I’m so happy I was able to put it down,” Kim said. “It’s rewarding to just ride for fun.”
In the men’s event, Australia’s Scotty James captured his fourth Laax Open title. He scored 95.75 with a flawless second run, featuring a cab triple cork 1440 and a switch backside 1260.
James edged out Japan’s Ruka Hirano, who scored 93.75. Olympic champion Hirano Ayumu placed third with 87.00.
“Everyone is riding unbelievably, and I knew I had to throw everything at these guys,” James said. “Fortunately, it paid off.”
Kim’s victory is her first since the 2023 Winter X Games, where she landed the first-ever 1260 in women’s halfpipe competition.
The Laax Open also marked the first US one-two finish in a World Cup snowboard halfpipe since Kim and Mastro achieved it at the 2018 Copper Mountain Grand Prix.
Kim and Mastro’s historic double corks signal a groundbreaking progression in women’s snowboarding.
The 24-year-old Kim won her first Olympic title at just 17 during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games and followed up with another gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Mastro, also 24, has been a consistent podium contender on the international snowboarding stage. A two-time Olympian, Mastro is recognized for her innovative riding style and was the first woman to land the double crippler in competition.
