China's Xu Mengtao wins silver medal at Freestyle Ski Aerial World Cup

CHONGLI, Hebei Province, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's aerial skier Xu Mengtao took silver medal at the Freestyle Ski Aerial World Cup here on Saturday in Chongli district of north China's Zhangjiakou.

The 27-year-old Xu, runner-up of the women's freestyle skiing aerial at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, finished second with 71.55 points.

"It's the coldest day today since we got here, and it's quite windy, but I'm satisfied with my performance." Said Xu.

As the only Chinese qualifier in the women's freestyle ski aerial, Xu laid out a back, full, full and produced a solid landing in the first final round to earn 90.72 points, ranking first in twelve aerial skiers.

Xu landed awkwardly in her final jump, but it was enough for her to earn 71.55 points to take silver.

"It's a pity I didn't finish quite well in my last jump, but I knew what to do in the future training." Added Xu.

Hanna Huskova from Belarus claimed the title with 74.82 points and the bronze medal went to American aerial skier Ashley Caldwell, who earned 68.04 points with a back, full, full, full in her final jump.

"I look forward to tomorrow's aerials team competition. It's going to be quite demanding, but I really enjoy the teamwork atmosphere and I will certainly give what I've got." Said Xu. Enditem