Aussies advance at World Championships

Australia's Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin, Jarryd Hughes, Cam Bolton and Adam Lambert have advanced to the round of 48 in the men's Snowboard Cross at the 2017 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships.

Leading Aussie qualifier and two-time World Champion, Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin, put down a competitive run in the first round, crossing the line in a time of 1.10.59 to qualify in fourth position.

Jarryd Hughes also locked down a top 10 result, finishing in eighth with a first run time of 1.10.77.

“Happy with my time,” Hughes said. “I made a mistake in the middle which cost me big but I’ll take top ten any day,” he said.

Cam Bolton qualified on his second run after failing to finish the first. Bolton's 1.11.11 put him in 25th position.

“I came unstuck in the first run and the course is slowing down so it’s going to be a little tricky attacking the guys who didn’t make the top 24 in the first run,” Bolton said.

The Sochi Olympian’s plan for race day is to stay out of trouble.

“It's going to be about getting the start right - trying to get ahead of everyone and not making any mistakes,” he said.

Team rookie Adam Lambert stopped the clock at 1.11.09 to qualify in 14th position. Lambert is eager to add another good result to his most recent World Cup performance where he finished sixth.

“I’ve got some form coming in and I’d love to get a podium but we’ll see how we go,” Lambert said.

The 19-year-old was pleased with his performance in qualifying.

“I kept it clean, came through the middle section pretty fast and then into the bottom section I kept as much clean as I could," he said.  

Auatralia's Belle Brockoff had to withdraw from the women's event prior to the start of competition due to a knee injury. Belle is expected to be up and going again soon.

The 2017 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championship men's Snowboard Cross finals will be held Sunday and live streamed on SSA's website at 10pm Sunday 12 March. WATCH LIVE STREAMING

Article couresy OWIA