World Cup leader Heil lifts title of women's moguls

World Cup leader Jennifer Heil of Canada took the gold medal in the women's moguls, while 2005 world championships winner Hannah Kearney of the United States failed to make the final at the Turin Winter Olympics in Sauze dĦŻOulx-Jouvenceaux, Italy Saturday.

23-year-old Heil, the last to compete on the course, withstood the pressure of high expectations and took the gold medal with 26.50 points.

Kari Traa, a 32-year-old Norwegian veteran, came off with a silver medal with 25.65 points in her third winter Olympics.

The bronze medal went to French Sandra Laoura, 26, in 25.37 points. She was the only French woman skier to compete in freestyle.

Hannah Kearney, from the United States, stumbled in the qualification round. The 2005 world champion finished 22nd with 20. 80 points, nearly one point behind the 20th place. The top 20 went to the final.

The 19-year-old will greet her birthday on February 26 but may not in the mood for celebration.

"I was really fast, but the bumps were really close together and I risked to blow (it) up. I didn't do the best jump of my life, nor the best run. Bad luck."

"It's a weird experience watching my name dropping out (of the screen)," she added.

Kearney won the opening event of the 2005-2006 World Cup season in Tignes, France and finished second in Madonna, Italy. Up to now, she has made to the podium four times.

Source: Xinhua