Youngster Rolland bags world halfpipe gold

FRANCE'S Kevin Rolland claimed a shock world halfpipe gold at the World Freestyle Championships in Inawashiro, Japan.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in 2007, claiming world junior gold in Airolo, Switzerland, but prior to the World Championships, he had only competed in two World Cup events this season.

But Rolland showed no signs of rustiness and racked up 45.5 points on his first run, good enough for gold, ahead of Canada's Justin Dorey, who was just 0.2 points behind.

In the women's event, Switzerland's Virginie Faivre took gold, despite failing to land her final jump.

She claimed 40.4 points, while Canada's Megan Gunning was second with 40.2. The USA's Jennifer Hudak claimed bronze with 38.4 points.  

"Today is the best day of my life," said Faivre. "I didn't do my final jump but it didn't matter in the end - it was enough and I'm delighted with the result."