Kearney triumphs but Hiel's comeback impresses

FORMER world champion Hannah Kearney ended a three-year wait for a World Cup win but Olympic champion Jennifer Heil wasn't far behind.

HIGH-FLYING: Hannah Kearney defeats Olympic champion Jennifer Hiel in Meribel (Getty Images)

American Kearney has suffered a succession of injuries since her victory in 2005 but Hiel - after sitting out last season - looks to have already rediscovered her competitive edge.

"I'm in better shape than I've been in many seasons and the hard work during the summer has really paid off," said Kearney.

Canadian Hiel missed last season to allow a knee injury to fully recover and spent the time working on technical elements of her skiing - a decision that seems likely to pay dividends on this evidence.

"Getting back in that starting gate I realised how much I missed the thrill of competition," said the four-time overall World Cup champion.

"I felt amazing and I'm so happy with my result. There's so much more I know I can do but today was a chance to show that I was back and contending."

Pierre-Alexandre Rosseau defeated team-mate Alexandre Bilodeau to narrowly win the men's event in Meribel.

"It's a fantastic way to start the season," said Rousseau. "Alexandre beat me last season at the Canadian championships and now it's my turn. He's my toughest opponent in dual moguls and we really push each other."

Great Britain's Ellie Koyander was 28^th in the women's event while Andrew Longley was a disappointing 49^th in the men's competition.

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