Murakami and Pancochova break World Cup ducks in Austria

JAPAN'S Daisuke Murakami started the New Year with a bang, sealing the first halfpipe World Cup gold of his career in Kreischberg, Austria.

FLYING START: Japan's Daisuke Murakami seals his first World Cup victory in Kreischberg (Getty Images)

The 26-year old had failed to impress in the previous two World Cups this season, finishing 24th in Cardrona before a 28th place in Saas-Fee in November.

But Murakami was an emphatic winner in Austria, scoring 43.2 on his first run to seal the victory.

Switzerland's Patrick Burgener also sprung a surprise, scoring 42.5 to scoop silver in only his fourth World Cup competition while Norway's Tore-V Holvik scored 42.1 to capture his second career bronze.

Victory in Austria moves Daisuke Murakami into third in the halfpipe World Cup standings, with Japanese teammates Kazuhiro Kokubo and Kohei Kudo in first and second respectively.

Meanwhile, there was also a first time winner in the women's event as Czech Republic's Sarka Pancochova swept to gold.

China's Sun Zhifeng and Xu Chen completed the podium in Austria while another Chinese competitor, junior world champion Cai Xuetong sits one ahead of Pancochova on top of the halfpipe World Cup rankings.