Mattsson earns first World Cup victory for himself and nation in Sweden

By Sportsbeat staff

NIKLAS Mattsson was left celebrating a career-first FIS Snowboard World Cup podium finish and victory after dominating the second big air competition of the season in Stockholm.

FLYING HIGH: Niklas Mattsson took a first-ever World Cup victory at the second big air competition of the season in Stockholm

Mattsson topped the podium with a score of 172.4 points - not only good enough for his maiden World Cup win but also the first victory by a Swede in six years of trying at Stadium Winter Jam.

Austrian Michael Macho was also in career-best form after finishing second with 167.4 points while Alexey Sobolev of Russia completed the podium in third with 163.4.

Mattsson had begun the big air season by placing 15th at the London World Cup last month with his previous career-best finish sixth in Seoul in 2009 - and he couldn't hide his delight.

"I actually don't know what to say - I never was expecting this. I felt pretty good but after the first run in the finals I got pretty nervous," said Mattsson.

"That was my first win ever and the first of a Swede in Stockholm - it couldn't be any better. I didn't feel any pressure just because it was a home event. I was there to have fun and to enjoy it."

© Sportsbeat 2011