Prommegger leads parallel giant slalom qualifiers in Vancouver

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Posted: Saturday 27th February 2010 | 20:23

AUSTRIA'S Andreas Prommegger set the fastest time of men's snowboarding parallel giant slalom with three Canadians also progressing to this afternoon's knockout rounds at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

SETTING THE PACE: Austria's Andreas Prommegger leads the way in qualification for the knock-out stages of the men's parallel giant slalom (Getty Images)

The 29-year old, who finished ninth on his Olympic debut in Turin four years ago, finished fastest with a time of 1:16.49 minutes.

France's world silver medallist Sylvain Dufour wasn 0.3 seconds behind in second while Switzerland's defending silver medallist Simon Schoch finished third fastest, another 0.16 back.

Prommegger lies second in the World Cup standings, having won in Sudelfeld in February, and after setting the second fastest time in his qualifying pair, out-sprinted Canada's Matthew Morison in the elimination pairing to progress.

Morison led the trio of home hopes at Cypress Mountain, qualifying fifth fastest, while Michael Lambert was sixth fastest and world champion Jasey Jay Anderson tenth fastest.

Austria's World Cup leader Benjamin Karl also qualified with ease, finishing 0.56 seconds behind his compatriot in fourth.

Great Britain's Adam McLeish was less successful, setting an overall time of 1:21.09 to finish 24th with the top 16 progressing to the knock out stages which start at 12:15 local time.

"Racing in those weather conditions wasn't easy," said McLeish.

"Visibility was pretty limited with the rain and fog, but the snow was pretty decent so the organisers did a good job preparing the hill.

"It was challenging today but I enjoyed it. I'm pleased I had two clean runs as it's pretty hit or miss in our sport. I think it's cool that so many people came out to support in this terrible weather. It's been fun."