Anthony and Horishima close out Deer Valley’s week with victories in dual moguls
Feb 04, 2024·Freestyle
The Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International concluded its final day with the season's sixth dual moguls World Cup competition on the legendary Champion Run at Deer Valley, USA. Jakara Anthony (AUS) and Ikuma Horishima (JPN) delivered standout performances, securing victories in what has undoubtedly been a highlight event of the season so far.
Jakara Anthony rebounded impressively from an unexpected setback in Thursday’s single moguls event, where an uncharacteristic crash post-top air cost her a podium finish. Returning with her signature blend of confidence, precision skiing, and dynamic aerials, Anthony faced Jaelin Kauf (USA) in the big final for the third consecutive time this season, securing a decisive 22 to 13 victory. This marked Anthony's 11th win of the 2023/24 season, tying her with Hannah Kearney for the record of most freestyle wins in a single season. Furthermore, she secured the overall moguls crystal globe, her second World Cup title this season, following her victory in singles at Waterville last week, and edged closer to achieving a moguls hat-trick. Such achievements on Deer Valley's prestigious stage are nothing short of extraordinary.
Kauf secured the runner-up position, marking her second silver medal in Deer Valley for the week and her seventh of the season. Olivia Giaccio (USA), Thursday's single moguls winner, completed the podium in third place after winning the small final against Hinako Tomitaka (JPN), notching her second top-3 finish of the week.
On the men’s side, Ikuma Horishima achieved one of his season's key objectives by winning the duals on Champion Run. His victory in the big final against Benjamin Cavet (FRA) was his fourth of the season, closing the gap in both the dual and overall moguls standings with Mikael Kingsbury (CAN).
Despite losing to Horishima in the super final, Cavet had a remarkable night, especially with his quarter-final victory over Kingsbury, signaling a significant turnaround in a season that had been challenging for the French veteran until now.
Dylan Marcellini (USA) earned third place after winning against teammate Nick Page (USA) in the small final, securing his first World Cup podium in a career milestone moment, improving upon his fourth-place finish at Deer Valley from the previous year.
The FIS Freestyle World Cup now heads to Lac-Beauport, Canada, for the double aerials event on February 10-11, promising more thrilling action as the season continues.
QUICK LINKS:
Deer Valley World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc.)
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