Choi Gaon (center) on Jan. 18 celebrates on the winners' podium after winning the women's halfpipe at a World Cup event of FIS, skiing and snowboarding's world governing body, in Laax, Switzerland. (Choi's official Instagram page)

By Kim Seon Ah

Snowboard halfpipe sensation Choi Gaon, 17, has passed her final test ahead of the Winter Olympics in Italy next month with her third straight win in the World Cup of FIS, skiing and snowboarding's world governing body.

Her latest victory came on Jan. 18 in Laax, Switzerland, with a score of 92.50 and followed World Cup titles at Secret Garden in Zhangjiakou, China, on Dec. 12 and Copper Mountain, Colorado, on Dec. 19.

Wearing a yellow vest symbolizing the season's top ranking, Choi suffered a major fall while attempting a frontside 1080 melon (three full rotations) in her first attempt to earn just 21.25 points. In her second, however, she landed all five jumps for a winning score of 92.50.

She beat runner-up Rise Kudo, 17, of Japan, by 9.75 points through highly difficult techniques and unwavering cool under pressure.

Choi has her sights on Korea's first gold medal in snowboarding next month at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.

sofiakim218@korea.kr