Wells separates Americans as Winter Games begin

New Zealand's Jossi Wells foiled an American one-two finish in the men's freeski slopestyle event when the Winter Games began today near Queenstown.

Wells posted a score of 82.40 in the final to snare second place behind American Thomas Wallisch at The Remarkables.

Bobby Brown, another American, was third with a score of 80.60.

The close scores reflected the tightness in the competition.

"It was a really tough call between Wells and Wallisch and the final decision came down to just the slightest mistake," head slopestyle judge Phil Larose said.

Wells was excited to compete in a world class event in his home town.

"It is cool to have a competition at home and be able to bring all my mates to come down and do a competition in my backyard," he said.

Australian Anna Segal won the women's event with a score of 86.80 ahead of Rosalind Groenewoud, of Canada, with 77.60.

- NZPA