Quentin Robbins of Christchurch took first place in the snowboarding division landing a backside 720. Methven local Matto Smith took second with last year's winner Makoto Takeuchi of Japan in third. The women's snowboarding title went to Hana Sullivan from Queenstown.

It was an extremely tight competition with very technical riding and a wide variation of tricks and high skill level,” said Richard Owen, snowboard judge. It was awesome to see the New Zealand riders do so well in such a strong international field. The women’s snowboarding in particular has gone up a level in the past year with the girls now regularly pulling inverts and landing them.;

While the heats showed some awesome riding from both boarders and skiers, the atmosphere during the finals was electric with the crowd going wild as they witnessed the world class action on the floodlit ramp.

Tonight has been one of the best in the history of the Methven Big Air, and has certainly drawn a record crowd, said Mt Hutts Karyn Dehler, event organiser. We are delighted at the high calibre of riders attracted and how once again the community has got behind the event to make it such a success.

The 16m kicker was built in Methven town centre using over 60 cubic metres of snow from Mt Hutt Ski Area. Spectators also enjoyed a stunning display from the New Zealand Freestyle Motorcross team as they flew their motorbikes over a 15m truck as well as fire dancers and a dramatic firework display. Following the competition, the streets were jumping to the beats of the Salmonella Dub Soundsystem until late into the night.

RESULTS

Ski
1 Candide Thovex (FRA) 16.9
2 Jacob McLeary (Wanaka) 14.5
3 Tom Dunbar (Hamner Springs) 13

Snowboard - Mens
1 Quentin Robbins (Chch) 8.4
2 Matto Smith (Methven) 7.475
3 Makoto Takeuchi (Japan) 5.55

Snowboard - Womens
1 Hana Sullivan (QT) 7
2 Josie Wignall (QT) 5.4
3 Paula Mitchell (Methven) 3.7