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Australian snowboarder Holly Crawford has
made a strong start to the 2006/07 World Cup season, finishing
in fifth place in Saas-Fee, Switzerland.
Crawford topped her qualifying heat, then produced a 28.5 points
opening run in the final to record the third top 5 finish of her
career
Torino 2006 silver medallist Gretchen Bleiler of the United
States won the event from Soko Yamaoka of Japan, with 2005/06
World Cup champion Manuela Laura Pesko of Switzerland in third
place.
Crawford's result followed a third placing in Europa Cup last
week at the same venue.
"We're not doing anything too difficult at this stage," said
Olympic Winter Institute snowboard halfpipe coach Ben
Wordsworth.
"We're just focussing on Holly doing very clean, very big runs,
working on building her confidence and keeping her free of
injury, so that's a great start to the season for us."
Crawford has had a string of injuries that have disrupted her
career, the most recent a shoulder injury she sustained in
training for the Torino Games.
Although she took her place in the Olympic field, she was
severely compromised in her routine and finished in 18th place
in the qualifying round.
The 23-year-old Sydney rider broke through for her first podium
result in the opening round of last season, collecting bronze in
Valle Nevado, Chile.
The Saas-Fee men's event was won by Scott Lago of the United
States, with Australia's two riders, Torino Olympian Andrew
Burton and 18-year-old rookie Ben Johnson, both eliminated in
qualifying.
Australian alpine skiers Craig Branch and Jono Brauer will begin
their season this weekend at the World Cup speed events in Lake
Louise, Canada.
Courtesy OWI/Sportcom
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