Pic courtesy of O'Neill Evolution


America’s Andy Finch beat a plethora of Finnish names to the top spot in the TTR six star O’Neill Evolution Halfpipe competition in Davos.

He ended the final nearly 30 points ahead of his nearest rival Risto Mattila with Janne Korpi taking the third spot on the podium.

Andy threw down the winning run on his second attempt with a Frontside Air, to a Backside Rodeo 5, to a Frontside 10, to a McTwist, finishing with an Alley-oop.

Andy Finch pic courtesy of O'Neill Evolution

Andy was stoked with his results and the news that he is now fourth in the TTR world rankings. “It’s not over yet! But I’m in the Top five now, which is good!” he said.

“ We’ll see how things go. My goal is the TTR this year and that’s what I’m going after and this is a good win! The Lord’s been watching over me so far, and the risk is pretty big when you’re going that high. Going into tomorrow, sleep! I need to rest the legs out. Today was a long day of QP practice, HP practice, Highest Air, Semi-finals and finals. It was a big day!”

Risto Mattila’s second run was equally as technical, but didn’t have the amplitude that Andy boasted, completing a Backside Air to a Frontside 10, to a Cab7, to a Frontside 9, to a Mctwist. Risto earned 942.30 Swatch TTR ranking points with his podium finish pushing him into current World No. 9. Janne Korpi’s third place run was smooth with a Backside 5, to Frontside 10, to Cab 7, to an Air to Fakie and finishing with a Cab 9.

New changes in the TTR Rankings after this evening’s halfpipe session set up a massive TTR battle of California for Saturday night’s Quarterpipe competition, between riders Chas Guldemond (USA) and Andy Finch. Andy must finish exactly ten places higher than Chas to take Swatch TTR World No. 1. Even if Andy wins the Quarterpipe Title, Chas must place outside the Top 10. However, if Chas makes the podium, he’ll move into World No. 1 with an unassailable lead.

Top 10 Results:

1. Andy Finch USA Rip Curl
2. Risto Mattila FIN Flow
3. Janne Korpi FIN O’Neill
4. Gary Zebrowski FRA Nitro
5. Peetu Piiroinen FIN Burton
6. Markku Koski FIN Quiksilver
7. Antti Autti FIN Flow
8. Markus Malin FIN Salomon
9. Gian Simmen SUI O’Neill
10. Iouri Podladtchikov SUI Santa Cruz

Check out the freecaster.tv player on the bottom right hand side of our front page for replays of the halfpipe action. You’ll also be able to watch the quarterpipe final there live.