Gasser aims for three-peat in Olympic big air after qualifying

Anna Gasser qualified ninth for the Olympic big air final and remains in contention for a third straight gold; Zoi Sadowski-Synnott topped qualifying with the highest combined score.

Anna Gasser advanced to Monday's Olympic big air final after placing ninth in qualifying at Livigno, keeping alive the possibility of a third straight gold in the event. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott led qualifying with the top combined score, and Kokomo Murase was second. The field was reduced from 29 to 12 for the final, and several past medalists reached the next round. Gasser said she felt nervous during qualifying but was relieved to make the final. What happened: - Zoi Sadowski-Synnott won qualifying with a combined score of 172.25 from her best two jumps. - Kokomo Murase was second in qualifying with 171.25 and was among four Japanese riders to reach the final. - Anna Gasser qualified ninth with a score of 159.50 and will compete in Monday's 12-rider final. - Mia Brookes finished third in qualifying. - All three American riders were eliminated in qualifying. Summary: Gasser can become the first snowboarder to win three straight Olympic golds in the same event if she wins the final, a possibility noted after another competitor's earlier elimination. The final is scheduled for Monday with the top 12 qualifiers competing for medals.