China's Xu Mengtao defends aerials World Cup title

PARK CITY, Utah - China's Xu Mengtao showed she is the best after she earned her fourth World Cup gold in five events this season and defended the title she won last year in the freestyle aerials competition at Utah's Deer Valley resort.

First place finisher Xu Mengtao of China reacts after her run in the women's aerial final event at the FIS World Cup Freestyle skiing competition in Park City, Utah, Feb 1, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

When other women settled for easier jumps in the finals, Xu went after a lay-double-full-full and hit it. "Good air and good landing, I'm very happy," she said.

And with the Olympics just a year away she added, "I'm very hungry."

Australia's Laura Peel took silver and China's Zhang Xin won bronze.

When it comes to men's aerials, Maxim Gustik of Belarus claimed his first World Cup gold with victory at the Deer Valley.

Gustik finished with 117.85 points to win his first World Cup gold. Canada's Travis Gerrits (115.83) took the silver and American Michael Rossi was third (11.87).

Gustik won his first gold in his fourth year of competition. Asked about upsetting China's best, Gustik shrugged.

"They are very strong but it showed we can beat them," he said through a translator. "Anything is possible."

Xu Mengtao of China competes in the women's aerial qualification event at the FIS World Cup Freestyle skiing competition in Park City, Utah, Feb 1, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]