Japan: Japan secured a clean sweep of the men's halfpipe podium at the FIS Snowboard World Cup on Friday, with China's Cai Xuetong earning bronze in the women's event.According to Namibia Press Agency, the Japanese team was led by Beijing 2022 Olympic champion Ayumu Hirano, who topped the podium with a first-run score of 93.50 points. Yuto Totsuka, the 2010 world champion, claimed silver with a score of 90.25, while Ruka Hirano made a notable leap from 12th place to secure bronze with 89.00 points, edging out Brazil's Patrick Burgener. China's Wang Ziyang finished in eighth place.In the women's competition, South Korea's Choi Ga-on, aged 17, delivered a decisive performance in her final run, scoring 92.75 to take gold. Japan's Rise Kudo, a 16-year-old Youth Olympic champion, earned silver with a score of 90.25. Cai Xuetong, eyeing her fifth Winter Olympics, rebounded from a low first-run score to claim bronze with an 80.50-point second run."It was unexpected to be on the podium today," Cai, 32, stated. "The level of women's competition keeps rising. I'm proud to maintain my position in such a competitive field. I will continue to push towards Milan, compete steadily, and build my confidence for the best performance."Cai's compatriots Wu Shaotong and Liu Jiayu finished fourth and tenth, respectively. Liu, a four-time Olympian, emphasized her focus on enjoying the sport. "At each Winter Olympics, I've set goals. This time, I aim to savor the joy this sport brings. After treating my injury, I plan to compete in two World Cup events as preparation. I believe I can make it to Milan," Liu added.