Japan's Aiko Uemura edged Frenchwoman Sandra Laoura by the narrowest of margins Saturday to claim her first World Cup victory at a freestyle skiing moguls event.
Japan's Aiko Uemura smiles after winning a World Cup moguls event in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Uemura, who was tops in the preliminary heats, put in an outstanding performance in the final to win with 25.84 points with Laoura just behind in second with 25.83. Norway's Ingrid Bernsten was third with 24.95.
"When my score flashed up on the scoreboard I honestly didn't think I had won. I'm absolutely over the moon with this result," the 23-year-old Uemura said.
Compatriot Tae Satoya, a bronze medalist at last February's Salt Lake City Olympics, had a day to forget as she failed to advance to finals and finished 21st.
Yugo Tsukita produced the best finish by a Japanese skier by placing sixth in the men's moguls final, won by Travis Cabral of the United States.