The Burton Australian Open has got off to a cracking start at Perisher Blue Resort, where the men’s and women’s halfpipe qualifications have just taken place. The best shredders from all over the globe have been battling it out for a coveted spot in Thursday’s semi-finals and a chance to grab a piece of the tidy $50,000 prize purse.

The women’s field was dominated by Paulina Ligocka (POL) who stuck an extremely strong run, outscoring her nearest competitor by over 20 points. Ligocka, riding in her first competition after an injury last year, proved that she is still a force to be reckoned with. Her second run, which scored her a massive 89.17 points, started off with lofty frontside air, followed by a method air, into a 540 tailgrab, followed by a backside indy, finishing with a 720. Joining Ligocka will be two Aussies: Erin Tanner and Lauren Staveley. They all advance on to Thursday’s semis and will take on the likes of NZO halfpipe winner Jamie Anderson (USA) and Olympic gold medalist, Hannah Teter (USA). It could get messy!

The Burton Australian Open continues tomorrow with the slopestyle qualifiers… Stay tuned!