Rookies rule the world right now, at least Finnish girl Enni Rukajärvi rules the women’s snowboard world and took another vicotry at the Oakley Girls Session in Ruka, after winning the TTR World Snowboard Champion title last month. The event had attracted a crowd that was curious to see the local rookie talent, who had last month been crowned Swatch TTR World Snowboard Champion. In second place came Saana Pehkonen (FIN) and in third Claire Frost (GBR) who all got a piece of the $10000 USD prize purse. Claire, who had won a wild card from the 3Star Skullcandy Sista Sessions earlier this year, stomped a backside 360 mute and frontside 720 melon over the top kickers in her second run in the finals. Saana Pehkonen from Rovaniemi, who won the 2Star Finnish Snowboarding Championships slopestyle this year, was also in contention to knock Enni out from the top spot. Saana is a constantly progressing rider and stomped a backside 360 melon, frontside 540 tailfish, a cab 180 nosegrab and a frontside 270 on 270 out and a cab 270 in 270 out in the jib section.
Enni returned to this event, which had once been her first competing experience. “This year here at the Girlsessions I have had a bit of a different program, as I have been coaching the future stars, and on Friday night we had a bit of a celebration and ate some cake”, sais Enni after the comp. The party honouring Enni’s success on the Swatch TTR World Tour as well as many other victories this season included speeches among all of Enni’s friends and family. The 19-year old looked happy and relaxed among her close peers and exclaimed “It’s great to come back here every year to ride at the Oakley Girlsessions. Its an amazing feeling, its the best event of the year and has the best vibe!” In a generous gesture she shared her prize money with the other finalists.
Enni
TOP 8 AT 3STAR OAKLEY GIRLSESSIONS
1. Enni Rukajärvi FIN 95.75
2. Saana Pehkonen FIN 87.25
3. Claire Frost GBR 80.25
4. Hanna Laukkanen FIN 70.75
5. Chani Michaux FIN 66.75
6. Veera Vihervaara FIN 60.50
7. Tiina Lindström FIN 60.25
8. Emilie Evensen NOR 26.50
