Belarus’ Tsuper is super, but defending champion Leu falls, fails to advance to aerials final

Defending aerials champ falls, doesn’t make finals

WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Defending Olympic champion Evelyn Leu of Switzerland has failed to advance to the final in women’s freestyle aerials.

Leu fell on her second of two jumps in Saturday’s qualifying round and did not make the final 12, who will return to Cypress Mountain on Wednesday. Alla Tsuper of Belarus won the qualifying, followed by China’s Li Nina, the 2006 silver medalist.

Led by Emily Cook, the United States placed three women in the final — the first time the Americans have moved anyone past qualifying at the Olympics since 1998. Also making it for the United States were Lacy Schnoor and 16-year-old Ashley Caldwell.