Slovenia’s Eva Alina Hocevar and Italy’s Xabier Ferrazzi took a big step forward in their careers by claiming maiden gold medals at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, Slovenia.
The two rising stars in slalom lit up an enthralling opening day of kayak competition as Australia’s Jessica Fox marked her return with a medal.
Homegrown Hocevar thrilled the home crowd with a superb performance to seal gold, while Italy’s Ferrazzi surged to his first World Cup title.
Click here for live startlists and results from Tacen
There were big shocks in the men’s K1 as reigning world champion Titouan Castryck and his French rival Anatole Delassus failed to make the final.
Ferrazzi, who had qualified fifth fastest, seized his opportunity as he produced a brilliant time of 72.71 to seal victory.
“I’m super happy,” said the 20-year-old former junior world champion.
“Finally, I delivered what I’ve been looking for over the last few years. The final was really fun.”
Poland’s Michal Pasiut earned silver in 75.11, with Czechia’s Jakub Krejci taking bronze in 75.62.
In the women’s K1, Hocevar had a day to remember as she squeezed into the final before pulling off a memorable winning performance.
After finishing runner-up in Tacen last year, Hocevar went one better this time around as she secured gold in 81.61.
"It's my first-ever gold medal at a World Cup,” said Hocevar.
“I've never won before, and to win the first one at home in Tacen is just amazing.
“It was a dramatic day.
“I made a big mistake at gate three in the first round, and I thought it wouldn’t be enough to make it to the final.
“I thought that if I did make it, I needed to think about this and put down a round I am capable of.
“After combining two, three and four, I just found my flow, and it was amazing. I am really happy that I won and Xavi won. It is history for us as it is our first World Cup medal.
After a nine-month absence following her recovery from surgery, Fox made a superb return to international action.
Fox powered down the course to take silver in 81.74, while Spain’s Maialen Chourraut claimed bronze in 83.85.
The 43-year-old Chourraut delivered one of the standout performances of the day, fighting back from eighth place in the heats to secure another World Cup podium finish.
WOMEN’S K1
- HOCEVAR Eva Alina (SLO) 81.61
- FOX Jessica (AUS) +0.13
- CHOURRAUT Maialen (ESP) +2.24
MEN’S K1
- FERRAZZI Xavier (ITA) 72.71
- PASIUT Michal (POL) +2.40
- KREJCI Jakub (CZE) +2.91
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