X-Games Aspen: Day 2 part I

Day two at X-Games Aspen started off with a bang with the Ski Slopestyle Elimination round, with sixteen riders looking to rule Buttermilk Mountain and qualify for the final Sunday.

Defending gold-medalist Tom Wallisch who injured his knee in a previous event, bailed on his first run.  Wallisch two-handed on his double-flatspin 1080 off the down payment, costing him a spot in the final.

"A little sketchy on my landings for sure." Wallisch said.  

Ski Slopestyle has not had a repeat winner since Tanner Hall's three-peat from 2003-2005. And that trend will continue with Wallisch's departure. 

James Woods from England who will represent the Brits in 2014, knuckled on the down payment on his first run. Woods responded with a full-pull on his second, highlighted by an octo-grab 1260 to not only bump out Kenworthy, but ending up in first place with a 92.33.

Andreas Hatveit, a previous gold medal winner from Norway, had a flatspin over the wall on the plaza, and rode very smooth with a mix of left and right side 1080 corks on the down payment and money Hatveit on his second run was highlighted by an octo-grab double cork 1080 that boosted him up to 91.33 and into the final.

Alex Bellemare, the rookie from Quebec Misty 540 of the gap rail, to a double cork 1080, and sprinkled in a double cork 900 on the money-booter propelled him to an 89.00 and into the final.

Bobby Brown, clad in neon yellow pants, got a full-pull on his first run with a double cork mute 1260 on the money-booter scoring an 87.00. Brown coasted on his second run, securing fourth place.

Henrik Harlaut, clad in dreadlocks put down a double cork 1080 and a double-switch rail slide on the gap, scoring an 84.33 and an 86.00 to lock fifth place.

Josh Christensen rocked an 85.33 on his first run which was a solid full-pull, placing 6th.

Gus Kenworthy, who is competing in all three events in this year's X-Games, bailed on the down payment and threw out his first run. On the second go, Kenworthy bumped Walker out of the top eight with a 78.00.

Nick Goepper, who won silver in last year's Slopestyle as a rookie, had alternating double rodeos to secure an 85.00 his first go and stuck with that score after hand-touching off the money-booter on his second run.

And Alex Schlopy, whose dad was a kicker for the Buffalo Bills, scored a 70.00 his first run. improved to an 81.66, squeaking into the eighth and final spot.

Matt Walker, an Aspen native, started off a little sketchy but got it together on the money-booter with a double-cork 1080 to score a 54.00 but failed to qualify.

So here is the order for the Final on Sunday.

1) Woods
2) Hatveit
3) Bellemare
4) Brown
5) Harlaut
6) Christensen
7) Goepper
8) Schlopy

Will cover tomorrow's events, highlighted by Snowboard Slopestyle Final, and the Ski Big-Air Final!

There will be coverage all day tomorrow from 2-11PM on ESPN and ABC!