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Omischl just off the aerials podium

Chinese sweep women’s medals, take four of six medals in men’s competition

Competing at home in front of thousands of fans the Chinese freestyle aerials team was close to perfect at Changchun over the weekend, sweeping both women's competitions and taking four of six medals in the men's contest.

Only Anton Kushnir of Belarus could break the Chinese wall, placing first and third over two days of jumping.

The top Canadian on both days was defending World Cup champion Steve Omischl who finished fifth Saturday and fourth Sunday.

Omischl was leading the field after the first round of jumping on the second day, but a slight miscue on run number two caused him to drop three spots.

"Today was very disappointing," he said. "I'm quite upset with myself. I was in a good position to be on the podium, but I didn't trust my speed enough and didn't take that step up (the in-run to get more speed).

"It's not what I'm capable of. I think I'm taking a step in the right direction, but you don't want to leave anything on the table, even if it's early season."

Relative newcomer Olivier Rochon had a good weekend, placing 14 th on the first day and moving up to sixth on day two. Ryan Blais was 11 th on day one and 15 th on day two. Kyle Nissen was 12 th on day two.

From China, Liu Zhongqing was second to Kushnir on the first day, with teammate Chao Wu in third. Zongyang Jia was first on day two, with teammate Gaungpu Qi second.

On the women's side, Xinxin Guo, Nina Li and Mengtao Xu of China were first through third on the first day of jumping. Sabrina Guerin was the top Canadian jumper, in seventh place. Amber Peterson was 11 th and Veronika Bauer 15 th .

On the second day Mengatao Xu was first, Xinxin Guo second and Xin Zhang third.

Veronika Bauer moved up to sixth place, followed closely by Amber Peterson in seventh place. Sabrina Guerin was 14 th .