Shaun White Finishes First In Halfpipe Qualifying In Breckenridge

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) — Shaun White finished first in qualifying at the Dew Tour on Thursday to begin his quest for a third straight Olympic gold medal on the halfpipe.

White didn't unveil his newest trick — a twisting, 1440-degree jump — but didn't need it. His score of 91.40 put him 1.2 points ahead of Christian Haller, meaning White will go last in Saturday's final.

This is the first of five events that will determine the U.S. Olympic team. On Friday, White will try to qualify for finals in slopestyle, which makes its Olympic debut in Sochi next year.

Also making the final were Olympic bronze medalist Scotty Lago and Danny Davis, who is coming off multiple injuries but is one of the few riders to beat White in the last four years.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)