Li Fanghui of China qualified with a best run of 90.20 in Cardrona ©Getty Images

Chinese duo Li Fanghui and Eileen Gu topped the women's halfpipe qualification as the first International Ski Federation Freeski World Cup event of the season began in New Zealand.

Li enjoyed a strong start to the weekend in Cardrona with scores of 86.20 and 90.20, her second run putting her top of the standings.

She finished fifth in the overall classification last year, and made the perfect start to the season, with 16-year-old compatriot Gu right behind her on the leaderboard with a best run of 89.20.

Valeriya Demidova of Russia sits in third place ahead of tomorrow's final after a best run of 87.20.

China will have four women in the final after last season's bronze medallist Zhang Kexin qualified in fourth and Meng Wu scored the seventh-best run.

Cassie Sharpe of Canada celebrates on the podium after receiving the globe for being the overall champion for the 2018 season ©Getty Images
Cassie Sharpe of Canada celebrates on the podium after receiving the globe for being the overall champion for the 2018 season ©Getty Images

Reigning Olympic halfpipe champion Cassie Sharpe of Canada was forced to withdraw from the World Cup after suffering a head injury in training on the eve of the season's curtain raiser.

The men's qualification session had to be rescheduled due to deteriorating weather conditions, meaning both the qualifications and finals will be held tomorrow.

Simon d'Artois will begin his overall halfpipe title defence.

The Canadian finished third the last time a halfpipe Freeski World Cup competition was held in New Zealand in 2017.