The 19-year-old American, gold medallist at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, laid down the best semi-final run of 84.03 points at the Swiss resort.

Twelve snowboarders will contest the men's final in all, at what is the first World Cup of the season in slopestyle.

Gerard's team mate Justus Henkes qualified in second place with a score of 83.95, while Canada's big air Olympic champion Sébastien Toutant was third best on 81.63.

In the women's event, Japan's Reira Iwabuchi led six qualifiers for the final with a score of 78.71.

Hailey Langland of the United States was second best on 77.96, with compatriot Julia Marino third on 76.96.

Qualifying in snowboard halfpipe has also been taking place in Laax before the finals on Saturday (January 18).

Australia's Scotty James continued his good form in the men's event, scoring 92.50 to top the semi-final standings.

Triple world champion James has won both halfpipe World Cups held so far this season, in Copper Mountain in the US and Secret Garden, China.

Defending overall halfpipe World Cup champion Yūto Totsuka qualified in second with 84.75 points after finishing second to James at both events this season.

Taylor Gold of the US was third best of the 12 qualifiers on 84.00.

Spain's Queralt Castellet topped the women's halfpipe qualifiers on 89.00 points, as she looks to add to her victory in Copper Mountain.

Two Chinese athletes followed her through to the six-woman final, with two-time world champion Cai Xuetong finishing second in the semi-final on 85.00.

Olympic silver medallist Liu Jiayu was third best on a score of 81.25.

Slopestyle action in freestyle skiing will also begin tomorrow in Seiser Alm, Italy.