The 17-year-old, arguably the biggest name competing at the Winter Youth Olympic Games here, scored 93.75 points to secure victory in Leysin.

Sildaru, a three-time Winter X Games gold medallist, edged out China's Eileen Gu to top the podium and add to her collection of major titles in freestyle skiing.

Gu scored 93.25 in her final run, but it was not enough to beat the formidable Estonian.

Jennie-Lee Burmansson of Sweden earned bronze with a best score of 90.00.

"I'm really happy because this is my first Olympic gold medal," said Sildaru, who missed the 2018 Winter Olympic Games through injury.

"It was awesome to put my runs down. 

"I think this experience will definitely help me in Beijing."

All eyes were on Sildaru - who overcame Olympic champion Cassie Sharpe to win halfpipe gold at last year's World Championships - before the start of the event and she did not disappoint.

The Estonian's opening run yielded 91.50 points and she bettered that by 2.25 in her second, which proved enough for gold.

She had already sealed the title before taking to the course for her final run after American-born Chinese skier Gu fell narrowly short.

"Before my last run, I was super nervous," said Gu. 

"Kelly came up behind me and said 'hey, I want you to land this'. 

"That's the camaraderie we have. 

"She's as good a person as she is a skier. 

"I've looked up to her since I was eight. 

"To be just half a point behind her was amazing."