Fanny Smith will hope for a third consecutive victory in the FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Sunny Valley in Russia ©Getty Images

Switzerland’s Fanny Smith will hope to boost her faint International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup hopes by maintaining her impressive record in Sunny Valley.

Smith has won three of the past four women’s races to take place at the Russian venue, including last year’s back-to-back competitions.

Only one race will take place in Sunny Valley this year, with the finals in the men’s and women’s races taking place on Sunday (February 23).

Qualification will be the focus tomorrow.

Victory appears essential for Smith if the Swiss skier is to challenge for the FIS Ski Cross World Cup title.

Success in Sunny Valley may still not be enough, with Sweden’s Sandra Näslund currently enjoying a lead of 114 points over her closest challenger heading into the event.

Näslund will be targeting a fifth World Cup win of the season as she aims to secure the overall title with a race to spare.

Kevin Drury has already won the men's World Cup ski cross title ©Getty Images
Kevin Drury has already won the men's World Cup ski cross title ©Getty Images

The men’s overall World Cup champion has already been decided, with Canada’s Kevin Drury assured of receiving the crystal globe.

Drury has won four of the 10 races contested this season, as well as recording two second placed finishes.

The Canadian will be targeting a second victory in Sunny Valley, having won at the venue back in March 2018.

France’s Bastien Midol could prove Drury’s main challenger this weekend.

Midol, who lies third in the World Cup standings, triumphed in both men’s races at Sunny Valley last year.