Japan's Takeru Otsuka claimed first place in the men's slopestyle qualifiers today ©Getty Images

Japan's Takeru Otsuka claimed first place in the men's slopestyle qualifiers, while Canadian Marielle Thompson came out on top in the women's ski cross qualifiers at 2023 Bakuriani International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Freestyle Ski, Snowboard and Freeski World Championships.

Otsuka will go into the final tomorrow in first place after achieving a score of 81.43.

The two-time Winter X Games gold medallist edged past Sweden's Sven Thorgren, who ended with 80.05 points.

Otsuka's Japanese colleague Ryoma Kimata finished third with 71.93, just 0.72 above fourth place Jake Canter of the United States.

Marielle Thompson won a gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics ©Getty Images
Marielle Thompson won a gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics ©Getty Images

In the women's ski cross, Thompson topped the qualification round with total time of 1min 25sec.

Sweden's Sandra Näslund finished only 24 milliseconds behind Thompson, while also finishing 24 milliseconds ahead of third place Daniela Maier of Germany.

Narrowly missing out on top three was Sixtine Cousin of Switzerland.

The final of the women's ski cross will be happening tomorrow, while the men's slopestyle will be on February 27, as the competition continues in Bakuriani until March 5.