Horigome failed to convert a single shot on Saturday (29). WST World Cup Kitakyushu Street 2025 as the Japanese star failed to reach the final of a home match.
Horigome had the second-best run score of 73.33, but was unable to land any of his three tricks and missed out on one of the eight spots in Sunday’s final.
Horigome’s friend and two-time Olympian Shirai Sora remained on pole position after producing the best trick of the day of 89.06 for a total of 161.77 with Netsuke Kairi on his heels (159.78) and Kang Jun right behind (157.52).
Horigome fell prey to the rule change afterOlympic Games Paris 2024 of one trick count, but made no excuses for dropping out early.
“It just didn’t work out today,” Horigome said. “It’s disappointing. The competitions keep coming, so I have to try to reach a higher level.
“The rules keep changing. I just have to adapt. Today I messed up a trick I normally do. I need to brush up on my skills.”
Horigome came into the clutch in a big way two summers ago in Paris, defending his Olympic title with his final shot.
Horigome admitted LA28 is already on his radar, but made it clear he had to get there first.
“Of course I’m thinking of LA,” he said. “We still have two and a half years to go, so I have to finish the matches one by one.
“I have to give everything I have and work towards qualifying for the Olympic Games.”
Shirai, who won the World Cup in Rome in June, not only seems to be in good shape, but also super confident.
“Tomorrow is the final, but I hope we can all have fun, just like always. I feel very sharp now. I’m first now and I want to make sure I stay first,” he said.
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