Both women finished level in the slalom final at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex in Malaysia, but the French athlete dealt best with the ensuing challenge to prevent the overwhelming favourite, who won overall gold at this month’s Pan American Games in Lima, adding to her total of nine world golds.

Third place went to New Zealand’s Jaime Metcalfe, who finished ahead of Canada’s Whitney McClintock Rini.

In the other final of the day, the men’s tricks, the gold medal went to Mexico’s Patricio Font, who scored 11,740 points in the final round.

Silver was claimed by Pierre Ballon of France, who totalled 11,550 ahead of Martin Kolman of the Czech Republic, who finished with 11,310.

Tomorrow’s concluding day of finals will feature the men’s slalom, women’s tricks – where 16-year-old home skier Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah will seek a medal – and women’s and men’s jump events.