Canada’s Cassie Sharpe topped the women's halfpipe qualification standings at the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup in Calgary ©Getty Images

Canada’s Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker were the top two women’s halfpipe qualifiers in front of a home crowd as action begun today at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Freestyle Skiing World Cup in Calgary.

Olympic champion Sharpe, the silver medallist at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in Utah earlier this month, finished first at the WinSport Canada Olympic Park with a score of 93.50 points.

Karker came second with 86.50 points, while world and Olympic bronze medallist Brita Sigourney of the United States ranked third with 83.75.

A total of eight athletes have qualified for the final, due to take place on Saturday (February 16).

Among those failing to progress was America's Annalisa Drew, who sits third in the discipline’s World Cup standings behind joint leaders Sharpe and France’s Marie Martinod.

In men’s qualification, New Zealand’s Nico Porteous led the way with 89.50 points.

Home favourite Simon d'Artois finished second with 87.00 points and America's David Wise third with 83.75.

In all, 10 athletes have qualified for the men’s final on Saturday.

A notable absentee will be world silver medallist Kevin Rolland of France after he ended qualification second from last in 29th place.

Competition in Calgary is scheduled to continue tomorrow with the men's and women's snowboard halfpipe finals.