ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (Kyodo) -- Japan's Ruka Hirano won silver and Yuto Totsuka bronze in the men's halfpipe at the snowboarding world championships on Saturday won by Australia's Scotty James.

Hirano, who sealed his third straight overall World Cup season title in February, scored 92.25 points for his first podium finish at the tournament after four appearances but was bettered by a 95.00 from James in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

"I did all I could while not having the best of conditions," said the 23-year-old, who could have all but guaranteed his place at the Milan-Cortina Olympics with a win.

"It's frustrating not to win, but I think I've moved quite close to the Olympics even with a second place. I'll try not to get flustered and continue practicing for the Olympics."

Totsuka, the 2021 world champ, was close behind Hirano, logging 92.00.

On Thursday, Beijing Olympics gold medalist Ayumu Hirano withdrew from the qualification round in what would have been his first appearance at the worlds after breaking his rib during practice a day earlier.