Australia's Scotty James wins snowboard halfpipe silver at Beijing Winter Olympic Games

Australia's Scotty James has won silver in the snowboard halfpipe at the Beijing Winter Olympics, narrowly missing out on gold in a thrilling finish.

Looking to better his bronze from Pyeongchang 2018, James took the lead after his second run score of 92.50.

But a showdown loomed with Japanese star Ayumu Hirano, who fell into second place with a somewhat controversial second-run score of 91.75.

With James and Hirano the last two competitors up and still topping the standings, the gold was to go down to the final run.

James faltered, opening the door for Hirano, who burst through it with an incredible run and score of 96.00.

«I'm very proud and happy with how it went and my team and everyone,» James told Channel Seven.

«I'm still really young. I still have a lot of vision. I'm very driven, and I made the joke before that I've got the bronze, I've got a silver and now I need to finish off my collection for the pool room with gold in Italy [in 2026].

»Italy is one of my favourite countries. I've already started the process, but for now I will enjoy this and just be very happy."

James also saved a shout out for Hirano, who claimed his first Olympic gold after some close shaves of his own.

«He's an incredible rider and I really look forward to having many, many healthy battles with him in the future,» James said.

«You know, the guy got two silvers and as much as I was giving it my best shot, he had his head down all season to win the gold.

»I'm proud of him, but I'm obviously ready to fire up and answer back when I can."

Switzerland's Jan Scherrer claimed the bronze with an 87.25.

Fellow Australian Valentino Guseli impressed in his maiden Olympics and finished sixth with a best score of 79.75.

«I'm super stoked. I kinda struggled in