Olympic champion Eva Samková of the Czech Republic qualified in top spot in the women's event ©Getty Images

Olympic champion Eva Samková of the Czech Republic and American Nate Holland qualified in top spot in the women’s and men’s competitions at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Snowboard Cross World Cup in Solitude.

Samková, a double Winter X Games silver medallist secured her place in Saturday’s (January 21) final with ease as she won the opening run.

The Czech snowboarder was followed by Alexandra Zhekova of Bulgaria and American Lindsey Jacobellis, who were second and third respectively.

The trio were among 48 athletes to seal their berth in the final, where crucial Snowboard Cross World Cup points will be on offer.

Australia’s Belle Brockhoff, who qualified in 15th, is the current overall leader on 1,000 points, with France’s Chloe Trespeuch her closet challenger, 200 adrift.

Nate Holland of the United States was the top qualifier in the men's competition ©Getty Images
Nate Holland of the United States was the top qualifier in the men's competition ©Getty Images

In the men’s competition, Holland delivered a decent performance on home snow and progressed to the final with victory in the first run.

He was joined in the top three by Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medallist Pierre Vaultier of France and Mick Dierdorff of the United States.

Local favourite Hagen Kearney, who sits at the summit of the overall leaderboard, qualified in 17th place.

The ski resort, which will host snowboard cross and ski cross events during the 2019 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, is located in Utah.

Solitude is debuting as a World Cup host.

The event continues Saturday with the men’s and women’s finals, before the team competition takes place the following day.