Anna Fenninger leads 1st run in World Cup giant slalom, threatens Hoefl-Riesch’s overall lead

CP27496591
Italy\'s Nadia Fanchini reacts after completing an alpine ski women\'s World Cup giant slalom, in Are, Sweden, Thursday, March 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

ARE, Sweden – Anna Fenninger led the first run of a World Cup giant slalom on Friday, putting herself in position to take the lead in the overall standings.

The Austrian timed 58.49 seconds on a shortened course, 0.12 faster than Anemone Marmottan of France. They also placed 1-2 in Thursday’s giant slalom.

Tina Maze of Slovenia, who edged Fenninger for the Olympic title in GS last month, was 0.42 behind in third.

Marie-Michele Gagnon of Lac-Etchemin, Que., was 16th and Marie-Pier Prefontaine of St-Sauveur, Que., was 39th.

Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany was in 22st place as lower-ranked skiers raced, with 2.02 to make up in the second run under floodlights.

Hoefl-Riesch’s 21st-place finish on Thursday allowed Fenninger to move within 67 points of her overall lead.

Fenninger can top the standings with a victory if Hoefl-Riesch finishes no better than eighth. Five races remain this season.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles