Vonn Closes on Riesch in Overall Ski Chase as Schild Captures Slalom Title

Austria’s Mariles Schild captured her third World Cup slalom title by winning today’s race in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic.

Schild finished in 1 minute, 43.85 seconds over two runs to beat compatriot Kathrin Zettel by 0.93 seconds, with Slovenia’s Tina Maze 1.16 seconds back in third.

The victory moved Schild, who also won the title in 2008 and 2007, 111 points ahead of Finland’s Tanja Poutiainen in the series standings with one race, worth 100 points to the winner, remaining in the season. Poutiainen finished ninth today.

Germany’s Maria Riesch saw her lead over Lindsey Vonn of the U.S. in the overall standings trimmed to 23 points heading to next week’s World Cup finals in Switzerland. Riesch crashed on her second run today as Vonn, seeking her fourth straight overall title, finished 16th.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Bob Bensch at bbensch@bloomberg.net