Skiing: Schild back in style

Schild: Back to her best

Marlies Schild completed her comeback from a broken leg with an emphatic victory in the World Cup slalom in Lienz, Austria.

Schild had just over a second's advantage after the first run and skied a superb top section in the afternoon to maintain her advantage.

The Austrian, cheered on by a patriotic crowd, held it together on the tricky bottom half to stop the clock 1.83secs ahead of Sandrine Aubert from France, with fellow Austrian Kathirn Zettel in third.

It completed a 21st World Cup victory for Schild, but her first since missing the whole of last season following a double fracture of her left leg.

"It was a dream race, possibly the greatest in my career. I'm so happy, it's now time to thank all the people who have supported me in the last 15 months," Schild said.

"This makes me forget all the painful days that were still with me when the season started."

Fourth place went to Slovenian all-rounder Tina Maze, the first time in her long career that she finished in the top 10 in a slalom.

American Lindsey Vonn remains at the top of the overall standings despite failing to land a blow just 24 hours after suffering a wrist injury in the giant slalom.

The 25-year-old was 12th after the first run but was unable to improve her position, while chief rival Maria Riesch was also outside the top-10.

"I hoped that with painkillers, it would be OK and I really tried hard. But I could not get the pain out of my mind," said Vonn.

"I hope that with the few days ahead, I will feel better."

Result:
1. Marlies Schild (Austria) 59.00 58.65 1:57.65
2. Sandrine Aubert (France) 1:00.29 59.19 1:59.48
3. Kathrin Zettel (Austria) 1:00.02 59.82 1:59.84
4. Tina Maze (Slovenia) 1:00.54 59.45 1:59.99
5. Sarah Schleper (U.S.) 1:01.45 58.98 2:00.43
6. Ana Jelusic (Croatia) 1:01.64 59.09 2:00.73
=6. Sarka Zahrobska (Czech Republic) 1:00.78 59.95 2:00.73
8. Christina Geiger (Germany) 1:01.45 59.29 2:00.74
9. Maria Pietilae-Holmner (Sweden) 1:01.11 59.85 2:00.96
10. Manuela Moelgg (Italy) 1:01.51 59.63 2:01.14

Slalom standings:
1. Maria Riesch (Germany) 243 points
2. Marlies Schild (Austria) 220
3. Sandrine Aubert (France) 216

Overall standings:
1. Lindsey Vonn (U.S.) 594 points
2. Maria Riesch (Germany) 549
3. Kathrin Zettel (Austria) 489