Myhrer wins World Cup slalom opener

LEVI, Finland - The Associated Press

Andre Myhrer of Sweden reacts in the finish area during the second run of the Men’s Slalom race at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup event in Levi. EPA photo

Andre Myhrer of Sweden won the first men’s World Cup slalom of the season yesterday, holding off defending overall champion Marcel Hirscher of Austria in a close second run.

Myhrer, the defending slalom champion, won a World Cup slalom race for the fifth time in his career.
He led after the first run and did just enough to keep his lead, winning in 1 minute, 49.55 seconds to beat Hirscher by 0.06 seconds. Jens Byggmark of Sweden was 0.61 seconds behind in third.

American Ted Ligety, who won the opening giant slalom World Cup race in Soelden, Austria, by the biggest winning margin since 1979, tied for 13th place.

Myhrer said he was nervous going out last after seeing Hirscher put down a good time.

“This level is so high so if you take it easy just a little bit you’re behind,” he said. “It’s not easy to be alone up there ... knowing that everybody is down and it’s just you left. But I’ve proved that I can manage that.”

Hirscher trailed by 0.27 seconds after the first run and had the second fastest time of all skiers in the afternoon as well.