Schoenfelder claims slalom success
ADELBODEN, Switzerland (Reuters) -- Austrian Rainer Schoenfelder earned his first World Cup slalom win of the season as teammate Benjamin Raich moved to the top of the overall standings.
Schoenfelder punched the air after setting a combined time of one minute 44.98 seconds and watching first-run leader Manfred Pranger straddle a gate.
"I cannot describe the emotion I feel," said Schoenfelder, who leads the slalom standings after his fifth career victory.
"It is such a great day. I have been really consistent this winter but the first step was always missing.
"I have had some difficult moments but I have always pushed and I am surprised. I thought Pranger would win because he had such a lead after the first run.
"I wish the season could stop for me now but there are lots of great races coming up and for me I thank God I can race. Ski racing is such a great sport and I am happy to be here and it is such a great hill."
Raich pleased
Raich slotted into third place behind American Bode Miller but his effort was enough to take him past rival Hermann Maier in the race for the overall World Cup title.
"I am very pleased by this result," said Raich who holds a 31-point lead. "I didn't ski as well as I wanted in the first run and I went harder in the second.
"I have reinforced my position in the slalom standings and to take over the overall World Cup lead is nice. I am very pleased by my form but it will be decided at the end of the season."
Miller, who crashed out of the giant slalom on Saturday, was delighted to claim another podium in the slalom discipline and said: "In the first I did not want to try too hard like I did yesterday.
"I wanted to set a good time so I could really attack in the second. I have been looking for a podium for a long time so it is important for me to make it and continue the chase for the overall World Cup."
Finland's Kalle Palander, who won Saturday's giant slalom, had his hopes of a weekend double and a rise to the top of the slalom standings wiped out when he failed to complete his first run.
"This is slalom and anything can happen," he said. "One small mistake and that's it."
The men's season continues next weekend in St Anton, Austria with a downhill and a slalom.
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