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Schild secures impressive slalom win

Marlies Schild shows her delight after securing an impressive victory in Tuesday's World Cup slalom.
Marlies Schild shows her delight after securing an impressive victory in Tuesday's World Cup slalom.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Local favourite Marlies Schild claimed the women's World Cup slalom in Lienz, Austria
  • The 28-year-old was winning for the first time since breaking her leg in a crash 14 months ago
  • Overall World Cup leader Lindsey Vonn finished 18th despite suffering a heavy fall on Monday

(CNN) -- Local favorite Marlies Schild won the women's World Cup slalom in Lienz, Austria on Tuesday, as Lindsey Vonn rebounded from her heavy crash the day before to compete in the event.

Schild clocked a combined total of one minute 57.65 seconds over the two runs, a massive 1.83 seconds ahead of France's Sandrine Aubert, with Austrian Kathrin Zettel in third at 2.19 seconds.

The 28-year-old, who missed last season after suffering a fracture in her left tibia and fibula in a crash 14 months ago, has now claimed 21 World Cup races.

Her form has also come as a timely boost ahead of the Winter Olympics, after winning a silver and bronze in Turin in 2006.

"I was able to overcome my doubts and achieve what I wanted," Schild told reporters. "It's the first race since my return that I've refound the feelings from before.

"I never counted on such a huge gap in times today. It's a good sign for my coaches and my doctors that I've come back to this level."

Vonn played it safe in the first leg and eventually finished in 18th spot at 4.42 seconds after a slow second run.

The American suffered a bone bruise to her left arm after falling heavily in Monday's giant slalom.

The overall World Cup leader barely used her left pole but still managed to charge several gates with her hand and wrist protected by the usual guard slalom racers use.