Marlies Schild leads after 1st run of final women’s World Cup slalom; Riesch poised for title

Schild leads in final women’s World Cup slalom

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany — Marlies Schild of Austria had a big lead after Saturday’s first run of the final World Cup slalom race of the season, while Olympic champion Maria Riesch was ahead of her rivals for the event title.

Riesch was fourth, while Austria’s Kathrin Zettel, who is 23 points back, was sixth. Sandrine Aubert of France, who also has a mathematical title chance, was eighth.

Schild clocked 56.51 seconds to lead Sarka Zahrobska of the Czech Republic by 1.05 seconds. Susanne Riesch was 1.08 behind, and her sister Maria trailed by 1.10 seconds.