Hosp Powers To Giant Slalom Gold

Austrian Nicole Hosp claimed gold in the women's giant slalom at the World Ski Championships after favourite Anja Paerson crashed out in Are, Sweden.

Hosp added to the bronze she won in the downhill and her slalom silver by taking the title in a combined time of two minutes 31.72 seconds.

Paerson, the defending champion, was seventh after the first run but fell on the second and slid down the slope.

Swede Maria Pietilae-Holmner claimed silver ahead of Italian Denise Karbon.

"I'm in a dream, I can't believe it," said Hosp, who claimed her first world title and Austria's first gold medal of the championships. I wasn't too nervous at the start, and that helped me do a great second run. It is definitely the best giant slalom I've ever raced but you had to battle at every section on this course."