World Cup Skiing : Graham Wins Downhill at Val d’Isere

Laurie Graham of Canada won the women’s downhill Friday, her second World Cup victory this season.

She was timed in 1 minute 25.01 seconds as she got even with Michaela Gerg of West Germany, who won Thursday’s race as Grahan finished second.

“Oh, I hate the waiting,” Graham said as she watched some of her rivals close in on her time.

The nearest threat was Maria Walliser of Switzerland, who was second in 1:25.13. Gerg wound up third in 1:25.68.

“The run was faster, but I had a good feeling about today,” Graham said. “I had great training and I don’t think my season will be going up and down.”

Finishing fourth on an icy course was defending World Cup champion Michela Figini of Switzerland in 1:25.74. American Olympic giant slalom gold medalist Debbie Armstrong was seventh in 1:26.01.

After the race, the women drove eight hours to the Swiss resort of Savognin to prepare for Sunday’s slalom.

Officials confirmed that a women’s giant slalom originally scheduled for Puy St. Vincent, France, has been switched because of a snow shortage to Haus, Austria, where there will be a three-day meet Dec. 19-21.