Hangl Wins Giant Slalom; Zurbriggen Close to Overall World Cup Title

Skier Martin Hangl of Switzerland won the last men’s giant slalom of the season Friday in Saalbach, Austria, his second World Cup victory in as many days, and his teammate, Pirmin Zurbriggen, improved his chances of winning the overall title.

Zurbriggen opened a 17-point lead over Alberto Tomba of Italy in the overall standings going into today’s slalom, the final event of the season.

Tomba, double Olympic champion, fell during the first run, missed a gate and was disqualified.

Zurbriggen finished a strong third and collected 15 points to bring his total to 298. Tomba, who has 281 points, must either win today’s slalom or finish second to have a chance at the overall title. If Tomba wins the race, Zurbriggen needs to place at least seventh to grab the title.

A second-place finish for Tomba, however, would mean that Zurbriggen would have to finish only 12th to retain the overall title he won last season. If Tomba is third or lower, Zurbriggen doesn’t even need to finish the race.

Tomba, who won Olympic titles in the slalom and giant slalom, nearly cried after his elimination Friday. But there was a consolation prize for him. He took the giant slalom title for the season although he did not finish the race.