The Sidelines : Maier Wins Women’s Super-G

Ulrike Maier of Austria successfully defended her world title in the women’s super-giant slalom today as favored teammate Petra Kronberger fell at the final gate.

Maier completed the 1,629-meter course, through 34 gates, in 1 minute, 8.72 seconds. Carole Merle of France was second in 1:08.83 and Anita Wachter of Austria took the bronze medal in 1:08.85.

Maier, who also won the title at the 1989 World Championships in Colorado, has had a daughter since and done little competitive skiing in the past two years.

The 23-year-old Austrian played with her daughter, Melanie, and a stuffed Babar doll in the finish area while watching competitors fail to match her time.

Kronberger, seeking her second title of the championships, appeared to be leading when she fell at the last gate and tumbled across the finish line.

A World Championships spokesman said Kronberger bruised her right knee and was taken to a hospital for X-rays. It was unclear whether she would compete again in the championships, which end Sunday.