Skiing

Carole Merle of France boosted her status as an Olympic medal contender with an impressive victory in a World Cup giant slalom at Hinterstoder, Austria, beating her nearest rival by nearly three seconds.

With the fastest run in both heats, Merle skied down the course for a combined time of 2 minutes 34.00 seconds. Deborah Compagnoni of Italy was second in 2:36.72. Switzerland’s Vreni Schneider, winner of the two previous giant slaloms this season, finished third in 2:37.44.

Diann Roffe of the United States was fourth in 2:37.64.