Sykora Gets First Win

World Cup slalom champion Thomas Sykora gave Austria another victory by overcoming a deteriorating course and winning for the first time this season.

Austrian skiers have set a fierce pace in the World Cup this season, winning five races in a row and 10 of 14.

Sykora swiveled down the 58-gate course in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, in 1 minute, 37.93 seconds. France’s Pierrick Bourgeat was second at 1:38.09.

At Innsbruck, Austria, Kazuyoshi Funaki recorded his third consecutive victory on the World Cup Four Hills tour, continuing his bid to become the first ski jumper to win a Grand Slam and the first Japanese ever to win the title.