Aubert takes advantage of Vonn's tumble

FRANCE'S Sandrine Aubert stunned herself and her rivals to win a first ever World Cup title - with a slalom win in Ofterschwang.

DISAPPOINTMENT: Lindsey Vonn's failure to finish hands the overall World Cup slalom title to close friend Maria Riesch (Getty Images)

World Cup leader Lindsey Vonn was expected to secure victory after taking a healthy tenth of a second lead into the second run.

But she crashed in the same area of the course that eliminated Kathrin Zettel, yesterday's downhill winner, who was second after the first run, and the always-dangerous Anja Paerson of Sweden.

Vonn's failure to win also means close friend, Germany's Maria Riesch, claims the crystal globe and overall World Cup slalom title, after she finished fifth.

"It's always hard work because the girls are so quick, so fast," said Aubert.

"And today, I am the one and I am very happy."

Sweden's Frida Hansdotter took second and Austria's Nicole Hosp claimed third in an unfamiliar podium.