Paerson and Gisin deadheat in women's downhill

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Posted: Sunday 18th January 2009 | 15:06

SWEDEN'S Anja Paerson and Switzerland's Dominique Gisin shared the honours in the World Cup downhill in Zauchense after a dead-heat.

In only the second downhill of the season, after events in Lake Louise and St Moritz were cancelled, Paerson produced an aggressive charge down the piste to secure a 40th career win.

"I never believed when I started my career that I would win 40 races - it's amazing," she said.

"I made some mistakes but I thought it might be enough - although Dominique was just as good and all credit to her."

It was 23-year old Gisin's first ever World Cup win - "I'm in a state of shock, it's such an honour to share a podium with someone like Anja," she admitted.

Lindsey Vonn, who won yesterday's super-combined event, finished third to move to the top of the overall World Cup rankings, just ahead of slalom specialist and previous leader, Germany's Maria Riesch, who came seventh.

"I was a little too careful and made a couple of mistakes but I was happy to complete and take some points even if I didn't win," said Vonn.

Meanwhile, British number one Chemmy Alcott reports she is making progress in her comeback from an ankle injury - and may feature at next weekend's World Cup events in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Alcott abandoned her original plans for a return to the World Cup circuit but is hopeful she'll be back for next month's World Championships in Val d'Isere.