Hollingsworth extends overall lead with Koenigssee victory

CANADA'S Melisa Hollingsworth extended her lead in the overall standings with World Cup gold in Koenigssee as Britain's Shelley Rudman was forced to settle for bronze.

TOP OF THE PILE: Canada's Melisa Hollingsworth extends overall lead with victory in Koenigssee

Hollingsworth, top of the rankings after securing four consecutive podium finishes in the opening four World Cups of the season, including gold in Lake Placid, was second after the first run, but stormed home in the second to snatch gold.

The Canadian, an Olympic bronze medallist, was 0.06 seconds behind Germany's Kerstin Szymkowiak after her opening outing but came home in 49.08 secs to take victory by 0.24.

Szymkowiak did clock the second fastest time in the second run but had to settle for silver, having taken gold in the previous two competitions in Altenberg and Winterberg.

Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Rudman held on to the bronze medal after clocking a combined time of 1:38.73.

The 28-year-old will be content with a podium finish however, after overcoming nightmare preparations that were hampered by illness as well as two crashes in training which saw her suffer a hip injury.

She held off a challenge from Marion Trott, who was only eighth after the first run, and while she was much improved in her second outing, she could not recover enough to reach the podium.

"A podium finish is fantastic but I am just so pleased that I got through the race in one piece," said Rudman.

"This week has been really tough. I had a bad crash in qualifying and was carrying the bruises from that into the race.  I was also still suffering from a virus I picked up over the Christmas period.

"After the crash I was a little apprehensive and although it sounds a little crazy, I think these things make you mentally stronger as you just have to get on with it.

"I am taking a lot of confidence into the next race as I know there was more to had today.   I was thinking about safety going through the Kriesel and put the anchors on a bit.

"The sled was set up brilliantly for the race by Richard (Bromley) and the Formula Ice team and their support helped me deliver a podium performance.

"As for being the top performing British athlete - I accept it and like it but I always try to compare my performances with the best around whatever their nationality."

Hollingsworth's victory extends her lead in the overall standings, giving her a total of 1236 points. Rudman, third last year, hangs on to second place with 1164 while Szymkowiak has closed the gap on the Brit to just 23 points.