Pranger is Kitzbuhel slalom king

Latest standings

Manfred Pranger won the men's World Cup slalom race in Kitzbuhel on Sunday in a time of one minute 31.51 seconds.

The Austrian edged compatriot Mario Matt into second by 0.12 seconds, with Croatia's Ivica Kostelic, the 2003 world champion, third in 1:31.75.

"I almost can't believe it, it's an indescribable feeling," Pranger said. "Ever since I was a child it's been my dream to win in Kitzbuhel."

Austrian Benjamin Raich extended his lead in the overall slalom standings.

Raich, who finished eighth, also gained ground in the overall standings after US leader Bode Miller failed to qualify for the second leg.

It was the fifth time in six slaloms this season that Miller has failed to finish.

For Matt, it was a best World Cup performance since a broken shoulder disrupted his career in 2001.

"It's fantastic to make such a comeback here in Kitzbuhel, where I won my first ever World Cup slalom," he said.

"I've been feeling strong in training, but it was really important to show now that I can do it.

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Kitzbuhel slalom result:

1. Manfred Pranger (Aut) 1:31.51
2. Mario Matt (Aut) 1:31.63
3. Ivica Kostelic (Cro) 1:31.75
4. Rainer Schoenfelder (Aut) 1:31.84
5. Thomas Grandi (Can) 1:32.16
6. Manfred Moelgg (Ita) 1:32.42
7. Pierrick Bourgeat (Fra) 1:32.50
8. Benjamin Raich (Aut) 1:32.58
9. Markus Larsson (Swe) 1:32.62
10. Alois Vogl (Ger) 1:32.66