World Cup victory for flying Finn

Kalle Palander's win was his first in nearly two years

Finland's Kalle Palander produced two sparkling runs to claim his first World Cup slalom victory of the season in Schladming, Austria.

Palander, who led after the first heat, won in a combined time of one minute 42.34 seconds.

Japan's Akira Sasaki equalled his best ever finish, coming in 0.79 seconds behind the Finn.

Benjamin Raich of Austria was a further 0.81 seconds back in third but remains in first place overall.

Palander's victory was his first in the World Cup since March 2004.

Italy's Giorgio Rocca, who won the first five slaloms of the season, continued the misery he suffered in Kitzbuhel on Sunday by crashing out close to the finishing line on the second run.

Defending World Cup champion Bode Miller was also disqualified after straddling a gate in the first heat.

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Schladming results:

1. Kalle Palander, Finland, 1 minute, 42.34 seconds (53.51-48.83)
2. Akira Sasaki, Japan, 1:43.13 (54.07-49.06)
3. Benjamin Raich, Austria, 1:43.15 (54.38-48.77)
4. Andre Myhrer, Sweden, 1:43.39 (54.07-49.32)
5. Stephane Tissot, France, 1:43.75 (54.29-49.46)
6. Kentaro Minagawa, Japan, 1:43.81 (53.96-49.85)
7. Rainer Schoenfelder, Austria, 1:44.58 (53.88-50.70)
8. Michael Janyk, Canada, 1:44.63 (54.35-50.28)
9. Patrick Thaler, Italy, 1:43.84 (54.68-49.16)
10. Martin Hansson, Sweden, 1:44.22 (54.45-49.77)

World Cup slalom standings (after seven races):

1. Giorgio Rocca, Italy, 500 points
2. Kalle Palander, Finland, 366
3. Ted Ligety, United States, 325
4. Benjamin Raich, Austria, 260
5. Jean-Pierre Vidal, France, 253
6. Stephane Tissot, France, 205
7. Reinfried Herbst, Austria, 204
8. Akira Sasaki, Japan, 184
9. Thomas Grandi, Canada, 180
10. Andre Myhrer, Sweden, 162