Siegfried Grabner wins parallel slalom World Cup in Russia

Siegfried Grabner wins parallel slalom World Cup in Russia{mosimage}ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Siegfried Grabner of Austria won the men’s World Cup snowboard parallel slalom event Friday, while Daniela Meuli led a Swiss sweep in the women’s races.

Grabner, the defending World Cup champion, defeated Dejan Kosir of Slovenia in the finals for his first title this season.

Phillip Schoch of Switzerland, the 2002 Olympic champion who leads the World Cup parallel slalom standings, was third after losing in the second semifinal run to Kosir.

Grabner had the fastest time of the day, 24.71 seconds in qualifying.

In the women’s event, defending World Cup champion Meuli beat Ursula Bruhin in the final for her second parallel slalom victory of the season.

Two-time world champion Bruhin, who leads the parallel slalom standings was ahead in the second final run but fell with two turns left.

Fraenzi Kohly defeated Heidi Heururer of Austria to complete the Swiss sweep.-The Associated Press