Liensberger leads after 1st run, Shiffrin in 4th

THIS IS A FIRST-RUN STORY. READ THE SECOND-RUN STORY HERE.

Austrian skier Katharina Liensberger led the women’s slalom at the world championships after the top 30 skiers completed their first runs.

Petra Vlhova is 0.40 seconds behind in second and Wendy Holdener trailed by 1.24 in third.

Mikaela Shiffrin was fourth and the four-time defending champion from the United States has 1.30 to make up in the final leg.

“It’s a disappointment, but I’m going to have to put that aside and just go for it … because there’s nothing to lose,” said Shiffrin.

Liensberger has not won a slalom on the World Cup circuit but was on the podium in all five races this season.

World Championships – Women’s slalom – First Run – Cortina d’Ampezzo – Feb. 20, 2021