Mario Matt won the last individual men's race in Are, Sweden, on Saturday, to claim his first win in over a year.

Former slalom World Champion Matt showed a glimpse of his true potential when he finished the day in top spot place, with a time of 1:45.71. The Austrian's best result this season had been a third place in Levi, and has definitely ended the season on a high.

Julien Lizeroux finished second with a time of 1:45.80. The Frenchman had achieved two top spot placements and a second spot so far this season, and has added to medal collection.

Jean Baptiste Grange finished third with a time of 1:45.86. The result saw the Frenchman win the slalom Crystal Globe.

Grange's performance in the first round had been slightly below par; however he improved greatly in the final run, and deservedly claimed his spot on the podium with the best run of the final round.

Contestants were faced with a beautiful day in terms of weather, however unusual heat caused the snow to melt and become sticky, causing mayhem for racers.

Manfred Moelgg ended the day fourth, despite leading after the first round. The Italian finished the race with a time of 1:45.99, 0.28 seconds behind the leader.

Marcel Hirscher ended the day in fifth place, with an overall time of 1:46.21. The Austrian was another contestant to improve considerably in the final round, having finished the first run ninth.

Felix Neureuther finished the day sixth, with a time of 1:46.36. The German was the second best in the final round, which saw him climb nine places in the day's standings.

Grange claimed the slalom Crystal Globe, with 541 points, Ivica Kostelic finished runner-up.

The Overall World Cup had been settled in the first round as the only two candidates left in the running both failed to finish the run. Aksel Lund Svindal won the major Crystal Globe on 1009 points, with Benjamin Raich left ruing his mistake in the first round taking second spot on 1007 points. Didier Cuche who did not race at all in the slalom finished the season third, on 919 points.

The final race of the winter season will be a team event, held on Sunday, with the first round starting at 09:00 (CET).

Saturday, 14 March 2009 11:16
fisalpineworldcup.com

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