ALTA BADIA, Italy - Finland's Kalle Palander won a World Cup giant slalom for the first time Sunday in a race in which Bode Miller finished fourth. Palander covered the steep Gran Risa course in a combined time of 2 minutes, 30.57 seconds. Italy's Davide Simoncelli was second and France's Frederic Covili was third.

Miller, the defending champion, was second after the first run. He had trouble staying under control in his second trip and ended 1.12 seconds behind. The American won the first two giant slaloms this season in Soelden, Austria, and Park City, Utah.

Simoncelli was 0.92 seconds back and Covili trailed by 1.08 seconds.

Hermann Maier fell midway through his second run but appeared unhurt and was joking after he got back up and skied to the finish area. He still leads the overall standings.

Palander's best previous finish in a giant slalom was a fifth in Park City on Nov. 22. He is better known for his slalom success, winning four races to take the World Cup title in that discipline last season. He also won the season's opening slalom in Park City on Nov. 23.

Sunday's race originally was scheduled for Val d'Isere but was moved to Italy because of lack of snow at the French resort. Another men's giant slalom is set for this resort Dec. 21.

On Monday, the men's circuit heads to Madonna (news - web sites) di Campiglio for a night slalom.

By ANDREW DAMPF, Associated Press Writer, 14.12.2003 

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