Innerhofer Steals Super G Race in Bansko Ski World Cup

Christof Innerhofer of Italy in action during the Super G run of the men's Super Combined World Cup competition in Bansko

Italian Thomas Innerhofer pulled off a highly dramatic win Saturday in the super giant slalom race in the 2010 ski World Cup held in Bansko, Bulgaria.

Innerhofer, who is the world Super G champion, scored a remarkably close best at 2:23.87 min.

The Italian was 11th after Saturday morning's slalom, but made a spectacular descent in the afternoon.

Dramatically, German Felix Neureuther, who was second at the slalom, turned out second again, with the least possible difference of 0.01 sec with Innerhofer.

Frenchman Thomas Mermillod Blondin, who was 15th after the slalom, also made a stunning performance to emerge third, 0.33 sec behind Innerhofer.

Unfortunately this morning's winner, Blondin's compatriot Jean-Baptiste Grange, did not finish the Super G, after falling soon after he started.

Ivica Kostelic from Croatia, who has the most points in the World Cup ranking, came out fifth (0.55 sec behind Innerhofer) cheered by his many fans present in Bansko. Fourth was American Ted Ligety.

The best-performing Bulgarian Saturday was Georgi Georgiev, who secured the 21th slot, 2.90 sec behind the leader. The other Bulgarian in the race, Nikola Chongarov, came out 33rd.

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