Veteran Mario Matt Wins World Cup Slalom in Bulgaria

Mario Matt of Austria in action during the Men's Slalom World Cup ski race in Bansko, Bulgaria 27 February 2011. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Former world champion Mario Matt grabbed on Sunday the World Cup slalom in the Bulgarian resort of Bansko, his first win in almost two years.

The Austrian, 31-year-old, was fastest in the morning's first run and staged a great performance in the second as well, setting a combined time of 1 minute 50.35 seconds and winning his thirteenth world cup trophy.

"I knew I still had it in me to win races but I was struggling in first legs. For once I skied a good one," Matt said.

"This is a very special moment for me, which will help him make a comeback on the podium after such a long time. It is still hard for me to believe that this is true," he added.

"I am much more confidenт now and know that I can win again."

Reinfried Herbst, also Austrian, clocked the second-best time, just 0.04s behind his compatriot.

World champion Jean-Baptiste Grange of France rounded out the podium after being 0.48s adrift, to close the gap on slalom World Cup leader Ivica Kostelic to just 36 points.

Slalom standings
1. Ivica Kostelic (Croatia) 478
2. Jean-Baptiste Grange (France) 442
3. Andre Myhrer (Sweden) 333

Overall standings
1. Ivica Kostelic (Croatia) 1294
2. Didier Cuche (Switzerland) 725
3. Aksel Lund Svindal (Norway) 713

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!