Americans shine at women's downhill finals

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LENZERHEIDE, Switzerland, March 16 (UPI) -- Lindsey Vonn of the United States took the lead in the women's downhill standings Wednesday with a fourth place at the Alpine World Cup Finals in Switzerland.

American Julia Mancuso won the race, but Vonn's finish was enough to move her past Germany's Maria Riesch in the season standings with three races to go.

"I'm proud to be in the finals and still be in the hunt considering I was down 200 points only a few weeks ago," Vonn said. "No matter what happens this has been one of the most exciting seasons and I'm really happy with the way I skied."

Vonn covered the course at Lenzerheide in 1 minute, 28.88 seconds. Mancuso turned in a time of 1:27.50 for her first World Cup downhill victory in four seasons.

"I've been working through injuries and working hard for the past four years," said Mancuso. "I'm finally back on the top of the downhill podium and it feels great."

Lara Gut of Switzerland took second with a 1:28.31. Austrian Elisabeth Goergl placed third. Riesch was a disappointing 17th.