Austria wins first, second in men's slalom

VAL D'ISERE, France, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Marcel Hirscher won his first World Cup event Sunday and fellow Austrian Benjamin Raich took second in Sunday's men's slalom at Val D'Isere in the French Alps.

Hirscher turned in a combined two-run time of 1 minute, 44.70 seconds, a fraction of a second ahead of Raich and third-place finisher Stephan Missillier of France.

Ted Ligety was the top American finisher in 25th place. Ligety and fellow Yank Will Brandenberg were in the top 15 after the first run but ran into problems during the second run on the steep Bellvarde course.

"It wasn't easy at all," said U.S. Coach Sasha Rearick. "But, Ted and Willy skied tactically smart. I'm very pleased with their skiing."