Paerson in sight of gold

"I was attacking as much as I could because I knew I had to do my best after having no luck in the combined slalom," said Paerson, who took bronze in the combined event.

The 22-year-old Hosp, bronze medallist at the 2003 world championships and fifth in the Olympic combined, told reporters: "I am not happy at all with my run. It was exactly like in the combined slalom - I had the same feeling as though I couldn't get into my rhythm at the top."

Compatriot Michaela Kirchgasser, third at 0.59 seconds, said: "I didn't have any pressure and I am just so happy to be here."

Croatia's Janica Kostelic will have her work cut out if she wants make the podium: starting just after Paerson, the 25-year-old struggled to replicate the form of her great rival and finished fifth, 0.69 seconds adrift.

Austrian youngster Marlies Schild recorded the sixth best time at 0.71 seconds.

Salt Lake City slalom silver medallist, Laure Pequegnot of France, missed a gate near the finish line and skied out while both German veteran Martina Ertl-Renz and Austrian starlet Kathrin Zettel were also disqualified.

"I feel bad," said a miserable Zettel. "But I am young and there will be more Olympics for me."

After winning two bronze medals in Turin, Paerson will be confident that she can finally secure the gold medal that eludes her.

Kostelic will also look to improve in the second run in her bid to become the most decorated women's Alpine skier in Olympic history. The Croat already has six medals to her name, including both a gold and a silver from these Games.

Finn Tanja Poutiainen, currently fourth at 0.67, told Eurosport that she was pleased with her fourth place: "I skied well up there. The course is good - nice and icy at the start, which suits me well. I'm not thinking about Paerson. I will concentrate on my skiing - I'm in a good position and hopefully I can win a medal. We will see."