Schild sets standard

Austrian Marlies Schild, winner of the previous two World Cup slalom races, led after the first run with a time of 54.69 seconds. Sarah Schleper of the United States was second fastest with 54.76 ahead of Finland's slalom World Cup leader Tanja Poutiainen (54.93).

Kostelic, who learned to ski on the slopes of Mount Sljeme which was hosting the country's first World Cup race, straddled a gate just 17 seconds into her run.

The triple Olympic champion skied slowly down the course before stopping and collapsing in the snow in tears.

"I still don't understand what took place on the course," the 23-year-old said.

"I still have tears. I'm really disappointed and sorry. I'm especially disappointed for my fans who came here hoping I would do well."

"But I'm really proud of what the organisers have done here. All the skiers who have spoken to me have been very flattering and happy. It's a high class competition and the most difficult slalom course on the tour," added Kostelic, overall World Cup champion in 2001 and 2003.

Kostelic was not the only big name to falter on the tough course. Austrian Elisabeth Goergl, Germany's Monika Bergmann-Schmuderer and her compatriot Annemarie Gerg all failed to finish the leg.

Defending overall champion Anja Paerson, who was greeted with a chorus of boos from the crowd, slipped and although she finished the course the Swede was well down the standings with a time of 1:02.05.

Croatian fans had something to cheer about though, with 18-year-old Ana Jelusic and Nika Fleiss, 20, both finishing in the top eight for the leg.