Hirscher wins slalom

The 22-year-old Austrian clinched his fourth victory of the season in a combined time of two minutes and 42.50 seconds, two days after winning a slalom in Zagreb.

Hirscher's compatriot Benni Raich, a three times winner of the Adelboden giant slalom, trailed him by 0.08 seconds. Another former Adelboden champion, Italian Massimiliano Blardone, was third.

World champion Ted Ligety of the U.S. missed the podium by 0.04 seconds.

In the overall World Cup standings, Hirscher leads closest rival Aksel Lund Svindal by 169 points on 625. Norway's Svindal was a winner in the Swiss resort a year ago but this time failed to complete the second run.

Hirscher's victory meant he added his name to one of the most prestigious rolls of honour in the sport alongside skiing greats like Jean-Claude Killy, Ingemar Stenmark, Alberto Tomba and Hermann Maier who have all won in the Swiss resort.

"To be the last name on this list makes it especially moving," said Hirscher, who had always struggled on one of the toughest courses of the circuit.

"I usually buy a cowbell as a souvenir from Adelboden and so far, they rang like bad memories," he said.

It was a first World Cup podium for runner-up Raich since Hinterstoder last February shortly before the knee injury which forced him out of the world championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

"I'm glad to see Benni back to his best. But I'm also glad he finished behind me," Hirscher said.

It was a close call as Hirscher lost his pole near the finish in the morning run and skied his afternoon leg in heavy snow.

"There was a bit of everything in this race and it makes me especially proud", he said.

Hirscher will be the favourite again in Sunday's slalom on the same slope.