Raich's reign continues

Twenty-four hours after Schild headed an Austrian trident atop the podium for the women's slalom in the Finnish resort in Lapland, Raich managed to make it an Austrian one-two with an imperious display of tight and technical slalom skiing.

"This is one great family party," said Raic.

"It's great to win like this after what Marlies did yesterday. I knew I had good form in the slalom."

"Marlies will fly back with me on the plane and we'll get a chance to celebrate this together. It's really nice."

It was the 24th World Cup race win for the Austrian, who proved the best at coping with Levi's icy Black slope in the Finnish Laplands.

"I was not so satisfied with my first run but the second run was almost perfect. When it goes, it goes," added Raich.

"Of course it was also important to take the lead in the World Cup."

The 28-year-old was in control from the moment his skis hit the snow and despite huge pressure from Larsson, who had crept ahead of Rocca after a strong second run, Raich maintained his composure and ensured he finished the job.

A first run lead of just 0.03 seconds over the reigning slalom world champion Rocca ballooned to an overall victory of over half a second under the floodlights in Levi.

Raich set a combined time of one minute 42.13 seconds, 0.62 ahead of Larsson, who escaped sanction for straddling a gate in the first run, and 0.77 clear of Rocca.

France's Stephane Tissot impressed to take fourth place while Raich's Austrian compatriot Rainer Schoenfelder finished fifth. There were also smiles for Swedish youngster Jens Byggmark, the 21-year-old clocking a career-best sixth placed time.

But there was misery for the USA's Bode Miller who was disqualified after only setting the 39th best time during the first run. Using his new Head skis, Miller looked languid and perplexed as he crossed the line exactly two seconds down on Raich's first-leg pace setter.

Team-mate Ted Ligety, the Olympic combined champion who broke a finger three weeks ago, also failed to make the cut, while Croatia's Ivica Kostelic, the Olympic combined silver medallist, missed a gate and crashed out.

Home favourite Kalle Palander gave the Finnish fans something to celebrate after pulling off a superb second run. Palander, who is recovering from a serious knee injury sustained during last season's world cup finals, finished a promising 11th overall, one minute 64 seconds in arrears.