SPINDLERUV MLYN, Czech Republic (AFP) - Austrian slalom specialist Marlies Schild claimed her third victory of the season in the women's World Cup race here on Sunday.

Marlies Schild of Austria passes a gate on her way to setting the second fastest time during the first run of a women's alpine ski world cup Special Slalom race , in Spindleruv Mlyn , Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan, 6, 2008. (Ap Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

The 26-year-old beat home Veronika Zuzulova of Slovakia and German Maria Riesch to take the overall World Cup slalom lead.

Veronika Zuzulova of Slovakia passes a gate on her way to setting the third fastest time during the first run of a women's alpine ski world cup Special Slalom race , in Spindleruv Mlyn , Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan, 6, 2008. (Ap Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Maria Riesch of Germany passes a gate on her way to setting the fastest time during the first run of a women's alpine ski world cup Special Slalom race , in Spindleruv Mlyn , Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan, 6, 2008. (Ap Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

It is the third win this season for Schild after Reiteralm and Panorama and 18th of her career of which 16 have been in the slalom.

Austria's Nicole Hosp did not finish the second run but holds the overall World Cup lead ahead of Riesch and American Lindsey Vonn, who was eliminated in the second run.

Riesch, who clocked the fastest time in the first run, would have taken the overall World Cup lead if she had won the Czech event.

AFP
Monday, January 7, 2008

Tanja Poutiainen of Finland passes a gate on her way to setting the ninth fastest time during the first run of a women's alpine ski world cup Special Slalom race , in Spindleruv Mlyn , Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan, 6, 2008. (Ap Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

From left, second placed Veronika Zuzulova, of Slovakia, the winner Marlies Schild, of Austria, and third placed Maria Riesch,of Germany, celebrate on podium after an alpine ski women's World Cup slalom race, in Spindleruv Mlyn , Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)