Italy's Paris wins World Cup downhill to prevent Swiss sweep, Odermatt closes in on overall title

Dominik Paris prevented a Swiss sweep of the podium by winning a men's World Cup downhill race in Kvitfjell, Norway on Friday, but the Italian veteran couldn't stop Marco Odermatt from closing in on another overall title.

Paris claimed his record-extending fourth World Cup win in Kvitfjell after speeding down the 1994 Olympics slope in one minute, 44.67 seconds, beating Odermatt by 0.32 seconds and Stefan Rogentin by 0.63.

Odermatt's second-place finish all but seals another overall title for the 27-year-old Swiss star. The three-time defending champion's 80 race points put him 440 ahead of Henrik Kristoffersen, who does not race downhill or super-G, and 655 clear of Swiss teammate Loic Meillard.

Swiss skiers Franjo von Allmen and Alexis Monney were fourth and fifth, respectively. Their countrymen have dominated downhill races this season with 14 of 21 podium spots so far taken by Swiss skiers.

"It's nice to be captain of such a great team," Odermatt said. "The young guns, they are coming, they are pushing me a lot. I try to stay on the top."

WATCH | Paris races to victory:

Italy's Dominik Paris' 1st World Cup victory of the season arrives at Kvitfjell

Toronto's James Crawford was the top Canadian, finishing 26th, 2.65 seconds behind Paris. Brodie Seger, of North Vancouver, B.C., finished 28th, Jeffrey Read, of Canmore, Alta., placed 32nd and Raphael Lessard, of Granby, Que., was 46th.

Odermatt can win a second straight Crystal Globe in downhill if he wins Saturday's race. It would be his first win in Kvitfjell.

"I tried several times before in the downhill and never came better than seventh place. A great step," said Odermatt, referring to his best finish in Kvitfjell.

WATCH | Canada's Crawford's finishes well