Olympic giant slalom champion Odermatt wins close duel with Schwarz to open World Cup season

Olympic champion Marco Odermatt held off a challenge by home crowd favourite Marco Schwarz to win the season-opening men's World Cup giant slalom in the Austrian Alps Sunday in Sölden.

In a weather-delayed final run, Odermatt built on his slim first-run advantage of 0.01 seconds to beat the Austrian by 0.24 for his 46th career win, and 27th in GS.

It was Schwarz's first podium result in nearly two years, during which he suffered from knee and back injuries.

Atle Lie McGrath of Norway finished 0.03 further back in third.

"It was tough for everyone with the visibility, the little snowfall, the slope, but [course workers] did a good job and so did I," Odermatt said.

Swiss star Odermatt kicks off World Cup season with Sölden victory

The second run started after an hour-long delay as snowfall vastly increased between the runs and course workers needed time to move the fresh snow off the race line. Low clouds also initially limited visibility for racers, who reach speeds close to 75 kph (46.6 mph).

Organizers delayed the second-run start time by 30 minutes twice but ultimately gave the green light as conditions improved.

"They did a good job, I think it was quite a fair second run," Odermatt said. "I know I like these conditions when you have to fight."

Schwarz's teammate Stefan Brennsteiner was third after the opening run but lost one place in the second.

"It was a very strong performance from the Austrians, especially from `Blacky', who is definitely back," said Odermatt, referring to Schwarz, who just failed to give home nation Austria its second victory to start the World Cup season, a day after Julia Scheib won the women's race.

Two years ago, Odermatt and Schwarz had an intriguing battle in the overall standings. The