Petra Vlhova's experience shines through to deny Leona Popovic first World Cup in Soldeu slalom

Petra Vlhova’s experience shone through as she took victory from Leona Popovic in the last women’s World Cup slalom of the season at Soldeu, Andorra, while Mikaela Shiffrin was officially crowned the Slalom World Cup champion. Vlhova denied Popovic her first World Cup win, with the Slovakian emerging victorious in the 11th and final round of the campaign with a total time of 1:51.38 – just 0.43s ahead of her nearest opponent. Ad Having watched Popovic take the lead in the penultimate run of the day, Vlhova saved the best for last despite appearing in trouble at the top.

In tricky conditions, she managed to settle her nerves to find the skill and execution to take the win by a narrow margin. Alpine SkiingShiffrin eyeing 'fresh and new way of thinking' after hiring Harjo as new coach13/03/2023 AT 17:12 It hasn’t been Vlhova’s best season by her high standards, but she managed to refocus and produced a fine performance, taking a deserved triumph. It's her 19th slalom career victory and a 28th overall.

Vlhova showed fast feet, going through the gears to produce an outstanding first run in 54.28, claiming the advantage, 0.32s ahead of Popovic. Marco Odermatt breaks Hermann Maier's 23-year ski points record with win in Soldeu Alpine Skiing World Cup finals 2023: Norway edge out Switzerland in team event Conditions were particularly difficult in the second run, but Popovic was on a mission and edged in front ahead of Shiffrin in what was a huge upset. That piled the pressure on Vlhova, but she showed nerves of steel to finish in 57.10s, 0.11 faster than Popovic, who had to settle for a first career podium place.