Vlhova uses frenetic final run to beat Shiffrin in World Cup slalom race in France

Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova used a frenetic final run to edge out Mikaela Shiffrin and earn her 30th career win in tough conditions at a women's World Cup slalom Thursday in Courchevel, France.

Racing in the rain, Vlhova trailed the American by 0.17 seconds after the opening run but posted the fastest second-run time to lead the race.

Shiffrin, as the last starter, lost time on Vlhova at each split and ultimately came up 0.24 short.

WATCH | Vlhova takes World Cup slalom win in France:

"I am feeling great, with big confidence," Vlhova said. "The last races, I was always there but something was missing. This victory is really important. I know that I can be fast, and today I showed."

The rest of the field finished more than two seconds off the pace. Austrian skiers Katharina Truppe and Katharina Gallhuber were third and fourth, respectively, and Shiffrin's American teammate Paula Moltzan dropped from fourth after the first run to fifth, 2.64 behind Vlhova.

Toronto's Ali Nullmeyer placed in a tie for 13th, finishing 3.59 seconds back of Vlhova, while Amelia Smart of Invermere, B.C., finished 5.02 seconds back in 26th-place.

It was Vlhova's 21st career win in a slalom, giving her fourth position on the all-time winners list. Only Shiffrin (55), Marlies Schild (35) and Vreni Schneider (34) have won more slaloms.

"It's really good for our sport, because I think we are pushing each other. We are maybe putting our skiing to higher levels," Vlhova said.

Earlier Thursday, Shiffrin and Vlhova defied the conditions to set up yet another duel for victory, as they left the field behind at more than a second off the American's lead.

WATCH | 2nd run of women's World Cup slalom in France:

"Yeah, it's tough. You see a big gap,