Val d'Isere, France - World Cup leader Lindsey Vonn of the United States was the provisional winner on Tuesday in the world championship super-g ski race.

Vonn, 25, claimed her first career world title when she conquered the demanding Piste Rhones-Alpes in 1 minute 20.73 seconds. Vonn came second in the super-g and downhill at the 2007 worlds.

Marie Marchand-Arvier of France was ranked a surprise second in 1:21.07 minutes and Andrea Fischbacher of Austria was third in 1:21.13 minutes as all favourites in the
56-strong field had started.

"I am delighted. I didn't think I could win with this bib (21). But I attacked and gave it all I had," said Vonn, as earlier starters benefited from better visibility.

"Now I have the gold I wanted."

Two-time defending champion Anja Paerson of Sweden failed to finish, possibly further injuring her troubled knee as she skied out. Other casualties included Austrian veteran Renate Goetschl and US skier Julia Mancuso. (dpa)