Soelden

Albrecht wins men's season-opener for Switzerland

Albrecht wins men's season-opener for SwitzerlandSoelden, Austria - Daniel Albrecht won the men's alpine skiing season-opener on Sunday when he dominated a giant slalom ahead of fellow-Swiss Didier Cuche.

Albrecht clocked a combined total of 2 minutes 15.78 seconds from two runs on the glacier course to claimed his second career win.

Cuche had 2:15.92 and Ted Ligety of the US placed third, far off the pace in 2:17.03 minutes.

Zettel wins opening Alpine World Cup race of season

Kathrin Zettel Soelden, Austria - Austria's Kathrin Zettel claimed victory in the opening

Elena Fancini out for the season with a knee injury

Soelden, Austria - Italian skier Elena Fancini will miss the entire World Cup season with a knee injury.

Russia to host slalom in Moscow

Russia to host slalom in MoscowSoelden, Austria  - The international ski federation FIS has agreed to the hosting of a parallel slalom in Moscow on January 2 with prize money totally 160,000 euros on offer.

According to FIS race director Guenter Hujara, Austria's Hermann Maier, Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway and American Bode Miller have already agreed to take part in the race, which is expected to involve the top 10 slalom skiers.

The race was originally planned for November but had to be moved to January for logistical reasons. A 50-metre-high slope will be erected to host the race.