Semmering, Austria  - Maria Riesch of Germany survived a mistake in the second run to win a slalom ski race on Monday which was dominated by the World Cup leaders.

Riesch, 24, hung on to her first-run lead despite the hiccup halfway through the second run as she won in a combined total 1 minute 55.97 seconds. It was her second season win and eighth overall.

Tanja Poutiainen of Finland came second on 1:56.18 and American World Cup leader Lindsey Vonn fought from sixth place after the opening run to third overall in 1:56.69.

"It is great to win here," said Riesch. "The second run was more difficult. I had a mistake in the mid-section and knew I had to attack in the final part."

Vonn retained the overall World Cup lead with 530 points from a dozen events. Riesch closed in with 507 with Poutiainen ranks third on 498 points.

But Vonn lost the slalom lead to her close friend Riesch as the German has 300 points from four races to Vonn's 290. Czech Sarka Zahrobska is third with 224 points.

The women's World Cup continues on Sunday with another slalom, in Zagreb. (dpa)