Top pick Schild leads world championship slalom

Top favourite Marlies Schild of Austria dominated the first run of the women's world championship slalom on Saturday, DPA reported.

Schild, 29, made the most of bib number one in soft conditions to lead the way with 52.69 minutes into the second run at 1230 GMT.

Tanja Poutiainen of Finland was second in 52.90 minutes and Kathrin Zettel of Austria third on 53.30 minutes. Title holder and Olympic champion Maria Riesch trailed in fifth place with 53.49 seconds in her home town race.

"I tried to think only about my run, not about a medal. It was a solid run and I like my position. I lead by two tenth but have to attack in the second run," said Schild.

Riesch, who won the 2009 title from sixth place in the first run, said: "Fifth place is not bad. You know you can't ski tactically and have to give it all you have."

Schild has dominated the slalom lately, winning all eight World Cup races she finished since December 2009, while crashing out in the five other. Her last defeat on the piste was at the 2010 Olympics against Riesch.

Schild has a team event world title from 2007 but still lacks a major individual gold in a 1-5-3 haul at worlds and Olympics.