ADELBODEN (SWITZERLAND) - Italian Stefano Gross won the first World Cup race of his career when he emerged victorious in a thrilling slalom at the Swiss resort of Adelboden on Sunday.
Stefano Gross of Italy clears a gate on January 6, 2015 during the first race of the men's World Cup slalom race in Sljeme
The 28-year-old -- only fifth after the first leg -- timed 1min 56.70sec to edge out German Fritz Dopfer, who recorded the fastest time in the first leg, by two hundredths of a second.
"It is with huge emotion to win my first World Cup race at this superb resort," said Gross, whose previous best placing this season was seventh.
"It is a huge day for me and for the team."
Three-time overall World Cup champion Marcel Hirscher of Austria -- winner of the giant slalom on Saturday -- was third, another hundredth of a second adrift.
Hirscher moved top of the slalom standings, as previous leader Felix Neureuther slid out on the first leg, and also extended his lead at the top of the overall World Cup standings over Norwegian Kjetil Jansrud.
"It is never easy to finish and to see one is three hundredths short of victory," said the 25-year-old Hirscher.
"However, on reflection I am really happy with the result. It has been the perfect weekend for me, one win and a podium placing.
"As for my targets for this season I would like a medal at the world championships and a crystal globe (World Cup title) even the overall crown which would be super."