Published on 12/22/2008

Ivica Kostelić, Croatian skier, secured his ninth career win at the Alta Badia slalom in Italy, finishing ahead of France's Jean-Baptiste Grange and Austria's Benjamin Raich. This is a nice introduction to a world skiing event "Snow Queen Trophy" that will take place on January 4th and 6th 2009 in Zagreb, capital of Croatia.

Snow Queen Trophy Zagreb Croatia to be on January 4th and 6th 2009

The winning slalom of Ivica Kostelić in Alta Badia, Italy. Photo by AP.

Alta Badia (ITA), 22.12.2008.
FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, slalom (men):
9TH FIS SKI WORLD CUP WIN FOR IVICA KOSTELIC!!!
Top 10 on today's FIS Ski WC 2008/09 men's 2nd SL race in Alta Badia (ITA).

1. KOSTELIĆ Ivica (CRO) 1:39.83
2. GRANGE Jean-Baptiste (FRA) + 0.20
3. RAICH Benjamin (AUT) + 0.80
4. ROCCA Giorgio (ITA) + 1.43
5. MOELGG Manfred (ITA) + 1.58
6. THALER Patrick (ITA) + 1.65
7. HIRSCHER Marcel (AUT) + 1.66
8. HARGIN Mattias (SWE) + 1.70
8. LARSSON Markus (SWE) + 1.70
10. BYGGMARK Jens (SWE) + 1.81

AFP - Ivica Kostelić of Croatia won the men's World Cup slalom in Alta Baida, Italy, on Monday ahead of Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Grange and Benjamin Raich of Austria.

Kostelić, picking up his ninth career win on alpine skiing's elite circuit and his first in two years, dominated the first run ahead of Grange and Raich in a time of 49.26sec.

It gave the 29-year-old Croatian, the brother of retired alpine great Janica, the edge in a thrilling second run which saw the lead change several times.

Kostelić kept his nerve to finish in a total time of 1min 39.83sec, with Grange and Raich respectively at 0.20 and 0.80 behind.

It was Kostelić's first World Cup victory since the super-combined at Reiteralm, Austria two years ago and his first slalom win since Madonna di Campiglio in December 2003.

"It's beautiful ... coming into the finish to see my name above everyone else," said Kostelic, who claimed his first World Cup podium of the season in Sunday's giant slalom.

"I was a litle bit surprised with the first run, especially at the bottom I didn't think I was so fast.

"But it's great to win again."

Source: www.france24.com

Photo by AP.

Win! Photo by Getty Images.

The previous day second on the podium, and today (December 22nd 2008) the first. Photo by Getty Images.

Famous skier Janica Kostelić, winner of 4 Olympic medals, celebrating the victory of her brother Ivica. Photo by Getty Images.

Announcing SNOW QUEEN TROPHY 2009 IN ZAGREB, January 4th and 6th 2009

Formated for CROWN by prof.dr. Darko Žubrinić
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