ZAGREB, Croatia — Marlies Schild of Austria claimed her fourth World Cup slalom victory of the season Tuesday, while Lindsey Vonn of Vail slid off course in foggy conditions during the opening run.
Schild had a flawless second run to finish in a combined time of 2 minutes, 1.8 seconds. Olympic champion Maria Riesch of Germany was 0.75 seconds back and extended her lead over Vonn in the overall World Cup standings to 186 points. Manuela Moelgg of Italy was third.
“It’s a great feeling to win again. This is a special place for me,” said Schild, who also won in Zagreb in 2006 and 2007.
Vonn never looked comfortable from the start. She was 1.62 seconds behind when she lost her balance on a right turn and skied off course. The defending overall champion also went out in previous slaloms in France and Austria.
Sarah Schleper of Vail finished eighth, while Californian Julia Mancuso straddled a gate after eight seconds into the first run.
• A World Cup women’s super-G race that has been postponed twice will be run in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Jan. 21.
Mavericks lose services of Butler
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler had surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right knee, likely sidelining him for the rest of the season.
Butler is the third-leading scorer for the Mavericks, averaging 14 points and 4.1 rebounds in almost 30 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, forward Dirk Nowitzki remains day to day with a sprained right knee.
• Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem said his recovery from surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in his left foot is going as planned, and that a return by “late March” is still the target.
Beltre, Rangers nearing deal.
The Texas Rangers and all-star third baseman Adrian Beltre, who hit .321 with 49 doubles, 28 homers and 102 RBIs last season with the Boston Red Sox, are nearing agreement on a contract.
• Second baseman Dan Uggla and the Atlanta Braves reached a preliminary agreement on a $62 million, five-year contract.
• First baseman Adam LaRoche and the Washington Nationals agreed to a two-year contract, pending a physical.
• The Baltimore Orioles agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract with reliever Kevin Gregg.
• The Seattle Mariners agreed to a minor-league contract with former Cherry Creek High School athlete and Rockies catcher Josh Bard.
Footnotes.
Former Colorado Rapids defender Robin Fraser was named coach of Chivas USA. Fraser, 44, replaces Martin Vasquez, who was fired Oct. 27.
• Wayne Rooney‘s younger brother John signed with Major League Soccer and will be eligible for selection at next week’s draft.
• Rutgers freshman guard Austin Carroll will miss up to six weeks with a knee injury.
• Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek said his role in the “Stars on Ice” 25th anniversary tour will prevent him from competing at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships that begin Jan. 27 in Greensboro, N.C.
The Associated Press
