HAFJELL, Norway (AP) — Slalom standings leaderAtle Lie McGrathstood only sixth after the first run of the final World Cup skiing race of the season Wednesday.
Norway World Cup Finals Alpine Skiing
Olympic champion Loic Meillard led Henrik Kristoffersen by 0.67 seconds and Timon Haugan by 0.79.
Clement Noel was 1.03 behind in fourth,Olympic giant slalom champion Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazilwas 1.15 behind in fifth and McGrath was next, 1.65 back.
McGrath entered the race with an advantage of 41 points over childhood friend Pinheiro Braathen, with Noel (77 points back) and Kristoffersen (99 points back) also still in the running for the title.
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Wins are worth 100 points, second place earns 80 points and third 60 points.
McGrath, who was born in Vermont but grew up in Norway, entered the final run of the final men's race at theMilan Cortina Gameswith a big lead in his best event. But after straddling a gate, McGrath lost control of his emotions, threw his ski poles away and ventured toward the woods to gather himself.
Marco Odermatt, who does not compete in slalom, secured his fifth straight overall title before the finals. He was due to be awarded the large crystal globe trophy later.
AP skiing:https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing