Alberto Tomba captured his first World Cup victory of the season today, on his 29th birthday, edging Yves Dimiez of France by 1.55 seconds in a slalom.
Tomba, the defending World Cup champion, had the fastest second run as he rallied from third place in the first heat to victory.The Italian skier had an aggregate time of one minute, 34.62 seconds down the steep Canalone Miramonti in the Dolomite mountains.
It was Tomba's third victory in this Italian resort and the 45th of his World Cup career.
Dimier was second in 1:36.17 ahead of World Cup leader Lasse Kjus of Norway.
Kjus still added 60 points in the standings for a commanding total of 700 points after 12 races.
Slovenian Jure Kosir, who led Tomba by .52 seconds in the first run, fell at mid course shortly after setting the fastest intermediate time.
The partisan crowd shouted with joy as Kosir went sprawling into the snow, making Tomba's victory certain.
Tomba, a three-time Olympic champion, raised his arms in triumph and threw kisses to the crowd.
"The second run was very angled and I took risks for winning this race," Tomba said. "I skied well, I'm happy."
Tomba had only been third places in the two previous races, raising doubts about his form.
He drew bitter criticism on the eve of the race for hurling a trophy cup, and slightly injuring an Italian photographer who had circulated nude pictures of the skier last summer.
Tomba had heat times of 43.03 and 51.59 seconds compared with Dimier's 43.14 and 53.03.
Kjus trailed Tomba by 1.72 seconds in third place - yet the best ever slalom finish for the Norwegian all-around skier.