American Lindsey Vonn clinched the World Cup super-G title for the third consecutive year by winning on Sunday to round off what was for her a superb weekend in the Italian Alps.
It was Vonn's third title in three days having won the super-combined on Friday and the downhill title on Saturday.
The Olympic downhill gold medalist came home in 1:21.75 on the Prampero course, .23 seconds ahead of her compatriot Julia Mancuso and .50 seconds clear of Germany's Maria Riesch.
It was Vonn's 41st World cup victory and it ensured she matched her feat of last year in winning three Crystal Globes, the trophies awarded to the overall season winners in the different events.
"It wasn't easy because the snow was very soft and it was easy to make mistakes," Vonn said. "But I did everything I could under the circumstances and I'm very happy. I'm happy to leave Italy with a victory."
The win also meant that Vonn has closed the gap on Riesch in the race for the overall World Cup title to just 96 points, with six races still to go this season.
The women's circuit now travels to Spindleruv Mkyn in the Czech Republic for giant slalom and slalom races next weekend, the last stop before the World Cup finals in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, from March 16-20.
Riesch said she was all too aware of Vonn breathing down her neck for the World Cup title.
"I am now aware that it will be difficult to beat her, but I am
still ahead and I will fight till the end," she said.
