Sandra Näslund walked a tight line in the final turn and took back the lead in the final. The hit in the jump and the last slide was a fight between Näslund and Courtney Hoffos, from Canada. Goal photo became crucial - and with a finger's distance the victory went to Näslund.
- Strong, what a ride. She makes such brutal tactical choices in the riding, says Lars Lewén.
- Best conceivable start to the season.
Sandra Näslund's road to victory in the final was not a nail. In the quarterfinals, she had to fold herself for young Canadian Sisan Courtney Hoffos.
When Näslund reappeared in the semi-finals against the star shot, which had never before qualified, she barely defeated the Canadian. Hoffos went to the final in his first World Cup start - and was extremely close to defeating Näslund.
- That Hoffos goes in and drives this way is really impressive, says Lars Lewén.
Canada had good skis, and had three in the final. Together with Näslund.
- They seem to have succeeded in the herd today.
Sandra Näslund technically and tactically impressed both semi-finals and finals, although she lost momentum in the middle part of the sliding lot. Could still hold 22-year-old Hoffos behind.
The start in Val Thorens, at just over 2300 meters altitude, demanding oxygen uptake, but easy banking.
- Sandra likes a little tougher starts, Lewén states.
Grand favorite Fanny Smith, Switzerland, lost her lead at the end of the semi-final, on her own mistake.
Kevin Drury, Canada, won the men's final ahead of Frenchman Youri Duplessis. Just like Hoffos in the women's final, Duplessis is new to the skicrostop. The 23-year-old had never had a qualification. Finished second and took his first World Cup place when he got the first chance.
- We have seen a generational shift, says SVT expert Lars Lewén.
The World Cup premiere in Val Thorens is part of the Cross Alp Tours tour. New competition already tomorrow from the Swiss resort which in 2002 was the organizer of the very first world cup competition in ski cross