Italy's Federica Brignone turned on the style at the world championships on Thursday to claim a major event giant slalom gold medal at last after several near misses spanning 14 years. Brignone was fastest in both runs in Saalbach to get gold a week after super-g silver,

There will be a new name etched as the winner of the women's giant slalom at the World Ski Championships in Saalbach on Thursday after Mikaela Shiffrin's decision to not defend her title. AFP Sports looks at five things ahead of the giant slalom at the Austrian resort: - Shiffrin opts out - Shiffrin is the defending champion,

Italy's Federica Brignone claimed a major event gold at last in the giant slalom after several near misses when she dominated the world championship race in style. Brignone was fastest in both runs in Saalbach to claim the gold a week after super-g silver,