Kristoffersen wins World Cup slalom race ahead of Hirscher (The Associated Press)

VAL D’ISERE, France (AP) — Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway easily protected his lead from the first run to win the opening World Cup slalom race of the season on Sunday, beating Marcel Hirscher of Austria by 1.09 seconds and taking the first round in what promises to be a fascinating contest for the overall slalom title. Seeking a fifth straight overall World Cup title, the 26-year-old Hirscher already holds a commanding lead, but Kristoffersen’s classy performance will give him something to think about in his bid for a fourth straight slalom title. The next slalom race is in the Italian resort of Madonna di Campiglio on Dec. 22.