11 February 2007

Jo Shaw has ridden to a career best 12th place in parallel slalom in a World Cup in Russia.

Shaw qualified in ninth place in her group in the opening elimination round in Shukolovo, then ended the qualifying rounds in equal 11th place with a total time of 44.12 seconds, just 1.21 seconds behind leading qualifier Heidi Neururer of Austria.

In the first head-to-head finals appearance of her career, the 24-year-old Melbourne rider went down by 0.85 of a second to Michelle Gorgone of the USA, and although she won the second run by 0.15 of second, she was eliminated on total time.

Shaw's first 12th placing was six places higher than her previous best World Cup return, 18th in parallel GS in Kreischberg in January 2006.

The Shukolovo gold medal went to Neururer, with compatriot Doresia Krings winning silver and Amelie Kober of Germany taking the bronze medal.

With two events remaining in the season, the World Cup title has come down to a contest between the two Austrian riders.

Neururer leads the standings on 5000 points, with Krings just 140 points behind.

Another Austrian, Marion Kreiner, is in third place, but 1880 points behind the leader.

Shaw has moved up six places to 33rd on 418.2 points. Shaw's Ski and Snowboard Australia team-mate Emanuel Oppliger did not compete in the men's event in Sukolovo, which was won by Swiss rider Marc Iselin.

The next World Cup event, a parallel giant slalom, will be held in Furano, Japan, on February 16.

Courtesy Sportcom / www.owia.org