Aerni turns tables on Hirscher to win combined at ski worlds
ST. MORITZ, Switzerland — In a total turnaround, Luca Aerni won the combined event at the world ski championships on Monday after being 30th fastest in downhill.
The Swiss skier was first to use the slalom course and took advantage of the clean surface to finish 0.01 seconds ahead of defending champion Marcel Hirscher of Austria.
“I didn’t expect this this morning,” said Aerni, who has had five winless seasons of World Cup racing. “Of course, if I start 31 (in slalom) I have no chance.”
Hirscher, the best slalom skier in the lineup who started two racers after Aerni in bright sunshine, looked stunned after seeing his time at the finish area.