Despite the Austrian Marco Schwarz’ first run lead of 0.58 seconds, Marco Odermatt fought back in the second leg to take the World Giant Slalom title - his second gold medal of the Championships after his downhill victory last Sunday.
Odermatt’s Swiss team-mate Loic Meillard took second place, 0.32 seconds off the pace, setting the fastest second run of the day.
Schwarz fell to third after a mistake-ridden bottom half of the course, which saw him riding the tails of the skis.
As much as the race was a battle between the Austrians and The Swiss skiers, it was also a battle between the two nation’s course setters, the first course set by the Austrian coach Martin Kroisletiner and the second set by the Swiss coach Helmuth Krug.
The first course favoured the technical aspect to Schwarz’ skiing, while the second course favoured the blistering pace and power of Odermatt.

“Another perfect day for me and for the whole team together with Loic, a double victory, that makes it even more special.” Odermatt said following the race.
Speaking on his coach’s course he said: “I knew it would suit us because we like to have a little bit more speed, it was more difficult for me in the first run.
“So, I knew the chance was still there to get Marco, I think it was a solid run, but not the best run, so I needed his faults to help me.”

Great Britain’s Charlie Raposo did his best performance of the season to finish 17th, after he qualified for the second run in 26th position.
The star from London set a brilliant second run, making the most of the clean track, being one of the first few out of the gate on the second run.
His skiing in the middle of the Roc de Fer piste really came alive on the Van Deer skis, setting the fastest third sector of anybody.
Unfortunately, Calum Langmuir, also of Great Britain, crashed out in the first run after a brilliant performance in the qualifying session yesterday, where he finished 7th.
Home-favourite Alexis Pinturault had a tough first run, finishing 11th, he did make places on the following run with the second quickest time just one hundredth off Loic Meillard’s effort to finish 7th overall, showing his experience down the Courchevel track.
The French crowd will be holding out for Pinturault in the final event of the tournament on Sunday, the Men’s Slalom.
Fellow French and defending Giant-Slalom Champion Mathieu Faivre couldn’t put an end to his poor run of form, he finished 19th.
With Schwarz losing his lead, the Austrians now only have two more chances in the slalom events to correct their gold medal draught.
If they don’t it would be the first time since 1987 that they have completed a World Championships without a victory.
Words Jack Feneley
Pictures Zoom Agence