Shiffrin Wins Levi Slalom for 102nd Career Victory

Mikaela Shiffrin dominated the season-opening women's World Cup slalom on Saturday in Levi, Finland, claiming her 102nd career victory by 1.66 seconds over Lara Colturi of Albania. The American skier, starting third, posted the fastest times in both runs on the 180-meter Levi Black course, securing her 65th slalom win and ninth triumph at the venue under partly cloudy skies that gave way to artificial lights for the second run.

Shiffrin led by 1.08 seconds after the first run, where she excelled in the steep middle section, gaining time at every split against a field of 84 starters from 25 nations. Colturi, celebrating her 19th birthday, delivered a bold performance to finish second, 0.93 seconds ahead of third-place Emma Aicher of Germany, who earned her first World Cup slalom podium 2.59 seconds behind Shiffrin. Germany's Lena Dürr and fellow American Paula Moltzan tied for fourth at 2.74 seconds back, with Croatia's Zrinka Ljutić, last season's slalom champion, in sixth.

The second run unfolded on a firm, polished surface that rewarded aggressive skiing. Moltzan, starting 19th after a first-run mistake, charged with the second-fastest time of 52.84 seconds, climbing 15...