Ertl stays in command

Skiing

Martina Ertl took over the leadership of the women's overall World Cup standings when she maintained her perfect giant slalom record in Maribor, Slovenia, yesterday. The German's third successive victory of the season spoiled Deborah Compagnoni's comeback, with the Italian Olympic champion unable to hold on to her first-leg advantage in her first race since last March.

Ertl has capitalised on Compagnoni's absence after knee surgery to become a force in the discipline.