Shiffrin keeps Germany's Aicher at bay in title race

Mikaela Shiffrin claimed another big slalom victory on Sunday in Sweden but that was also necessary because her main rival for the overall World Cup title, GErmany's Emma Aicher, was right behind her in a career best second place.

American Shiffrin gained 20 points on Aicher and takes a lead of 140 points into the remaining four races at the March 21-25 finals in Kvitfjell, Norway. A victory is worth 100 points.

Olympic champion Shiffrin was again unstoppable in Åre where she had claimed the first of her now record extending 109 career victories back in December 2012.

She led from Aicher by half a second in the first run and the final margin was .94 as Shiffrin celebrated an eighth season win from nine slaloms and a 72nd in the discipline overall. Swiss Wendy Holdener was third, one second back.

"That was really amazing. I was pretty nervous. It was challenging and I pushed really hard," Shiffrin said.

Shiffrin has long clinched a record ninth discipline title but she eyes a women's record equalling sixth overall title in Norway.

"It motivates me off the slopes and on it to have the best skiing I can do," Shiffrin said. "(But) There is still plenty of pushing to do because Emma is skiing incredibly in every event."

Shiffrin has skied mainly slalom and giant slalom this season but has also appeared in two super-g races which she may do again in Norway, and possibly in downhill.

That is because Aicher competes in all disciplines and has victories in downhill and super-g this season, plus now a career best second in slalom in her country of birth.

Swiss Camille Rast was 10th and 297 points behind Shiffrin is now effectively out of contention because she doesn't compete in the speed events.