Petra Vlhova of Slovakia celebrates winning the giant slalom at the Women's Alpine World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn ©Getty Images

Mikaela Shiffrin's hopes of sealing a first Alpine World Cup overall win in the giant slalom category were frustrated today by world champion Petra Vlhova of Slovakia, who delighted many of the 8,500 watching local fans with a stylish victory at the Czech resort of Špindlerův Mlýn.

Vlhova's win keeps the overall victory in this category open until next week's World Cup finals in Soldeu, Andorra from March 11 to 17.

Shiffrin, who has already done enough across several disciplines to earn a third successive World Cup overall title this season, was only able to finish third on the day behind Vlhova and Germany’s world silver medallist Viktoria Rebenburg.

Vlhova secured her second consecutive World Cup giant slalom title by producing the fastest first run and maintaining her lead despite challenging snow conditions and light snowfall on the second run.

Mikaela Shiffrin, the overall World Cup winner, was unable to confirm a first victory in the giant slalom category today after finishing third at the World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn ©Getty Images
Mikaela Shiffrin, the overall World Cup winner, was unable to confirm a first victory in the giant slalom category today after finishing third at the World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn ©Getty Images

Rebenburg produced the second fastest times on each run, but finished 0.11sec behind the Slovak to secure her third World Cup runners-up spot in giant slalom this season.

Shiffrin skied the fastest second run to move onto the podium in third after sitting fourth and 1.33 seconds back from the lead following first run.

But the second-run effort still left her 0.60 seconds behind Vlhova.

Shiffrin still holds a 97-point lead in this season’s World Cup giant slalom standings going into the Andorra finale.

Tomorrow will see the action conclude in Špindlerův Mlýn with a World Cup slalom race.