Ted Ligety wins men's super-G title at Alpine World Ski Championships

Ted Ligety: Sprung a surprise to win super-G world title

Ted Ligety handed the US team a timely boost by taking a shock victory in the men's super-G at the Alpine World Ski Championships in Schladming.

Ligety, who is known more as a giant slalom specialist, clocked a time of 1 minute 23.96 seconds to claim the gold medal on the 1.8km-long Planai course in Austria.

French skier Gauthier De Tessieres took second place after finishing 0.2s down while Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway was edged into bronze.

American star Lindsey Vonn suffered a serious knee injury in the women's super-G on Tuesday but Ligety's performance has given the US contigent reason for cheer.

"I'm really happy. You can't let those races affect you. It's too bad for Lindsey," Ligety said.

He added: "I was trying not to slide any turns. I couldn't really see the snow that well."

De Tessieres was not originally supposed to compete in the event but was called up to replace Johan Clarey, who was a late injury withdrawal.

"It's difficult to analyse. Five days ago they called me to say I was not qualified. Now I'm here. I've had no time to think. My coach told me it was destiny," de Tessieres said.