Andrey Sobolev wins parallel giant slalom in Sudelfeld

Andrey Sobolev ended his long wait for an FIS Alpine Snowboard World Cup victory after triumphing in the men's parallel giant slalom event in Sudelfeld on Saturday.

The Russian, who last month won gold in the discipline at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, defeated compatriot Vic Wild in the big final to break his World Cup duck.

Sobolev's previous best in a World Cup race was a runners-up berth in the parallel slalom in Jauerling in January 2012.

However, he showed his intent by defeating overall World Cup leader Zan Kosir in the semi-finals to set up a showdown with Wild.

Wild, who tops the parallel giant slalom standings, was considered the favourite after topping qualification on Friday.

But it was Sobolev who edged both runs to take his place atop a World Cup podium for the first time.

In the small final, Kosir defeated Sylvain Dufour to continue an excellent campaign that has seen him podium in all five World Cup races he has competed in.