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Croatian teenager favorite in slalom
ST. ANTON, Austria (AP) -- Seven slaloms this season, seven victories for Janica Kostelic. The 19-year-old Croatian sensation has been unbeatable on the World Cup circuit this season. If anyone can be considered a sure bet for the gold medal in the women's slalom Wednesday, it has to be Kostelic, the World Cup leader. She has been so dominant that the battle should be for the silver. But the athletic Croatian must have mixed feelings about St. Anton, where she earned her first World Cup victory, in a combined in 1999. She fell in the first slalom run of the combined event last week, ending a nine-race winning streak going back to the last season. Kostelic had been the overwhelming favorite for the combined gold medal. Kostelic looked unbelievably relaxed after the fall, saying she didn't care too much about medals at the worlds. Her chief goal, Kostelic said then, was the overall World Cup crown and medals here weren't her priority. Kostelic's Austrian rivals aren't buying it. "Since I've been around, I haven't seen her fall," said Austria's chief slalom coach Mathias Berthold. "For the first time it was an important occasion and she crashed out. I think it was all for external consumption," he said, indicating Kostelic had been trying to take away some of the pressure. Karin Koellerer, Austria's greatest hope, wasn't convinced either. "I don't believe that she is really that cool about it. No one can be so indifferent to a world championship," said Koellerer, who has one second place this season. She is fifth in slalom standings. "It's a great slope, which invites you to attack. I've set the standard high, I want a medal," Koellerer said. The Austrians also have Christine Sponring, a 17-year-old who could be feeding off her surprising silver medal in the combined. Renate Goetschl, last year's overall World Cup champion, has stepped aside in favor of Carina Raich, 21. Trine Bakke of Norway, bronze medalist two years ago, is out with an injury. In a level field -- apart from Kostelic -- two Americans could also get into the medal contention. Kristina Koznick is second in slalom standings after one second and two third place and Sarah Schlepper also has a second place. Sonja Nef of Switzerland and Martina Ertl of Germany, the combined gold medalist, should complete the circle of favorites. Defending champion Zali Steggall of Australia has had a poor season
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