German end drought in cross country

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- Evi Sachenbacher captured a cross-country skiing World Cup event Thursday, the first for a German woman in 14 years.

In the men's event, Italy's Cristian Zorzi edged Norway's Tor Arne Hetland in the final, a reverse of the outcome at the world championships.

Sachenbacher shook off Italy's Sabina Valbusa and Norway's Maj Helen Sorkmo on the final hill to win her first World Cup event and take the lead in the overall standings.

"It's unbelievable," Sachenbacher said. "I'm just happy it worked -- I can't imagine getting a medal at the Olympics.

She was heavily cheered by the German spectators as she won just the fourth World Cup event in the sport for her country and the first since Simone Greiner-Petter-Memm on Jan. 15, 1988.

Zorzi also won the World Cup opener at Cogne, Italy, over Hetland, his main rival for Olympic gold.

Sweden's Peter Larsson was third in the men's race Thursday.

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