Soelden, Austria - Daniel Albrecht won the men's alpine skiing season-opener on Sunday when he dominated a giant slalom ahead of fellow-Swiss Didier Cuche.

Albrecht clocked a combined total of 2 minutes 15.78 seconds from two runs on the glacier course to claimed his second career win.

Cuche had 2:15.92 and Ted Ligety of the US placed third, far off the pace in 2:17.03 minutes.

There was no luck for hosts Austria the day after Kathrin Zettel won the women's race. Benjamin Raich failed to make the podium in fourth place and Hermann Maier crashed out in the first run.

Former World Cup champion Bode Miller of the US had to settle for 10th. Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal, the 2006-07 World Cup champion and Soelden winner last year, came 13th in his comeback race from a back injury which sidelined him since December.

The World Cup continues with slalom races for men and women November 15 and 16 in Levi, Finland. dpa