Wengen, Switzerland - Didier Defago gave Swiss fans a home victory in alpine skiing's downhill classic at Wengen on Saturday.

Defago edged Bode Miller by 0.20 seconds to prevent the American winning a hat-trick of World Cup victories on the spectacular 4.445-kilometre-long Lauberhorn course.

It was only a second career World Cup victory for 31-year-old Defago, whose single previous win was in a super-G in December 2002.

Defago posted 2 minutes 31.98 seconds in perfect sunny weather on the World Cup's longest downhill run, with Miller followed on the podium by fellow American Marco Sullivan, 0.39 seconds behind the winner.

Defago's victory followed up a win by fellow Swiss Carlo Janka in Friday's super combined. The Wengen weekend continues with a men's slalom on Sunday. (dpa)