There will be a new name etched as the winner of the women's giant slalom at the World Ski Championships in Saalbach on Thursday after Mikaela Shiffrin's decision to not defend her title. AFP Sports looks at five things ahead of the giant slalom at the Austrian resort: - Shiffrin opts out - Shiffrin is the defending champion,

Italy's Federica Brignone put in a dominant display to win gold in the women's giant slalom at the Alpine World Ski Championships in Saalbach on Thursday.

Italy's Federica Brignone held a big first run lead in the world championship giant slalom as she seeks a first major title in the discipline on Thursday after some near misses. Brignone led New Zealand's Alice Robertson by .